BBC’s Mark Lawrenson hasn’t in the past been too kind to Newcastle, and usually if he thinks Newcastle will lose a game, that’s taken as a good omen by Newcastle supporters.
Mark Lawrenson – Newcastle should be around top six
Well, would you believe it, but in his predictions for the weekend Premier League games, Mark seems even to have even praised the current Newcastle team, as he had this to say about the game on Monday night at Everton:
“This will be a good game. Both these teams will be up and around the top six come the end of the season.”
I know one or two Newcastle supporters have been highlighting the lack of signings but they have forgotten they have got some really good players there already.”
They have got a good team spirit and they attack teams. They have been really sensible in what they have been doing and are a real handful.”
You put all those Newcastle players up for sale and you look at the quality of clubs that come in for them.”
That’s almost a compliment about Newcastle by Mark, which is a little stunning, to say the least.
And more good news – his prediction is that Everton will win the game 2-1 – so that has to put us in with a good chance of winning. 
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64 responses so far ↓
1 Super Magpie // Sep 14, 2012 at 5:31 PM
Repost:
Ruddy
Frustrating isn’t it?
I don’t think any of us can understand why we play 4-4-2,but Pardew really needs to let go of his stubbornness, take the handcuffs off the players and let them play to their strengths.
2 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Sep 14, 2012 at 5:34 PM
Repost
Super Magpie
I agree with the premise, but Pardew sees some merits in 4-4-2, after all we got some great results last season playing 4-4-2. Most notably the spanking of Man U at home last season was a masterclass in how to play 4-4-2 properly.
But given how he says he wants to control the midfield then that would surely point to having a midfield three and bossing it from the centre which we haven’t seemed to do at all this season, but I am willing to wait and give AP a chance before criticising his tactical nous, he did win some sort of silly awards for being a half decent manager last season didn’t he?
3 Super Magpie // Sep 14, 2012 at 5:34 PM
Relegation is imminent.
Atleast he actually shows some us respect these days.
I’m pretty sure last year until around mid-April he had Wolves finishing above us in 9th in his overall table so far.
4 Super Magpie // Sep 14, 2012 at 5:38 PM
Ruddy
We’ll just have to wait and see Unfortunetly.
If a team isn’t playing well then you need to change the tactics.
Otherwise nothing changes and teams figure out how to play against you, which they have.
5 toonLYF // Sep 14, 2012 at 5:42 PM
so…if you had to choose one of our current players to score Newcastle’s 1000th goal, who would it be and why?
i would choose Shola Ameobi as the interview of him when he’s a young’n and is talking about the honour it would be for him to follow in Shearer’s footsteps wearing the number 9 is amazing, and almost teat inducing. Shola is going to be remembered in our hearts no matter what, but i’d like atleast some sort of statistic tribute for his stunning effort as a Newcastle United player.
6 Super Magpie // Sep 14, 2012 at 5:46 PM
ToonLYF
It would be fitting if Shola scored our 1,000th PL goal.
As long as he scores another two on Monday as well.
I think when he has his testimonial (which I’m pretty sure he will) he’ll get the number 9.
7 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Sep 14, 2012 at 5:52 PM
Of course Wor Shola will get a testimonial!
What a true club legend, love the fella, maybe not the most technically gifted player at the club but he has stuck with us, he could have moved on at any time in his career, much like Harps but they have devoted themselves as squad players, sacrificing personal ambitions for the good of the club. Have to salute that dedication.
Super Magpie
I think the silver fox has an idea or two up his sleeve, he isn’t as stubborn as some people think he is, he just knows more about football than all of us put together so I’d back him before any of us armchair managers haha
8 nufc7lad // Sep 14, 2012 at 5:53 PM
I’d rather have Loic Remy in our squad than Shola Ameobi. Head has the rule the heart
9 Ian Toon // Sep 14, 2012 at 5:56 PM
You fit the formation to players available and the opposition. I would be surprised if we don’t play with 5 in midfield. It’s now around a month after Ramadanand and Ba/ Cisse will be firing on all cylinders. I am sure Pardew will not go into the game on Monday fixated with 4-4-2. Jonas could well play a DM role . Of interest tonight is that Sammy is in the squad for the reserve game. Also present are Good and Campbell. But still no Abeid ! MaybeAbeid he has a part to play on Monday – Pardew did allude to an untested presence he just didn’t say when. There could well be a surprise or two in selection so if Campbell only plays part of the game tonight he also might have a part to play on Monday.
