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.
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85 comments so far
geordietom
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:29 PM
Comment #41https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/richard-masters-breaks-newcastle-takeover-19609791
JohnJ
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:31 PM
Comment #42Mund
Good to see you back Marra!
đ
DrGloom
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:31 PM
Comment #43I’ve gone for a win although I’m not totally convinced – will be a disaster if they take 3 points off us – Bruce will push harder to bring in Jones and some other lump it defender and it’s highly likely we’ll be relegated along with Sheff U
We played slightly better against Liverpool and Arsenal but I think thats because Bruce had basically written the games off and told the players to ‘ go out and enjoy themselves’ , definitely didn’t look like there was a tactical plan in place
toonluvva
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:33 PM
Comment #44I would like all those who replied to my post concerning continued legal action in the event of the takeover going through.
It appears many posters here share my concern about the possible behaviour of the PL and Big 6 behind closed doors. I am also fairly confident that the “other 14 clubs” supporters feel the same way.
In the meantime let’s get behind our team and hope we can pick up as many points between now and the end of the season.
HWTL!
PS Bruceless, Ashley. Barnes and Bishop out!
Northumbrian
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:33 PM
Comment #45I’ve gone for a draw tonight, I think both will play super cautiously.
Not another deJong
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:33 PM
Comment #46In the continuing search for optimism and in conjunction with the apparent progression we have made in the past four matches, I have looked at the percentages for some mood enhancement!
Having played four of the âbig sixâ it is unsurprising that the overall goal tally is 1 goal to 6, which is the most important statistic and not great. But are we having any success in the numbers behind the most obvious deficiency?
Obviously not when it comes to shooting, with the difference between the number of shots on target to off being just over a third. The average of our opposition being just over half, which indicates serious room for improvement.
Possession is just as depressing with a third to 2/3 split to the opposition. But against lesser sides and with the higher back line being practiced, this could drastically rise.
Another important statistic used to judge the quality of a side is often the number of successful passes and in the last four matches we have been reasonably good, but lacking in comparison. With an approximate average of 72% to 86%, it would not take much to get up to a much better 80% mark that would indicate a slick and dynamic side. However this will be a tougher proposition with the likely increase in possession against the âother 14â sides and seeming lack of drilled routines that move the ball forward, rather than our stuttering ability to retain the ball and play positively.
In the last two categories we are definitely on a par with our supposed superiors, matching them for successful tackles and dribbles. Curiously the number of tackles is not higher being the more defensive side and may actually reflect a unencouaging passive approach. Plus, again the lack of possession does mean there are less opportunities to run with the ball and increasing our time on the ball will likely push the figure down.
That being said and, like our head coach states âyou can make numbers say what you wantâ, perhaps the âimprovementâ he may see in the last four matches indicate an alternative strategy that does not necessarily involve a wholesale increase in possession and plays to our strengths. Whilst the use of the âlow blockâ has attempted to stifle the opposition in the past, it has hugely isolated our main striker and allowed them to play forward relatively unhindered. By analysing our greatest defeats this season, the coaching team can not help but notice that if we do the same thing but higher up the pitch our ability to play in the oppositions final third will increase and hence create more chances to shoot.
Not recording a win in the last four matches has not at all removed the stain of defeat to Brentford, but since then there has been a more visible method of play. Although not successful so far, the âdifferentâ but same approach may not change the background statistics drastically apart from, hopefully, that most important one. There maybe nothing to indicate a more confident outlook at our match tonight but the second most important statistic, our league position, should be all the motivation the team need.
stan anderson
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:34 PM
Comment #47Is it to early to consider this gams a 6 pointer?
IMO.know as we are now seeing how poor Cabbage heed is as a coach.
We have carried a lot of luck since he has been the BOSS haha.
More luck than we,ve have had since P45DUE had us 5th in the P/L.
Keeping everything Xd we beat the blades.
geordietom
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:35 PM
Comment #48im going for us to win tonight …
JohnJ
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:37 PM
Comment #49Just laughed out loud!!!
“Arbitrations are held in private and this is no exception.
“There are generally good reasons why parties choose to have disputes resolved by way of confidential arbitration: for example, it can be more informal, it protects sensitive information and it encourages honestly and frankness from parties and witnesses.”
Encourages honesty & Frankness (Big laugh No 1) đ đ
Masters then went on: “I would like to reiterate that it is the Premier League’s desire to have the matter resolved in timely matter.”
