It was good news from Rafa today in his press conference that Ciaran Clark is in full training with the first team squad and hopefully the Irish International can start against Preston on Monday night and help to keep the back door bolted.
Twice in the last 7 games we have conceded three goals and in those games we have conceded a total of 10 goals – far too many.
That’s an areas Rafa will want to improve over the final three games of the season after we have gained a measly one point in our previous three games.
That has put self inflicted pressure on the team.
Rafa Benitez – Newcastle manager
Here’s a team that could be strong at the back and if we play near our best form we can win the game against the Lilywhites.
Darlow
Yedlin Lascelles (c) Clark Dummett
Shelvey Hayden
Ritchie Perez Gouffran
Murphy
Daryl Murphy has shown that when he is played he can score goals why we have him up front in preference to Mitro.
A possible change could be Mo Diame in the number 10 position but Ayoze can score goals when you least expect him too – Monday night could be that time.
There’s room for some heroes at Newcastle – players who for instance can score the goals to propel us back to the Premier League.
Somebody needs to take that chance for glory.
What would your team be for Preston?
130 comments so far
Jib
Apr 21, 2017 at 4:10 PM
Comment #1In the last few matches when we conceded and wobbled – it coincided with Colback’s exclusion – significant or not ?
Clematis
Apr 21, 2017 at 4:30 PM
Comment #2Jib, do you not mean inclusion? For example Hayden went off at Leeds and Colback was instrumental in their equaliser?
ronaldo aarons
Apr 21, 2017 at 4:31 PM
Comment #3Mitro should start against Preston. We’ve played them twice already and he’s scored twice on both occasions.
ronaldo aarons
Apr 21, 2017 at 4:43 PM
Comment #4We’re supposedly favourites for tammy Abraham. Good player with potential but needs to keep getting games. We only play one upfront so it’s unlikely he’d get that with us in the premier league. Don’t want to loan him either so I think this transfer is a no go. Should get charly Musonda from Chelsea, slot him perfectly on the left. Future star for anyone that’s seen or followed him plus he’s not going to get a chance for Chelsea.
Mister Tuff
Apr 21, 2017 at 4:50 PM
Comment #5Are we the mystery club that bid £10 million for Abrahams in January – I wonder.
WWSBRD
Apr 21, 2017 at 4:53 PM
Comment #6Tuff
As Ashley freed up no money in January I can confidently say we werent
Mister Tuff
Apr 21, 2017 at 4:53 PM
Comment #7Ah – Chronicle say it was a PL side that bid for him. So obviously not us.
Mister Tuff
Apr 21, 2017 at 4:55 PM
Comment #8WW – noted. Definitely looks half decent though.
Jib
Apr 21, 2017 at 4:56 PM
Comment #9Clematis
In the 283 minutes of football that resulted in a 3 -1 defeat to Ipswich 2-1 defeat to Sheff Wed and 1-1 draw with Leeds , Colback was on for 16 minutes of the drawn game.
I certainly did not mean inclusion.
btw
the Leeds goal was a combination of Hernandez , Roofe and Wood and had nowt to do with Jack at all
Do you go on scouting trips to Barnsley and Coventry with Mr Tuff ?
WWSBRD
Apr 21, 2017 at 4:57 PM
Comment #10Tuff
Aye Id not turn him away but from what I can gather hes likely to remain at Chelsea
Mister Tuff
Apr 21, 2017 at 4:59 PM
Comment #11See Mr Tubbs is splashing the cash – buying out the debt of a couple of US Store Chains to the tune of 101 million dollars. Now has 50 shops there.
Mister Tuff
Apr 21, 2017 at 5:03 PM
Comment #12Woah – Jib re-appeared today and already has had a couple of pokes.
Jibberish is back from Spain a euphemism for “early realise due to overcrowding.”
Mister Tuff
Apr 21, 2017 at 5:04 PM
Comment #13realise = release.
Clematis
Apr 21, 2017 at 5:04 PM
Comment #14Jib @ 9:
No, i don’t go on these apparent scouting trips. Nor, do I sit and wiki/google stats to prove a point.
However, unlike you, I AM a season ticket holder and can speak from actual first hand experience.
Jib
Apr 21, 2017 at 5:11 PM
Comment #15Mister Tuff
I see your hero Adam Johnson has just guaranteed himself no early release.
Mister Tuff
Apr 21, 2017 at 5:18 PM
Comment #16Jib Jibberish how is Johnson a hero of mine. Please explain.
Bobbybee
Apr 21, 2017 at 6:08 PM
Comment #17Tuff. Read what I said. I said ‘A Bristol City fan said etc’. He was on the radio you Clown! You know, football phone is? They do those you know? For football fans. Sorry.
