Breaking news: Football pundit Alan Shearer expresses major fears for Newcastle United after recent struggles

Alan Shearer voices concern over Newcastle United’s Champions League challenge

Football pundit Alan Shearer has admitted he is concerned about how Champions League football has affected Newcastle United’s performances this season.

Eddie Howe’s side are in the midst of a demanding run of fixtures as they juggle Premier League, Carabao Cup, and Champions League commitments. Up next is a tough clash against Tottenham Hotspur, with two more league games and another European tie still to come before the next international break.

The Magpies haven’t had a free midweek since late August and won’t get one until mid-December — unless they progress to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, which would add yet another game between meetings with Sunderland and Chelsea.

Unlike two seasons ago, when injuries derailed their campaign, Howe’s squad has remained largely fit this term. With no major setbacks, he could have a full squad available after the November break.

One noticeable difference, however, is in Newcastle’s playing style. They are no longer as relentless as in previous campaigns, opting instead to control their intensity and press in specific moments. While some fans see this as a dip in energy, it’s part of a deliberate approach to manage the physical demands of competing on multiple fronts.

Saturday’s last-gasp victory over Fulham was a crucial one, following their impressive Champions League win against Benfica, and Howe will be hoping those results spark a consistent run of form in the league.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer acknowledged that the European schedule has taken its toll on his former club:

“Yeah, I think it is,” Shearer said when asked if the Champions League has impacted Newcastle’s season. “So it was a big three points, and hopefully they can get their league season going now.”

A win over Spurs on Wednesday would see Newcastle reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals for the fourth consecutive year, keeping alive their hopes of another deep cup run while trying to rediscover consistency in the league.