This is the team we predict Steve Bruce will name for this evening’s important match at Sheffield United. It has 8 changes from the FA Cup loss at Arsenal but just 2 from our last league match, the loss to Leicester City.
During his press conference yesterday, Bruce spoke about the players he rested over the weekend in the hopes that he could field a refreshed team for today’s match. So we’ll likely see a starting eleven similar to the one that played against Leicester nine days ago.
Bruce didn’t provide too much information on the injured players. Though Allan Saint-Maximin and Jamal Lewis have confirmed injuries while Jamaal Lascelles only lasted one half over the weekend due to fatigue.
Ryan Fraser, Callum Wilson, and Jonjo Shelvey were involved in group training yesterday so could be involved today.
Newcastle Injuries
Allan Saint-Maximin (Covid), Jamal Lewis (knee), Ryan Fraser (groin – late fitness test), Jamaal Lascelles (fatigue – late fitness test), Callum Wilson (undisclosed – late fitness test), Jonjo Shelvey (undisclosed – late fitness test)
Sheffield Injuries
Jack O’Connell (knee), Sander Berge (hamstring), Jack Robinson (undisclosed), Enda Stevens (knock – late fitness test), George Baldock (knock – late fitness test), Lys Mousset (ankle – late fitness test), Oliver McBurnie (knock – late fitness test)
Our poll is somewhat surprising in that only around 40% of those who voted think Newcastle can pick up a win against the Premier League basement dwellers.
The same amount thinks Sheffield will pick up their first league win today. The Blades did pick up their first win this season by downing Bristol Rovers 3-2 in the FA Cup over the weekend.
A loss today would be dreadful. I can feel myself sink just thinking about it. So let’s hope a refreshed team can pick up a comfortable win today. That’s what is needed as wins have been in short supply lately.
85 comments so far
Mund
Jan 12, 2021 at 12:02 PM
Comment #1Jail
Arbitration will move to the next stage this month and hopefully not long before some kind of update of what that next stage is.
Ashingtoon62
Jan 12, 2021 at 12:06 PM
Comment #2Aye Lesh you are correct,he nearly lost it for a minute there.Clearly exhaustion as he said himself he’s been doing 18/20 hour days.
Adamn_92
Jan 12, 2021 at 12:12 PM
Comment #3Jail
It could look like and come across like that I agree, i’m not too sure that it was their deliberate intention though. Probably just listed some things they felt positive about it and didn’t think too much about how it could be interpreted.
That starting 11 doesn’t look too bad, providing Fraser is miraculously fit for once! I’d personally go a little different with:
Darlow
Yedlin Schar Fernandez Dummett
M Longstaff Hayden
Fraser Almiron Murphy
Wilson
With Murphy on the left so he can cut in as he has a decent shot, hayden and longstaff can cover in midfield, Fraser can hit the byline to cut back or cross, almiron can drive forward with it when turning over possession and provide support to wilson. Anderson to get a run out second half for Almiron, Gayle or Carroll on later to go two up top with Wilson if we’re not winning/things aren’t working.
lesh
Jan 12, 2021 at 12:15 PM
Comment #4How many games has Ryan Fraser played for us? Was he injured when he was bought or have they bought a crock?
cleveleysbob
Jan 12, 2021 at 12:17 PM
Comment #5On the Takeover, it’s been a wild ride over the last 12Months, but I’m still in the positivity camp with my ticket for Captain Amerimag’s bus!
I try to look beyond the fake headlines, mad hysteria of social media, to find supportable info.
eg. The consortium are still working on it. (They have to be or they’d have said otherwise)
PIF are still in (subject to getting guaranteed pass)
De Marco is a Sports legal genius and wouldn’t take a case without a very high percentage chance of winning. His ego wouldn’t let him take on a losing case and he doesn’t need the money.
The changing scene in middle east politics removes many previously difficult obstacles.
BeIN dropping all legal challenges, clears a route to an amicable outcome.
Overall, positive, plus 1 big extra, for the 1st time we have a determined eager seller, prepared to back his sale with legal action.
