Newcastle United v Southampton - Official Matchday / Build Up Thread

in Shola I trust.

 

cant remember the last time I have mineral water.

 

Sorry, but I can only see a Southampton win.
Cabaye out, and I'm going back after missing Liverpool, Chelsea, Norwich and West Brom games.

 

bugger off

 

You cant be like that, I haven't been well.
Maybe should go cinema instead, but, did that last week.

 

Come on now HDQ, flowers and a bottle of wine for the guy, he hasn't been well.

 

Thank you, a drink would be nice, if only I could have one

Anyway, I'm going on Saturday unless the missus kicks up too much.
seriously though think we'll win 2 - 1.

 

That's much better.

 

In your case your Ladyship I think I couled run to something stronger.

 

Always the gent.

 

ANY win would do.
I am not thinking of anything other than getting to 42 points as soon as possible.
We're ahead of schedule, but any Newcastle fan, used to colossal disappointment and nothing but over the years, takes nothing for granted.
Southampton are one of those sides you should NOT treat lightly. They've done extremely well and are well run by their Argentine manager.
Yes, ANY win would do, that would leave 13 points to get......

 

All I know is, Obi better be popping into Shearers Ebar prior to kick off.

 

I hope you do go 4-4-2, in my opinion that would play into our hands. We had a rare off day at Chelsea, and bounced back to our best against City on Saturday. We tend to dominate teams but struggle to create clear cut chances, so if you go with two up top I can see us controlling the game, especially with no Cabaye. If you match us and go 4-2-3-1, then I think you will probably win.

To be honest it's too close to call, you're a great side and like someone else said we always struggle at St. James's park. I would be very happy with a point. Have fun on Sat everyone!

EDIT: Forgot to say, congrats about Saturday's game! You must be buzzing. Deserved the 3 points. Everyone, Saints and City fans in the bar I watched it at cheered when Cabaye scored.

 

I'm eally looking forward to this game now.
Have that spring in my step again when it comes to matchday expectation.
Things can change of course but I'm enjoying the ride for now.

 

With no Cabaye we must play five in midfield.

Anita and Tiote protecting again with Ben Arfa in the hole. A four man midfield without Cabaye simply wouldn't be able to retain the ball well enough.

Our biggest game by far this season for me. Can put us 6 points clear of Southampton, 7 clear of Man Utd (they're away to Villa on the Sunday) and would put us well clear of the bottom half. Also Spurs are playing Liverpool so we'd make up points on one of them and Man City have Arsenal so again we'd pick up points on one of them too. Or points on all four if both games end in a draw.

Now I know it's likely that those teams mentioned above won't end up being our rivals come the end of the season but for the moment they're and to keep it that way three points on Saturday are vital. Especially with two very winnable games for us after Saturday.

As a result better to keep the game tight and go two up top to chase the win from 60/70 mins onwards if needed than go 4-4-2 from the start, run the risk of getting overrun early and being 1 or 2 nil done by half time. It's difficult for us to go more attacking than 4-4-2 due to a lack of striking options so I don't see sense in starting with our most attacking formation/line up.

 

No, for me. Southampton press high up the pitch - with five in the middle, there's no room to breathe. Ben Arfa would be nullified by Southampton's gameplan. Instead, we need to start with Shola and take it to them directly. Anita comes in to sit alongside Tiote to ensure we're protected, as you were with the wide men. It didn't work against Swansea because our sit back and wait tactic only works with possession teams who bring the game to you (Chelsea, Spurs) - possession team like Swansea don't really attack with all guns blazing, they keep a lot behind the ball so there's very little chance to hit on the counter - we should've played the 5 against them.

Just an opinion like

 

Just got my tickets sorted for Saturday.
Taking my gramps.
Slap bang behind the Gallowgate goal.

 

Southampton are normally well followed away.

 

I reckon Shola is a must for this one. 442 for me, go for it.

All this talk about their pressing makes me laugh. Don't get me wrong, they have been team of the year with Everton and Arsenal so far. I rate them highly, and I love their policy on English youth. Its just the media going on about this high press like its something new, it just isn't. High pressing was even used by my Sunday team Maybe, just maybe their success is partly down to having quality players...........

 

Near where I am then. Just to the left of the goal.