FPL Pre-Season Review: Newcastle's Jaissle Era Begins, Hull City's Injuries Mount
The FPL pre-season is in full swing, and it's time to dive into the key takeaways from the action involving Newcastle United and Hull City.
Newcastle United: Jaissle's First Steps
- Jaissle's Arrival: Matthias Jaissle, the new head coach, made his debut with a 4-2-3-1 formation. The team showed directness and speed, aiming to break with the coach's preferred style.
- Injury Crisis: The full-back positions were hit hard by injuries, forcing the inclusion of youngsters like Leo Shahar and Miodrag Pivas. Lewis Hall's minor issue might be resolved soon, but Tino Livramento's calf surgery in June is a longer-term concern.
- New Signings: Bazoumana Traore, Lukas Hornicek, and Aladji Bamba made their debuts, while Joelinton, Nick Woltemade, Malick Thiaw, and Yoane Wissa got their first taste of pre-season action.
- Midfield Duo: Bamba and Jacob Ramsey formed a double pivot, with Sean Steur and Joelinton replacing them in the second half. Steur's passing and pressing were impressive, but Bamba's performance was more mixed.
- Toure's Impact: Toure, replacing Harvey Barnes, looked quick and direct, assisting Wissa for the winner. He also set up Jacob Murphy for a missed chance, making him a promising FPL option.
- Woltemade's Struggles: Woltemade, operating in the 10, appeared leaden-footed, which could be a concern given Jaissle's preferred style.
- Wissa's Return: After an injury-hit season, Wissa replaced Will Osula and scored a brace, including a goal from a Valencia error. He's hoping to regain his 2024/25 form.
- Defensive Wobbles: Despite some wobbly moments, Hornicek's presence and better understanding with the new keeper will likely improve the defense.
- Nick Pope's Status: With Hornicek in the XI, Nick Pope's future is uncertain. Jaissle's appreciation for Pope suggests a potential exit.
Hull City: Injuries and Uncertainty
- Injury Crisis: Hull City is facing a major injury crisis, with several key players sidelined. Eliot Matazo's ACL injury, Jack Butland's elbow injury, and Dark Gyabi's thigh injury are significant setbacks.
- Manager's Perspective: Manager Sergej Jakirović provided updates on the injuries, highlighting the team's challenges. John Egan and Liam Millar were forced to leave the game, while Jens Hjertø-Dahl and Regan Slater had minor issues.
- Tzolakis' Debut: Konstantinos Tzolakis, a new signing, played the full 90 minutes in a two-hour game, likely securing his starting spot.
- Jens Hjertø-Dahl's Role: Hjertø-Dahl, a physical presence, could be a threat at set plays. His groin issue is a concern, but he made a promising start.
- Slater's Chance: Regan Slater, a £4.5m midfield option, had Hull's best chance but struggled with a tactical push.
- McBurnie's Miss: Oli McBurnie couldn't convert Ryan Giles' delivery, highlighting the team's reliance on route-one goals.
- Frankfurt's Dominance: Despite Hull's struggles, Eintracht Frankfurt's performance merited the win, showcasing their Champions League credentials.
Conclusion: A Mixed Bag
The pre-season action revealed a mixed bag of results and injuries. Newcastle's new coach, Jaissle, is already making an impact, while Hull City's injury crisis is a major concern. The FPL season promises exciting developments as these teams prepare for the big kick-off.
