Eddie Howe To Miss Two More Matches Following Pneumonia Diagnosis

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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is set to be sidelined for the next matches after being diagnosed with pneumonia. The head coach will miss games against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, having already been forced to sit out the game against Manchester United at the weekend. It has been announced that Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones, who led The Magpies to their 4-1 victory against United at the weekend, will remain in charge for the next two matches.

Liverpool have all but won the league, with a 7-point gap over 2^nd-placed Arsenal. Some bookmakers have already paid out on the Anfield club, while others are offering odds as short as 1/100. Newcastle are 8/13 to finish in the top four, but that does mean staving off any late Manchester City charges. The Cityzens are 4/7 to finish in one of the top four spots, with some of the best Australian betting sites offering even better odds than this, as well as bonuses and offers to further improve returns.

Howe missed the weekend’s game against United after being admitted to hospital on Friday. He had reported feeling unwell for several days. Tindall and Jones took their place in the dugout for the game, as Newcastle ran out 4-1 winners. Tonali scored for the home team after 24 minutes. Despite the Red Devils equalising through Garnacho just before half-time, Newcastle were well in control with two goals from Harvey Barnes and a final goal of the game for Bruno Guimaraes.

After the game, Tindall said: “We went out and delivered a performance he would be proud of. Hopefully, he is back very soon.” Captain and scorer of Newcastle’s fourth, Guimaraes, added: “Hopefully this win will give him back some happiness and he’ll be back for the next one.”

Newcastle now sit 4^th in the Premier League, having amassed 56 points from 31 games. They have one game in hand over 3rd-placed Nottingham Forest, who are a point ahead and have also played one less than Manchester City, who sit a point behind them in fifth. They next play Crystal Palace, who sit in 12^th position, on Wednesday, with Newcastle priced at 8/11 for the victory. They then travel to Villa Park on Saturday. If Howe returns after the next two matches, he will steward the game against Ipswich on 26 April.

In contrast, United are languishing in 14^th position with just 38 points from 32 games. The Old Trafford club’s only hopes of playing European football now depend on their progression in the UEFA Europa League. Lyon travel to Old Trafford on Thursday for the second leg of the tie. The teams drew 2-2 in the first leg, with shotstopper Onana culpable for both goals. United are the second favourites to lift the trophy, with odds of around 7/2 available.

In the league, Man Utd next play Wolves on Sunday and have been given a price of evens to emerge victorious. Although ranked as outsiders, bookies are taking odds on United being relegated, and punters can get a price of 500/1 on them playing in the Championship next season.