Excited Newcastle hoping to ‘enjoy’ difficult festive fixtures

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Newcastle, Dec 23 (IANS) Premier League clubs are gearing up for the festive period which is one of the most exerting in the footballing calendar. In-form Newcastle United side will be hoping to continue their winning momentum as they face a treacherous run which includes games against Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Head coach Eddie Howe has displayed full confidence in his team as they come into the boxing day fixture against Villa having scored eight goals in their last two fixtures.

“Every reason for us to be excited about those games [against Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur], I have been really pleased with how we have played in recent games, and I think we need to take that into the next week. We have some brilliant games on paper for everyone to attack and enjoy.

“When you are playing at home over the festive period, these games are brilliant things to be a part of. So, yeah, we are looking forward to the game. When you perform and play well, you want the games to come to you,” said Howe in a press conference.

The Magpies welcome Villa to St. James’ Park on Thursday looking to continue their fine recent run which has seen them win their last three games in all competitions, scoring 11 and conceding just one in the process.

Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing of Ipswich Town, inspired by a hat-trick from Alexander Isak, was their latest convincing triumph, meaning they go into the clash with Villa, who beat Manchester City at the weekend, full of confidence.

“We had two games against Aston Villa last season. This will be a really good challenge for us. I think they have good depth in their squad, they have some really good players. Their style is very difficult to play against, very well coached, very well drilled,” he added.

–IANS

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The expectation from Konstas is for him to be a more aggressive partner for veteran opener Usman Khawaja. “I do but I’m not going to say what it is, but (I will) just be trying to put pressure back onto the bowlers. They are all very good bowlers.”

“Obviously, they’re the best in the world, but I’m looking forward to the challenge, and hopefully I’ll get to experience that this week. I’ve watched (Bumrah) quite a bit, but (I’m) just trying to be in the moment. And hopefully I get the opportunity on Boxing Day.” said Konstas to reporters on Monday.

In his first practice session with the Australian team, Konstas talked about being welcomed by skipper Pat Cummins and premier batter Steve Smith in the dressing room. “I think for me, what an amazing opportunity at my age. Pat Cummins and the group have welcomed me in, so it feels like a family. It’s been awesome, a dream come true, and hopefully I get to represent my country.”

“It’s a huge honour, as a kid I’ve always dreamed of it. I’m trying to keep it as simple as possible, get my prep right and see what happens. It’s happened really quick … I wasn’t too fazed. But I feel like I’m a pretty relaxed person and I’m just trying to live in the moment.”

He also revealed about the advice he got from his mentor, former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson, who will be arriving in Melbourne along with Konstas family members on Thursday. “Just another day at it, back myself and be fearless. I admire Shane Watson a lot. I like to take the game on and put pressure on the bowlers.”

“He’s a legend of the game and hopefully I can do that this week on my debut. I don’t do too much on social media, but I will take it as a compliment. It’s pretty simple – just back myself and just ‘see ball, hit ball’ really.”

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BWF World Tour Finals: Treesa-Gayatri crash out after losing to Japanese pair

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The Paris Olympics bronze medallist pair ended Treesa and Gayatri’s hopes of reaching the semifinal of the tournament, after winning the match 21-17, 21-13 in 49 minutes.

It was a must-win match for the Indians to prolong their stay in the tournament after losing the opening match to World No.1 and Paris Olympics silver medallists pair Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning of China 20-22, 22-20, 21-14.

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With just one point in three games, the Indian pair finished third in their group as the Chinese and Japanese pairs finished first and second, respectively and advanced to the semis.

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