After reaching the League Cup final, Newcastle will try to advance in the FA Cup as they take on Birmingham City at St. Andrew’s this afternoon. The recently relegated Blues are on a strong run topping League One in a bid to get straight back to the Championship.
This is who Eddie Howe has selected for today’s match.
Today's team at St. Andrew's ? pic.twitter.com/eh2W4jFiFQ
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) February 8, 2025
Here is who Chris Davies’ will send out for the hosts. Former Mag Grant Hanley is on the bench.
???? ???? ?
Five changes from Tuesday ?
Dowell in from the off ?
Jay up top ?#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/3DfeLhNccU— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) February 8, 2025
Howay The Lads!
826 comments so far
Munster Mag
Feb 14, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Comment #761Sorry but plenty of guys on here were laughing that Minteh was sh1t really and they were talking pants. The guy has real potential but some guys were happy to mock him because it would make them feel better about nufc. And so they mocked me, Rotonda and others who liked his potential.
Put it this way, if he misses a handful of sitters tonite all the usual guys are crowing. Weird.
Munster Mag
Feb 14, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Comment #762Problem with the prems sponsorship rules is that they make sense. It’s not really fair that man city can have huge investment on sponsorships without being scrutinised surely?
So if the training kit at nufc is worth 20m we get a Saudi body to pay 100m ?
martoon
Feb 15, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Comment #763Munster @760 – The point is the likes of City, Chelsea etc. have done this for years before the rules were brought in and so increased their income massively for PSR. Then when the likes of Villa and Nufc get rich owners they bring in these restrictive rules on sponsorship so we can never catch them up!
Ooooo........it's Nicky the ball tosser
Feb 15, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Comment #764We need to overhaul Forest to guarantee top 5 and CL qualification. They are clearly a good side, but the season is played over 38 games, and the sides that finish strongly usually prevail. Forest may well have gone out too hard, and while the gap is significant, it’s far from insurmountable. We run down Forest, then it wont matter about City or Chelsea, or anyone else. We’ll be back in the CL, which is certainly where we need to be to hold onto our best talent. I’m quite confident, but in truth, I always accept the final table. You get bested, then fair play. But I think over 38 games we are a big shout at top 5 from here.
Raj of Hailsley
Feb 15, 2025 at 6:40 AM
Comment #765Nicky,
I thought Forest would slip up in January when they started to have to play teams again, it doesn’t look like it tbh. They have got a tricky run of fixtures coming up mind.
Raj of Hailsley
Feb 15, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Comment #766Munster,
When you say “plenty of guys” do you mean the same guys you spent hundreds of posts polluting the blog arguing over anything and everything with.
You probably wouldn’t have drawn the negative reaction to Minteh if you hadn’t of used him as (yet another) stick to beat tge club with in the first place.
magscar
Feb 15, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Comment #767Matchday
And an unusual 3.00pm KO against Man City rather than a televised one
I can’t remember the last time this fixture wasn’t one of the picked ones but was probably not as long ago as I think
It’s another place where we just don’t win in PL or even get a point!
Is today going to be different – at least we’ve avoided trouncing of late (since TO? )
On current form of both sides ( especially ours of late against the “big sides”) we should get something
Of course it doesn’t always work like that but if we can get a good fit CB pairing out on pitch then I have some hope
Gordon likely to be fit, if Isak continues to enjoy the spotlight and Murphy brings his A game then I’m sure Pep is worrying about his back line as well
We will need to dominate midfield and once again with Joelinton out we need the right choice to replace him
After Willock’s improved showing last week in the Battle of St Andrews I suspect as he’s played his better games on left then he’s the natural replacement to complement Bruno and Tonali.
Longstaff hasn’t justified a starting position of late and I can’t see Miley starting unless there’s an injury we’re unaware of
There’s also a decision to be made at RB and keeper – I think Dubs returns but tough decision over RB and Tripps might just win out on experience but Tino is now quicker – a toss of the coin and maybe depends on who Man City put on left given injuries?
