If ever there was a match to gauge where Newcastle really stand this season, it’s Tuesday’s trip to Bramall Lane to take on Sheffield United. While Newcastle have had a very disappointing campaign, it pales in comparison to Sheffield, who finished 9th last season.
The Blades have not come out on top in any of their 17 league matches and are currently on just 2 points. They sit at the bottom of the table and have scored just 8 goals. In comparison, anemic Newcastle have more than doubled that total with 18 goals scored.
Newcastle stretched their winless streak to 7 with the defeat at Arsenal in the FA Cup on Saturday. Sheffield actually tasted victory for the first time this season by defeating League One’s Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup. Hopefully, the Blades haven’t turned a corner.
The Magpies won both fixtures against Sheffield last season. The 2-0 win at Bramall Lane was Andy Carroll’s first start in his second stint with his hometown club.
Bruce made seven changes at Arsenal allowing some key players to get a needed break. Though we are waiting on the availability of Callum Wilson and Jonjo Shelvey, who were sent home after making the trip to the Emirates.
There will also be questions on the availability of Ryan Fraser, who has returned to full training last week. Jamaal Lascelles only lasted a half on Saturday after making his return from Covid. Andy Carroll probably shouldn’t be risked with only a few days to recover after starting on Saturday.
Bruce will still have plenty of options and will hopefully be able to field a team to get all three points on Tuesday. This is an extremely important match that the lads have to pick up a result in.
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126 comments so far
Moonraker15
Jan 11, 2021 at 1:46 PM
Comment #81I found it heartening to see Andy Carroll chasing and closing down Arsenal right up to he was substituted! The lad obviously still cares, in contrast to Joelinton ambling around like a lost dog!
Unfortunately I donโt think Andy will make the Sheffield game; itโs too soon but hopefully we have Wilson and Gayle up front!
Tackle from behind
Jan 11, 2021 at 1:50 PM
Comment #82Is there any decent midfielder out there that we can get in this window?
Be realistic (so the opposite of Kets)
The only name I’ve heard mentioned is Choudry – wouldn’t be my choice.
Any others???
Adamn_92
Jan 11, 2021 at 1:54 PM
Comment #83Tackle,
Long shot but isn’t Harry Winks slightly out of favor at the minute and a little unhappy at game time? Could be a loan long shot.
Tackle from behind
Jan 11, 2021 at 1:54 PM
Comment #84I remember back in 1990 we had a similar problem, lack of midfield guile – and we brought in Roy Aitken
Although he was 30 at the time, it made a real difference.
So, even a player in their swansong years could help short term.
Tackle from behind
Jan 11, 2021 at 1:57 PM
Comment #85Adam
Good shout, but I would put him in the unrealistic camp.
He would want at least Europa league level, and Morhinho would not allow him to go to a high level Pl team – he would probably go abroad – maybe Spain or Italy.
carltoon
Jan 11, 2021 at 2:00 PM
Comment #86TACKLE, ha ha, you do realize I’m allowed, being the diva I am and trouble I cause every where I go, now I sit here and say what I like. ๐
Jail for Ashley
Jan 11, 2021 at 2:07 PM
Comment #87Legolas,
I just don’t get how you can say Darryl Murphy was an atrocious signing in one breath and then say you think he done well in another. Which is it?
Tackle from behind
Jan 11, 2021 at 2:07 PM
Comment #88Carltoon
Never change ๐
Who would be your realistic choice for a strong midfielder?
Not another deJong
Jan 11, 2021 at 2:12 PM
Comment #89hibbit
How did it go at the vets, you in good health?
carltoon
Jan 11, 2021 at 2:13 PM
Comment #90A David Batty type, but is there anyone out there like that now. I don’t really watch other teams now, at one time I new every player in the league, but now it’s too demoralizing watching how good the players of other teams are.
Not another deJong
Jan 11, 2021 at 2:15 PM
Comment #91Sorry, was that rude?!
carltoon
Jan 11, 2021 at 2:16 PM
Comment #92Plus any good player would probably keep well away at the moment, we will attract ageing or out of contract players, or mercenaries, who couldn’t care about where we end up.
hibbit
Jan 11, 2021 at 2:16 PM
Comment #93deJong i’m fine mate but came home a bit lighter after paying the bill,
Adamn_92
Jan 11, 2021 at 2:16 PM
Comment #94Tackle,
Yeah it’s a massive long shot, can’t think of anyone else really who would improve our midfield. There’s Drinkwater potentially but his attitude is questionable after his Villa loan stint and he may not be up for the fight anymore. I don’t know off the top of my head any combative central midfielders abroad we could tempt over on loan or on the cheap.
Not another deJong
Jan 11, 2021 at 2:18 PM
Comment #95We should have tried for Lucas Torreira from Arsenal
Tackle from behind
Jan 11, 2021 at 2:21 PM
Comment #96I would have a look at Matt Grimes of Swansea
He is high up in stats for tackling, passing and long balls.
Downside is he is Swansea captain and they are chasing promotion.
Also he is from Exeter, Devon, so probably a vegan activist.
Tackle from behind
Jan 11, 2021 at 2:25 PM
Comment #97Not another De Jong
Lucas Torreira another good shout, I thought of him but couldn’t remember his name (got him mixed up with all the Pierras)
Reminds me of Ngolo Kante, but less refined and more aggressive. Possibly too aggressive for prem referees as he’s shown.
There are probably afew more roaming who would come for the money and to get in the prem spotlight – don’t care if they are mercenary, any player can be, jst want them to do a good job.
carltoon
Jan 11, 2021 at 2:25 PM
Comment #98Moonraker, Andy’s performance was excellent, especially as a defender, it’s only a pity he didn’t get the goal he deserved, but will the effort be too much for him to be selected for our next match.
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 11, 2021 at 4:43 PM
Comment #99?
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 11, 2021 at 4:44 PM
Comment #100?
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 11, 2021 at 4:50 PM
Comment #101????????
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 11, 2021 at 4:55 PM
Comment #102?
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 11, 2021 at 4:56 PM
Comment #103??
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 11, 2021 at 4:57 PM
Comment #104?
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 11, 2021 at 5:04 PM
Comment #105aerhaethathas?
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 11, 2021 at 5:11 PM
Comment #106?
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 11, 2021 at 5:16 PM
Comment #107?
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 11, 2021 at 5:17 PM
Comment #108?
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 11, 2021 at 5:42 PM
Comment #109?
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 11, 2021 at 5:43 PM
Comment #110alrfhqerqgh;ergjq ?
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 11, 2021 at 5:43 PM
Comment #111lkadcasldjva;sldk???
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 11, 2021 at 5:46 PM
Comment #112jyglyuglg ๐
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 11, 2021 at 5:47 PM
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Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 11, 2021 at 5:47 PM
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Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 11, 2021 at 5:48 PM
Comment #115jhkjh.kjhkjh. ;):):D:P:(
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 11, 2021 at 5:50 PM
Comment #116ytfytfyktfyt ๐
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 11, 2021 at 5:52 PM
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Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 11, 2021 at 5:52 PM
Comment #118lgljhgljhgljh ^_^
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 11, 2021 at 5:54 PM
Comment #119;):):D:P:(
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 11, 2021 at 5:55 PM
Comment #120;););););)