Newcastle have a massive match against Leeds at St. James’ Park on Friday evening. The problem The Magpies could face is that it is also a very important fixture for Leeds, who likewise have yet to pick up their first win and have had struggled defensively.
According to The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder, there was a dressing room inquest held after Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Manchester United. Poor defending was the primary topic of discussion.
Newcastle have conceded 12 goals over our first four matches, which is the most in the league so far. While the defending was better against The Red Devils early, it ended in another lopsided defeat with Newcastle just unable to prevent the opposition from hitting the back of the net.
Leeds have struggled at the back as well and share our -7 goal difference. Though they have had a more difficult start to the campaign with matches against Man United, Everton, and Liverpool.
Bruce will have some decisions to make as Lee Ryder suggests places could be up for grabs, especially at the back. We could see both Fabian Schar and Federico Fernandez recalled for Friday. Hopefully, Paul Dummett will be available after a calf injury has kept him on the sidelines since pre-season.
Karl Darlow could also get the nod over Freddie Woodman. Bruce may opt for Darlow’s experience after Freddie made a few mistakes on Saturday. He stepped up and accepted responsibility but it’s another area where a change could be made.
The Chronicle is also backing claims from The Athletic that Callum Wilson will not be risked until October with his thigh strain. This means he’ll miss our next two matches with Wolves on October 2nd being a potential date for his return. The Athletic reckon he may not be back until after the next international break ruling him out for the Wolves match as well.
We’ll also have to wait on news of Javier Manquillo, Joe Willock, and Ciaran Clark, who were all forced off with knocks at Old Trafford. Bruce could already be facing an injury crisis early in the campaign.
This season’s start has been calamitous. However, all it takes is a couple of wins to turn our fortunes around. Newcastle really need to find that first win quickly and the match on Friday is of growing importance.
The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards is suggesting that Bruce’s position is not currently under threat. He is also calling on fans to not be so vocal in their displeasure with things on the pitch.
They are shouting angrily into a wind. Fans called for Pardew to be sacked for months. Didn’t happen. It’s horrible to feel powerless but at what point does it become more harmful to the team than anything else? Interesting debate. Everything will be decided by results in the end
— Luke Edwards (@LukeEdwardsTele) September 13, 2021
That may be wishful thinking as Friday’s match could get very ugly. Especially if Newcastle limp out of the gate like against Southampton. The lads really need a quick and positive start. That should be one of the many focus points in training this week.
249 comments so far
Optimistic prime
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:23 PM
Comment #121NADJ
Bruce will get those stats sorted pronto
DrGloom
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:23 PM
Comment #122fck me – what a goal from Townsend
Ashingtoon62
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:25 PM
Comment #1234-1 nearly (offside)
Everton running riot….
ChicoUSA
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:26 PM
Comment #124Aye, first a peach from Townsend and then another from Rafa’s other budget signing, Gray! Hmmm, Everton not exactly playing “boring Rafa type football”! 😉
Optimistic prime
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:27 PM
Comment #125It’s going to be unbearable watch you know who guide Everton to a European spot whilst Bruce takes us to the Championship and beyond.
It’s a knife in the back and heart.
Moonraker15
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:27 PM
Comment #126Rafa is a freaking genius!
Townsend, Demari Gray, Doucore! Bloody brilliant!
coming home
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:27 PM
Comment #127Rafa is kinda proving a point
Moonraker15
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:30 PM
Comment #128Our owner is totally negligent to let the man go! FFS what an idiot!
Ashingtoon62
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:30 PM
Comment #129They went one down,Rafa changed the formation and boom!!
Optimistic prime
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:30 PM
Comment #130When Everton qualify for the Champions league Rafa will pull his shirt off to reveal a t-shirt saying
MUNSTER GIZ A WAVE
Nicky the ball tosser
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:31 PM
Comment #131I suppose it would be fair to say the Everton fans are warming to Rafa. We absolutely loved him. They are going to as well. He’s a banker.
coming home
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:32 PM
Comment #132Jail
Is WL watching the Rafa show lol
Moonraker15
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:33 PM
Comment #133Nicky
He would love to have made us a top team again!
Uncertain Toon/World
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:34 PM
Comment #134Is that the Townsend that Rafa wanted to sign at the toon?
Moonraker15
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:36 PM
Comment #135Omg he’s bringing Rondon on now !
Moonraker15
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:37 PM
Comment #136Uncertain
That’s the one!