10 NUFC_LEAZES END // Sep 14, 2012 at 5:58 PM
It’s nice to hear a bit of praise coming from professionals, but I genuinely couldn’t give a fuck wen they slate us.
My team for everton would defintly have to be this.
Harper
Anita saylor. Perchinio. Santon
Cabaye bigi Jonas
HBA. Cisse Ba
Couldn’t giv a shit about playing Ba on the left, he does a alright job there, and this formation is ace.
11 FatmanJoe // Sep 14, 2012 at 6:00 PM
I hate how lawro and others say this like it’s a surprise. I don’t want a Mark of approval by the likes of him – he knows jack shit!
Makes me angry how these so called experts think they can swoop in with these headline hogging predictions like we should all be grateful.
Angry time over tho. It’s Friday and I have wine in my hand.
12 DaveD1000 // Sep 14, 2012 at 6:02 PM
Lawro what? we are doomed Pardew out
13 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Sep 14, 2012 at 6:05 PM
Nufc7lad
Well I think most of us would but sure we have to make do with the players we have and appreciate them for the contributions that they make to the side.
14 Super Magpie // Sep 14, 2012 at 6:06 PM
Ruddy
I don’t think all of us are saying we know better than pardew
). We just see what is better for the team…
( Actually some do
Most people on here come and discuss a topic and for once everyone actually agrees on something. I’m sure the people who come on here go to the matches. And the ones who can’t go; like yourself, atleast watch the games and see what’s working and what isn’t.
Maybe Pardew will see this when he is in the stand on Monday.
Actually, thinking about that. The ban is fair, but is pushing someone and getting fined £20,000 justifiable?
I know in football that’s nothing but it’s a bit over the top.
15 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Sep 14, 2012 at 6:11 PM
Super Magpie
Well in fairness, I don’t think Pardew would deliberately pick a formation worse for the team or a formation that would make it less likely to get a result due to his stubbornness.
I doubt that there are any fans who know what is better for the team given the fact that Pardew is the one who oversees training and is the one who knows more than any of us what works and what doesn’t and what formations suits what type of opponent so once more I am going to have to side with Pards on this one.
But as Pardew alluded to himself, being in the stand will give him a different perspective, maybe 4-4-2 just looks lovely from the sidelines and I am wrongly defending him haha!
16 Super Magpie // Sep 14, 2012 at 6:22 PM
Ruddy
I’m sure 4-5-1 would look even lovelier if we played 4-5-1.
Anyway I think we’ve more or less beaten the subject to death, I honestly can’t think of much more to say on it.
On a random note what is everyone’s predictions for the weekend? If there is anyone else here except me and Ruddy…
Arsenal 2-1 Southampton
Aston Villa 2-1 Swansea
Fulham 3-1 West Brom
Man U 4-1 Wigan
Norwich 1-1 West Ham
QPR 0-2 Chelsa
Stoke 1-2 Man City
Mackems 1-0 Bindippers
Reading 1-1 Spurs
17 jawballsaswallwell // Sep 14, 2012 at 6:29 PM
I read all sorts of punditry from lots of different sources, mainly about Newcastle, and the majority of it is pretty poorly informed. Lawro would be in the know about Liverpool and to a lesser degree Everton , but we’d all know heaps more about what’s going on at Newcastle than he would , same goes for the majority of football writers. He is right about the quality of the core of the 1st team, but that’s hardly any great insight.
18 toonLYF // Sep 14, 2012 at 6:31 PM
Arsenal 3-0 Southampton
Aston Villa 2-0 Swansea
Fulham 1-1 West Brom
Man U 2-0 Wigan
Norwich 0-1 West Ham
QPR 1-3 Chelsa
Stoke 1-2 Man City
Mackems 1-1 Liverpool
Reading 2-2 Spurs
Everton 1-2 Newcastle
19 geordiemacc // Sep 14, 2012 at 6:37 PM
Mark lawrenson knows more about being an estranged chuckle brother than he does about Newcastle. All of his punditry is highlighted with smug comments and sly digs. Ultimately all he ever does, is agree with Alan hansen and say the opposite to Alan shearer.
20 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Sep 14, 2012 at 6:40 PM
Right chaps, off to watch the thick of it, catch you folks later!
21 geordiemacc // Sep 14, 2012 at 6:50 PM
I also think shola should get the 1000th goal too. Granted he is far from being a prolific scorer but he is Newcastle through and through. He has bagged important goals when needed and never moaned about being a squad player. Aptly nicknamed “the mackem slayer” he gets my vote. Money can bring you talent in todays game but loyalty is rarer than rocking horse poo. And hes as loyal as they come.
