Newcastle host Arsenal with pressure on Howe to maintain ferocious rise

Champions League qualification has set a high bar for a manager who is now dealing with key injuries and absences

Newcastle United have installed a new and expensive looking simultaneous translation booth at St James’ Park. Its role is to house an interpreter during Champions League related media events and ensure earphone wearing audience members can hear the insights of players and managers delivered in a preferred language.

The only problem is that, should Eddie Howe’s side fail to qualify for next season’s edition of Europe’s showpiece tournament – or, even worse, miss out on Europe altogether – that hi-tech cubicle will morph into a reproachful presence as it sits gathering dust in a corner of the press room. Continue reading...

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