In-form Magpies 'excited' about last few festive fixtures, says Howe | OneFootball

The Magpies welcome Villa to St. James' Park on Thursday (kick-off 3pm) 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.

And head coach Howe feels his side's form means they can approach their remaining fixtures in 2024 with belief and positivity, with a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United also to come before the New Year.

Here are some of the main talking points from his pre-match media briefing on Monday morning:

On the next few games over Christmas...

"(We've got) every reason for us to be excited about those games. 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."

On playing at home on Boxing Day...

"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."

On the challenge posed by Unai Emery's Aston Villa...

"We had two good 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 - (they are) very well coached, very well drilled."

On Joe Willock and Nick Pope's fitness...

"Joe is fine. To keep Joe fit for a sustained spell is now important for him to get back to his very best level - it will take him a period of games.

"Nick is doing OK. He has had a couple of injections in his knee. Quite when he will be fit, it is still difficult to give a definitive date."

On Jacob Murphy's recent influence on his side...

"Jacob is very selfless - he always plays for the team, he really takes a buzz out of creating a goal. He has always been that way. Those qualities, every team needs."