Newcastle had a drop in their performance on Monday at Chelsea. The final score was 2-0 but it was a waltz in the park for the Blues. However, we didn’t witness one of the horror shows that have been on display at times this season. But it was not to the standard set in the previous matches, of which Newcastle picked up two valuable wins.
Miguel Almiron continued his fine form being one of the better Magpies on the pitch at Stamford Bridge. The Paraguayan has again topped our poll as Newcastle’s best player for his performance on Monday. This is his sixth poll win in the last seven matches.
Loading ...Now it’s on to Manchester United for a late Sunday match with the Magpies perilously close to the relegation places. With the game coming on Sunday, there’s still a chance our situation will be even dodgier by kickoff.
On Wednesday, Fulham and Burnley played their match in hand and battled to a 1-1 draw, which is actually a good result for Newcastle. The Cottagers do claw back another point but still remain 6 points adrift while Burnley only jumped to 2 points and 2 places ahead in the table.
They both have fixtures on Saturday that they’ll hope to get something from so we’ll get a better bearing on where we stand after their matches. Hopefully, Fulham won’t get all three points at home against Sheffield United.
Manchester United only managed a draw at 19th placed West Brom last weekend. They’ll play tomorrow in the Europa League traveling to Spain to take on former Magpie Mikel Merino and Real Sociedad.
Newcastle are coming off two straight 4-1 defeats to Manchester United. We held on in the home match earlier this year before the floodgates opened and the Red Devils scored three late goals.
Last season, Matty Longstaff got Newcastle out to a quick start with an excellent strike on Boxing Day at Old Trafford. But the joy was short-lived as the lads were played off the pitch after taking the early lead.
Manchester United have had a few wobbles against teams in the lower half of the table. So we’ll see if Newcastle can take advantage of a hectic week for them. A better start to this one is a must and hopefully, the lads can get a result on Sunday.
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200 comments so far
lesh
Feb 18, 2021 at 10:17 AM
Comment #161@159
Four options even!
Optimistic prime
Feb 18, 2021 at 10:59 AM
Comment #162Is loose women on?
Wor B
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:04 AM
Comment #163OP
I think Tsunki is giving Jail a lift into work atm.
Optimistic prime
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:11 AM
Comment #164Wor.
So have the rest of the blog gone outside to jeer? 😉
Northumbrian
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:13 AM
Comment #165This piece is interesting.
https://www.themag.co.uk/2021/02/fulham-trying-to-loan-their-way-to-premier-league-survival-but-should-it-be-allowed-newcastle-united/
WLtoon
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:20 AM
Comment #166Good morning lads n lasses, i hope all is well.
What a chew on trying to order my prescription for my BP tablets, everything has to be done online atm so had to register, then find a suitable outlet then order my stuff, bahh.
A decent result last night re Fulham, they still need to win 2 more games than us to jump above us , a win for them last night would of been a huge blow.
Moonraker15
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:28 AM
Comment #167We need Dubs back in goal on Sunday!
Pack the midfield and put ASM and Fraser up front.
Most importantly get them motivated as they were against Everton (who were pathetic).
We need to get something from that game and it’s not the same with no fans in the stadium!
C’mon !
Wor B
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:30 AM
Comment #168Noticeable that the team selection/formation speculation has dried up.
Possibly because we don’t have a satisfactory replacement for Wilson, there is no obvious answer. 🙁
Here’s my offering fwiw…
…………………………Darlow
Krafth……..Lascelles………Clark……Dummett
Murphey….Hayden………Willock…..Fraser
………………………………….Almiron
………………………Gayle
Not another deJong
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:33 AM
Comment #169If we give Wan-Basaka and Shaw as much space as we did Chelseas full backs then we will get punished again. Bruce is paid to either change the formation, change the emphasis, change the tactic or change the personel. What does Graham Jones say?
cyprus
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:33 AM
Comment #170Night shifters vs day shifters! Just when you think you’ve seen it all 🙂
Anyway, not too hopeful about this game. The difference in class is enormous.
But then again, we got a draw vs an arguably better team and WBA drew these people. 11 vs 11 and all that.
So… Onwards and upwards (voiced in an unsure tone).
Moonraker15
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:35 AM
Comment #171WL
Good luck getting you BP tablets; you’ll need them fo Sunday!
Our biggest asset is probably our unpredictability! You never know what’s gonna happen with us which gives us hope.
The other thing is that Fulham have to win 2 games and us to lose them; but then they are only level with us so have to keep on winning and I don’t see that happening. They are scrapping like dogs and only drawing. Apart from pathetic Everton who we beat easily.
Next couple weeks very interesting!
Wor B
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:37 AM
Comment #172Cyprus
There’s room on the broom for everyone!
😀
Not another deJong
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:37 AM
Comment #173In keeping with second string keepers, I wonder if they will have Henderson in goal?
Moonraker15
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:37 AM
Comment #174If Bruce selects Joelinton on Sunday I will be of the opinion that he’s not even trying to win.
Not another deJong
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:38 AM
Comment #175Jusat as long as Bruce does not go 4141 again.