So – it will happen, we can be hopeful, but need Bruce to do enough to keep us in the PL, otherwise, I think it will all fall apart – that’s why my nervous level about tonight is shattering!!!
lesh
Jan 12, 2021 at 12:19 PM
Comment #6Ashington
Thanks for your comment about Keith P – his sincerity, determination and passion for both the club and the cause he’s fighting are there for all to see. Let’s all hope that he and his oppo win their action and it signals the beginning of the end for the duplicitous people in the EPL.
cleveleysbob
Jan 12, 2021 at 12:22 PM
Comment #7Lesh, I think he just hadn’t played for Months and just as we got him match fit, he was called up and played a few games for Scotland. He then picked up an injury (not sure if it was with us or Scotland) and seems to have had problems getting over whatever it is. You’re right he’s hardly had the shirt on his back and I think a lot of us were hoping the Wilson/Fraser link would do wonders for us.
lesh
Jan 12, 2021 at 12:24 PM
Comment #8cleveleysbob
Your optimism’s well placed but there’s something telling me I’d read that not all Qatar/ KSA legal disputes had been dropped. I may be wrong, it’s just something gnawing away.
lesh
Jan 12, 2021 at 12:25 PM
Comment #9cleveleysbob
Maybe Fraser’s been Bruced!
Tsunki
Jan 12, 2021 at 12:28 PM
Comment #10As far as the Saudis wanting to still be involved don’t forget the economic situation has to look better than it does atm so the vaccine rollout and succes, then normality returning to the economy will be crucial if they are to walk back.
Tackle from behind
Jan 12, 2021 at 12:29 PM
Comment #11https://www.premierinjuries.com/injury-table.php
According to physio room, Fraser has a Hip/Groin/Pelvic injury which was assessed to be ok for the Arsenal game (doesn’t say if that is the upcoming league game or the just gone cup game).
Also has ASM as ruled out (of contention) for the time being.
lesh
Jan 12, 2021 at 12:30 PM
Comment #12Cleveleys
Looks as though I’m wrong…..
This copied from AlJazeera
‘A source familiar with the mediation process told the Financial Times that Qatar was expected to freeze state-related legal cases launched against the quartet at the World Trade Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization, among others, after Saudi Arabia lifted the blockade’
Fingers crossed
toonluvva
Jan 12, 2021 at 12:47 PM
Comment #13Just a quick question.
IF the proposed takeover of NUFC by PIF goes ahead, should the legal action against the PL continue. I know our Beloved Owner will drop his case, but the supporters might well continue theirs to improve transparency of the dealings of the PL.
So do you think, if the take over goes ahead, all legal action should cease or does the PL need to answer legitimate questions of how it, and the Big6 operate.
Gothmog's Pyjamas
Jan 12, 2021 at 12:47 PM
Comment #14https://twitter.com/MsiDouglas/status/1348972762371649536
Richard Masters letter to MP from December 23rd. Cant remember if this one was made public?
confirms arbitration is ongoing.
“I would like to reiterate the @premierleague desire to have the matter resolved in a timely manner.”
Adamn_92
Jan 12, 2021 at 12:50 PM
Comment #15Toonluvva
I think at the very least the fans legal action should continue regardless of a successful takeover. The league need to be held accountable for all wrongdoings, not just ones against us and the takeover.
Northumbrian
Jan 12, 2021 at 12:57 PM
Comment #16This was open to view.
https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/conservative-party-respond-ncsl-newcastle-united-takeover-letter-fan-group-demand-downing-st-clarity-3093215
Mund
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:00 PM
Comment #17toonluvva
I’d love for it to continue and show them for who they are and highlight the top 6 having to much influence etc etc but if someone said to me the takeover will be approved tomorrow but there will be no more continued legal action against the PL?
Then I’d snap there hand off.
I don’t think IMO that it will go that far in the legal process as I truly believe the league don’t want that and it’s always been my opinion it will be settled before it comes to such things.
Jail for Ashley
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:04 PM
Comment #18And in the mean time we just have to hope that this pudding heeded clown doesn’t relegate us.
Mund
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:05 PM
Comment #19NUFC HQ
@NUFC_HQ
·
51m
David Ginola would love to return to Newcastle United as he unveils plans to adopt the academy blueprint implemented by European giants Barcelona.
