Rafa Benitez is very much a believer in players working hard during training if they want to be in the first team the next game.
With Federico Fernandez fit again after missing the 1-0 win at Huddersfield the question is whether he will come straight back into the side today at home to Fulham and replace captain Jamaal Lascelles.
Ciaran Clark, Jonjo Shelvey, and Karl Darlow are not fit for this game, but every other player is ready to go.
That includes right back DeAndre Yedlin who has served his one-match ban for being sent off against Wolves.
Paul Dummett – expected to start today
Rafa may play four at the back, and we’ll assume he will go back to his 4-2-3-1 formation.
This is the team that could start this afternoon in what is a crucial game for us.
Dubravka
Yedlin Lascelles (c) Schar Dummett
Diame Ki
Atsu Perez Kenedy
Rondon
Jamaal will probably keep his place for this game and then Rafa could being in the excellent Fernandez for the Liverpool game on Boxing Day when the manager will play three center-backs and five at the back.
We have Atsu keeping his place over Ritchie since the Ghanaian International seems to be showing some decent form of late.
Yedlin is in for Javier Manquillo, and Paul Dummett is back in place of the injured Clark.
What would your team be for today?
We must win this game this afternoon!
Comments welcome.
50 comments so far
ShirebrookToon
Dec 22, 2018 at 10:04 AM
Comment #1Jingle bells Ashley sells,
Fcuk off KBA
Oh what fun it is to see
Newcastle win today!
Hey!!
Wayayman
Dec 22, 2018 at 10:07 AM
Comment #2For anyone who missed it… 😉
https://twitter.com/LondonMagpies/status/1076198344735813632
ShirebrookToon
Dec 22, 2018 at 10:09 AM
Comment #3Wayaman
Not sure I’ll be able to learn that song in full in time for the match today 😆
Couple of lads who I sit with might have a crack at it like
lesh
Dec 22, 2018 at 10:11 AM
Comment #4ShirebrookToon @1
🙂
bettyswallocks
Dec 22, 2018 at 10:20 AM
Comment #5Expecting us to win today but hoping we’re not too complacent just cos they’re bottom of the league. We’ve had plent of these banana skin fixtures over the years that have gone against us.
DubaiMicky
Dec 22, 2018 at 10:23 AM
Comment #6Shirebrook, lyrics, print them off https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DvAFNa4WkAAgcUF.jpg
mac the jaffrey
Dec 22, 2018 at 10:26 AM
Comment #7It’s just written that Mitro will bag one today isn’t it?
Still think with the right attacking mindset we could be in command by half time cos they just can’t defend.
We can!
3-1 us HWTL
and a holly jolly Christmas to you all!
Geremi's Prosthetic Leg Fund
Dec 22, 2018 at 10:27 AM
Comment #8I’m expecting a horrible 1-1 draw and a huge missed opportunity. I’m hoping for a solid win with us playing with a bit of freedom and confidence.
bettyswallocks
Dec 22, 2018 at 10:28 AM
Comment #9On the transfer front there will be no money spent on players unless we sell to buy if there is a takeover being negotiated. Unless there is a firm agreement in place before the close of the window, in which case there could be an arrangement made with the new owners for transfer funds, why would Ashley allow the club to spend money that would go to him if he does sell the club.
I am sure Rafa has discussed all the options and scenarios with Charnley and as he seems focused on the team and relaxed about the other stuff this could be a good omen.
ShirebrookToon
Dec 22, 2018 at 10:29 AM
Comment #10Cheer Dubai
Might print some off and hand them out 😆
Wayayman
Dec 22, 2018 at 10:32 AM
Comment #11A great article on NUFC fans if anyone missed this yesterday?
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/time-change-music-newcastle-united-15577482
ShirebrookToon
Dec 22, 2018 at 10:32 AM
Comment #12Hope Rondon bags a couple today
Essex Geordie Bill
Dec 22, 2018 at 10:35 AM
Comment #13Really busy today so it’ll be quick in and outs on the blog.
guess the team
Dubkravka
Yedlin Schaar Lascelles Fernandez Dummett
Ritchie Diame Ki
Perez Rondon
4 hours 35 minutes to KO
Wayayman
Dec 22, 2018 at 10:35 AM
Comment #14Shirebrook that would be fantastic mate. 🙂
Essex Geordie Bill
Dec 22, 2018 at 10:36 AM
Comment #15On the news this morning, the biggest food bank in the UK is in Newcastle.
