Pre Match Pre Match - Newcastle (A) - Monday 20:00

[Brizzle]

Long wait for this one, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing - we clearly need the time in the training ground to sort out the mess that was Bournemouth.

Very different opponent to Bournemouth in the sense that Newcastle's strength is their midfield with a solid defence. The attack without Isak isn't one of pure pace that could expose us on a counter like Bournemouth. Although who knows how we will show up.

Gravy should walk straight back into this team. I'd probably have Szobo next to him as Macca looked sluggish and I don't want him overplayed, and also avoid the risk of being Joelintoned. Not other changes for me. A really bold decision would be to start last season's trio Gravy, Macca & Szobo and bench Wirtz who looked a bit shell shocked on Friday night.

Alisson

Frimpong
Konate
Virgil
Kerkez

Gravy
Szobo
Wirtz

Salah
Ekitike
Gakpo

 

[peterhague]

Elanga, Gordon, and Barnes must be one of the fastest attacks in the league, surely?

As you say, solidifying midfield is key as theirs is really strong, in both senses of the word. It's going to be tough, they looked really good against Villa.

 

[Dreambeliever]

Breaking news is all the fans on the Kop were asked this question after the last game


View: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNaeFYJsHZ6/?igsh=MWx1Y243MTlpZTd5bg==


In terms of Newcastle.

Becker
Gomez
Konate
Virgil
Robbo
Gravy
Sob
Wirtz
Gakpo
Hugo
Salah

 

[Brizzle]

Elanga, Gordon, and Barnes must be one of the fastest attacks in the league, surely?

As you say, solidifying midfield is key as theirs is really strong, in both senses of the word. It's going to be tough, they looked really good against Villa.

Fair point on Elanga almost forgot about him. But Barnes & Gordon are just normal level of quick I would say - rather than the kind who could blitz our defenders.

Open to being wrong. Where's Glock to confirm?

 

[peterhague]

Dunno mate, Gordon looks rapid to me. He's one of those ones I'm terrified of getting behind our defence cos I know there's no chance of stopping him.

Barnes I'm less sure of but at minimum he's fast over distances which is exactly what you want on a counter.

 

[MomoWASright]

I’d back Frimpong over Gordon in a foot race.

 

[peterhague]

Well yeah but that probably goes for almost every forward in the league.

 

[Woland]

I wonder if Newcastle would consider turning joelinton back into a nine if they can't get anyone decent to replace Isak.

Either way I think this will be a tough game. They're a good side and now they've got added hate mode.

 

[Holle]

Long wait for this one, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing - we clearly need the time in the training ground to sort out the mess that was Bournemouth.

Very different opponent to Bournemouth in the sense that Newcastle's strength is their midfield with a solid defence. The attack without Isak isn't one of pure pace that could expose us on a counter like Bournemouth. Although who knows how we will show up.

Gravy should walk straight back into this team. I'd probably have Szobo next to him as Macca looked sluggish and I don't want him overplayed, and also avoid the risk of being Joelintoned. Not other changes for me. A really bold decision would be to start last season's trio Gravy, Macca & Szobo and bench Wirtz who looked a bit shell shocked on Friday night.

Alisson

Frimpong
Konate
Virgil
Kerkez

Gravy
Szobo
Wirtz

Salah
Ekitike
Gakpo

Guehi instead of Konate please!

 

[binomial]

They'll make it physical for sure and look to force us into errors with their grit and determination, but watching the Villa game, they really are blunt without Isak up top......played 30mins against 10 and Villa never looked in any real danger. Had a horrid time over pre-season too.

Having a fresh Grav after missing the last 2 games will be a big help, but now that 3 of our 4 midfielders have recently become fathers for the first time....I'm just hoping they're not being stuck on nappy changing duty in the middle of the night.

 

[Mystic]

Truthfully this is probably the worst game I could imagine right now, away to a rapid counter attacking team with a chip on their shoulder, not sure why you think they aren't fast up top, in their game against Villa they were rapid and countered them many times and should have scored, but thankfully they're missing an actual goal scorer.

It's a big test for us, but I'm hoping it'll help our midfielder and defence focus and rise to the occasion and hopefully shake off this rusty start with had in that regard.