Not another deJong
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:39 AM
Comment #176Moonraker15
Its ManU, we already know that
WLtoon
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:39 AM
Comment #177I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that there could be a conflict of interests on the training ground with Bruce and Jones not being on the same wavelength/page, and that seems to be what has happened unfortunately if body language is anything to go by.
If players are getting mixed messages then they won`t know their ass from their elbow and that can spell big trouble on the pitch.
Organisation is vital in a game and if players are in two minds what they should be doing then we are in big trouble.
Lock Bruce up in Greggs for a few months and let Jones have full say in tactics, picking the team etc, i think we will be ok.
cyprus
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:40 AM
Comment #178Wor B
That formation is alright, though I’d not start Gayle. Or Murphy.
I’d play Fraser left, ASM right (interchanging during the game), Carroll up front.
If ASM, our most dangerous player, isn’t up for it (which happens, don’t know why) throw in Murphy.
PS. Apologies for mentioning throw ins 🙂
Adamn_92
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:43 AM
Comment #179https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2021/02/18/elliot-anderson-drops-telling-hint-on-social-media-a-clear-message-to-steve-bruce-nufc/
We really need to at least be bring him on off the bench more. If he isn’t playing for under 23’s and isn’t on loan somewhere, what use is it doing his development to just train and sit on the bench with no game time.
Moonraker15
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:43 AM
Comment #180Man Utd’s central defenders are a bit slow and we can exploit them with Fraser and ASM.
I think Jonesey will go with a back 3 (5) this Sunday and he may put Carroll up front!
Whatever the formation they must have a game plan!
Moonraker15
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:46 AM
Comment #181De Jong
Oh aye yer right it’s his home!
WLtoon
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:46 AM
Comment #182Moonraker,
Eventually got the BP tablets sorted, i pick them up Monday, and you are right, Il`e need them until the season is over.
I think Fulham have improved lately but they would really have to move up a gear or two to start winning regularly, and that`s the thing, draws are not much good.
I don`t expect anything on Sunday but after that game i`m hoping we can notch a few points up.
cyprus
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:47 AM
Comment #183Moonraker,
Think Tyson: everyone has a plan till they get punched.
We got us a plan I’m sure. For now 😉
Moonraker15
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:49 AM
Comment #184Yes if it’s wing backs I’d go for Murphy and Dummett as we have to stop Wan Basaka and fat boy on the left. (Forgot his name)!
Moonraker15
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:50 AM
Comment #185WL
We nowt if not positive mate! Lol
Tbh we do have match winners in our team !
Wor B
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:51 AM
Comment #186Cyprus
I was keeping it tight/level with 20 to go then bringing ASM on to dribble past every ManUre player and score a worldy.
Moonraker15
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:51 AM
Comment #187Cyprus
Yeah Tyson summed that up!
Not another deJong
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:58 AM
Comment #188To be Shaw
WLtoon
Feb 18, 2021 at 12:00 PM
Comment #189Moonraker,
We have to remain positive while we have pace in the front line, it gives us hope. Defenders don`t like players with pace running at them, we need an end product though, hopefully we can find one.
Moonraker15
Feb 18, 2021 at 12:01 PM
Comment #190Shaw that’s him!
TomaKaThor
Feb 18, 2021 at 12:02 PM
Comment #191https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-02-18-saudi-sovereign-fund-acquires-usd3-3bn-stake-in-activision-ea-take-two
The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), the country’s investment group chaired by controversial crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, has scooped up shares in big-name game publishers Activision Blizzard, EA and Take-Two worth more than $3.3bn.
Mund
Feb 18, 2021 at 12:02 PM
Comment #192Some brilliant memories here of Sir Bobby
https://mobile.twitter.com/DavidHartrick/status/1362344195613220866
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Feb 18, 2021 at 12:05 PM
Comment #193Me
Start with 3 at the back
Darlow
Dummett, Lascalles, Clark
Two old fashioned half backs
To cover their wide players plus can get up and down the pitch double up as midfield
Ritchie Murphy
Hayden, Anderson
Almiron, Fraser, Carroll or Linton up front
Wor B
Feb 18, 2021 at 12:06 PM
Comment #194WL
We have lots of end product.
Unfortunately it’s covered in flaky pastry locked in Steve’s drawer.
WLtoon
Feb 18, 2021 at 12:09 PM
Comment #195Wor B,
Aye that`ll be right, and nobody else knows the combination.
Wor B
Feb 18, 2021 at 12:10 PM
Comment #196Charlie
Trouble is that usually results in a back 5 pinned back with no out ball 🙁
Moonraker15
Feb 18, 2021 at 12:12 PM
Comment #197Assuming they start with a plan, they have to be ready to alter it if a “Chelsea” situation arises. What happened at Chelsea was pathetic even the way they strolled out before the start with 2 men short! Benefit of the doubt the temporary changing room facilities might’ve affected it but it was a poor way to start.
WLtoon
Feb 18, 2021 at 12:12 PM
Comment #198Charlieinthegallowgate,
No Willock in your team ?
magicmac54
Feb 18, 2021 at 12:15 PM
Comment #199As Bruce is one of Fergie`s babes he will be delighted if his beloved team wins on Sunday i would suspect.
Moonraker15
Feb 18, 2021 at 12:25 PM
Comment #200Charlie
No Willock! I assume that’s an error