Even bigger laugh No 2 – what a joke this guy is (not) đ đ
JohnJ
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:38 PM
Comment #50DrGloom
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:31 PM
Comment #43
Like you I’ve gone for a win but not at all convinced Toon will get a win!
magicmac54
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:39 PM
Comment #51Mund and Clevleysbob
Some great posts by you two lads in relation to the possible takeover being approved, can you guys please tell me is the takeover only conditional on Newcastle staying in the premier league?
JohnJ
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:40 PM
Comment #52But I flipping well hope they do!!!!!
Northumbrian
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:40 PM
Comment #53Protects sensitive information,, means hides all the bribes,bungs etc.
Mund
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:40 PM
Comment #54Ben Jacobs
@JacobsBen
¡
12m
Richard Masters, via a letter to Blaydon MP
@LizTwistMP
, says #NUFC’s arbitration case with the EPL will be resolved in “a timely manner”. Newcastle took quite a bit of time, especially pre-Christmas, prepping their case. The panel hearing itself is likely to take place via Zoom.
Adamn_92
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:41 PM
Comment #55DrGloom
Yeah I know under Ashley it would never happen, that’s why I said when we get taken over I’d like to see Shearer have some role. Not as a coach working on tactics or assisting in the team too much, just to work with our strikers, even a part time role perhaps, a few days a week on the training ground, a few regular sessions with the strikers. Especially any younger ones we’d have coming through the ranks.
stan anderson
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:43 PM
Comment #56At least we dont have them pesky cup competitions to get in the way of our annual fight not to be relegated and keep the slugs pockets full.
I sometimes think it might be better to go down a league or even 2 if it meant getting rid of the blight on our club.
If people are happy to stay up just to struggle the next season again then so be it.We will be stuck with him till death do us part i,m afraid.
geordietom
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:43 PM
Comment #57Masters wants it to go to arbitration because he doesn’t want to be raked over the coals in a court of law …
Mund
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:46 PM
Comment #58Magic
I donât think any conditions of that sort were even mentioned but for the out person it is worrying as there is no time frame on these matters but we do know that the next stage of arbitration will be this month so hopefully a big step towards that all being a reality regards to the takeover.
The consortium moved from a short term game to a medium term one. They hoped it could be done quickly but that was clear it wasnât good to be the case.
IMO it will be approved before Bruce does serious damage and Iâd imagine the consortium and Ashley will want this to be done this month especially the consortium who will want to make some kind of impact.
Just waiting on that next update to make things a little more clearer as were we stand in it all.
Mund
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:47 PM
Comment #59Outside person*
Not another deJong
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:49 PM
Comment #60Tsunki @10
Keep banging that drum!
Northumbrian
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:51 PM
Comment #61I think both parties are waiting on our survival and then we will see movement from them.
I suspect there will be a takeover but not until the end of the season as it gives the new owners a pre season to get signings in and their feet under the table.
ilovetoon8788
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:53 PM
Comment #62A loss today is unthinkable. Shef utd will fancy as do basically every team who play against us.
I predict a hard fought 1-1 draw.
Mund
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:53 PM
Comment #63Ben Jacobs
@JacobsBen
¡
13s
Replying to
@JamNUFC4
Ultimately, the club case is one important part. Even if #NUFC win it, that doesn’t mean anything will be concluded until far later in the year. But I do expect a clearer picture to emerge earlier than that.
ââââââ
The worrying thing for me with time frames on the legal proceedings is that I was talking to someone who with his line of work knew some top QCâs and it was there opinion that with the pandemic it could cause big delays to the proceedings. Hopefully not and things can be done a lot sooner
magicmac54
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:57 PM
Comment #64Mund
Thanks for the update my friend, very much appreciated, we are all on tender hooks now just willing this takeover to be finally approved so we can see the back of Ashley and Charnley and get our club back, and hope for a much better future going forward. PS. Great to have you back again and giving us all a very positive message to lift the doom and gloom fella.
DubaiMicky
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:58 PM
Comment #65Anyone else got an impending fear of doom tonight?
Adamn_92
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:58 PM
Comment #66North
I think it’ll likely be end of the season too, especially if January comes and goes with no takeover. Like you say, gives them a full pre-season to recruit a manager and players, staff, decide on improvements of facilities etc Can lay some ground work before a new season to start things off fresh. I’m sure if there’s danger of relegation before that time, there will be some strong mumblings from the consortium in Ashleys direction to sort things out.
