Newcastle United’s preparations for his or her match towards Southampton may face enormous disruption, with Storm Eowyn threatening their journey plans.
Eddie Howe and his squad had been initially set to take a personal flight to the South Coast on Friday afternoon, forward of Saturday’s 3pm Premier League conflict at St Mary’s.
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The already 350-mile journey from north to south proved to be difficult sufficient, however with the storm reeking havoc throughout the UK, additional disruption is anticipated.
With winds reaching speeds of as much as 80mph battering the North East in a single day, Newcastle Airport was pressured to cancel all flights scheduled for Friday morning.
“Our plan, as at all times, is to journey at the moment [Friday],” mentioned Newcastle boss Howe.
“However we’ll search recommendation from the authorities on the airport as as to if it is secure to fly. If it isn’t, we may find yourself travelling tomorrow morning.”
If flying stays unimaginable, the crew might have to contemplate touring by highway.
Nevertheless, as Howe identified, that possibility comes with its personal challenges.
“It’s a lengthy journey, and likewise there is no assure with the wind, and what you assume could be an eight, nine-hour journey, may flip right into a 12, 13-hour journey.
“So we have to watch out in that respect. However nothing is assured. We’ll search recommendation and attempt to make the best determination.
“We have travelled earlier than on the day for a 5.30pm kick-off, particularly if the airport is near the bottom. Typically that is the best approach, you are in and also you’re out.
“For a 3 o’clock kick-off, that is barely uncommon, but it surely’s one thing we simply should adapt to.”
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Howe’s aspect will look to bounce again from a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth final trip – which got here after many had tipped the Magpies as outsiders for a title problem.
They’re going to by no means have a greater probability to bounce again in model than towards lowly Southampton, who’re the Premier League’s wood spoon crew thus far this season.
Saints presently sit rock-bottom of the desk with simply six factors.
They’ve gained only one recreation from 22 thus far this time period, have conceded a whopping 50 targets in these matches and are 11 factors adrift of security.
Nonetheless, they will be hoping to proceed Newcastle’s rut and declare a shock level, and even all three – which might be supervisor Ivan Juric’s first since his appointment in December as successor to the axed Russell Martin.