Steve Howey says Newcastle have the best squad; predicts Derby clash

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Newcastle take on Derby this weekend in the Championship.

Steve Howey expects Newcastle to pick up another three points on Saturday as they continue their bright start to the Championship season.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, broadcast Thursday September 8, the former Newcastle player previewed the clash with Derby, saying how tough a game he expects it to be for Rafael Benitez’s side.

“Derby is a difficult game for them at the weekend,” said Howey.

“I would be disappointed, and Newcastle fans would be disappointed, with anything less than three points.”

Newcastle have won four games in a row, three of them coming in the Championship, lifting them up to fourth in the league. In contrast, Derby only have one win to their name and two draws, leaving them in 18th.

The Magpies were billed as favourites for the title at the start of the season, and Howey believes their squad is worthy of that tag, but questions whether they can maintain a high standard of performance throughout the heavy Championship season.

“I think it’s the best squad in the league.

“They have got the better players but can they produce it on a consistent basis, week in week out, two or three times a week?”

Benitez’s men started the season in the worst possible fashion, recording back-to-back defeats to Fulham and Huddersfield, which left some questioning whether or not Newcastle really were the favourites for promotion.

However, wins against Reading, Bristol City and Brighton have eased those doubts, as Newcastle find their groove as they enter the toughest month of their season.

After taking on Derby, they head to QPR before a home game against Wolves, who have also started the season impressively under Walter Zenga.

Their final two games of September are away to Aston Villa and then at home to Norwich, the two sides who Newcastle were relegated with from the Premier League last season.

Should Benitez get through this month with a strong tally of points, then they will certainly have shown why they were billed as the bookies favourites at the start of the campaign.