Of course if we have 3 CBs ( which we don’t seem to or Eddie won’t risk them) then we might go for the Arsenal formation and tactics but I doubt it and fancy it will be his tried and tested 433 with odd little tweek if necessary
So if the side turn up with their Arsenal mindset (rather than the lacklustre Bournemouth or Fulham one) we do get something today
Maybe even a famous win given this one is sandwiched between 2 difficult games against Real Madrid for them with the home tie already fresh in their minds as their latest disappointment from a winning position
Pep as all good managers do, will try to have them focus on this game not the Madrid away game but we know how that can work out sometimes
It will no doubt influence his selection though but his dilemma there isn’t as difficult as other clubs have of course, not least because of the post Christmas spending spree they somehow could luxuriously indulge in
However we are currently locked on exactly the same points, goal difference etc with only the alphabet currently placing them above us and a win following on from Chelsea losing last night will be a big prize …….for both sides
There is also the question of sequences and our long run of away wins in all competitions
A jinx? but we’ve already made a new record so can we extend it?
Hard to call as I believe it will come down to the respective mindsets of whichever team is selected by 2 good managers but will we ever have a better chance – I doubt it
So I’m going for a tight win for us if Eddie gets his side and their minds right – coupled with Man City being distracted by the only prize arguably still in their potential grasp if only mathematically given their fluctuating performances this season
Of course we need to be looking over our shoulder at the pack so don’t lose!!
HWTL
Rotonda heights
Feb 15, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Comment #768So Jail you were recently trying to rubbish 20 year old Minteh in comparison to how Murphy is doing. I like Murphy but Minteh was always going to be a long term star. No 2 ways about it. You can see that from last night and how he ripped Manu apart at OT. Really hope he doesn’t turn up here in the FA cup.
JaveaToon
Feb 15, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Comment #769Not a bad read considering it’s The Ronnie Gill…
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/open-warfare-newcastle-uniteds-smart-31003787
Munster Mag
Feb 15, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Comment #770Would be a bit classier if some guys accepted the point made RH. If Minteh falls over himself the guys saying ” we told you he was shit” would be backslapping each other big time.
Munster Mag
Feb 15, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Comment #771Martoon I know the point u are making but I just find the principle of actively overpaying a bit unfair. But yes others have done it and built a revenue base that way. Masters is a smug bastard and needs to go. Good article out there by Martin Samuel.
Munster Mag
Feb 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Comment #772https://www.allegiantstadium.com/
Wow that’s a serious gaff ….:)
SiOliver
Feb 15, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Comment #773I genuinely think the final ticket allocation was spot on. If you went to the games you got a ticket and it wasn’t purely down to historic loyalty points. I think this caught a lot of people out who just assumed they would be okay. Yes, some people may have had to wait to be in the same pot but that mostly meant they had less choice of seat. It looks like there are still tickets and it would have been fairer for these to be in a ballot for all those groups left now. Losers in this will be those fans without season tickets for future cup games as those people who couldn’t be bothered in the past (and there were a lot) will ensure they attend in some form from now on.
martoon
Feb 15, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Comment #774JaveaToon@767 good article I notice the paragraph “The tribunal heard that a panicked unnamed executive emailed the Premier League on behalf of his club and 10 others to request that notice be given of a vote to introduce a short-term ban on related-party transactions just five days after the takeover in 2021. ”
We all know that was Daniel Levy at Spurs 😉
Mund
Feb 15, 2025 at 10:09 AM
Comment #775Minteh has a good game we’ve lost a worldy 🙄
Minteh has a bad game…. Nothing…
What these lads don’t understand is we either lost Anderson and Minteh or one of Isak, Bruno or Gordon.
