This is the team I suspect Steve Bruce will name for Sunday’s match against Tottenham at St. James’ Park. It has two changes from the 3-0 defeat to Brighton two weeks ago.
During his press conference on Friday, Bruce asserted that Callum Wilson was likely another week away from a return. While he did say Allan Saint-Maximin could play a part, I can’t see the Frenchman starting just yet. Though having him available from the bench will be a boost.
The front three remains the same from Brighton. However, the extra two weeks for Almiron will hopefully help him produce a better performance. Ryan Fraser bagged two goals on international duty so maybe he can carry some of that confidence into this match.
Bruce seems determined to rely on experience so that’s why Jeff Hendrick could come in for the injured Isaac Hayden. It was Hendrick who replaced Hayden at Brighton. Until Bruce proves otherwise, it’s hard to predict he’ll hand one of the Longstaff brothers a chance.
The other change comes to the backline with Federico Fernandez making his return to the starting lineup after missing the last 12 games. He has been on the bench for the last three but was unable to unseat Ciaran Clark.
Bruce said there could be a change in formation for Sunday. However, I suspect Bruce is holding out for Wilson’s return. If the striker will be back next week, Bruce could be hesitant to do make too many changes this weekend.
410 comments so far
Mund
Apr 4, 2021 at 9:42 AM
Comment #361Tsunki keep my details off the blog ffs who do you think you are?
Neil can you please remove Tsunkis post
bettyswallocks
Apr 4, 2021 at 9:46 AM
Comment #362No doubt Fatash has resigned himself to the fact that High Street retail outlets will never be as they once were. He is diversifying into property development now so I do think he would like his cash out of the club.
The demise of the High Street makes no odds to me as long as there is still a Specsavers , Boots and Greg’s I’ll be alreet.
When you get to my age its all about Specs , Drugs and Sausage Rolls.
bettyswallocks
Apr 4, 2021 at 9:51 AM
Comment #363Mund…… Do you suffer from mental health issues if you don’t mind me asking.
Munster Mag
Apr 4, 2021 at 9:54 AM
Comment #364Some of you fellows should be ashamed of yourselves.
Not another deJong
Apr 4, 2021 at 9:55 AM
Comment #365Just watching MOTD and three excellent matches that are prime examples of game winning football:
West Brom – attacking intent as a TEAM
Man City – organisation
Liverpool – playing outside to in
To a certain extent the teams that lost also showed a lack of togetherness, too defensive and brakdown with the manager.
Not another deJong
Apr 4, 2021 at 9:55 AM
Comment #366#breakdown
toon22
Apr 4, 2021 at 9:56 AM
Comment #367To be honest
Anyone who claims they are an “activist” on any subjet usually turn out ot be nuttier than a bar of whole nut chocolate
Mund
Apr 4, 2021 at 9:58 AM
Comment #368Betty
I’m ok now mate but did suffer through some stuff, Now I try to help others with struggles give them some hope and belief.
Mund
Apr 4, 2021 at 9:59 AM
Comment #369Calling someone who admits to having mental health problems in the past nutty now are we?
Munster is right some of you should be ashamed
toon22
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:06 AM
Comment #370Mund
Youve provided ample proof on this blog
Im not making stuff up here
If ive offened you i appologise
I really do
But id say your attempts at helping people, as you claim, are so wide of the mark its unreal
You dont seem to be able to grasp the reality of opinions here
sing in the corner
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:08 AM
Comment #371Hayden missing from the engine room is a big loss. At least he got tight to people and put a foot in.
Hendrick occupies a bit of space without making contact with the ball.
Shelvey is pedestrian. He canters about trying to look like he is pressing but rarely gets near anyone.
..and points / waves his arms about when he’s blowing a bit.
bettyswallocks
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:09 AM
Comment #372Mund…….. Stay strong son and keep with the positivity. Look at what Tyson Fury has achieved for inspiration…. He was at rock bottom and turned his life around. He is making people aware that it’s nothing to be ashamed of and anyone can fight back if they have the desire.
He swears by physical exertion every day to keep him in a good mindset. It releases endorphines into your system which are essential for good mental health.
toon22
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:09 AM
Comment #373Feeling good about yourself is a great thing
But as repeated so often its getting boring
Its hasnt and wont ever change the reality of the state the clubs in
For myself im not interested in any other thing
This is a football blog
If i wanted some other discussion id go elsewhere
Mund
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:09 AM
Comment #374Here you go spouting absolute BS once again.
I don’t know why I bother with you I really don’t as you talk about my grasp on reality? Wow
Listen I’m comfortable in my life and it’s good right now and you don’t know me one bit whatsoever so your opinion on me is irrelevant but it is annoying but that’s your intention isn’t it.
Think before calling people nuts and like I said last night educate yourself
lesh
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:10 AM
Comment #375Mund
Your gallantry is there for all to see as is your confidence that one particular poster is not the other. Can we assume you’ve actually met the two of them in the same place at the same time?
There’s no need for a reply.
toon22
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:10 AM
Comment #376If the clown plays Joe/ Hendrick we will really struggle agasinst Spurs
Nowt up front and the invivible man in the middle
Mund
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:10 AM
Comment #377Then keep your BS opinions about me to yourself frog and keep it football talk like you say :thumb up thingy:
toon22
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:11 AM
Comment #378Mund
Fair enough
I just dont care what your opinions are
Simple as
toon22
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:13 AM
Comment #379You do know talking about the parasite
And the actions of his goons is still talking about the toon yeh ?
Theres more to the club than just the players
Its why we have the team we do and why they play htat way
Mund
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:14 AM
Comment #380Betty
Thanks mate that means a lot and I’m on the other side of the line now which for anyone who has been there or is there it can be done.
