Newcastle manager Eddie Howe says his side have had confidence issues during a difficult run of form but has backed them to continue their winning ways against Ipswich.

Hove’s side beat Leicester 4-0 last weekend and followed that up with a 3-1 win over Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals in midweek.

The Magpies went four games without a win before that but Howe is set to look for more points and goals over the Christmas period.

He said: “We’re human and I think a few times in a few games – there were confidence issues.

“But I think you’ve seen a really good feeling in the team in the last two performances. I’d probably say three of the last four have been really strong, as strong as we’ve seen this season.

“Hopefully that’s a good sign. I think we are scoring goals again, which is such a confidence builder.

Looking to continue our momentum. 👊 pic.twitter.com/UUXpOEyIjX

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 20, 2024

“Could have scored three goals again the other night and maybe more from different areas of the pitch, which we haven’t really had this season.

“We’ve always had that historically, goals from everywhere. I think that’s a really important aspect and it was great to see Sandro (Tonali) pop up with two big goals for us.

“I think if you believe you can score goals from a number of sources, areas of the team, that naturally stimulates how you feel about yourself.”

Team news

Callum Wilson is yet another long-term miss as the striker battles injury, while midfielder Joelinton is out of the Ipswich game.

Howe said: “Jolinton is fine, he’s a bit beaten and bruised, yesterday he had a few stitches I believe, around his ear area, which was quite delicate.

“His mouth was cut, so I think, probably, not being available with him this weekend, that’s probably a good thing for him because it allows him to rest those bruises and wounds and then hopefully the following weeks. will be fit for.”

Be in Ipswich: “We know Portman Road, and Ipswich is a tough game, they are a really competitive team.

“I think Kieran (McKenna) has done an unbelievable job there and even the games they’ve lost this season, they’ve been in all those games, very tight matches, a very competitive team as I said.

“So we have to be on hyper-alert to be ready for the match.”