please log in to view this image No injuries at all going into the game bar Van Ginkel (long term). JM has a selection headache so it's difficult one. We've had some great defensive performances and also 7 different goalscorers in the last three games. Torres has to be first name on the team sheet and I think he will be (who'd have thought we'd be saying that 18 months ago ) please log in to view this image please log in to view this image All time record v Newcastle Wins: 64 Draws: 39 Losses: 50 Premier League record at St James' Park Wins: 6 Draws: 5 Losses: 8 Likely XI: please log in to view this image
I'm gonna hope for: --Cech-- --Ivanovic--Cahill--Terry--Cole-- --Ramires--Lampard-- --Schurrle--Oscar--Hazard-- --Torres-- Substitutes: Schwarzer, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Mikel, Mata, Willian, Eto'o So pretty much the same as you DL, bar obviously your all time favourite CB Cahill Newcastle away is always a tricky away match, but if we start it strongly like we did against Arsenal we'll unsettle them for the rest of the match and from that position I can't see us not coming away with three points. With Arsenal playing Liverpool it will be a good chance for us to go top.
Surely the odds must be in our favour to win this! The team selection is fine apart from Luiz, who I would sub Cahill for. I would far prefer to see Luiz in midfield, he's far too reckless in the back 4!
When I last checked we were at 8-11, so the bookies really fancy us. I wonder when the last time was that we had such good odds for a league match at SJP.
He hasn't been that bad to be fair The key thing will be scoring first. We've had to come back from behind in games too often recently and left ourselves with a bit to do. It's a massive week for us because if we win here we have a great chance of going into the break in first place and from there on we can put ourselves in a great position.
If odds are that great Coloccini and Taylor must still be out for them. Conceding two to Sunderland is pretty awful tbf even if it is a derby.
This should be 3 points for you, having said that Newcastle made City look ****e in the first half of their cup game and could have been 3 or 4 up at half time if they had anybody who could put the ball in the net. Still, you are not City and i expect 2 or 3 nil win for Chelsea.
If Jose is true to his word, and picks only on form, then Mata, Bertrand and Willian MUST be in. Cech, Ivan, Cahill, Luiz, Bertrand, Oscar, Mikel, Mata, Willian, Schurrle, Torres.
Why? No point in changing a winning formula. Stick with the team that beat City and use those three against Schalke. We would be idiots if we didn't start JT to counter Ameobi's aerial ability and Hazard/Schurrle to target Newcastle's full backs who are pretty shakey defensively. Ramires has also been our best player this season thus far and his athleticism and energy will be crucial on a pitch the size of St James'.
We're yet to drop a point when we score the first goal so that will undoubtedly be where the game is own and lost. Having lost from a winning position at St James' last year I'd like to think the players would learn and not let that happen again. JM and the players seem to know how important this game is and hopefully that's reflected on the pitch. Newcastle have always been a tough game for us though so we won't be taking them lightly.
Given the oposition played, i think you are the form team at the moment and expect a win for you here.
I got the impression Mata was going to get the nod from Jose's comments. We'll see. Should be a good game though - didn't realise our record was so poor there! Hoping for a solid win.
Hope so, draw would not be a disaster. Jose is doing brilliantly with a slightly unbalanced squad so far. Expect more from us as the season goes on
Isn't it great to be spoilt for choice over who to play. As long as they all get equal time as I see players like Mata and Hazard slipping compared to what they were when they first joined us. I still worry when Luiz is in defence and that is difficult for me as I think he is a fantastic player, and has a great future ahead of him, just not sure I can take anymore of those heart in mouth moments. I never predict game outcomes as far to much can go wrong in the game of football. Anyone know who the ref is today as I haven't looked yet ?
BTW its good to have a match day thread as sometimes we have nowhere to congregate so thanks DL nice one
Cahill's defo more a Jose player than a Rafa player! I'm torn because I think Mikel deserves a shot, but we need Lamps' experience. The pair of them together are dogshit. Cech Azpi (brilliant midweek) Cahill Terry Cole Rami Mikel/Lamps Schurrle Oscar Hazard Torres
