Key Battle On Derby Day?

Which one will be the KEY and decisive battle?

Steven Taylor vs Wickham and Sausage or Graham (or both)?

Cabaye and Tiote/Perch/Anita and Sissoko vs Colback and Larsson?

Cisse vs O'Shea and Bramble?

Raylor vs Mackems on Twitter?

Us vs Fascism?

Good Bramble vs Bad Bramble*?

Dullard Pardew vs Sexy Man Beast Pardew of the Last Few Games?

Ameobi vs the particles directly in front of the Mackem net (which fortunately for us aren't as dense as their fans)?


*note... not talking about his morals here. Rest assured, if I see any groping in the box I'll be bringing it to the attention of the officials.

 

Me vs Sunday drivers? In work until 12(ish

 

The one in the middle of the park IMO.

We will have the advantage, so they will likely try and hack the **** out Cabaye and Sissoko to try and get a reaction.

Also Cisse has been getting himself wound up a bit recently. They might try and give him a slap.

 

I just hope Pards sends Shola out to warm up in front of the away fans (well as in front as you can get). Increase the fear

 

It's going to be an exciting Derby, (they usually are), glad it's televised for our cross country supporters, Pardew certainly knows what this game is all about, I think PDC is making all the right noises on behalf of his team, but I've a feeling he's in for an eye opener, it's definitely something to be experienced.

 

If you really want to control any game, derby or not, the centre of the park is always the key area. First goal will very important on Sunday though, and I'm backing Papiss to get it.

 

Me too... fantasy football heaven if Sissoko assists him

If it's ruled out for offside though...

 

Wouldn't a goal then though. He needs to sort this out. To be honest we have other issues a lot worse at the moment. We look a bit flat and lack zip in our play. This run has been murderous and taken its toll.

 

I agree, hopefully the flair players like Marv and Ben Arfa can be used to add a bit of punch. We're a turgid side when Cabaye's not being our Steven Gerrard and our wingers are mainly used to track back.

 

Cabaye and Sissoko's levels have dropped considerably I think over the last two weeks. I understand Pards trying to push through but I do look forward to seeing them after a summer of rest. Marveaux has done well of late and hopefully will start the derby. Benni looked a bit tubby but its understandable. I couldn't consider starting him against the mackems though personally. We're going in straight lines a bit at present which is always a sign you're tired in mind and body.

I still think if we can stay up we'll look a different team next season after some rest.

 

Middle of the park without doubt. Cabs and Sissokho will probably just fancy breaks in between matches at the moment! Marv is looking like the player we all thought he might be and Ben Arfa and Ameobi coming off the bench in the second half would give us a 20 minute lift I reckon. We can't afford (in my opinion) to start with two up front (cisse and ameobi) AND have a four man midfield with the likes of Ben Arfa, Marv, Cabaye and Sissokho as we'd never win the ball back.

Agree that without Europe and quite as many injuries then top half should be expected next year, hopefully with another stiker

 

" Benni looked a bit tubby but its understandable. I couldn't consider starting him against the mackems though personally "

I agree about the weight issue but I'd put Benny on against the Mackems, he'll boss their midfield even in his wellies.

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That poll is a ****ing mess!

 

I've gone for Stevie T. We need him in there for heaven's sake. If Willo has to step in for this one I won't be able to watch.

That said, I can see HBA coming on and causing them some damage late on. 3-1 to the Toon!

 

Probably regret saying this but i'm not so worried about HBA this time round, obviously I know what he's capable of but I think Danny Rose is more than capable of keeping him quiet if he comes on.

More worried about Sissoko running rings around our midfield, him vs N'Diaye should be interesting as i've read they are good mates.

 

Also think Wickham if started could cause lots of problems for your defence if he's given the nod to start, the lad has amazing strength for his age and a nice pair of feet too. If its Danny Graham starting I can't see us troubling Krul too much.

 

We are totally crap and have been so since January, 9 matches without a win and keep throwing them away, but we got beat 4-0 at WBA the match before we played you last season, so we might get a point.

 

To be honest I rate Rose, but if HBA was fully tuned and having one of his good days, he'd lead him a merry dance. No shame in that he can do it to anyone. Reality is though he is carrying weight, been out for months and no where near fit. Sissoko and Cabaye are out on their feet. The guy for Sunderland to fear is Marveaux. He is in fine form and is a real handful.

If we win I don't think it will be pretty. I'd employ similar tactics to Benfica. Keep it tight for an hour then one massive push. I don't think Sunderland could deal with it. We have to be realistic about our energy levels. I do rate Wickham, I'd like him if you did go down as I think the lad has a big future. MON was a fool to not make more use of him.

 

Agree with pretty much all of this, Wickham is still a bairn but a real handful, in reality my heart says a draw, but my head says a comfortable Newcastle win, ameobi shining as usual

 

Just can't keep the Mackemslayer down.