After tomorrow the speculation will no doubt crank up a few notches as we collectively prepare for a long few weeks without any club football at all to focus upon. I hate close season! Mind you, there is a game to play before all that, and there is a space in the top ten to play for still so I’ll not get too far ahead of myself.
Both teams have entertained throughout the season, both teams have caused alarm to their fans throughout the season, both teams dispensed of their managers midway through the campaign and now both teams are mathematically safe and can enjoy the final day of the season without having to look over their shoulders. It’s fair to say that both sides have had a similar season and have achieved their respective goals.
However, the lure of a top-ten finish will hopefully be enough to inspire the home side to get a result. If that isn’t enough they can always use the memory of former boss Chris Hughton to inspire them after he was rather harshly sacked after the 3-1 defeat at The Hawthorns earlier on in the season. Go on lads, do it for Chrissy 😉
If they are to win they’ll have to do it whilst contending with that ever so familiar injury list. Hatem Ben Arfa, Dan Gosling, Kevin Nolan, Steve Harper, James Perch, Danny Guthrie, Mike Williamson and Jonas Gutierrez are all out of the match while Cheik Tiote will also sit out to prevent him from picking up a yellow card and a three match ban for the start of next season. Shane Ferguson has recovered from a knock and Leon Best and Alan Smith are fit to feature although Bestie is unlikely to start.
I reckon we’ll see a team similar to the one that gained the impressive 2-2 draw with Chelsea last weekend, except for Jonas of course. That should leave us lining up a little like this:
Newcastle: Tim Krul, Jose Enrique, Fabricio Coloccini, Steven Taylor, Danny Simpson, Ryan Taylor, Joey Barton, Alan Smith, Shane Ferguson, Peter Lovenkrands, Shola Ameobi.
In fairness West Brom are also without a few key players. Peter Odemwingie and Gabriel Tamas are not included in Roy Hodgson’s squad for tomorrow. Both have been allowed to jet off on their summer holidays early as both are carrying slight knocks. Pablo Ibanez and Graham Dorrans are also ruled out through hamstring and ankle injuries respectively. Hodgson is also expected to call on the services of some of his youth players for the game tomorrow.
In their last match they beat Everton 1-0 in which they lined up with a team of:
West Brom: Scott Carson, Stephen Reid, Jonas Olsson, Gabriel Tamas, Nicky Shorey, Chris Brunt, Yousouff Mulumbu, Paul Scharner, Jerome Thomas, Simon Cox, Peter Odemwingie.
West Brom have not won at St James’ Park since September 1977 and that 3-1 victory over us back in December was their first league victory in 18 attempts.
The contrast in final day results is rather interesting. West Brom have never lost a game on the final day of a Premier League season (won 1, drawn 3) whilst Newcastle have won only one of the last eight games on the final day of a top-flight season.
West Brom’s 1-0 victory last weekend gave them their first clean sheet in 34 games, although going behind doesn’t faze them as they have claimed more points from losing positions than any other team this season.
I’m obviously hoping for a win, as we all are I presume. There is an awful lot of potential pride resting on tomorrow so I don’t want our boys to take the game lightly. A win will see us finish above Sunderland, will more than likely give us a top ten finish and will give everyone a good send off for the season finale. A lap of honour just doesn’t feel the same after a defeat.
I’m feeling optimistic about the match, which is dangerous. I think we have enough about us to win the game and should (hopefully) get the three points on offer to round the season off nicely. Don’t forget that every match is a 4pm kick-off tomorrow so adjust your watches and alarms accordingly.
Howay the lads!
Not expecting a classic to be honest, but will be dissapointed if we dont get a good atmosphere.
Would very much like to see some of the young kids get a go too.
Stuart79(Quote)
I hope that we put on a good show tomorrow, and that the fans are appreciative of an immense effort from the team. Three turbulent years….relegation …cack, promotion at first attempt …magnificent, the chance of a top ten finish in our first year back…brilliant. Well done the lads..wish I could be there. 😥
Munich Mag(Quote)
Stuart…this is an ideal opportunity to give a few of the bairns a try out. It can only do them good..