Do the math eh. Nuff said
the crown princes nashers
Feb 15, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Comment #776so the pl and there big 5 clubs with man city out of that, have broken the law never mind there unlawful rules to keep us, villa, everton ect ect at bay
so the pl ect ect made 3 rule changes from the unlawful psr rules which are illegal, so what does that mean then, it means that the whole matter of psr is null and void, I also have questions about ffp bullshit as well
I know whats going to happen here, the big 5 are going to go ape and demand for a super league, the super league has never gone away why do you think these rules come into force for, the way I see it is this every club outside the top so called 6 will sue the league and that in turn will bankrupt it and bingo in comes the super league to safeguard the so called top 6, if this does happen then new rules must come into force, ditch pl back to first division, ban all super league teams from signing any english, irish, welsh and scottish players, ban all players who play for the super league teams from playing in international matches, bring in a transfer cap system, wages cap system, id even go as far as banning all super league clubs from playing in the united kingdom
this will really wreck them, I will wait to see what happens with man cities 115 charges
Davas
Feb 15, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Comment #777Javea
Good article. Thanks for the link.
If the rule is scrapped and clubs like us and City can get better sponsorship then the epl and the cartel only have themselves to blame.
They didn’t include associated party loans in the original change, thus protecting the likes of arsenal and Liverpool, but then compounded it by not backdating the inclusion to the original changes which gave these clubs an unfair advantage
Davas
Feb 15, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Comment #778Anyway matchday. TMQ saying Barnes travelled with the squad so hopefully on the bench along with wilson. Burn also possibly fit. Hoping for a good result today
the crown princes nashers
Feb 15, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Comment #779Davas
its been found null and void, psr even with the new rules they changed in nov 2024 is null and void, masters and co along with the top 6 ceos have broken the law and should be charged by the police for crimes, if i done this id be in jail for fraud
the crown princes nashers
Feb 15, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Comment #780martoon
strange that levy met with masters at spurs stadium a day before the new null and void rules come into force named psr
Munster Mag
Feb 15, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Comment #781You can easily reverse that and say the same about what others have said against him, if you opened your eyes now and again.
Sure your hero sanjay even said he was a unique and special talent.
Davas
Feb 15, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Comment #782Tcpn
It’s only the rules from 21 to 24 that have been found to be invalid. The tweets in November are waiting for a ruling.
Essex Geordie Bill
Feb 15, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Comment #7834 Hours 5 Minutes to KO.
Davas
Feb 15, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Comment #784Tweets should be tweaks:)
Mund
Feb 15, 2025 at 10:57 AM
Comment #785The end of the day we kept our elite stars with the selling of Anderson and Minteh and I can’t see any fan who’d want it the other way round.
Good luck to Minteh but he ain’t our player and never played a single game in the black and white. I just feel he is used as a weapon nowadays to just cause shite.
Davas
Feb 15, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Comment #786It’s matchday. Who cares about minteh. Who knows how good he’ll end up, he’s still young. People probably said Ben arfa and maxi looked like they were going to be world beaters when they were that age.
He could well be but who knows. He’s not our player anymore and never really was.
Mund
Feb 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Comment #787Davas
Exactly mate!
I’d say Ben Arfa looked a far better prospect however Minteh seems to have a better attitude even tho that has been questioned.
Dave
Feb 15, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Comment #788Munster #760.
I agree that inflated sponsorship deals would not be “fair” but we all know it would not be a problem except for the unlevel playing field that the historical unfairness has created, and roadblock that is PSR.
I know the players union would be up in arms and I know legally a unofficial wage cap would be challenged, but if some form of financial restraint is deemed to be required then a form of tethering would seem the nearest to “fair” we can get.
Of course this will not happen as it would restrict most clubs, including those that prosper most under PSR so when it comes to a vote we know what will be.
We have to accept that the PL is a private members club, and is set up and has officials in place that historically conform to the wishes of the most powerful members.
Some have argued that our politics and media are built in a similar fashion – but that is another discussion.
Raj of Hailsley
Feb 15, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Comment #789Rotonda,
I’ve stated umpteenth times how gutted I was to see Minteh go when we’ve been desperate to sign a RW/ST that he fits the mould of. What i didn’t do was use his sale as a stick to beat the club with.
fray bentos
Feb 15, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Comment #790It’s the great Medium Munster
What point is Munster actually trying to prove here? it honestly feels like he’s made up previous arguments in his head to then gain some bonus points when a (kinda) ex-player scores a couple of goals. He can’t even namedrop or state what posters have said
Must be the blog ghosts, they must not like Minteh or they must not like the board for selling him
The Bard of Bensham Bank
Feb 15, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Comment #791Regan, #749
Thanks for your apology. Much appreciated.
