Eddie Howe's cagey response to Newcastle's rejigged Premier League schedule of four games in 10 days

Eddie Howe has branded the Premier League's decision to pack four high octane top-flight games into the space of just 10 days as "not ideal".

The Magpies had festive fixtures postponed at Southampton and Everton in December and January but discovered last week that the matches would be played on back to back Thursdays in March.

To make matters worse the trip to Chelsea on March 13 will be sandwiched in between the two away matches making it three games in a seven day period, and FIVE games in a 15 day spell.

United could see that fixture congestion eased if Crystal Palace beat Stoke City in the FA Cup, but Howe looked far from impressed by the prospect of five of Newcastle's remaining 14 matches squeezed into March.

When asked about the Premier League's changes, Howe said: "Not ideal.

"No doubt about that.

"We were....I've got to choose my words carefully. We were surprised when we saw the fixture congestion we had especially when we saw we had away games in a short period of time.

"What can we do about it? Nothing.

"We have to play the games and play them in the best way possible."

Newcastle's dealings with the Premier League have been far from positive in recent times after an 18 month wait for a takeover decision and also a complaint from United to the top-flight on refereeing decisions.

Howe said: "We got a letter back.

"And it was an enjoyable read. That's it."