Rafa Benitezb will face the media this afternoon ahead of tomorrow's game against Watford. Newcastle United take on Javi Gracia's side at Vicarage Road on the back of successive 1-0 defeats.Benitez will hold his pre-match press conference at 1,30pm.United's manager spoke to the BBC's Premier League Show ahead of the game.Benitez addressed his contract situation in last night's programme as well the club's campaign.Here's your daily briefing:Deal or no dealRepresentatives of Benitez have held talks with the club’s hierarchy over a new deal.However, Benitez wants assurances over investment, having been left frustrated by Newcastle’s failure to land a series of targets in the last three transfer windows.Speaking to the The Premier League Show, Benitez said: “I have one year left on my contract.“We are already talking, and we will see where we are. “My position is clear and simple. I’m happy here.“Hopefully, we can do everything that we have to do … [Read more...] about Newcastle United briefing: Rafa Benitez faces the media, contract update
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Watford vs Newcastle United: Magpies won’t get a better chance of an away win
Newcastle United are in danger of their season fizzling out if they aren’t careful. Make no mistake, staying up was the main priority this season, but with three matches to go Rafa Benitez will still want to end the campaign on a high. With tough games coming up away to Spurs and then a home clash with Chelsea, the trip to struggling Watford offers the ideal chance to help seal that top 10 place. Lee Ryder’s prediction It’s no wins in seven matches for the Hornets and the clash at Vicarage Road should not be a daunting one for Newcastle. Watford have been sliding down the table in recent weeks and are low on confidence. The Magpies may have lost their last two games but even though they haven’t played well United have still created some good chances and should have posted a point or two on the board after taking on Everton and West Bromwich Albion. Javi Gracia’s side struggle to defend against teams that like to play on he counter-attack and this could be … [Read more...] about Watford vs Newcastle United: Magpies won’t get a better chance of an away win
Newcastle United vs West Brom: Magpies should not be fooled by Baggies’ league position
Newcastle United will be looking for a positive response after their 1-0 defeat at Everton on Monday night and have the ideal chance to achieve that with a home game against rock bottom West Brom. For all that, and probably because the pressure is now off the doomed Baggies, Newcastle face a visiting side that have picked up an impressive haul of four points from their last two games against Manchester United and Liverpool. It won’t be as straightforward as many might think, but this is a great chance for Newcastle to make it five home wins in a row. Lee Ryder’s prediction There was no backlash after United’s 1-0 defeat at Everton on Monday night because the fans knew that this team have done brilliantly in the last few weeks and had credit in the bank. But they’ll be looking to get back to winning ways against the Baggies and understandably the bookies have made Newcastle the hot favourites for three points at St James’ Park this weekend. If United can … [Read more...] about Newcastle United vs West Brom: Magpies should not be fooled by Baggies’ league position
Arsenal legend backs Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez as the man to replace Arsene Wenger
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour believes Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez would be the ideal candidate to replace Arsene Wenger this summer. Wenger will leave his role as Arsenal manager at the end of the season after 22 years in charge of the Gunners. The Frenchman has been such as mainstay at the club for so long, winning three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, making the task of replacing him such a difficult one - similar to that at Manchester United and struggles since with replacing Sir Alex Ferguson. And Parlour, who made over 300 appearances under Wenger at Arsenal, believes an experienced manager with a big personality like Benitez is exactly what Arsenal need. “What he has done for Newcastle this season is amazing,” Parlour told TalkSport. “With not a lot of investment he’s got them playing so well. They are out of trouble when it looked like they would be in a relegation battle, and now they are sitting really healthy in the league. … [Read more...] about Arsenal legend backs Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez as the man to replace Arsene Wenger
Newcastle United are eyeing a top eight finish after stunning form
Newcastle United were supposed to be in a relegation battle at this stage in the season but instead find themselves battling for a place in the top 10. That’s thanks to some stunning late-season form which has resulted in four successive wins and just one defeat in the last nine matches. With Everton faltering and uncertainty surrounding Sam Allardyce’s future things could get even better for United on Merseyside. Lee Ryder’s prediction The pressure is off United at Goodison Park tonight with Premier League safety assured for the Magpies over a week ago now. However, Rafa Benitez will still set his team up to get a win with the same type of organisation that has dragged United away from the danger zone. Everton have weaknesses to expose in this one and Big Sam’s side don’t like defending set-pieces which could give Newcastle the upper hand. The Toffees haven’t won in three games and with confidence high at the minute for Newcastle, this could be … [Read more...] about Newcastle United are eyeing a top eight finish after stunning form