Many times I've landed in Brazil at 5 am, hotel for bag drop, meetings at 09:00, bar by 13:00... He's got some years on me too, so Sunday for a Tuesday game - He'll be fine, and I'll bet my life he wants to play.
Howe manages from a manual mind so I suspect he'll be on the bench along with a few others we've just signed.
I think Howe would happily drop both if they were to blame. Shelvey has been much better last couple of games. Bruno will make such a huge difference, because he'll push everyone further up. I prefer Jonjo further forward, he has some very incisive passing when he's not smacking it 60 yards and could yet thrive. If he doesn't Willock will instantly be in to replace. The new CM Joe alongside Bruno is a fantastic prospect. Same with defence - in a back four alongside Trippier, Burn and Targett, Lascelles mistakes will be under a microscope and if he doesn't offer anything else (like Schar does) he'll be hooked. Unlike Bruce, I think Howe realises he only has a limited number of chances at this Newcastle. The transfer window showed they aren't ****ing around and will not be happy if Howe's not taking it forward, fast. I think Eddie has enough to stay safe this season, next season might be quite different. He may not even be in charge, depends how big the owners want to go, and how quickly. They'll want to do it faster than their UAE neighbours, I'll tell you that much.
I'd risk Bruno. I'm sure he will be in the 'red zone' due to travel according to their sport scientists. That is what governs all managers decisions now. If they feel he is ok after assessment, I think Howe will be mad keen to get them all in the side. This is complicated by his lack of training with the team and understanding the tactics etc, but he's a full international he might learn plenty by jumping in the deep end. Regardless he is so much better than what we have. I think Bruno, Burn, Trippier, Wood and Targett might all play. It’s risky of course because you don’t want to change too much too quick but up until recently we’ve been so bad and it’s a personnel problem in the main.
I hope he does feature, it will be a huge boost to everyone. As you say, there might be some the technical complications (including with Wood as well, due to the NZ team Covid outbreak), but if all the new guys do play thdn I think the fans will be buzzing.
If anyone wants a free ticket for this match let me know. It's on a few social media platforms and it's 1st come 1st served I don't want to go because of lacelles and also to avoid covid because I'm due to see someone high risk in a weeks time.
Tbh it's a secondary reason.. I have to see someone high risk next week. It's a real ****ter cos I was really lookin fwd to it
I think the benefit for Newcastle is there's no real identity. It's not having a style of play and having to integrate players little by little. These new guys, like Trippier, Targett, Bruno, will actually be here to shape how we play. Obviously crossing from full back is playing a part. Being narrower, with full backs providing width, seems to be the choice. Counter attack should still feature heavily, so you 'd be looking at Bruno to transition, with Joe/Willock driving forward. Shelvey operating further forward could be more incisive than his deep lying role. ASM, Fraser, Murphy, Almiron offer pace on the turnover, Wood gives you options for crosses or hold up, as does Wilson with runs off the shoulder. Burn/Schar are here to get us further up the pitch. Burn likes to play as an interceptor, rather than a back foot clogger like Lascelles. It's all about bringing the entire team 15-20 yards further up the pitch, even when countering. if Max is picking it up 10 yards inside THEIR half instead of his own, you will double his effectiveness. Wood/Wilson will always keep someone busy and with Bruno martialling you'll get Willock and Joe further up as well. First and foremost, I hope Bruno settles and enjoys himself. But as I said elsewhere, for me we've got our Kompany in about two years before City got theirs. The Saudis want to EXPLODE onto the scene, they've no intention of quietly plodding along. And super exciting news about a DoF and Chief Exec both being big name targets - I'm as excited for that announcement as anything else.
The rest of the so called Big 6 have been and are running very scared. It's the changing of the guard and they know it. Qatar will come in next and buy a club. Maybe Leeds. At this point there will be 3 big teams only... Citeh, Us and the Qataris. Speaking of the Qataris.. I think I'm going to the World Cup. As associate in Doha has offered me tickets to a few games. Am sorely tempted.
