Nigeria as a nation loves football with more than two-thirds of the population taking an active interest in the sport. Six in ten Nigerians watch the Premier League and it’s little wonder as the country has been well-represented in England’s top division over the years. From Jay-Jay Okocha and Yakubu Ayegbeni to John Obi Mikel and Joseph Yobo, a number of Super Eagles starred have appeared for clubs including Chelsea, Everton and Bolton Wanderers.
However, one of the most intriguing teams ahead of the new season is Newcastle United. The Magpies are building and growing each year since the club’s takeover in 2021 and won a first trophy in 70 years last season, beating Liverpool to lift the League Cup at Wembley. People in Nigeria will be paying attention to Newcastle, with some followers placing wagers via the betway app to boost excitement around games. This article will run through the different strategies fans can utilise to make informed betting decisions.
Check Out the Odds and Early Fixtures
Gearing up to wager on Newcastle involves exploring the betway app to find the odds around the team ahead of the new season. The Magpies have regularly finished in the European places in recent seasons and so will be likely be tipped to finish in and around the top six this campaign. While they will be outsiders for the title, the likelihood of the team getting relegated isn’t high at all and they should be well clear of the bottom half of the table. Knowing how the club fares compares to others in the standings can help you find value.
You should also take the time to look at how fancied Newcastle are and quickly analyse whether Eddie Howe’s side are favourites heading into certain fixtures to give you an idea of how to bet. It’s worth assessing the fixture list as the early games could have a defining impact on the rest of the year. The Mapgies kick the season off away at Aston Villa and then host Liverpool before a trip to newly-promoted Leeds United at Elland Road and so it’s actually quite a difficult start. Then Newcastle take on Wolves, Bournemouth and Arsenal and so it will be interesting to see how the side fares in the opening six matches and how many points are on the board heading into October.
Track Newcastle’s Transfer Business
Newcastle are in a strong position and will be looking to bolster the team heading into the new season. Anthony Elanga looks set to move to St James’ Park from Nottingham Forest and young winger Antonio Cordero has already joined from Malaga. The club are also said to be in talks with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who left Everton at the end of June and can be picked up for nothing, while also taking an interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi and Manchester City playmaker Jack Grealish.
It’s wise to listen to the transfer rumours as you can start to gauge just how much quality Newcastle may possess in the Premier League this upcoming season so that you know what’s what when making predictions via the betway app. All transfers will be confirmed by official club channels and social media platforms which can be accessed by fans in Nigeria, while television broadcasts and newspapers will also keep you updated on who is arriving to sign for the Magpies.
Take European Competition into Account
It is important to note that Newcastle qualified for the Champions League after finishing fifth last season and these extra matches can have a direct impact on how the team performs in the Premier League. Getting back to domestic action after trips away which included flights to the continent can be tough and performances may suffer. So, before you wager on Newcastle in the league via the betway app, be sure to check whether they have enjoyed a rest or are coming into the next game only days after playing in the Champions League.
Pay Attention to Eddie Howe
Now, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is never going to reveal his starting XI heading into a game. However, the boss will address the media at a pre-match press conference before every league fixture and confirm which players have been sidelined through injury or suspension and who could be on the return to fitness.
Using the information provided you can start to piece together the possible line-up using your own learned knowledge of the club. So, for example, if Sandro Tonali picks up an injury, you can look at the squad list and work out which central midfielder is most likely to come in and replace the Italian. From there, you can then compare the side to the opposition and make an educated guess on how Newcastle could perform.
Follow the Opposition Form Guide
While your focus will be on Newcastle if you are choosing to wager on the Magpies, it is vital you also pay attention to the opposition ahead of each game. Of course, the form of Howe’s team should be taken into account but there are two sides out on the pitch influencing the result.
Try to look for the most recent results so that you can swiftly identify whether the team is heading to St James’ Park with confidence or struggling to put the ball into the back of the net. Looking at the opposition is key as a solid run of form or straight defeats will quickly tell you a great deal about the team.
Overall, there are a number of strategies Nigerian football enthusiasts can follow when betting on Newcastle. From checking out the odds and fixtures to tracking transfers and team news, there are plenty of resources available to ensure you are able to wager from a place of authority.
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