Got a really warm welcome the last away day in Hull mate, gotta say. We booled into the Tigers Lair and even the rozzers were having a laugh and a bit of banter with us. No hassle from any of the natives at all.. lots of mutual respect being dished out. I learnt that day how much you boys hate the Mackems.
We're a friendly bunch really. The shooting was just off Freetown Way, some nutter with an axe, started down Holderness Road apparently.
I'm so not confident about this match. It's probably just because this is Newcastle and we don't do the semi-final of cups (well not recently anyway) I've even put a bet on that Hull get through to the next round (@5/4). So at least I get something out of the match if we go out
I'm not nervous about this. Way I look at it is we have nothing to lose. One of the few matches this season we'll be the underdog (which could be liberating) and even if we get through I don't see us beating the likes of Arsenal, Man Utd or Liverpool over two legs (if they get through).
Yeah I noted that and in any other scenario like this I'd place a decent bet on Hull as they represent great value in a two horse race. As it is my own team I won't but for me Hull should be fairly heavy favourites given they are PL and at home. Bizarre really and proof the bookies do take the odd risk. Not sure how it will go but I'd probably edge towards Hull by 1-0 or 2-0 at present. I'd like a win though and a semi final. I also think we have nothing to lose. I expect to get beat by PL opposition regardless where they sit in the league or form. That said I think we have a decent chance of an upset.
Team: Sels, Anita, Lascelles, Clark, Lazaar, Ritchie, Hayden, Shelvey, Gouffran, Diame, Gayle Bench: Tiote, Dummett, Mbemba, Yedlin, Darlow, Atsu, Murphy
We may not feel too confident being away from home but we should remember that we have only conceded 3 goals away from home all season so the way Rafa sets his teams up on the road should mean it will be a tight game. I think we have every chance here tonight. I'll go for a 2-1 win for Newcastle, possibly in extra time.