Tyson Fury is such an inspiration for me and I think he should be a beacon of hope for this country and should be more recognised on what he has achieved, which is incredible.
I’m hoping to take a few groups, mainly men and speak about mental health and my journey and where they are at and hopefully try show them some light. I know it’s hard I never believed I could feel better but I do and anyone can.
Mund
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:15 AM
Comment #381Don’t care about my opinions you don’t leave me alone fella.
Ok frog one last time enjoy your Easter :thumb up thingy:
Mund
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:16 AM
Comment #382You would love to think so Lesh but no
You are wrong tho and like many did with Adam they had there say but not one person pulls you for calling Jane an alt.
Let the obsession go
toon22
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:19 AM
Comment #383Mund
The reason we seem to end up arguing
Is your insistance that all things are well
We should be optimistic
A great notion indeed
But you seem utterly unable to grasp why a fan of the club might not be so happy
Ive explained why so often it seems to me you really dont care
I dont require your help
Just a Fat Dave Bassett
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:20 AM
Comment #384What on earth do you mean, bitter? Bitter of what? I thought you were acting aggressive the last few days. You talk of others butting out but two days ago you ruined a peaceful vibe by having a go at some random poster who posed a question to Carson about why he chose that name. You also boasted yesterday about not holding grudges and then got all aggressive with TfB because he asked what you’d heard and he’d previously made a joke about Boro. You then lambast people for not having a sense of humour or being able to take a joke, then start today off having a pop at lesh for his obsession with jib/jane. His mention towards was harmless and joking in manner, yet it’s fine for you to butt in and tell him off. You preach one thing, do the opposite, and have zero self awareness. Yesterdays I don’t get in arguments, I make valid points is an all time classic deluded statement that all argumentative people believe. How does thinking this about you make me bitter?
Not another deJong
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:21 AM
Comment #385sing in the corner
If Shelvey & Hendrick appear on the team sheet, we know we have lost.
toon22
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:21 AM
Comment #386The parasite has used hope for 14 years
He alway just about sold the club
Its how he strings the fans along
Trying to help him keep the fans strung along isnt helpfull
He will just keep us that bit longer
We need him to see its the end for him here
Not to do with anything else
lesh
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:24 AM
Comment #387Mund
Take note of Betty’s words @37 and use your time and energy wisely. Be strong and keep smiling.
Mund
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:24 AM
Comment #388JAFDB
Haha well mate that post the whole way through spoke bitterly.
Lesh had a pop in the night I responded, what’s the problem? So if someone left a post to you would you not respond?
Every response I give is an argument now?
Stop this absolute tom foolery. It’s not even funny
anymore.
Do you say out to jail and all the rest of his mates when they jump on with defence? No I’m just the target.
Honestly this isn’t meant in any violent way but if you do have a problem with me contact me on Twitter and we’ll sort it out. If not let it go ffs it’s not a good look
toon22
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:26 AM
Comment #389Beyond help it seems
bettyswallocks
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:29 AM
Comment #390I think we’re all a bunch of heed the barls. We must be for continuing to support this club under such a disastrous ownership. Or maybe supporting this club turns you into a heed the barl.
magscar
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:30 AM
Comment #391Match day and looks like various shifts of back garden visits will mean I will miss most of not all of it.
It seems a long time since i used to wake up with a bounce in my step with a hurrah it’s game on.
Now it’s like a chore.
Family come first as we come out of lockdown
geordietom
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:38 AM
Comment #392toon22…
you really should be ashamed of yourself , first you upset Carltoon big style , then you try to wind Mund up trying to get him to kick off think you need to go on one of your walks to the coast .
also when PEOPLE say something on here they get jumped on but the FROG goes on and on about his PR shite and try’s to cause arguments …
geordietom
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:39 AM
Comment #393Im beginning to think THE FROG is PR for the blog owners …
lesh
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:46 AM
Comment #394Mund
You probably spotted my typo @388 but if not, that post should have referenced Bettys’ post @ 373.
Oh, I ain’t obsessed with anyone but I’m reasonably confident about that one.
However, life’s too short so you take care and enjoy the weekend.
Mund
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:48 AM
Comment #395Have a good one Lesh :thumb up thingy:
sing in the corner
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:50 AM
Comment #396NedJ
Yeah that’s my thoughts too re: Shelvey & Hendrick pairing.
..Unless Shelvey has one of those games,bwhere everything he hits out to the flanks or weighted through the lines is the spot on wonderball he still has in the locker.
Unfortunately those games are a real rarity, and anyhow prem teams usually have him well worked out nowadays.
Optimistic prime
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:53 AM
Comment #397Nufc are playing today, incase anyone forgot.
I fully expect us to get beat, even Mourinhio will get a convincing win against Bruces Nufc at SJP.
Result aside, the cabbage can’t afford to risk any players, enough damage has been done to the squad already.
geordietom
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:55 AM
Comment #398OP …
lets hope he doesnt play wilson or maxi from the beginning , but saying that its bruce we are talking about …
lesh
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:55 AM
Comment #399Magscar
Maybe those obligatory back garden shifts might be a blessing.
And, in the event of a howking from Spurs, rather than having to face MoTD, the PBS America channel (Freeview 84 or maybe 91) showing a series on Country Music (see link https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/country-music/ ).
If you haven’t seen it, it’s an eight part series and’s showed some interesting stuff so far.
bettyswallocks
Apr 4, 2021 at 10:59 AM
Comment #400Hi Lesh……. How are you on this fine Easter Sunday? Will you be watching the match or are you on one of those Anti Government say no to Bregxit demos?