I've got a ticket for tonight's match and I just don't know what to expect. Our poor run started with a narrow defeat to Burnley and we've scarcely recovered. I hope Kenedy can bring a new cutting edge to the team and that we can take a chance or two. Seems so long since I saw a win at St James's Park. Oh let this be the night when we can get a break. Prediction in hope 1-0 Toon.
Kenedy arrival, and appearance will definitely give us a lift. The imminent arrival of Slimani might just give Joselu/Gayle a kick up the arse and they may put a performance in...i highly doubt it but it wouldn't surprise me. We need to get Merino back in the team and leave Diame out (preferably at home). I have a funny feeling that we might sneak this....god knows that we need to. If we don't show up and get turned over I dread to think what the reaction is gonna be from the stands. What happens between now and kick off in terms of incomings/outgoings may well have an impact on that of course.
Getting the excuses in early tonights match official referee is Simon Hooper making his FIRST appearence in the Premiership since his disasterous introduction to the premier league over 2 year ago his one and only previous occasion was when he chalked off a good goal scored by Norwich against QPR and was never seen again in the premiership since we of course know better as Simon me old mucker was the same ref who reffed us away at Fulham on the opening Friday night game last season where he missed or chose to ignore 2 blatant handballs in the Fulham penalty area his last league game was Ipswich against Wolves in front of nearly 16000 fans tonight will be like his Wembley in front of the biggest crowd he will get this season (cant see him reffing any of the top six) why do we have to put up with rookie refs, we seem to have had our fair share of them this season?? even refs on a forum I go on are astounded that he has been chosen over better candidates
What I'd like - a season defining shift in formation and identity. A move to 3 at the back with Dummett and Mbemba either side of Lascelles. Kenedy and Yedders in at wing back, Merino alongside Shelvey in midfield and an attacking trio of Murphy, Atsu and Perez. A good line that gives us the ability to break at pace, but also have possession further up the pitch. I'd like us to press the **** out of Burnley and go 2-0 up inside 30 mins this time. 4-1 final score. What we'll get - Manquillo, Diame and Joselu starting. Either a very crappy 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1 with the wrong player at no.10. Counter-attacking, at home, with no impetus whatsoever. Pressing only when they get to our 18 yard box. 1 or 2 clear chances, which Jose or Gayle will miss. A sub on the 62nd minute, 75th minute and 84th minute all of which have been predetermined. A 1-0 loss.
I agree 100% with this line up. 3-0 win if so. If not we will scrape a 1-1 draw in Rafa's usual line up/subs/tactics etc. I predict the first sub will be on 63mins, the 2nd on 76mins, and the third on good ol 82mins.
This is one game that Newcastle need to win, especially after Dinas Abertawe winning. So when it comes to these Must Win games to either continue momentum or to save a plummet down the table it's clear that the result is going to be 0-2.
That formation looks ok although I would have no problem with 4 at the back. I think we woukd have a more secure defence with 4231. I don't care about the line up to be honest as long as we get 3 points.
Not sure what the formation is? But as I said, Diame - check. Joselu - check. Perez out of position - check. Now we just need to run the sub sweepstake. 62 - Shelvey. 76 - Ritchie. 82 - Gayle.
Not really sure what the big deal people are making about the subs tbh. People will always disagree about bringing this player on or that player on but the times? What's the problem?
Well subs are supposed to reflect the game. So if, for example, Joselu's having an absolute nightmare, try taking him off at half time instead of always waiting for another 15 minutes of **** to pass. What Rafa does is make the same subs whatever's happening on the pitch. It's most frustrating.
Managers very rarely make subs at HT. We usually don't have great options either to be honest. Trust in Rafa mate.