Munich Mag(Quote)
Well i’ve made it past 6 without dying, means i can go to the game tomorrow 😀
Jobey07(Quote)
Ooh, forgot to add, Woy is giving some of his kids a run out tomorrow. I’ll put that in now.
toonsy(Quote)
“West Brom’s 1-0 victory last weekend gave them their first clean sheet in 34 games, although going behind doesn’t faze them as they have claimed more points from losing positions than any other team this season.”
Crazy statistic!
Moreno(Quote)
Hoping for the 3 points tomorrow, would be a great way to round a great season off. Of course it would mean we finish above them lot. 😉
Josh-NUFC(Quote)
I had a ticket as I thought I was down this weekend. Went down last weekend instead as missus is working at the minute so had to give my ticket away. Fooking gutted
Moreno(Quote)
Could be a party atmosphere tomorrow, and obviously the baggie fans are up for it…”Newcastle Brown Day”…cool !
http://www.nufc.com/
DJG will be there too with his sheeps outfit I would imagine ? 😆
Munich Mag(Quote)
Think we will lose me, dont no why, I can feel it, I think its cos jobey is going 😆
SpencerTheToon(Quote)
@9, Its me whos got the sheeps outfit 😆
SpencerTheToon(Quote)
Anybody going for a jar before the game.
Would like to see something of Tavernier tomorrow
Toby le Rhone(Quote)
I’ve been to Arsenal 4-4, Birmingham 2-0, Wolves 1-1, Psv 2-2 this season, not seen us lose yet 😉
Jobey07(Quote)
yeah toby im over for the game. Where is good to go?
johno toon(Quote)
So what your saying is, we havnt won at home when you’ve been there? 😉
richietoon(Quote)
I usually start in The Goose for cheap doubles
Moreno(Quote)
Johno
I normally go to Fluid which is just south of the ground about 300 yards from the gallowgate. Its a sensible place that gets busy.
Really depends what you’re after. The city centre bars cater for everybody
Toby le Rhone(Quote)
Toonsy-
As regards fukktard87, I just saw how heated he was in that thread and then he just stopped posting. Thought you might have banished him to the land of Harrison. lol, more than the punk deserves 👿
OHurley(Quote)
Richie-
You still around? I need one of those SMB shirts!! Any ideas where to get it? It’s not on amazon.com, amazingly.
OHurley(Quote)
OH http://backpagenewcastle.com/User/ProductsDetail.asp?ProdId=6835 😉
richietoon(Quote)
@toonsy
You say;
now both teams are mathematically safe and can enjoy the final day of the season without having to look over their shoulders.
I say;
We are still looking over our shoulders at the mackems. It would spoil any after season party to think they finish above us.
Therefore I think we should play our strongest team, minus Tiote, and secure a good lead before bringing the youngins on.
Too important to experiment.
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
@o Hurley
You keep referring to the SMB tee shirts. What does SMB stand for? ❓
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
Bobby-
(See Richie’s avatar pic, and refer to Lee Clark’s famous shirt). It means “Sad Mackem Bastards”
OHurley(Quote)
anyone got tiger woods 2012 masters
hitman(Quote)
HITMAN- aye i have.
And richie, are you going tomorrow? 👿 😉
Jobey07(Quote)
Bobby – I meant with regard to Premier League safety 😉
toonsy(Quote)
Hitman – Not yet. It’s on my wanted list with that La Noire though 🙂
toonsy(Quote)
agree wit bobby think we should go for the kill 2m , was good to see against chelsea tat the players hadnt switched off wit end of season. Think be a tight game but we will win 2-1
johno toon(Quote)
jobey..how the fk do you get on the tour m8 😆
hitman(Quote)
toonsy la noire is the bollocks m8..fkin stunning
hitman(Quote)
jobey…not if your going ya feckin jinx 😉
agree with bobby, horrible feeling the mackems will win tomorrow, therefore if we don’t win it will leave a bitter taste I’m afraid 👿
richietoon(Quote)
*you’re* 😳
richietoon(Quote)
Something worth reading from The Mirror 😯
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Reade-column-When-is-a-shocking-tackle-involving-Joey-Barton-not-a-shocking-tackle-and-why-Hawksbee-Jacobs-are-in-tune-with-the-way-fans-really-feel-article738576.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
toonsy(Quote)
@O’Hurley
Hmmm. Hook, line, O’Hurley. 😆
Or is it oh Hurley? 😆
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
Richie-
Thx mate! Cost me 20 bob like, but the shirt’s in the mail! Woohoo 😆
OHurley(Quote)
Why is it that some people will take a player wanting to leave and it’s still ashleys and lambarses fault!? Pathetic. Love the target Europe noises from Ashley
raffo(Quote)
Bobby-
Bollox mate!! LMAO!! STFU 😆 😆 😆
And it’s O’Hurley. My auld Irish family name 😉
OHurley(Quote)
@raffo
Cos the players don’t see us as ambitious.
