He’s unlikely to play tonight, exacerbating a pre-existing problem: only two clubs have created fewer than Newcastle’s 14 big chances and, with Jaissle so far unwilling to use the young attackers signed in the summer for anything other than late cameos, there’s no reason to expect things to change.
The match arrives as Newcastle contend with limited offensive output, having created only 14 big chances this season, a figure surpassed by only two other clubs.
Despite that individual form, the visiting side has netted only eight league goals overall, a total higher than only bottom-placed Sunderland.
Observers note that the upcoming encounter between the two struggling sides is unlikely to feature an abundance of fluid attacking play or a high goal tally.
On the opposing side, one forward enters the evening having scored seven goals in 11 appearances.
Some of us need to feel secure to deliver our best work, struggling when put under pressure to perform, while others need provocation to get them going, indignance driving the desire to stop coasting in order to prove people wrong.
Having bagged seven in 11 appearances, he’s on a roll and will fancy himself to add to that tally this evening – though only bottom-placed Sunderland have managed fewer than his side’s eight league goals.
All of which is to say that this match, 12th v 14th, is unlikely to deliver a goalfest elevated by flowing football.
But happily, different people are motivated by different stimuli, and it’s not possible to appreciate English football without enjoying aggression, intensity needle and incompetence – of which there will, without doubt, be plenty to enjoy.