please log in to view this image Wednesday 9th May 8pm Premier League Wembley Stadium Another loss and another poor display, as we shuffle towards the end of the campaign. It's been a fairly decent season so far, but it's all on the line in the last two games, as our form has bombed. Two wins will guarantee Champions League football and we face two sides with virtually nothing to play for. That also means that there's no pressure on them and a rare chance to play at the national stadium. Can we do enough to see off the late surge from Chelsea or do we face a summer of doom and gloom? Despite some bumpy times and lengthy winless periods, Rafa Benitez has lead Newcastle to safety. They're comfortably mid-table and cannot be relegated, though their recent form hasn't been good. The Spanish manager has rotated quite heavily since passing the 40 point mark, so perhaps that's why? His pre-match comments suggest that he'll continue experimenting in their last two games. It's a free opportunity for him to assess his squad depth, so why not use it? The summer will be a different test for the Geordies. Mike Ashley is still trying to sell the club and I suspect that they'll face approaches for Benitez. Another busy transfer window might face them, regardless of who's in charge. Their extensive loan list will also leave them a lot to work through. There was no equivalent fixture last season, as the two clubs weren't in the same division. The match at St James' Park didn't suggest there was a massive gulf between the sides, though. We were showing our usual early season stupor, as it was the opening game of the season. A fairly dull and even first half ended goalless, but things soon heated up after the break. Jonjo Shelvey's red card turned things in our favour and goals from Alli and Davies followed: Winks, Dembele, Aurier and Dier (illness) are all out of this one, though Vertonghen is available. Clark, Atsu and Gamez are out for Newcastle, while Slimani misses the last two games to suspension. Lineups for each side's last league game: Spurs: Lloris; Trippier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen, Rose; Wanyama; Lamela, Eriksen, Alli; Kane. Subs: Vorm, Davies, Dier, Sissoko, Moura, Son, Llorente. League form: WWLDWL. Newcastle: Dubravka; Manquillo, Lascelles, Lejeune, Dummett; Murphy, Diame, Shelvey, Kenedy; Perez; Gayle. Subs: Darlow, Hayden, Haidara, Yedlin, Merino, Ritchie, Joselu. League form: WWWLLL. Referee: Neil Swarbrick. TV: Not televised. Given our midfield injuries and recent form, how should we set up for this one? Does anyone need a rest or any of our usual bench need a start? Do we need to make any tactical changes?
Hugo Tripps, Toby, Jan, Davies Wanyama, Alli Lucas, Eriksen, Son Kane Kane's gonna go 2016/17 and bang in seven goals in the final two games, you heard it here first.
With injuries to Dier, Dembele, Aurier and Winks, our bench might make for interesting reading. I'm going to assume KWP and one of Shashoua/Duncan/Roles/TO-B/Skipp
Aurier won't be fit until the final game at the earliest. We should really go full circle and give KWP another shot, honestly.
Well he certainly did ok against them first up. But as Trippier is fit - and against WBA one of the only players to come out with any credit - I presume he will start?
KWP is surely getting a spot on the bench against Newcastle, and if Aurier has a 50/50 chance of being fit at the weekend I can't see a reason why he shouldn't remain in the squad. It might also serve as a kick up the backside Aurier's needed for the last few months, as he's gone from having a storming game against Dortmund back in September to not knowing how to take a throw in properly against Palace back in February.
Throw in a couple conceded penalties, a red card, few yellows and one or two successful cross from about 7,432 attempts and it's summed up his season nicely, I'd say.
I'm really not looking forward to this one for obvious reasons. By sheer luck, opportunity has presented itself where we can finish 3rd if we win our final two games at home (sort of). Problem is... the players look tired/disinterested/lacklustre/slow/uninspired (delete as appropriate). If we win both our final two fixtures, I think it will be a small miracle. I see it going down to the last day where we may end up with 75 points along with Chelsea and Liverpool, with us limping into fourth on goal difference and sheer luck. The only plus point tomorrow is we kick off 15 minutes later than Chelsea so we get to know their result before we finish and can do something about it. Other than that, it's bicycle clip time!
The negativity has been astounding since the last game, even by Spurs supporters standards. Good job the internet wasn't around in 1977! We will get third this season. And even if we don't - what the hell do you all expect? We've made giant steps in recent seasons and been punching above our weight. Are you upset if we don't punch even further up there? Without the completely undeserved megabuck investments in Citeh and Chelski in recent seasons we'd already been flying even higher, and the fact that we've beaten these teams from time to time is a major testament to the manager(s), players and owners.
True. Anyway.I have my fingers crossed,my toes crossed,my legs crossed and a rope around my neck I have absolute confidence!!!!!?
Off to the game in 45 minutes and will be travelling through South London and lots of Chelsea fans. Always a pleasure, never a chore. COYS. It looks as though I may have 2 spare tickets for Sunday's game. 1 is an adult ticket and the other is a child's one. I am prepared to accept whatever someone can realistically afford to pay for them, so don't feel that you need to meet the face value, which is just under £60. I just want them to go to a supporter, preferably one who's going to scream their heart out for the shirt. Please PM me if you're interested and I will arrange to meet you before the game.
