I always have a bad feeling when we play coates. he always has at least one serious white knuckle moment each game.
Interestingly it is in Arsenal's hands. Wigan play on Tuesday (game in hand), and Newcastle dont play until next Sunday. They both will play these games against Arsenal. Wigan then play Aston Villa next Sunday. Wigan will need a point at Arsenal to have any chance of survival.
Three at the back actually makes us stronger defensively on the counter. When we have four at the back we play with two attacking FBs leaving two CB's and Lucas to deal with attacks, This system leaves three CB's and Lucas. Just need the WBs to provide plenty of running and width
Completelt agree about downing. he is supposed to be a creatve wizz- but as soon as we signed him it was abundantly clear he only looked creative cos he was at the 2 least inspiring teams in britain. its not difficult to look flashy when you are surrounded by boro and villa players. he is absolute mince. reminnds me how i felt when i watched joe cole in a red shirt.
If Newcastle lose today then Wigan just need to avoid losing by too many at Wigan. that'll leave the gap at 3 points with Wigan on a slightly worse goal difference. Newcastle then lose to Arsenal & Wigan beat Villa and one of them will go down on goal difference.
I was thinking that too. On for Downing. Henderson to RWB and Johnson at LWB leaving Suso alongside Coutinho behind Sturridge