 

[Hansern]

Yeah, this will be a really tough game. Thought Newcastle looked quite decent against Villa.
They will be fired up and the crowd will be up for it.

Thankfully we have several days to work on the defensive structure etc, so hopefully Slot will figure that out.

 

[Markeh]

only question marks i have over selection are kerkez v robbo and who drops out for gravy.

i lean towards robbo and maybe dropping gakpo to shift wirtz a bit left. either that or drop wirtz altogether, or leave ekitike out to allow him to be false 9.

i really want szobo to play for the legs but slot will drop him.

 

[Squiggles]

I don’t think their players will have much animosity towards us, but the fans definitely will. The Geordies live for football, and with it being the first game back at St James’ Park under the lights, it’s going to be full on.

I wouldn't start Kerkez. He was a walking red card against Bournemouth. The system just is not settled or disciplined enough to accommodate him in these circumstances. I'd favour Szobo over Wirtz, too, as he midfield battle will be physical and the need for some attacking options on the bench.

There's no choice but to persist with Konate and hope for better.

-----------------Ali-
--Frim---Konate----VVD----Robbo--
---------------Grav------------
---------Szobo---Macca--------------
-----Salah----Ekitike------Gakpo----

We may rest Macca for Wirtz, though.

 

[keniget]

I’m expecting a cup final atmosphere so we should probably treat it as such, might be difficult for the players though.

Unless we sort out the systemic issues we’ve observed over last few games I think we will lose.

Hopefully Frimpong is fit. I’d be inclined to put Wirtz on left or bench for this.

 

[YNWA]

Midfield will be key for this match. I wouldn't be surprised if we start with Wirtz from the left and than Grav, Macca & Szosbo in the middle. Salah & Hugo complete the attack.

 

[Hansern]

Robbo against Elanga sounds like a recipe for disaster. I'd start Kerkez and hope that his first game nerves have settled down. He played a brilliant game there last season for Bournemouth in a 4-1 win and scored the last goal as well.
We need his pace in the side.

 

[Mystic]

Yeh, Frimpong and Kerkez pace will be important, it's no coincidence we conceded once they left the pitch on Friday.

 

[binomial]

Anyone bringing Robbo into this after his mongy shitshow fuckfest on Friday is a halfwit.

Kerkez pace and physicality is exactly what's required, yes he might fly into a few challenges......so fucking what? These cunts are going to leave some on us, I say we fucking leave some back. Why do we have so many fucking cautious pussies on here.

 

[YNWA]

Midfield will be key for this match. I wouldn't be surprised if we start with Wirtz from the left and than Grav, Macca & Szosbo in the middle. Salah & Hugo complete the attack.

Control and slowing down the tempo of the game will be key as against the Gordies who will want to make it a basketball game and get the crowd worked up.

Wirtz drifts into central areas to create numerical advantage in the midfield. Robbo over Kerkez also makes sense for this match for his experience with instructions to stay back and have 3 in the back line at all times + Grav to stop the counters. I wouldn't be dissatisfied with a draw & most importantly no injuries.

 

[Red Bird]

If we cut out the sloppy stuff, and there's been plenty of that since the tail-end of last season, we should be fine.

 

[Hansern]

Macca isn’t fit yet so he probably goes to the bench for this one. We need Szobo in midfield. Wirtz will start.

 

[Brizzle]

Wirtz has the potential to wipe the floor of Joelinton technically, but equally could be completely bullied out of the game. Its going to be a cracking match, but one we need to be on the front foot for. If we sit back I think we lose.

 

[Hansern]

Wirtz will start, no doubt.

 

[Glen C]

Macca isn’t fit yet so he probably goes to the bench for this one. We need Szobo in midfield. Wirtz will start.

He played over 70 mins against bournemouth and has 9 days rest before the next game. He'll definitely be starting against newcastle.

 

[mom]

4-5

 

[peterhague]

Fun fact: the last time we lost at St James's Park, Gini Wijnaldum scored - for Newcastle.

 

[Modo]

I think the lads will get their act together. They might get a goal from a set piece but we'll score at least two.

Either 1-2 or 0-2

 

[binomial]

4-5

In red cards?

 

[the count]

Fun fact: the last time we lost at St James's Park, Gini Wijnaldum scored - for Newcastle.

Nive to see you have completely erased Darwin Nunez from the memory