22 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 14, 2012 at 7:07 PM
Ir could be an own goal for all I care
. As long as we get something out of the game I’ll be happy
23 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 14, 2012 at 7:08 PM
It rather
24 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 14, 2012 at 7:27 PM
Big Pappa…It seems your negative positivity has broken the blog
25 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 14, 2012 at 7:31 PM
@ Ibiza
Didn’t know there was such a thing as negative posetivity
. I would rather it was a Ben Arfa beat the whole team kind of goal like but you can’t be picky as an NUFC supporter 
26 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 14, 2012 at 7:37 PM
Big Pappa…Neither did I, thanks for the education
I demand brilliance from everyone or their heads will be placed on posts around SJP.
27 AMEOBI // Sep 14, 2012 at 7:47 PM
Why do people continue of previous threads? Its a different subject focus on the same page.. So annoying comments make no sense!!
28 leavemyarselona // Sep 14, 2012 at 7:50 PM
Areet ibiza hows ibiza haha.. Me and mate at work today have a discussion and got on about stevie harper what do you think of this apart from joe hart obviously england no1 now if harper put ambition instead of loyalty and played regular for another club do you think he would of been an england no 1
29 leavemyarselona // Sep 14, 2012 at 7:51 PM
Do you think he may look back on his career when retired and thinks i could of been no1 england keeper before joe hart
30 jimiley // Sep 14, 2012 at 7:58 PM
Pardew is manager of the year. Ashley is a business genius. We have not signed a few players because they believe we do not need them. Top 4 has to be a good bet.
31 Super Magpie // Sep 14, 2012 at 8:09 PM
AMEOBI
Is that a sly dig at me and Ruddy?
It’s a blog to discuss NUFC and Football, accompanied with the odd topic here and there.
Their is no rule that says you can’t discuss the same topic on the next thread. And if you look through I posted on the subject.
, then don’t read them.
So if my comments are ‘annoying’
We were simply having a conversation about NUFC. Atleast I’m not Kets who posts the most irrelevant stuff out of nowhere.
32 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 14, 2012 at 8:33 PM
@ Ameobi
Freedom of speech my friend, freedom of speech
33 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 14, 2012 at 8:58 PM
Leavemyarse….Whilst he is a good keeper, that is a real tough one to call as he’s never been able to show it consistently. I can’t think why not, since David Seaman only Joe Hart has really shown a command in between the England posts, so probably a good shout. Either way, he’s a decent bloke and has served us well, as a fan, I’m sure he’ll look back on his time with pride – I’d hope so anyway. I imagine he’ll become involved in a coaching role anyway and will continue to live NUFC for the remainder of his working days
Ameobi…I think it’s so we can continue whilst keeping up with any current topic. We tend to vary off topic anyway, does this bother you also? Should we only discuss what’s relevant to a particular article? Doubt that’ll happen anytime soon mate. What’s up, been a bad day?
Big Pappa….No. Just no.
34 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 14, 2012 at 9:11 PM
@ Ibiza
Awwww not fair. I wanna talk about Scharner some more
35 TimKrulFan // Sep 14, 2012 at 9:15 PM
So relegation it is then!
36 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 14, 2012 at 9:16 PM
Big Pappa….Fear not, Scharner discussions are mandatory and nothing to do with free speech. What would you like to discuss on the fine man?
1) With him in the team, how many games in to the season would it be before we were crowned champions?
2) Given his amazing clout, do you think we would be allowed straight in to the CL?
3) Would teams even bother turning up knowing they were facing the mighty Scharner?
4) How many goals would he score in his first season with us, 25, 35 or 50+?
Heck, let’s do them all….I never want it to end, even if he never comes to us….a man can dream
37 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 14, 2012 at 9:17 PM
TimKrul…Yep. But we’re going to win Monday, so not all bad
38 bollance // Sep 14, 2012 at 9:17 PM
U21 team lost 1-0 vs southampton at home. We did not score for a change. Good played centre back and captained the team.
39 weg // Sep 14, 2012 at 9:17 PM
Mark Lawrenson has been talking utter crap for at least 25 years! From his tripe on MOTD, through his codswallop on Football Focus, to his absolute drivel on live football! Even on pro evolution soccer you want to scream at him and his talking bollocks! (don’t imagine Lawro’s talking bollocks – its frightening!).
Lets take solace in the fact that his predictions for the Toon are not very accurate, and look forward to whipping the toffeemen come monday!
