I know it's a little early to term this a "must win", but if we want to see a similar finish in the table as last season it's either start making hay now, or win Europa or the FA Cup to return to Europe next year. With a loss the scum go ahead of us with a game in hand. Our offense is anemic and our defense is pourous. Quite frankly we're probably five spots further up the table than how we've played. Having said all that, one of the all-time classics: Thx, Jay!
Hopefully Krul, Salyor and Colo are back, we looked terrible off set pieces against Man Yoo. Fletcher will need to be watched closely, and I hope we start playing well. Last year this game got us up and running so hopefully the same thing happens again. On my command unleash Shola. Howay the lads!
Line Up: Newcastle United (4-4-2): Tim Krul; Danny Simpson, Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini (c), Davide Santon; Hatem Ben Arfa, Yohan Cabaye, Cheick Tiote, Jonas Gutierrez; Shola Ameobi, Demba Ba Subs: Steve Harper, Shane Ferguson, James Perch, Steven Taylor, Vurnon Anita, Gabriel Obertan, Papiss Cisse Don't understand Saylor on the bench. And I think it's been proven that Anita is our best RB yet he keeps starting on the bench. Would rather have Santon @ RB, Jonas @ LB, and Fergie @ LM if no Anita either.
Them: Mignolet, Gardner, Rose, O'Shea, Cuellar, Colback, Larsson, Johnson, McClean, Sessegnon, Fletcher. Bench: Bardsley, Campbell, Kilgallon, Vaughan, Meyler, Saha, Westwood.
It's like Mad Men vs The Sopranos on the side lines with Pardew in his suit and O'Neil in a track suit.
Not going to argue Tiote's red, but agree with Shola going ballistic on Larsson not getting even a card for the studs into Shola's chest.
If not today, then when? Tiote's been good for it this season. He opened the door with the late challenge and Atkinson delivered. Maybe this'll calm his game down a little.
Larsson gets nothing for putting a boot in Shola's throat and Cheick gets sent off for a mistimed kick. If no other reason THAT is why Tiote's challenge isn't a red (not that I thought it was a red anyway, the speed made it look way worse than it was).
It's a derby red. Also, I wouldn't be too optimistic, but I could see it being overturned, based solely on the foul. The play leading up to the foul might further the case for reckless play.
The freekick was already given right? Then Fletcher plows into Tiote who overreacts. Looked like a yellow for Tiote and a warning for Fletcher.
WTH!?!?!?!?!? Perch over Anita!?!? I understand Shola coming off because of the yellow, but Perch over Anita. Don't agree with that choice at all.