Looks terrifying atm as Arsenal are the form team - 21 goals in their last 5 games but we are good on the counter when teams are all over us, the problem we have is when we have lots of possession it generally ends up with us knocking it up and down a wing before switching across the back to try on the other side so it may suit us to have to sit in and defend for long periods. Arsenal away v Porto on Wednesday means hopefully there is a degree of fatigue against us as they'll play a strong squad in that game. Few reasons to be positive but while I think we'll score a goal or two we'll still lose!
I'm just really hoping Isak and Willock can play. They would make a massive difference to our chances. Obvs no striker is a massive problem but I think we have been missing Willock massively especially since Big Joe got injured.
Anyone that thinks Newcastle can get anything from this game is being unreasonable. It's a case of getting this fixture out the way and taking the beating as well as we can. The cup ! That's it.
I think it's clear I have no faith whatsoever... faith is unreliable anyway mate. Without sounding like a twat faith is gullibility.
Damage limitation, in two senses - one, keep the score down. And two don't let anyone important pick up yet another meaningless injury because we run around the pitch without the ball too much. I'd go 5-3-2 and keep Willock/Isak well away and only on the bench if they're 100%.
I wouldn't risk half of those.. Arsenal are going to maul them whatever. Save our better players bodies and minds.
Premier League Rule E.20 stipulates that “in every League Match each participating Club shall field a full strength team.” Not been used in ages, but I'm sure they'd make a special exception for us....