I know where South is from here, but Barnsley is not in the south is it. Does it matter? Over the last few seasons, Fulham have probably had a better attendance, being in the PL, but is it crucial? We’re talking about LIES. Big whoppers to try and impress people who don’t even know you. How sad is that? Hibbett, Blackers, James, Clem, etc who do go, or those who would go if they lived up here like Shirebrook etc; if they said it I would believe it. But you don’t do football. You live up here and don’t go. Why would you go and Scout Arma ffs. You don’t like him and you just proved it. You don’t like him because I do, that’s the really sad part about it. I remember you getting really excited and accusing me of attacking you for EXACTLY that reason. If you lie, you need a good memory. And be careful, Jib has a great knack of digging up these things pretty quickly. Look, you called people armchair experts when nobody is a bigger armchair fan than you. You then tried to cover it with a whopper of a lie and you have embarrassed yourself beyond belief. I doubt anybody believes you but are too polite to say so. But after your regular attacks on me – blibby blob by
Lindisfarne
Apr 21, 2017 at 6:08 PM
Comment #18Looking forward to see who Rafa plays on Monday and an improvement in our style of play. Whilst we won as a team, admittedly with Gayle and Shelvey standing out, we also lose as a team and individuals can not be solely responsible.
The team needs strengthening in the summer, whichever league we are in, with players more suitable to the style in which Rafa wants to play. A central / defensive midfilder and creative / #10 are definitely required, plus a winger. Any additional players are likely to due to good contractual opportunities. Where as with out going players, I imagine a lot of water will pass under the bridge before we know where we are.
Bobbybee
Apr 21, 2017 at 6:13 PM
Comment #19Arrgh, touched submit. Blibby blobby being one of your more adult attacks, I won’t resist. You are a fibber. Pinocchio. Walter Mitty. Billy Liar. Lmao. Priceless. Lying on a blog where nobody knows each other. Oh God, how sad is that? Then getting it wrong about the Bristol City fan in a lame attempt to save face. Really, I shouldn’t have a battle of wits with such an unarmed man, it’s bordering on bullying, so unless you wish to carry it on, I’ll call it quits. You can’t rescue this Tuff, honestly, quit now. Humiliation is complete. Call it a day.
sing in the corner
Apr 21, 2017 at 6:19 PM
Comment #20Bobby
Are you just humouring Tuff or don’t you actually know he is purely on the wind up mate?
Also noticed you taking Welshtroll9 at face value yesterday! It’s those cakes, I’ll wager 🙂
Bobbybee
Apr 21, 2017 at 6:22 PM
Comment #21Lindisfarne, great news that Clark is fit. He must start Monday night. Can’t afford to bring him in slowly either, he needs to start.
Wouldn’t worry too much about next season either. The PL is more Rafa’s forte and he knows what it takes. We’ll see the best of him next season I reckon. This was just purely about promotion, nothing else and regardless of what people think about his tactics, he built a team to play the way he thought would get us up and he has. We won’t fail now imo. It could still happen, but it won’t.
Lindisfarne
Apr 21, 2017 at 6:23 PM
Comment #22Bobbybee
We actually only have your words to go on, that you are a ‘real’ supporter and although plentiful, are in the end one of many opinions that are presented on this blog. Trying to justify your own opinion by discrediting others is not actually very productive.
I enjoy seeing someone trip up and have called Mister Tuff Titty out on another occasion. But some issues do not bare prolonged exposure, just the occasional revisit for humours sake.
Jail for Ashley
Apr 21, 2017 at 6:24 PM
Comment #23Someone take a chill pill man!1 Or is it the chill pills that cause it?
Bobbybee
Apr 21, 2017 at 6:25 PM
Comment #24Tuff ain’t bright enough mate. He said what he said and then tried to defend it. He still is. Porky pie teller. Fantasy land. Clown Prince of the blog. He wanted people to believe he went and watched Arma and now regrets his lies. No cop out sing. He’s a mug.
LewSpi v2.0
Apr 21, 2017 at 6:31 PM
Comment #25England have some cracking up and coming young attackers mind.
Tammy Abraham
Adam Armstrong
Demari Gray
Marcus rashford
Josh Onomah
Dominic Solanke
Furthers bright. Wouldn’t mind Rafa grabbing one or even two more.
Bobbybee
Apr 21, 2017 at 6:32 PM
Comment #26He’s carrying it on, why should I stop? I’m loving it. It’s hilarious. He loves attacking people. Most of his posts are a dig at someone. You only have my word? You have my observations as well, which kinda destroys that argument. Would I care anyway? Jail, shut up eh? We have to put up with your continuous attacks on Welshie etc, who are you to talk? What’s good for the goose etc. If he drops it, as I say, I’ll drop it, but this is classic and he deserves what he’s had. You argue all the time in here and usually about nothing. At least this is funny. He gives it, he takes it. It’s life.
sing in the corner
Apr 21, 2017 at 6:33 PM
Comment #27I agree it’s time to wheel out the big guns on Monday night. No more fretting over match fitness and saving anyone in case they aggravate lurking knocks.
It all comes down to the Preston game. Let’s smash em, get it done then we can look forward to next season.
