Newcastle get an early start to this weekend with a trip to Nottingham Forest on Friday. Eddie Howe and the boys will hope to seize the momentum from their 2-1 win over Wolves and further enhance their claim for a European place.
Howe made significant changes last weekend resulting in the first league win in almost two months. The front three was completely altered and we could see Howe stick with the trio of Alexander Isak, Jacob Murphy, and Allan Saint-Maximin.
Isak has captured our poll as the Man of the Match by a very healthy margin. The striker bagged Newcastle’s opening goal with a superb header, the fifth goal of his Magpie career.
Loading ...Equally impressive was Joe Willock as he put in a monster performance. The midfielder came in for the suspended Joelinton and will be relied on once again at the City Ground on Friday.
There will be extra emphasis to pick up three points with the international break looming afterward. Newcastle will head off to Dubai for some warm-weather training. It will be that much more exhilarating on the back of two wins.
It will be a difficult task with Forest enmeshed in a survival fight. They hold a tenuous two-point lead over the bottom three in what is shaping up to be a relegation battle involving 9 clubs.
Those scraps are behind Newcastle this year as they keep pace with the top six. A claim that can be further cemented with a timely victory on Friday.
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212 comments so far
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:10 AM
Comment #1Steals in for a cheeky first š
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:11 AM
Comment #2Well I’m the one person who voted win, I wonder who voted lose ToF š
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:14 AM
Comment #3Forest isn’t going to be easy, we still have a couple of players in the first team who remember their antics that night, a certain Henry Lansbury, who got his after he signed for Villa. We owe them one down there for that night so let’s hope its pay back on Friday.
magscar
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:15 AM
Comment #4Repost apologies wondered how long it would be before I missed bus again š
Some discussion yesterday about possible/likely outgoings and a name that didnāt crop up was Dubravka
Given his clear reluctance to be simply back up and doubt over even with possible extra games next season that Howe would swap his keeper around what do posters think about looking to sell him
Under contract until 2026 not old for a keeper and despite his underwhelming loan to Man U is still a PL level player who should atttract up to mid table sides and those clubs coming up
I like the guy but he doesnāt understandably want to play understudy and yhe more i think about it is likely to go in summer
Then itās a question of Darlow coming back from Hull loan but surely also time to move on, Karius, Langley and Gillespie all of whom have contracts expiring in June so we have an issue to resolve
Do club think enough of Karius to extend contract again?
Would he rather want to see if he could get a first team place again somewhere else on back of his cameo performance in Carabao Cup final?
Being a back up to Goalkeeper position is not for every capable keeper
Might club look to upgrade on Pope longer term by bringing in a young understudy better on ball like Alison and Ederson?
As well as the obvious recruiment at LB midfield and up front I believe Club need to decide what to do with keepers
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:18 AM
Comment #5magscar,
I think the attitude towards Dubs has turned dramatically, I think most people would like him sold for a half decent fee and Karius kept on, it’s whether he wants to be back up to Pope or not though.
simon376
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:21 AM
Comment #6Catchy
Unfortunately GL was right about the way what is being said is coming across. No I dont for one second think they are at the point of starting off a war or anything like what happened in 39, but I do think the attitude of some of this lot is very similar. Mind think the same can be said for the other parties as well. Right now we are doing what we should to help people coming in and yes they are fleeing problems. But if we take the suggested route, going against human kindness and helping people in distress. All I can say is, if anything happens here, I hope other places will let me in.
As for the people coming over, most of them reach out to work and not claim of the state. They end up doing the jobs we wont. Lets not bring people down and get rid of free speech
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:21 AM
Comment #7magscar,
I’d like to see both Dubs and Darlow sold and Karius kept on, we can promote a keeper who doesn’t take up a squad place for the third keeper, how often is one used (the cup final was exceptional circumstances) Brighton don’t have three and Man City have Scott Carson who Pep plays once a season just to pi$$ off fantasy football managers š
lesh
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:21 AM
Comment #8magscar
You’ll need to get a grip of yourself bonny lad – you’re becoming a frequent visitor to The Blog!
Good lad.
š
The overrated Frenchman
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:22 AM
Comment #9Havenāt voted yet, but most likely will go draw
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:23 AM
Comment #10ToF,
Then my apologies for insinuating you went for the loss. A draw wouldn’t be a bad result at all.
