Overview
- The month includes the EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Manchester City plus Champions League matches against PSV Eindhoven and Paris Saint‑Germain.
- Howe says a marquee January signing is unlikely, citing Profitability and Sustainability Rules and a desire to preserve summer flexibility.
- Newcastle start with back‑to‑back home league fixtures against Crystal Palace and Leeds United, part of a run with three of the next five at St James’ Park.
- Nick Pope has returned, while Kieran Trippier and Sven Botman are close to fitness and the club hopes Dan Burn will be available before the end of the month.
- Newcastle sit 13th after heavy summer spending, with Lewis Miley earning praise for filling defensive gaps in recent weeks.