Pod On The Tyne: an independent NUFC podcast

Newcastle don't win when Bruno Guimaraes doesn't start. That holds true to a tally of eleven games now and, with PSG away in the Champions League on Wednesday, nerves are frayed in the PotT bunker at St James's Park.
That PSG game is the first in a hugely testing run of fixtures, six of the next seven are also away from home, and it could be a make or break stretch for the team should they wish to challenge for a trophy again this season.
It looks an increasingly difficult task and one thing that will have to change is how the squad's two strikers work with the players around them and get on the end of some chances.

A facile win over PSV Eindhoven at St James's Park means Newcastle have qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time ever (big asterisk).
They will now travel to Paris to face holders PSG knowing that they can finish in the top 8 of the league and bypass the first play-off round. What does success look like in the competition this season, and how is it compatible with challenging for domestic glory?
We also hear from Academy Director Steve Harper after a 1-1 draw against Sunderland for the U21s helped "stop the bleeding" after some difficult results.

Why are you here?
Newcastle drew 0-0 at Wolves, and it was life-draining.
Honestly; listen to the podcast by all means, there's a discussion about strikers and away form and you can hear from Eddie Howe as well, but the fact you're still reading this is a cause for concern.

Newcastle United have been close to invincible in the Carabao Cup in recent years, but now face a challenge tougher than anything they've done before; go to the Etihad Stadium and turn over a two-goal deficit.
In a tightly contested first leg of the semi-final, at St James's Park, Manchester City retained possession but refused to over-extend themselves and wastefulness in front of goal cost Howe's team dearly.
A new mindset installed by CEO David Hopkinson urges positivity; will that culture clash with fatalistic Geordies and the reality of an injury-crisis amid a four-fronted campaign?

Another day, another madcap finish in a Newcastle match. Or should that be three?
Not only did Anthony Gordon’s injury-time penalty prevent an FA Cup exit but, having seemingly won the tie through red hot Harvey Barnes late extra-time header, passage to the fourth round was up in the air again when Bournemouth equalised in the few seconds that remained.
Progress they did, though. An encouraging performance from Aaron Ramsdale in the game continued as he saved three shootout penalties. Through, but is it a win? And can George finish talking about the Big Nick/Bruno penalties before the Man City game kicks off?