BBC radio commentator, Matthew Raisbeck admits he’s ‘excited’ by Newcastle United as the second-half of the Premier League season is close to a return.
Speaking on the ‘Total Sport Newcastle’ podcast, Raisbeck highlighted Allan Saint-Maximin and Alexander Isak as ‘important’ players for the club in the second-half of the season.
The duo have both suffered injuries this season. Saint-Maximin missed a number of games due to hamstring and a muscle injuries respectively. His appearance against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup was his first full run-out since late August against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
As for Isak, he suffered a hamstring injury back in September and hasn’t played since the clash with Bournemouth.
Raisbeck stated (6:13), “I think it’s really exciting for Newcastle to have going into what is the second part that more than half of the season. With a fit Allan Saint-Maximin back, he played in Saudi Arabia, and that was important for him just in terms of building up his fitness, but also to have Alexander Isak coming back as well, their record signing he’s only made three appearances. So to have those two coming back into the team is going to be really important.”
TIF’s view on Raisbeck’s comments…
We believe that Saint-Maximin and Isak will be a huge boost to the Newcastle squad and their hopes of achieving a top-four finish.
The Magpies currently sit third in the Premier League table, boasting the joint-best defensive record in the league, alongside Arsenal.
Despite not making a lot of appearances this season, both Saint-Maximin and Isak have been extremely effective when they have been available.
In seven league appearances, Saint-Maximin has provided four goal contributions, whilst Isak has netted two times in three Premier League matches.
This will only add to Newcastle’s immense firepower. The Magpies are fourth when it comes to most goals scored in the league, so if anything the duo will improve a side that already knows how to find the back of the net.
There’s still a long way of the season to go, but Newcastle will be feeling extra confident knowing they have Saint-Maximin and Isak raring to once the Premier League is back and underway.