From nufc.com Sean Longstaff sits this one out as he serves the third and final game of his suspension. Speaking to the press on Thursday morning, Magpies boss Steve Bruce confirmed that both Florian Lejeune and Fabian Schar were continuing to train and in contention to play against Villa on Monday. With Jamaal Lascelles already sidelined until next year due to injury, Ciaran Clark is also a doubt to face his former side after picking up a knock while on international duty with Ireland this week. Bruce also confirmed that Matt Ritchie was no nearer a playing return with the ankle problem that has plagued him since August requiring a further visit to see a specialist in recent days. As I'm off for an MRI on my ankle which has been giving me grief for months I feel Mr Ritchie's pain......
I'm not sure I'd risk either of the lads coming back from injury personally - Lejuene won't be statrting that's for sure so if we are sticking it'll be Schar coming back in but I'd rather wrap him in cotton wool and change formation to be honest, try and get at Villa by playing 2 up top on monday or AC/Gayle up top with Joel, ASM and Miggy playing behind them with Hayden and Shelvey I guess in CM. Crazy though that we have 5 natural CB's and 2 who can play there (Hayden and Dumett) but we all of a sudden have a problem getting 3 fit players on the pitch.
Almost positive you used to defend Dummett on this forum quite a bit. I think Dummett, Schar, Lejeune, and Fed will play. And the rest of the team will be identical.
Have to say I think you’re right. Dummett is a decent not great defender with some limitations on the attacking front. I’d keep him but aim to have him as a squad player rather than a first teamer.
I think suggesting he can't slot into the side when playing against a team like Villa is a little nuts. He's an alright player.
no mate I've never been a fan of his … he serves a purpose and I think he's gives his all though it doesn't matter who we play in this one because we are getting **** all . mon night away sucks and they seem to get up for it like it's a derby for some reason. I fully expect a 2 or even a 3 goal defeat
Is there a reason they hate us? Or is it living in that smog infested ****hole of a city just ****ing their senses?
me too I'm just trying to understand where is came from and tbh the media have always got it wrong and made the toon fans look bad .. it was that season all the deluded stuff started when we were wrong to kick off about falling from a European place to relegation fodder ...
I'm going for the front three making up for their profligacy all at once with a 12-0 victory. Up to 6th in the table and dreams of Europe!
i'm even more convinced of a defeat than I have been for quite some time !! so many fans think we are going to win and that's the blueprint for certain defeat