(And if he’s right, and they beat us…well, even a broken clock is right twice a day!)
40 leavemyarselona // Sep 14, 2012 at 9:18 PM
Ibiza have had the likes of scott carson rob green.. He may look back and wonder what coul have been.. I remember good few years back when harper used to play odd game he was very good stand in.. Also although given was tremendous shot stopper and saved us from conceeding numerous times he also gave away a fair few goals IMO due to lack of commandment of the box and to was often seen before kick off applying evo stick to his boots possibly the reason why he never came off his line haha but he was brilliant as i say shot stopper
41 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 14, 2012 at 9:22 PM
Leavemyarse….Shay could do no wrong in my eyes, but yes, I get your point. Now you mention Scott Carson Harper never stood a chance
Weg….Love that last line. Not very accurate is an understatement. I’d be interested to know how many results of ours he called right last season (not the exact score, but win, loss or draw).
Bollance….Who else played for us? Did you see it? How did Good do (besides the fact we lost
)
42 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 14, 2012 at 9:22 PM
@ Ibiza
Maybe how he could have been the first Austrian in space if he was not such a gifted footballer
43 bollance // Sep 14, 2012 at 9:22 PM
Spanish prince
I don’t share your optimism for Monday. Tough match. If we come away with anything it will be a bonus.
However, if I was a villa fan prior to playing us I would not have thought anything other then nufc winning so not everything follows the form book. By all accounts villa played a very good game against us and nullified our attack. Lambert got it spot on.
44 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 14, 2012 at 9:28 PM
Bollance…..I was only commenting on the back of Lawro’s prediction for us to lose
It will be a tough game and one of the hardest games to call. Very even teams imo, both with the capability to win and both with the capability to completely underwhelm. If we show up, like we know we can, then I have no reason to think we can’t get what’s needed. I would be delighted with a draw mind. Actually, as always, whilst I always want a win, if the lads play their hearts out then I’ll always be on side – it is all we can ask for at the end of the day – to play with heart and pride.
Big Pappa….He’s so good he could become the first space footballer – hmmm….I thought we had covered ridiculous before, but feel I may have pushed it a step too far
45 bollance // Sep 14, 2012 at 9:34 PM
Spanish prince
Did not see the game. Just picked up the snipits from lee Ryder.
Campbell and jj hooper upfront – worked hard and had shots on target.
Inman who if u follow 2nd team scores a lot from right wing. Not sure if he will play for Australia or Scotland. Think he has played for both at u21. He should go out on loan and play first team. Obertan will play all cup games this season on right wing.
Sami played full 90 mins and ran lots.. Apparently
Think Nicholson played centre back with good. Nicholson is a tall right back who also plays for wales u19s. No satka today
Alnwick and Richardson the only other players of note.
Only Sami has any chance of 1st action this season. Campbell seems to be being fast tracked but even then his chances will be limited to minutes off the bench at best.
46 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 14, 2012 at 9:38 PM
Bollance…Thanks for that. Can’t say I follow the reserves that closely, but try to take in updates as much as possible, they are our future after all, more so now than ever.
Leavemyarse….Have to ask, where does the name come from? Bad experiences in the past?
47 leavemyarselona // Sep 14, 2012 at 9:40 PM
Ibiza i agree id be over happy with a draw i have alot of respect for everton as a football club you have to admire them.. Very tough game we need to show up if we dont they will punish.. IMO people maybe disagree but i think it was good for the club cahill leaving he was main man decent play and team could i say played to him now new blood is in and are all performing .. Quality club if u ask me if they had the money liverpool have spent they would have been up there at the top of the tree
48 Thump // Sep 14, 2012 at 9:40 PM
I wasn’t expecting a result against Everton but Lawro just hammered in the final nail. Bugger
49 jesperfuglsang // Sep 14, 2012 at 9:44 PM
Príncipe de ibiza…I forgot to ask you earlier if you are living out of your office now that you have whored your casa out?
50 bollance // Sep 14, 2012 at 9:44 PM
Ibiza
Sorry, a bit slow on that one. Lawrenson’s record at predicting our results was shocking. He got it right about once all season.
It would appear the plan is get players to come through in the next season or two. We sold best and let loverman go, exciled xisco and ranger and allowed Shola to remain injured which meant the door is open for one of the following – Campbell, vuckic or Sami.
Pardew basically said today that not signing defensive cover has allowed tav and possibly streete to come through quicker.