Optimistic prime
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:37 PM
Comment #137I’m not looking forward to Friday at all
Optimistic prime
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:38 PM
Comment #138Rondon double to go top of the league
ChicoUSA
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:38 PM
Comment #139Here comes another Rafa “steal” Salomon Rondon! If he scores then the Everton fans will build Rafa a statue tonight! 😉
carltoon
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:38 PM
Comment #140Ah! My darling Rafa, I’m pleased he’s doing well, but it breaks my heart, to see it with another club, especially Everton, WHY is this happening to us.
TomaKaThor
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:38 PM
Comment #141You need any proof the huge gulf in ability…same defence under Rafa and we had one the better defences in the league and it was very rare we lost by more than 1 goal…….Under Bruce we have perhaps now the worst defence in the league and concede bucket loads…we crumble once we go behind
Bruce is an absolute joke…how this man has made a career managing at the top flight for so long is outstanding…he should not be managing at a professional level period
Optimistic prime
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:40 PM
Comment #142Rafa will take Bruces Nufc to the cleaners.
Master tactician against Greggs favourite customer.
ChicoUSA
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:40 PM
Comment #143carltoon
Answered In one name….Ashley! 🙁
carltoon
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:40 PM
Comment #144Tomaka, it’s all the Chronicles and Lee Ryder’s fault, have you not heard.
carltoon
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:42 PM
Comment #145Chico, I know, but Why us, what did we do wrong, to get that evil B.
Nicky the ball tosser
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:42 PM
Comment #146I’m not interested in the fortunes of other clubs, although not in any way keen on Southern clubs but I do like Rafa very much, and I do like Big Dunc very much too, so have at it Everton.
One club I do have a bit of a soft spot for though is Leeds, particularly this incarnation of theirs under Bielsa. Yorkshire is just a great part of the world. Great pubs, great scenery and great sporting traditions. Northumberland, Durham and Yorkshire, magic. Should combine and secede.
Optimistic prime
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:42 PM
Comment #147Aye Ashley would’ve got away with it if it wasn’t for the pesky Chronicle.
Shows how out of touch Bruce and the club are, majority of fans I know slate the Chronicle and its journalists.
Ashingtoon62
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:42 PM
Comment #148I’m looking forward to fridays game. I reckon this time next week, Bruce will be unemployed.
carltoon
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:46 PM
Comment #149OP, they banned the Chronicles journos the last time they reported what the fans were saying, so I think they’ve been towing the line, but I’m pleased they’re reporting and asking questions of Bruce. It’s about bloody time.
coming home
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:46 PM
Comment #150Ashington
I reckon it will be at least 3 weeks but he will get the chop soon and jonesy will be in charge
ChicoUSA
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:46 PM
Comment #151carltoon,
THAT question nobody can answer….why indeed! 🙁
I just feel things are gonna change for us….they have to!
Optimistic prime
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:46 PM
Comment #152Ashingtoon
I don’t share your optimism.
Rafa stolen Mclarens job.
I can’t think of a manager Ashley has sacked other than Fat Sham.
No way Bruce walks, he’s set his stall, he’ll go down with the ship before admitting he’s to blame.
Optimistic prime
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:47 PM
Comment #153I do hope you’re right though
carltoon
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:48 PM
Comment #154What will it be like, when Everton, come to St.James and both sets of fans sing Rafa’s name.
magicmac54
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:49 PM
Comment #155I see our ex manager is working his magic again, this is the manager that Ashley didn`t think was worth backing, to say i was livid would not even come close to how outraged and angry iam feeling. The electric chair or hanging would be to good for Ashely or that other grotesque little skunk Charnley.
Optimistic prime
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:51 PM
Comment #156Carltoon
I’m dissatisfied with the Chronicle and it’s Journalists.
We know they need to keep some sort of relationship with the fans but it’s the fans that buy their paper.
They should be asking the hard questions and pressuring the club instead of walking on eggshells.
Bruces response was funny, it’s not like anyone has even gave him a hard time, a run down of how poor we are under him, bloke needs a reality check.
chancel be a fine thing
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:52 PM
Comment #157Rafa manages to tuck his glasses in his pocket, even with those tiny hands.
carltoon
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:52 PM
Comment #158Charlie, Everton don’t deserve Rafa,
Optimistic prime
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:52 PM
Comment #159Magic
Electric chair, hanging hmmm
I might know a guy who could sort you a avatar 😉
coming home
Sep 13, 2021 at 9:53 PM
Comment #160It’s very early days but anyone who doubted Rafa will know by end of season