Adamn_92
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:25 AM
Comment #11magscar
For me Pope is absolutely fine for another couple of seasons. Yes he isn’t great with the ball at his feet, but every other department he excels at and that’s more than good enough. I’d much rather he just hoofs it clear, will bring less errors or mistakes from trying to play out from the back.
Dubs can go, not getting any younger and his Manure move has left a bit of a sour taste for most fans. Karius i’m sure will be happy to be back up and then i’d like to see an academy keeper come through or a teenage keeper with high potential brought in as 3rd choice.
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:28 AM
Comment #12magscar – on a personal level, I want Dubs to go this summer. Iām not a fan at all of him going to Man Utd last summer, he should have told Howe that heāll fight for his place and prove heās worthy to start ahead of Pope.
But weāve got 5 goalkeepers on our books currently so 2 will presumably go over the summer. Iād be happy enough with Pope, Karius, and Gillespie but I guess it depends on whether any of the 4 behind Pope are pushing for regular starts and how easy it is to sell/loan them.
Fenham to Chalfont
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:28 AM
Comment #13dazzler from the previous thread and also you Lesh sticking your owe in like a frenzied weirdo that you areā¦
OK letās get things into perspective here. I didnāt offer any body out over the blog as you put it Dazzler. It was the other way round. I was threatened to be buried in a ditch and then asked for a meet from the same person, a person that stated he was a big 6ft 4ā, 17st ex Newcastle Falcons rugby player (cough). Listen I donāt suffer fools gladly and took that person up on his offer. The thing is Iām no coward, thatās the problem. Also I actually apologised to the blog for that carry on and the person who offered me out (as you put it dazzler) didnāt? Yet nothing at all has been mentioned about him, why is that? Like I said this Blog is bat $hit crazy. Unfortunately this place has some very opinionated self righteous Iām better than you individualās.
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:28 AM
Comment #14Vask, can I have one of them gravy bones?
magscar
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:29 AM
Comment #15Before Sunday I would have thought a draw most likely ( and maybe snapped your hand off for it) but based on first half performance in particular (no fluke) and even wth Big Joe still out I am a bit more inclined to a close score win
Forest are no push over at home though and have we finally shaken off the poor run of results if not performances?
Front 3 changes revitalised attack on Sunday and if Eddie’s maxim holds true they would keep the shirt – even if Murphy was the beneficiary of Gordon’s absence …. or was it Maxi?
We looked like the team of pre World Cup once we had hit our stride after a slow start to season which included opening game against Forest and took Scar thunderbolt to finally crack them
That game was actually similar to some games since Christmas – lots of possession but struggling to score against deep seated team
Forest are different at home though and if we find our shooting boots then we win but we will need to cut out soft goals like we have been giving away recently
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:31 AM
Comment #16I agree with Jail @ #5 ref. Goalkeepers.
magscar
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:31 AM
Comment #17Lesh
š
Fenham to Chalfont
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:32 AM
Comment #18Peter the pug, Iād just like to add I have no more issues with you at all and what happened is water under the bridge, but when I get antagonised by a handful of opinionated know fook alls I will stand my ground and get my side across. Too many opinionated stirrers on here. Itās like a school playground at times š
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:34 AM
Comment #19ok š
Mister Tuff
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:34 AM
Comment #20Lesh – calm down you are getting over excited today, don’t blame your memory loss on a cold, I suspect you have been drinking that tincture that matron made up for you to treat the boils on your jacksie.
As for losing millions of brain cells – hahahahhahahahahahahaha
I don’t think so.
Matron – he’s suffering from delusions as well. Can you sort him out with another embrocation or poultice for his posterior postules.
Vask
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:35 AM
Comment #21Pug
Of course marrow. They’re virtually free.
Fenham to Chalfont
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:35 AM
Comment #22Jesus wept are people still going on about Gary fookin Lineker WTF????
Unbelievable
Mister Tuff
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:38 AM
Comment #23Some are suggesting it was party time in 1930’s Germany.
What the hell do yeez think was going on there.
Vask
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:39 AM
Comment #24I’m agreeing with magscar. I would much prefer a win. I think a point is ok but we should really be putting in some hard fought wins over the next few gameweeks and cement our challenge for European competition qualification.
If we finish above Liverpool spurs and Chelsea what a season it’s been.