Mind you, if Brighton slip up tonight.. Long shot but still possible..?
jimnufc
Apr 21, 2017 at 6:37 PM
Comment #28Darlow
Yedlin mbemba Clark Dummett
Shelvey Hayden
Ritchie Perez Gouffran
Mitrovi?
Bobbybee
Apr 21, 2017 at 6:39 PM
Comment #29Anyway lindy, I changed the subject talking about Monday night. You brought it back to Pinocchio 🙂 As I was saying, are you concerned about next season under Rafa? Do you worry he won’t sign quality players? Big leagues are where he’s successful matey, we’ll be fine next season.
Jib
Apr 21, 2017 at 6:42 PM
Comment #30sing in the corner
You still thinking about winning the League ?
Brighton will play without any pressure – I expect them to murder Norwich , Bristol and Villa.
tonynufc
Apr 21, 2017 at 6:43 PM
Comment #31Really think we can clinch promotion on Monday. I think we are doing well in this league when u consider the teams around us. Brighton have a team that has played together in this league for at least a season. They know this league very well and also have a manager who knows how to win promotion. All other teams around us are good teams who also know the league very well. Look at the other 2 teams that came down. Norwich and villa. both teams who at start of season were expected to be around the top 5. Only team that is living up to prediction is us. HWTL.
Bobbybee
Apr 21, 2017 at 6:44 PM
Comment #32Sing, Aye, gonna watch the Brighton game tonight myself. It is a forlorn hope really, but if they do slip up, we need to be there to take advantage. Just can’t see it matey, but ye never know. Would make it exciting if they did mind you. If they lost tonight and we won Monday night, the pressure would automatically pile onto them. Be very interesting.
JamesToon
Apr 21, 2017 at 6:44 PM
Comment #33Bobbybee
Definitely expect rafa to make 6-7 signings, with quality, some might be bargains from European leagues but he’ll want at least 4/5/6 premier league proven players.
Wouldn’t be surprised to see him keep the likes of Colback Dummett and Anita, as they do all give 100%, you don’t want to take away the work ethic from a squad as that’s the reason why we went down (and bad management)
Mister Tuff
Apr 21, 2017 at 6:45 PM
Comment #34blibby – you blew up into a volcanic eruption when someone accused you of lying some time ago – but it is ok for you to accuse someone of lying. Double standards/hypocrisy matey.
Your tactics of abusively and nastily shouting down others when you get the lip on is unfortunately commonplace on here now.
You are certainly worth a laugh because of
1) your petulance
2) your ignorance.
Booohoooo, boooohoooo Tuff doesn’t like Arma because I do. Boohooo, boohooo.
Man even I cannot argue against shyte like that.
You need to get your 3D specs strapped on ya mug for tonights match, and get the armchair ready.
JamesToon
Apr 21, 2017 at 6:46 PM
Comment #35What do people think is gonna happen with lazaar? Hardly played this season, is rafa gonna use him as starting left back in the premier league as he offers a bit more going forward? But if that’s the case why didn’t he play this season? Will he be used on the wing or simply just moved on
sing in the corner
Apr 21, 2017 at 6:48 PM
Comment #36Jib
Can’t help it, while its still possible 🙂
Honestly, I can believe they might draw 2..
I’m less confident we can win 3 in a row on our current form though. But a confidence boosting win and performance by us on Monday, if they don’t win tonight…?
It would be great to secure promotion, then take it to the last game with a chance!
Dream on?!
Lindisfarne
Apr 21, 2017 at 6:50 PM
Comment #37B-bee
I worry about the style of play at the moment, but as the man says “one game at a time”. There are a few fingers in the pie when it comes to transfers and, through experience, Rafa had learnt to use his own smoke n mirrors. It is no good trying to predict what will happen at Nufc, my first acknowledgement of that fact was selling Andy Cole.
Bobbybee
Apr 21, 2017 at 6:50 PM
Comment #38Bang on Tony. Listening to some on here you’d think we were getting relegated. 🙂 Been a great season imo. Having had to watch dross for the last few seasons, watching us win has been a nice change mate. Promotion was the aim and we’ve all but got it. Should be a good atmosphere on Monday night at SJP I think. Can’t wait myself. Be nice to get a big win, but like always I’ll settle for the points.
Jib
Apr 21, 2017 at 6:55 PM
Comment #39sing in the corner
SJP should have 52,000 of youse
Bobbybee
Apr 21, 2017 at 6:58 PM
Comment #40Crikey Lindy, it’s been worse than Cole over the years mate! We’ve sold all our good players lol. Supermac broke my heart. From there it went downhill rapidly! 🙂 At least when we sold Cole we replaced him with quality.
Our style hadn’t bothered me one bit. Yes, I love to see us attack all out and batter teams, but you only needed to look at the squad to know it was going to be different. For me, promotion was first and foremost. Winning the league second and style wherever. Getting out of this league is an achievement imo, not everybody does it first time. Ask Norwich and Villa! 🙂 He’s very pragmatic is Rafa. He knew what he wanted to do and did it his way. I can’t knock it. Getting up is all I cared about and happily, it’s looking good.