Rafa Benitez has just released team news and the starting Newcastle team to play at home to Arsenal this afternoon and once again it’s an unchanged team.
So Islam Slimani has not forced his way into the starting lin-up but it’s almost certain we see him get some playing time today – but Dwight Gayle must be doing well in training to keep his place.
If we can win the game we will remain in 10th place in the league table but be only one point behind 9th placed Everton with a game in hand – and we play at Goodison Park a week tomorrow night.
TEAM NEWS: Here’s how Newcastle United will line up against @Arsenal at @StJamesParkNE1 today.
Rafa Benítez has named an unchanged side. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/L0JUz96lij
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) April 15, 2018
Islam Slimani – on bench
Arsenal had not had a good season and we have a decent chance to get our first win against Arsenal since November 2010 and also seal our safety in the division.
If that happens a celebration will be in order.
Three fans in five think we can get all 3 points today.
Howay The Lads!!
Comments welcome.
291 comments so far
Hail Wor Ashley
Apr 15, 2018 at 3:35 PM
Comment #281only slight criticism of Slimani, don’t know if it’s instruction, but i doubt it – seen Shelvey gesturing at him a few times to get back behind the ball into formation and he never, where Gayle and Perez now do it automatically.
Probably a mix of not understanding the role – it’s taken a few of them a while and those that have adapted are now first choices – and an eagerness to make an impact going forward, which he certainly did.
Definitely gives us something new and another 30mins under his belt on the way to being fully fit.
Hail Wor Ashley
Apr 15, 2018 at 3:36 PM
Comment #282Yeah, we’re genuinely in the battle for 8th now and Fat Sham’s hippo heed up next.
AncientC
Apr 15, 2018 at 3:36 PM
Comment #283Even if we get a draw against Everton, we have a game in hand, so…
Rotonda heights
Apr 15, 2018 at 3:36 PM
Comment #284How pathetically dumb, stupid and ignorant do the likes of Catchy, the over rated Frenchman and and others look now.
Nostradamus the Geordie
Apr 15, 2018 at 3:37 PM
Comment #285Ok,Ok. I give up, that little Spanish fly doing the business again. Don’t get me wrong he does lose the ball a ton but I have nothing now. That goal was well taken and top draw, reminded me of Sir Al nipping in front of a defender and scoring. Diame, I’m happy that we kept him this season, talk about being up there for player of the season. Well Rafa, lets get cracking, lets get Kenedy and Dubs signed up asap, we need a right back and 100% a out and out striker, I think Slimani’s price may be a little high for the club as Leicester want to get back most of there 30 Mill.
Howay the Toon.
Pottsclock
Apr 15, 2018 at 3:37 PM
Comment #286Hahahaha Rotunda !! Exactly
JP...from The Rock
Apr 15, 2018 at 3:39 PM
Comment #287What a terrific win that was for another precious 3 points that has surely guaranteed another season in the Premier League!
So chuffed that we finally achieved it and in style against our bogey team Arsenal! 4 wins on the bounce and against tough opposition. Looking upwards instead of over our shoulder.
Where’s the number of that sculptor I think ones in order now.
Take a bow Rafa and the players, all this with the youngest team in the Prem.
Brilliant achievement! Give that man a 20 year contract Ashley!
HWTL!!
Munster Mag
Apr 15, 2018 at 3:42 PM
Comment #288Maybe some concerns re Lejeune who can fall asleep. Slimani knows how to get it done but lacks the speed that I think Rafa will want up front. He didn’t close down as fast as Rafa will want either. Wonder if we cud get two strikers and forget the Perez replacement. Wonder what Dembele wud cost from cultic? Brill win, diame class and Ritchie doesn’t stop
cyprus
Apr 15, 2018 at 3:42 PM
Comment #289Stellar performance. We’ll just sit and enjoy the rest of the games, look at the table!!
MOM: so many committed performances. Maybe Diame. Look at what Ritchie did. Rock of a defense. Shelvey wonder pass.
But it must be the most influential player on the pitch. Excellent goal. Brilliant assist. Ran 10 km: Perez.
griff
Apr 15, 2018 at 3:48 PM
Comment #290Agree with Cyprus, Perez gets my MOM award. Played a good no 10 game.
lochinvar
Apr 15, 2018 at 4:50 PM
Comment #291Arsenal players are better divers than Tom Daley and he’s got a gold medal for that.
As for moaning one of them was having a rare old moan to the ref at the end of the match – what was all that about ? Maybe because they weren’t allowed to win. Spoilt brats.