We’ve each had our jibes back and forth, but let’s just draw a line under all this nonsense eh?
I always start out with the intention of having a bit of fun or a piss take but it so often can take a turn for the worse.
This place can be addictive, but I’m going to try to take a step back too
Let’s see how it goes
🙂
HWTL
Ooooo........it's Nicky the ball tosser
Feb 15, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Comment #792It’s unfortunate about Minteh, and Anderson, both so young and talented, but I think, like Villa now, we took a punt with Tonali, Barnes and Livra on going deep in the CL and also finishing top five, and back in the CL, and of course didn’t happen, largely I would say because of Tonali’s ban, and a cruel, cruel, season with injuries. We are undeniably playing well now though, with Tonali central to it all, and certainly you’d have to say if we still had Minteh and Anderson we’d likely be a very formidable proposition indeed.
Such is life. Just gotta get on with it though. No other choice, and that’s exactly what we are doing.
WLtoon
Feb 15, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Comment #793After watching last nights game i honestly think we need not worry about Chelsea taking up one of the CL places, they were shocking last night and i think if any team is going to fall away it will be them, not Forest.
I doubt the Toon will have a better chance of finishing in a CL place as they do this season with Manure and Spuds being out of sorts, and having that extra place available.
The next 3 games might tell us more about our teams chances and just how focused the staff and more importantly, the players are on the PL games leading up to the final.
I think we will get a point today, can`t be too greedy going to Citeh and expecting a win, they are still one of the best teams in the PL and seemed to have picked up recently in the league.
2-2 is my shout
HWTL
A Geordie Mongrel
Feb 15, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Comment #794Looking over eddies-bingo it seems to be a choice between Trippier or Tino. You’ve got until 12:45pm to enter or change your mind.
https://www.nufcblog.com/2024/05/19/newcastle-finish-7th-with-good-4-2-win-but-now-wait-on-europa-conference-qualification/comment-page-7/#comment-3065619
Dougall
Feb 15, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Comment #795I think today is the litmus test to see where we are heading come season’s end as this is the best time to play a team who usually you would expect to get zero points from but on paper a tough , tough game
The Bard of Bensham Bank
Feb 15, 2025 at 11:58 AM
Comment #796There was an old fellow called Tuff
Who…..
.
.
Kidding!
😀
WLtoon
Feb 15, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Comment #797Minteh and Anderson should and would still be here if it wasn`t for the farcical, and now proven unenforcable PSR rules that were brought in after our takeover.
Yep , i think our squad would be stronger with these two young lads still in our squad, and we would STILL have all of our purples because we would not have needed to sell in the first place.
I am not talking about buying the lge and silverware like Chelsea or Citeh, what we have had to do is just the opposite, we have had to weaken the squad to keep Masters and the cartel happy.
Dont worry though lads n lasses, it won`t be long before Levy and co set up another secret meeting to bring in other barriers to halt ambitious owners from taking some of the glory, cos these bastards want it all for themselves, proven, time and time again.
You do know they have a strange handshake, right. 🙂
Ooooo........it's Nicky the ball tosser
Feb 15, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Comment #798City still terrify me, but if we are at it, we’ll be massively difficult for them to contain, given their seemingly fragile state of mind at present. We’ll miss Joel, and so we need Burn to start. We’re a big strong tough committed side, and play to those strengths, and I’d worry if both were missing, along with Botman. I’m hopeful that Burn is okay.
Not another deJong
Feb 15, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Comment #799Highly editted Sky interview with Dubravka
https://youtu.be/syG8olzChwU?si=b0_PkOGOYlNSm2MW
WLtoon
Feb 15, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Comment #800Leicester fans having a protest today before the Arsenal game over their current owners.
They can`t be as bad as Jabba surely.