Jail for Ashley
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:59 PM
Comment #67Hpool,
No, it wouldn’t be anything like the kindly Mr Ashley do anything dastardly like that.
Northumbrian
Jan 12, 2021 at 2:02 PM
Comment #68Adamn, my thoughts too tho I do remember Amanda was reported to have a blueprint for upgrades etc so like you say manager, directors, players etc
JohnJ
Jan 12, 2021 at 2:03 PM
Comment #69geordietom
Previous thread
https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2021/01/12/super-computer-predicts-where-every-premier-league-club-will-finish-in-2020-21-interesting/
AS things stand I’d be more than happy to take 14th place in the EPL…. đ
Munster Mag
Jan 12, 2021 at 2:04 PM
Comment #70I’m going for the win tonight. We showed better football and more possession recently, but it’s a major issue if we go 1 down.
As for the takeover, as I said I wud be worried for Patersons state of health judging by podcast. I think we’re goosed if we go down, Saudis will head for the hills, could be a Leeds utd for years.
JohnJ
Jan 12, 2021 at 2:04 PM
Comment #71Mund
Re not too distant future
Next week would be nice or before the end of the Transfer Window!
Adamn_92
Jan 12, 2021 at 2:05 PM
Comment #72North
I imagine herself and the consortium have a lot of things thought out and ready to implement, no reason they couldn’t start contacting people before the official takeover too, if they were given assurances it’ll just be a matter of time. They could have everything lined up between now and the end of the season, then can have a massive overhaul and fresh start ready to go right off the bath for next season.
stan anderson
Jan 12, 2021 at 2:06 PM
Comment #73No takeover till the end of the season AGAIN!!!!!.
I,ll be 145 by the time we are takenover i fear.
Mund
Jan 12, 2021 at 2:06 PM
Comment #74Ben Jacobs
@JacobsBen
¡
15s
Replying to
@RightToon
The panel decision is usually binding, certainly within the EPL infrastructure. There appears in EPL handbook to be scope for a high court appeal under clear or exceptional circumstances when a party deems the law to have been applied incorrectly…
Mund
Jan 12, 2021 at 2:07 PM
Comment #75Ben Jacobs
@JacobsBen
¡
7s
Replying to
@RightToon
@PileOleaves
and
@LizTwistMP
But what we donât know is if parties waived this right. Often the judge must agree to the right of appeal beforehand. But this is a three person panel and I must admit I havenât yet asked lawyers about that eventuality. I will find out and come back to you.
Assassins Inc
Jan 12, 2021 at 2:10 PM
Comment #76Sheffield literally got there first win against Bristol Rover, just! with a 3-2.
Bristol rovers sit 18th in league one and nearly beat Sheffield.
So how the hell can Bruce screw this up?
Answer: He is still the manager of our great club.
If we lose tonight Bruce should stand up and admit finally he has taken Newcastle as far as he can with the team of players he picked up.
Remember S/B you said talk to me after I have the team for over a year to give me my rating.
Northumbrian
Jan 12, 2021 at 2:12 PM
Comment #77Listening to a Scotsman on talk sport who’s ambition is to drink 55 cans of beer during a match.
When asked how many he was up to he replied ” ah only 29″ I’d be goosed for days lol.
woodsee
Jan 12, 2021 at 2:14 PM
Comment #78I wonder if masters would rather us relegated,and Pif come back in for another premier club
There would be hellish uproar if this actually happened,I personally would call it a day with the whole game,how could you continue after all this
Or he now realises that in the long run ,maybe a thriving NUFC isn’t actually that bad for the prem
Mund
Jan 12, 2021 at 2:14 PM
Comment #79JohnJ
Iâd love to go have a cuppa mate and come back to see it announced đ
Iâve always had the opinion it will be beyond January and had the opinion around February time but all the noises I keep hearing is it could be be even longer.
Hopefully they are wrong as itâs just opinions and nobody really knows anything about the time frame other than the parties involved.
With all that tho I still feel it will be a lot sooner than what people think
Essex Geordie Bill
Jan 12, 2021 at 2:15 PM
Comment #80magicmac
it is painful being on Tender Hooks so I do sympathise, you should join the rest of us on Tenter Hooks or even be a little Bumfuzzled! đ