Lineup vs the Mackems

Done very well for them and he's a good player. Continues like this then all the "we've been had on the fee" thoughts will disappear. You never know he might pick up a knock in his first game back in the international fold!

Obertan has done better but I'm not sure about getting carried away at this stage. Essentially he has had one really good game! Having said that he's clearly a left winger so maybe Pardew is to blame

 

Mentioning Pardew, I really think he quickly got the measure of the importance of the Derby, so I'm hoping he gets the team selection right.

Martin O'neil was interviewed immediately after their game against City, (I know he's a little Dour at times) he really played the Derby down, quite rightly he stated he was more concerned about getting the players called for their International teams back unscathed, but he was somewhat dismissive about it.
Que Niall Quinn in the studio, he was brimming over about it, could barely contain his enthusiam, rightly pointing out, bragging rights would be discussed until the next clash, and any goal scorers or match winners will have songs written about them.

Top man Niall Quinn, say what you like about him!

 

Quinny is alright. He was a very good player too. O'Neill needs to be careful because the derby can whizz past you and leave you in a tailspin if you are not keyed up for it. Just the way it is! I'm sure he got some idea last season and will be driven behind the scenes. I'm not sure if their fans would take kindly to playing his usual counter attack direct football. He probably needs to put two up top and give them something to cheer. Very stubborn man though so I'd expect him to stick to his principles.

 

Makes you wonder , what are the coulda and shouldas if Niall Quinn had played under Fat Sham.