Shay Given reveals the ‘worrying’ Newcastle United situation that will test Eddie Howe

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Newcastle United might have only lost once this season in the Premier League, but Shay Given believes a worrying situation is starting to emerge.

Newcastle have defended well so far this season, with Nick Pope keeping four clean sheets out of their opening five fixtures in the Premier League.

However, the Magpies have only managed one victory so far, which has left the club 13th in the table.

Newcastle are already falling behind in terms of fighting for European football, and Given is concerned about it.

Shay Given is worried about Newcastle balancing the Premier League and Europe

This season, Newcastle find themselves back in the Champions League, which is an obvious positive for the football club.

However, during BBC’s Match of the Day, Given questioned whether Howe and his staff will be able to adapt to ensure the team’s ability to fight on all fronts.

“He’s got to balance the Champions League and the Premier League, again, it’s a worrying time. He says, ‘We are going to be a different team this season,’ but it will test Eddie and his staff.

“Can he evolve quickly because they’ve fallen behind in the race to get back in the Champions League?”

Newcastle started their Champions League campaign with a defeat against Barcelona after a Marcus Rashford brace, and Howe made seven changes against Bournemouth after that.

However, the Magpies were held to a goalless draw in that game, which has led to Given wondering if the squad has what it takes to battle on all fronts.

Newcastle United’s next run of fixtures will be important

Newcastle have some tough challenges ahead of them before the next international break, starting with a home fixture against Bradford City in the EFL Cup, which has the potential to be awkward.

The Magpies also have two tricky Premier League fixtures against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, who will both hope to secure European football this season.

Finally, Howe’s team plays Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League, which Howe hopes can lead to them getting their first points on the board in the competition.

There will undoubtedly be pressure on all four of those fixtures in different ways, but if Newcastle can get some positive results, then Given’s fears may be calmed.