I'm never encouraged to see Newcastle favourites. I'm sure we were favourites vs Fulham and Bournemouth. The last two games I don't think we played particularly well, so I'm pretty certain they've got to find another gear. This feels like a massive game.
I think there's a really good chance to get something but you're right - the sloppiness vs Leicester was awful, they were there to be absolutely battered. It wasn't particularly good preparation, though on the flip side both Joelinton and Bruno got a break. The bench isn't something that's about to improve, though for ****s sake stop putting two keepers on it. Gordon coming back would be a huge plus. Shame we've lost three first teamers and an impact sub at this stage of the season. That said, I don't expect the same changes vs Man U as we made in the last one; the middle will likely remain untouched unless we're 2 or 3 up. So same XI will start again, Gordon would then take Ruddy off the bench. Man U - Bruno aside, they're pretty poor. They'll stick with 5-4-1 which gives us the control in the middle, so I would hope we have enough to win this one and take something into Palace.
I think I'd rather see Harrison on the bench. It's a hard sell to youth players at this club, because you're employed with the understanding you'll never get game time.
I don’t think he’s been pulling trees up at development level. They’ve had young neave on the bench though
I get there's "standards" that the young players might not be meeting, but surely Howe can be far less embarrassing. If he is that desperate to have Ruddy on his bench, offer him a ****ing coaching contract. Leicester had a 15 year old come on - struggle to believe he's more PL-ready than Harrison, Shahar, etc.
Really don’t see what the problem is here other than really needing to ****ing moan about something you miserable bastards
He's top of assists though in the u21 league. From what I've seen of him he looks like he's easily brushed off the ball. Maybe he needs Joe Kinnear's milk diet
To be fair on this occasion we had an under 21 game on the same night. Must admit though on other occasions would prefer to see a young player on the bench than a second keeper.
Maybe it's time for another look at Kuol? 5 goals and 4 assists in his last 9 games... Shahar on the bench would also be good to get 1st team exposure if Trippier is to leave in the summer