Essex Geordie Bill
Dec 22, 2018 at 10:37 AM
Comment #16And the Sausage Roll song is Xmas No. 1 🙂
Essex Geordie Bill
Dec 22, 2018 at 10:37 AM
Comment #17Later
Nostra Magpie
Dec 22, 2018 at 10:37 AM
Comment #18Mitro sent off today, Jamaal knows what buttons to push. He will try to hard to prove a point and likely get him in trouble, he also lost his manager who is also a close friend. Newcastle 2-0 Ronnie gets both. Howay the Toon!!!
Wayayman
Dec 22, 2018 at 10:38 AM
Comment #19FOR SHIREBROOK AND HIS MATES…
Jingle Bells.
Jingle bells, Ashley sells. Same tripe every year.
So we’ve come to his town to try his pubs beer
Jingle bells, when he sells we’ll get the club we had
Back to where it once was, not a cheap shell filled with ads.
—————————-
Cash comes through your store on a nought hour rate of pay
If they asked for more you’d laugh it all away
Ha ha ha
Tells us on TV he’ll promise to get it right
Oh what tripe it turns out to be and brings us here tonight Oh!
——————————-
Jingle Bells, Ashley sell, we won’t go away.
We’ll be here, have no fear til your driven away.
Jingle Bells, North or South , All over the land…
We won’t stop, til you drop, your ludicrous demands.
Essex Geordie Bill
Dec 22, 2018 at 10:38 AM
Comment #20Although Rafa might prefer Atzu to Ritchie!
Wayayman
Dec 22, 2018 at 10:39 AM
Comment #21I’d be changing ‘tripe’ to ‘shite’ but that’s just me… ?
DubaiMicky
Dec 22, 2018 at 10:39 AM
Comment #22Pedantry on the lyrics sheet, third line from the end, it’s “you’re” not “your”.
Optimistic Panda
Dec 22, 2018 at 10:51 AM
Comment #23Henry Winter writing about the best place to watch sport in the UK St James Park…
“The stadium dominates the city landscape just as it shapes the emotions of the residents and supplicants.
“The Strawberry pub is always worth a visit, and many gather at the Sir Bobby Robson statue or past the Alan Shearer statue.
“Noise is guaranteed, as fans put aside their dislike of the owner Mike Ashley to get behind those in the black-and-white shirts.
“The roar from the Gallowgate and other parts of the ground when Newcastle attack is something special, and the sheer joy when Newcastle score is almost visceral in its intensity.
“It’s a ground used to disappointment in recent years but driven by hope and a desire simply to see the players do justice to the shirt.”
Bobbybee
Dec 22, 2018 at 11:02 AM
Comment #243-0, Rondon hattrick and Mitro red card.
Got to love the Express. According to them the Almiron deal is all but done and dusted and Ashley has agreed to break the record to buy him.
Where do they get it from? Don’t get me wrong, I would love them to be right, but really? $30m – whatever that is in pounds?
Whoever their inside informant is needs to give his crystal balls a kick.
Thought I’d give you all a giggle with that Express exclusive. I had a laugh, share the cheer I say 🙂
Optimistic Panda
Dec 22, 2018 at 11:06 AM
Comment #25Bobby
I’ve only seen Almiron on YouTube…
Do you think he’s a player Rafa would want?
Ron Knee
Dec 22, 2018 at 11:08 AM
Comment #26BBC:
Newcastle welcome back defender DeAndre Yedlin from suspension, while Federico Fernandez is in contention following a calf injury.
Jonjo Shelvey, who has played just twice since the start of November, remains out with a thigh problem.
Frank Anguissa is still sidelined for Fulham, but Ryan Sessegnon is expected to return from a groin injury on Boxing Day against Wolves.
Stefan Johansen and Aleksandar Mitrovic are one booking away from suspension.
Optimistic Panda
Dec 22, 2018 at 11:08 AM
Comment #27Clean sheet for us today 2 0
Mitro to get nothing from our cbs and will be subbed on 63mins when Fulham are being beaten 2-0
Nicky the ball tosser
Dec 22, 2018 at 11:13 AM
Comment #28Be a bit surprised if he goes back to a back four, which hasn’t been working for us at home, where the opposition tend to sit back a bit more and counter. A back five is good both home and away. At home, the wing backs push on. Away, they sit back a bit more. It suits us because we have lots of options at centre-back, and Yedlin, Manquillo and Kenedy all decent enough wingbacks. I expect we’ll bring in another attack-minded left back in January.
