Closed Newcastle v Chelsea

[CHOULO19 24,332]

The danger with Newcastle lies in how physical they are, especially their midfield. Very strong, and quick as well. They've shown in flashes this season that they can completely bully teams at times and they seem to have a knack of raising their game against top opposition.

That said, their defense looks very unconvincing to say the least. I honest half expect a crazy match similar to the 6-3 at Goodison.

[Styles 9,790]

The danger with Newcastle lies in how physical they are, especially their midfield. Very strong, and quick as well. They've shown in flashes this season that they can completely bully teams at times and they seem to have a knack of raising their game against top opposition.

That said, their defense looks very unconvincing to say the least. I honest half expect a crazy match similar to the 6-3 at Goodison.

Yep, it's going to be a very physical game which is why Matic is going to be a big miss. An early goal is vital in games like this, their entire game-plan goes out the window and they have to open up. We can't afford to have a slow start otherwise we'll end up dropping points imo.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Yep, it's going to be a very physical game which is why Matic is going to be a big miss. An early goal is vital in games like this, their entire game-plan goes out the window and they have to open up. We can't afford to have a slow start otherwise we'll end up dropping points imo.

Excatly why I'd like to see all three of Mikel, Rami and Cesc start. Give Oscar a rest.

[RoyalBlues 4,050]

Newcastle are in under perform at the moment. But expected them to have a life or death match against us as usual as other mid table teams. Sigh.

[DavidEU 2,023]

If they're both available I wouldn't be surprised if Oscar drops out and Mikel and Ramires both play in a three with Cesc. Can't see that being a particularly popular selection. But would allow Mikel to shield, and then the legs of Ramires or the vision of Cesc to alternate within our attacks - whilst at all times remaining defensively stable. Almost like two men to do the job of Matic.

I'll go and hide and await the negative responses now.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

If they're both available I wouldn't be surprised if Oscar drops out and Mikel and Ramires both play in a three with Cesc. Can't see that being a particularly popular selection. But would allow Mikel to shield, and then the legs of Ramires or the vision of Cesc to alternate within our attacks - whilst at all times remaining defensively stable. Almost like two men to do the job of Matic.

I'll go and hide and await the negative responses now.

Don't that would be unpopular. Seen many suggest and agree with that already.

But of course, all this is built on the assumption that Rami is fit and available. If not, then we'll really have only one choice.

[DavidEU 2,023]

Don't that would be unpopular. Seen many suggest and agree with that already.

But of course, all this is built on the assumption that Rami is fit and available. If not, then we'll really have only one choice.

Maybe we should set the negativity on here about Mikel at an all time high so that when he actually plays quite well, he gets a little bit of appreciation. Granted he's no Matic, but there are far worse players out there!

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Maybe we should set the negativity on here about Mikel at an all time high so that when he actually plays quite well, he gets a little bit of appreciation. Granted he's no Matic, but there are far worse players out there!

Alright, I'll start:

Oh shit! No Matic??? If Mikel starts we will lose

[Tomo 21,741]

We have some nasty away games coming up, I said since we went 5 ahead of City that we need to atleast remain that much ahead of them else things get tense, 5 ahead in new year and ill be delighted, especially with City due at The Bridge.

[RoyalBlues 4,050]

Mikel will start? we're dooooomed

[iseah100 5,612]

Mikel SHOULD start.

[Laylabelle 9,434]

Every game a cup final....urgh hate this fixture still Jose gotta win there at somepoint

[RoyalBlues 4,050]

City will play Everton and you never know. #agentLukaku.

I'm done with counting on other teams to hold City.

[Atlas Lion 1,223]

Mikel with the winner.

[DavidEU 2,023]

Mikel was actually starting to get a little bit more popular this time last year. Got a couple of goals, played a lot at a decent level, even captained the side at Derby for a bit.

And then Matic signed and blew him out of the water.

[Nike 373]

why did newcastle loan out ben arfa?

[MichaelDance 552]

I'm done with counting on other teams to hold City.

Agreed haha we thought Sunderland would have parked the bus like they did with us until the last minute when they up'd their game and attacked and attacked.

I hope Mikel does start, he's still a good player but he's not as good as some, Drogba should probably go on later on if we are 2-0 up. I'm hoping for a 4-0 or 3-0, we've done that before but that was in 2004. 10 years on would be class.

[DavidEU 2,023]

I'm hoping for a 4-0 or 3-0, we've done that before but that was in 2004. 10 years on would be class.

Other than under AVB, I don't remember us winning anywhere near that comfortably at SJP. We actually lost there in 2004. Or do you mean at home?