Even if we finish a few points above Brighton this season it is still progress.
magscar
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:42 AM
Comment #25Jail, Adam and TDS
With you all
I understand Dubravka not wanting to be back up at his age but Man U what on earth was he thinking?!? totally changed my sympathy for him
I have wondered whether Eddie would have sought to keep him sweet by playing in cup games had he stayed ( different situation to Darlow i think) but no way would he have swopped keepers around fo PL
I knew when he brorught Pope in it was for first choice and despite his lapses which get magnified as all keeper errors do i also believe he has some years in him
I think Karius and a new young “modern” keeper who can develop could be best answer
If Karius goes (as he may want) then a full clear out seems likely but I am sure as elsewhere Club will have situation covered
lesh
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:44 AM
Comment #26Tuff
Your chum Fenham’ll be relieved to see he’s not alone.
Adamn_92
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:44 AM
Comment #27I think the same front 3 could be devastating against Forest.
Forest come across as a relatively attacking side and playing at home i’m pretty confident they won’t be playing defensively at all. Which means we could catch them on the break with great effect.
Isak showed how much pace he has to be able to get in behind defences, so with him doing the same again, ASM on one side bombing forward and Murphy on the other, we have a pacey counter. I’d keep Murphy in as on the break he’d be able to square it/cross it nice and early rather than having to cut back onto his left like Miggy would have to; slowing the counter down a little.
That front 3 could really catch the Forest defence out and cause them all kinds of problems on counter attacks. I feel like it’ll be a very end to end and open game and our superior defence will be the difference.
lesh
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:46 AM
Comment #28Tuff
Like your mate, do you have to be a tw@t all day, every day?
Vask
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:48 AM
Comment #29Adamn
I agree that we should start with the same team. I really like the way Murphy presses. He seems quite successful in causing problems and forcing errors.
Same sub strategy as well but hopefully with the game out of sight we can see Anderson get on the pitch instead of Matt Richie.
Vask
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:51 AM
Comment #30I would also like to see Matty Target get on.
I think we have forgotten how good he actually is.
I like to remind myself by thinking of his composure to play football and start the counter that led to Bruno’s diving header against Leicester in the run in last season. I’m not sure Burny could have started that move.
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:52 AM
Comment #31Vask, on it now
magscar
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:52 AM
Comment #32Vask
Yeah I think we all would prefer we go for a win š
……. but given our problems in scoring goals and not conceding soft set play ones in 2023 until Sunday’s revival ( notwithstanding Pope’s near calamity and Trippier’s slip) i was worried we couldn’t shake off our malaise in each box
We have had some decent performances though and Eddie’s tweaks ( forced and unforced) came good
A similar attitude and performance should brings it’s reward but Eddie has some decisions to make though not as many as he hopefully will face after inernational break when if luck stays with us he will have Joelinton and a fit Gordon to add to his choices š
We need to have good options from bench for run in
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:54 AM
Comment #33FtC, you HAVE to put Jeff after “unbelievable” (Jeff). It is the law on a football blog.
A Geordie Mongrel
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:54 AM
Comment #34Morning all. Lesh, “putting you right” was not my intention. In your post you indicated you were unsure of your answer. I knew the answer and was happy to share. Same as Cleveleys. I hope you feel better soon. š
Vask, I can’t remember who but a blogger used to regularly put up links to footyfull. When they stopped I thought admin had asked them to. When a couple of folks asked for replay links I checked with Neil and all is ok so again happy to share. I’ll virtually enjoy those bones! (Happy to share them too) š
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:58 AM
Comment #35#29. Now I am agreeing with everybody today. Unbelievable Jeff!
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 14, 2023 at 9:59 AM
Comment #36I am not talking to that Mongrel. He got all the gravy bones!
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 14, 2023 at 10:00 AM
Comment #37virtually talking to AGM again.
A Geordie Mongrel
Mar 14, 2023 at 10:09 AM
Comment #38On Dubs, I thought it superb man management to bring him back into the fold after his error of judgment at Man U. It worked out perfectly for them getting quality cover and managing to cup tie him. I understand his desire for first team football but Pope is a better stopper. If Karius is content to be a back up or cup keeper then great. However both Dubs and Karius are good enough for first team football so if they move on they’d go with my grateful thanks. Be nice if they could teach Pope how to use his feet before they go.
cleveleysbob
Mar 14, 2023 at 10:11 AM
Comment #39Anyone fancy Shelvey getting us a pen on Friday? š
CLINT FLICK
Mar 14, 2023 at 10:13 AM
Comment #40Agm
It was nadj who put up the full games, in the past.
š