#NUFC | Gazette
https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/david-ginola-reveals-plan-make-newcastle-uniteds-academy-just-barcelona-3093187
cleveleysbob
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:05 PM
Comment #20My personal belief is that any action that forces greater transparency on such dealings can only be in the long term interest of the game.
These “behind closed doors” cosy deals that are done has recently proven to only be for the long term benefit of an elite few and NOT the league as a whole.
Between the fans group action and the parliamentary pressure, important issues affecting our “National” game must be more open to supporter scrutiny.
cleveleysbob
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:07 PM
Comment #21Mund, that’s something I can definitely get behind!
Mund
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:08 PM
Comment #22That’s the real scare Jail but hopefully it’s about damage limitations and he will be replaced and have new owners before any real damage is done
Northumbrian
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:10 PM
Comment #23The scare is that would Bruce relegate us to keep his job.
Adamn_92
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:10 PM
Comment #24Think we all have to just keep taking deep breathes every week in the hopes that Bruce doesn’t ruin this for everyone involved!
Northumbrian
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:11 PM
Comment #25That was tongue in cheek BTW.
cleveleysbob
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:11 PM
Comment #26Jail @18, yep that’s the crux of whole thing, could all be riding on Bruce being able to keep us up, Gawd help us!!
Mund
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:12 PM
Comment #27Bob
Me too mate I love the idea of it and having one of the legends back and involved.
That’s my hope as well when we do enter than new era, that the legends all come back in some form or another.
I know Simon has a great idea to get a Legends charity match going and a good few where interested but nothing will happen until we are sold. Definitely an exciting thought tho
cleveleysbob
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:16 PM
Comment #28Lesh @12, yeh mate what facts there are, are leaning towards a positive outcome, but this is us, you know the basket case club in the North East outpost of civilisation where if anything can go wrong it probably will – I’ve got more things crossed than is anatomically safe, I doubt I’ll be able to extricate myself from this without serious harm 😉
Mund
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:17 PM
Comment #29https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-takeover-boris-johnson-19608383.amp?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharebar&__twitter_impression=true
Mund
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:18 PM
Comment #30https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/conservative-party-respond-ncsl-newcastle-united-takeover-letter-fan-group-demand-downing-st-clarity-3093215?r=6488
hibbit
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:18 PM
Comment #31got to get past sheffield tonight that’s got to be the first priority,
3 points are an absolute must, if this clown gets us relegated everything will just fly out the window,
Adamn_92
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:19 PM
Comment #32I don’t know if he’d leave his job at BBC, but when we get taken over I’d love to see Shearer back in some form of coaching role. Think of what he could do with the strikers on improved training facilities. Only need to look at the progress Calvert-Lewin has made, he regularly praises and thanks Duncan Ferguson for that.
cleveleysbob
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:21 PM
Comment #33Agreed Hibbit, will take some of the pressure off all round.
Mund
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:21 PM
Comment #34Newcastle Consortium Supporters
@NCSL1892
·
12s
While the fight rumbles on for our takeover we’ll soon learn of the real friends we can or can’t rely upon to bring an end to this discrimination. Let’s see if
@BorisJohnson
“levels up” the North East region. One day to go! #NUFC #NUFCTakeover White circleBlack circleZebraFolded handsFolded hands
HpoolMag
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:21 PM
Comment #35Or on the other hand that nice Mr Ashley who we must remember only has the good of the club on his mind could just carry on spinning this saga out whilst yet another transfer window passes us by. I mean it’s not like he hasn’t done it before is it
DrGloom
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:25 PM
Comment #36There’s no hope of Shearer coming back whilst Ashley is still here, he dislikes him with a passion.
To be honest, Shearer is no coach or manager
hibbit
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:27 PM
Comment #37cleveleys
i’ve gone for a win but i’ve got to admit i’m worried,
Essex Geordie Bill
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:27 PM
Comment #38I think the B & W striped Dodo scenario is just as valid for Ginola under the present regime!
geordietom
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:28 PM
Comment #39https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2021/01/12/richard-masters-speaks-out-on-saudi-takeover-bid-in-new-letter-confirms-arbitration-has-begun/
HpoolMag
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:29 PM
Comment #40I always get the impression that once we go behind its game over so if they score first tonight I think we’ve had it