Will we sign a striker, will we sign anyone, who will it be? Well that we dont know but two things I can say, without doubt, we do know. All will become clear by the time we play Norwich. We have a big game on Sunday. Just thought I would mention it because everything is so quiet and flat it would seem, from the outside, that we had forgotton. The next 5 days could be important ones for our club, not make or break but important all the same. We could well have at least one new player, be in the next round of the FA Cup and be sitting 8th in the prem, who would had thought that 2 months ago. I can see a few changes in Sundays team, yes I know all about keeping a winning team but a few things will surely be in MON's mind. 1.Making full use of the squad. 2.Keeping players involved who have missed out. 3.A fairly big game 3 days later. 4.Playing good but still championship opposition. I expect to see Westwood in goal, Gardner in midfield and a few surprises on the bench, hopefully a little run out for Campbell. Will MON stick to sitting back in a 4-4-1-1 formation or will he be more attacking? If the players brought in on Sunday perform well will they keep their place on Wednesday. You tell me, I know nowt.
FA cup game does seem a bit flat..for some reason..(do boro even have any members on this forum?) Think he'll go with a strong team though...and expect Wickham to start.....but that is as far as i'm guessing on his team selection. Honestly think we'll see at least one player come in..
Maybe Gordon in goal??? He seems to be back and playing in the FA Cup would be good for him. Also Campbell on the bench then come on for the last 20 mins?
I'd be happy to see gardner n meyler given a start. Both need games but for different reasons. Perhaps a half hour for Campbell as well if the result is looking safe.
I have got my Norwich tickets. Interesting I went to the Chelsea home game last season after deadline day when Sess made his debut. Looking forward to seeing if we sign anyone and what they look like. If not hopefully enjoy watching us get 3 points.
I dont want to come across as a 'Newcastle fan' but if we had MON at the start of the year with some of his signings in the mix i honestly think even 4th may have been a prospect this year. 6th or 7th could even be a possibility this year but to me we are missing a couple of pieces of the jigsaw such as striker and left back. We wont be in trouble without these players in Jan but i have no idea where that would leave us by the end of the season anywhere between 8th and 15th. So nice to not be in relegation trouble though.......come on lets smash the Boro!
Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill has backed suggestions that referees are to be ordered to punish all two-footed challenges with red cards. Amid a brewing row over the interpretation of the laws governing tackling, which saw Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany dismissed in the FA Cup clash with Manchester United, but not Liverpool's Glen Johnson for a similar incident against City just days later, O'Neill has called for greater clarity. He said: "There's a bit of ambiguity about it, really, and I think what they are doing now is going to come down hard on two-footed challenges. "I think at least if there is some sort of clarity about it, then that can only be good because people are a wee bit confused that some two-footed challenges are going unpunished and other ones are causing a bit of concern. "I understand the referees having a bit of a problem over it, but in truth, if you are lunging in two-footed and your two feet are off of the ground, there's a fair chance if you come into contact with an opponent's ankle, you are going to cause problems. "If that's the case, then so be it - I would agree with that. "You may always get some sort of an example where you think that shouldn't be the case, but if you are going to run with it, I think the best thing to do is outlaw it and then we will be okay." It was reported today in the Daily Mail that referees' chief Mike Riley is set to instruct officials to show a straight red card for any two-footed challenge. Professional Game Match Officials Limited were not available for comment.
Unlike the majority these days, Mon doesn't believe in weakened teams for any competition. Thankfully we now have a manager that values both of the only 2 trophies we stand a chance of actually winning. For what its worth, I think Pardew will field his best 11 as well. Both NE clubs seem to be keen on the FA Cup this season which is very refreshing.
I agree with MON, dont get this weak team thing, Westy and Gardner in would, in many eyes be a stronger team