I am happy with bringing youth through but it is a difficult game. Look at arsenal. They have persisted and it takes time for these player to come good. Winning games is sacrificed as a result.
But, I believe the euro and other cup games will give the youngsters this time to improve and learn an hopefully not mean we sacrifice losing.
Pardew has a tough task this season. I for one will stick by him. Manager of the season last year for a reason.
51 leavemyarselona // Sep 14, 2012 at 9:45 PM
Barcelona leavemyarselona some how that sprung up .. Haha u like it
52 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 14, 2012 at 9:52 PM
I just hope the Everton game will not turn out like the QPR monday night game last season. We got battered all game and were lucky to get a point. Would happily take a point now like, I just hope we give a good account of ourselves
53 bollance // Sep 14, 2012 at 9:54 PM
Read a clip from Rooney on saf ‘hairdryer’. Rooney said some players never recovered from getting the hairdryer. Been thinking all day obertan was one of the players to never recover.
If we had a bigger squad I would send obertan back to ligue 1 on loan. That is where he starred for bordeaux I think before man u picked him up. Hopefully he will have played lots of 1st team football. Starred and come back with confidence.
54 bollance // Sep 14, 2012 at 9:55 PM
Big pappa
If we get a point I will be happy
55 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 14, 2012 at 9:57 PM
Jesper….Well, my office is generally at home…so no
Moving to an apartment in the delightful San Antonio – deep joy 
Bollance…Don’t worry, you’re still not as slow as Lawro. Bit of a shame about his recent comments, are we going to have to warm to him? Yuck.
That for me is why we can’t get too hopeful of success in the cups this season, which isn’t meant to sound negative (in case anyone thought I just had a personality change – you should be so lucky). It is a great opportunity for these lads to make a name for themselves and become the signings we “need” for the future. If we don’t play them, it will never happen. I get what people say along the lines of “Yes, but when they’re ready and not all at once”. However, I don’t think it’s quite like we’ll be fielding 11 reserve team players in any game (although If injuries continue to pile up as they are, there may be one or two), there will be a mix and this can only benefit us down the line and possibly even this season?!?!
Leavemyarse….Nice work mate, impressed
56 hebmag // Sep 14, 2012 at 9:58 PM
Bollance, I think you are right about obertan never recovering from the SAF hair dryer, he hasnt a hair left.
57 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 14, 2012 at 10:00 PM
On Obertan…He seems to have regained some confidence. I was so proud to be a toon fan during the EL qualifiers, you could hear the fans cheering him on and he loved it. That, for me, is a big part of what football is about. Brilliant stuff. Think he can help us out this season, not to Benny standards, but we can’t go comparing players to him all the time or no one will be good enough for the black and white stripes.
58 leavemyarselona // Sep 14, 2012 at 10:12 PM
Ibiza obertan frustrates people so much for the simple reason he doesnt effectively use his strengths in the game i think the no confidence gets thrown in far to often in cases why is he low in confidence he shouldnt be
59 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 14, 2012 at 10:18 PM
Looking like squidward isn’t going to help with confidence issues is it?
60 AMEOBI // Sep 14, 2012 at 10:21 PM
Sorry for late reply, yes freedom of speech lol was that meant to be that funny?
But I’m ready to see what people think of the post and nothing is related to it but hey I’ll just pretend I know what you’re talking about hah.
Thankfully its not Kets lol.
Ed just to say I appreciate what you do for us guys, thanks
61 hebmag // Sep 14, 2012 at 10:22 PM
Obertan has the pace, skill and crossing ability as individual components. If he can combine all 3 then he can be a great asset. He just needs more self-confidence and Im sure a combination of steve stone (who was no world beater but effective) and alan pardew will get the best out of him.
62 bollance // Sep 14, 2012 at 10:24 PM
Spanish prince
Pards has always tried to bring through players at other clubs. I would argue he is under more pressure now – poor guy.
He needs results as it would appear that iron mike expects us to do better this season and the fans (most people on this blog) expect us to be winning nearly every game.
I still can’t get me head around people being disappointed at the Chelsea result..
Does anyone think football would improve by allowing teams to have a second or B team in the football league like in Spain?
In my opinion it bridges the gap between 1st team football and development squad.
What impact would this have on the football league?
63 hebmag // Sep 14, 2012 at 11:19 PM
Bollance, most half empty folk on here moan that we dont have a strong enough first team squad and you are talking b teams?
64 matt11_25 // Sep 14, 2012 at 11:35 PM
GET RYAN TAYLOR IN THE BANNER
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