Bobbybee
Dec 22, 2018 at 11:15 AM
Comment #29OP, like you, only seen him on YouTube mate and they could make me look good. Seems he’s been extensively scouted and tbf he knows where the net is and would be an upgrade on Perez if he can adapt.
From what I’ve read Rafa has him as top priority so maybe he would want him, it’s just the price that I can’t believe Ashley would sanction.
Why now after years of scrimping? I’d give it a 1/10 chance and love to be proven wrong.
Optimistic Panda
Dec 22, 2018 at 11:18 AM
Comment #30Bobby
I’m with you on the money..
It seems strange that with all Rafas contact were looking in the states.. I know we should be looking everywhere but for that money I’d expect a proven option in a more competitive league to be the way forward.
I’m not sure I believe Rafa has a real intetest
kc2012
Dec 22, 2018 at 11:20 AM
Comment #31Today’s game will by no means be easy. They’re awful at defending but we aren’t exactly banging in the goals and they do have some very good players, although I do think we can control the game and hit them on the break.
Going forward they are Good but defensively the worst team I’ve seen for a while so aslong as we stay compact at the back I think we’ll outscore them and grab a 2-1 win.
Rondon and Diame with the goals and I hope I’m wrong but Mitro could be fired up today so let’s keep him quiet.
Team for me would be:
Dubravka
Yedlin Lascelles Fernandez Dummett
Diame Ki
Ritchie Muto Atsu
Rondon
Come on the TOON!!
Nicky the ball tosser
Dec 22, 2018 at 11:20 AM
Comment #32Very difficult to leave out any one of Schar, Fernandez or Lascelles. Schar’s long passing out of defence has been something of a revelation, while Fernandez has probably been our best outfield player so far this term, and Lascelles an inspirational skipper and great defensively. Lejeune too now fit. Has to play 3 centre backs.
Bobbybee
Dec 22, 2018 at 11:22 AM
Comment #33OP, long shot I know but maybe Ashley thinks if he gives Rafa what he wants he’ll sign a new contract – then sell everyone in the summer to get it back! 🙂
Optimistic Panda
Dec 22, 2018 at 11:25 AM
Comment #34Bobby
Hahaha, well he’ll have to do something to convince Rafa if no sale goes through…
Money talks bull5hit walks!
Bobbybee
Dec 22, 2018 at 11:27 AM
Comment #35Kc2012 A fired up Mitro is generally a red carded Mitro if experience tells us anything. Just hope he doesn’t seriously injure any of our players in the process.
Sounds like he’s been sulking lately so he may well do something stupid.
If I was Lascelles I’d be telling him how much better Rondon is than him all game. Sooner or later he’ll snap.
Essex Geordie Bill
Dec 22, 2018 at 11:27 AM
Comment #36I’m expecting Lejeune and Longstaff to be on the bench today.
Jib
Dec 22, 2018 at 11:30 AM
Comment #37I wonder if our attendance will be
effected by hen-pecked hubbies
being nagged into Xmas shopping ?
kc2012
Dec 22, 2018 at 11:32 AM
Comment #38Bobbybee
#35
That is a very true point mate your right there. Lol yes I agree about Lascelles too, he’ll know exactly how to wind him up but let’s hope it doesn’t backfire.
If Rondon does the business and we win Today then atleast the Fulham fans can finally shut up about Mitro as I’ve seen a lot of them chirping up about him punishing us etc.
DubaiMicky
Dec 22, 2018 at 11:58 AM
Comment #393 hours 2 minutes to kick off!!!
Lilongwe Geordie
Dec 22, 2018 at 12:25 PM
Comment #40Mitro hasn’t had a red card since our relegation season, was it the last game? He’ll be up for it, but it is simple, cut off the supply. Lascelles might be able to push his buttons, but I’m sure Mitro knows enough to push buttons back, so I’d prefer we avoided going down that route. We have good enough centre halves to not worry about needling Mitro. I hope we go with 3 centre halves again.
They are weak at the back, but I’m sure that will be something Ranieri has focussed on in training for them. Hopefully it hasn’t clicked yet for them.
I think 2-0 to us.