oman43

Due to living in Newcastle, I have been to a few of their games this season, including Wednesday's loss to Sheffield Wednesday. Whilst not been their 100% first team (Mitrovic is back for Saturday and he can't be worse than de Jong trust me!!!), it was a team which included lots of the players who will start on Saturday. Having been to the last 2 seasons away games at Newcastle (2 loses) I am reserved to say this, but I cannot say how bad Newcastle were on Wednesday. Anita is the least physical player I have ever seen and everything attempted to go through him, any pressure and he is woeful. They held the ball well between their back 4 (due to no pressing game whatsoever from Sheff) but in terms of making any sort of attempt to move the ball forward, they were terrible! Florian Thauvin / Wijnaldum are nothing to be scared of at all and their left back Haidara I have no idea how he is a professional footballer (think he is doubt though, so Mbemba may move to Left Back, he cannot deliver and he shot for a throw in on Wed night, but is decently athletic). Although its a bogey ground for us, if in the first 10 mins Newcastle give the the ball away and we start bright, THE FANS WILL TURN ON THEN. I have never seen an atmosphere like it when the players are forced to clap the fans by McClaren and the fans been openly abusive at the players, no booing but open verbal abuse!! Newcastle were on a decent run when they beat us last year, but without been too confident, it should be a formality.

Good job we have Costa and Hazard then. You can look too much into stats. Hes still 25 and also the BPL is so different to them leagues.

Yes, because of his playing style. The point being is that there is potential for change in the balance of his work rate if the team organisation allows for it. Its simple, if he is in the opposition half more and not tracking back with such dedication , then his stats would be better. I appreciate his tracking back last season was required but hopefully season it will be required less.

Hit the nail right on the head! He has an agenda against him, so everyone alters their perception on everything he does.

Judging from pre season Fabregas has been running the show - everything has gone through him. Granted the other key players haven't been present so this will obviously have an affect. I agree it will take time, but his experience and ability should mean it won't take too long

I thought Willian was one of our most consistent players last season. That was consistently adequate. I really like Willian, he's one of my favourite players, mainly because of his engine (similar to Rammy). MrBlueGuy got it spot on though - Willian stats have suffered because of his dedication to the team - something Hazard gets away with because he's Hazard. He is vital to the team too as he can play both centrally and on the right, something Oscar isn't blessed with. Plus JM and any right back loves him, and quite rightly.

Salah has looked strong in pre season thus far. Now that the world cup boys are back I can't see him forcing himself into the "go to guy" coming off the bench. Should be given a chance though when the times right. Every player suffers a dip in form at some point - Oscar's sexond half of the season IMO was very poor and even eden went cold at points, maybe this could be the season Salah has an influence. Maybe.

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Yes the timing of suspensions could be a problem. But I would much rather see his agressive style of play. It gets not only him going but the crowd and players too. Hes a defenders nightmare - he started on JT for god sake!

Finally got my shirt. Had to wait ages for them to come into a high street store (apart from the megastore). Still not entirely sure if the away is even in Sports Direct yet? I wouldn't buy the yellow one for me to wear but on the pitch it looks great, reminds me of the Ballack days.

Agree with you on the league. Has to be our year! Even if this is to the detriment to our cup performances. Expext a decent run in Champions League but think quarters will be our time. Bold call would be Willian 15+ for the season.

Erm..... 6-1 actually! When your trying to make a point, don't fuck it up.

With this game on Saturday it doesn't give us much rest or preparation time. Oscar should be ready to go with schurrle playing tonight. Won't be an easy game, but we could do to score more then 1 goal to get confidence sky high again.

Yes plenty, tit!

In fairness to Azpil he has been superb recently and the whole of the season in fairness! Yes, if Cole is leaving the club, we will need one but Azpil is not a weak link.