They run the club.
Not a hard concept really is it?
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
OH….20 bob’s just £1 in real money mate 😉
richietoon(Quote)
A cracking article toonsy, I remember going mental about it when the game was on
Moreno(Quote)
@O Hurley
I am being serious now, what does LMAO & STFU mean?
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
Raffo and Bobby-
I hope this summer makes the difference. I would love to see Ashely finally open up his pocket book and put his dosh where his gob is. I was readin’ a story the other day about Gervinho going to Spurs or Chelsea or summit. Let’s all hope Fat Ash gets down to business next week.
OHurley(Quote)
Moreno – I was the same. It’s a good point though. I wonder if that had been Barton what would have happened? Hmm…..
I remember Barton getting booked for trying to keep a ball in play in one game FFS 👿
toonsy(Quote)
bobby-
I thought bob meant 1 pound. Old fashioned, but I think it’s funny.
LMAO= laughing my *** off
STFU= shut the fukk up
😉
OHurley(Quote)
@O Hurley
Have you not learnt anything over the past 4/5 yrs since Ashley took over.
It’s a business run like Sports Direct.
Cheap and chatty.
No purse strings opening this or any other season. 😥
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
@O’H
😆
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
OH…bob was a shilling, which is 5p these days 😉
richietoon(Quote)
Rich is lucky becaase he remembers old money. He has more age experience than most 😉
toonsy(Quote)
Bobby-
Yeah, it’s true, but I’m always optimistic lol. Something that’s hard to do when you support newcastle lol, but it’ll get better. I have faith. *fingers crossed*
Richie- thanks for the clarification. Then, the shirt cost me 20 quid. That better?
OHurley(Quote)
Hurley, it’s a score 😉
Moreno(Quote)
Toonsy we all said at the time if it was Barton that made the tackle he would be banished for hurting one of the England goodie goodies. As he said not a word or a highlight of it, its a fuking joke
Big Dave(Quote)
Toonsy… I only know cos last time you put your hand in your pocket to get me a pint, you pulled out a half crown so I thought I’d gen up on the old coinage 😉
richietoon(Quote)
OH…..or 400 bob 😉
richietoon(Quote)
Rich 😀
OH – “The shirt cost me a score” if you’re wanting to slang it up.
Or if Cockney, “Me uncle Bert cost an apple core”
Moreno(Quote)
I think Guthrie will start instead of Smith tomorrow with Guthrie not being out for that long and Pardew saying he doesn’t really want to risk Smith.
dan4toon(Quote)
OH or you can just say you were fleeced my little pope heed friend 😀
Rich I hear OH is busting to get the new away top its secretly his fav colour 😀
Big Dave(Quote)
Dave 😆 he plays a mean version of The Sash too I hear 😆
richietoon(Quote)
Rich I heard that too its not his fault he was born a left footer 😆
Big Dave(Quote)
Cristiano Ronaldo breaks the record of the most goals scored in a single season in the league (39 goals)
He has also beaten the all-time Real Madrid record and was the first player to score 9 league goals in 3 games.
He has pissed all over that league.
Moreno(Quote)
Aye Dave, nae banjo’s in OHurleys, it’s duelling flutes 😉 😆
richietoon(Quote)
Dave-
Who asked you for your opinion, ya protestant fook? 😉 Btw, I didn’t get fleeced, ya *******, unless you count 6 pounds for international shippin a fleecin’ 😯 How’s u, btw?
Moreno- thanks for the edumacation hehe 😆
Rich- dare I even ask about The Sash? 😕 If by Sash, you mean all that your mum was wearin’ when she answered the door last night to let me in, then yeah
OHurley(Quote)
Btw Dave-
I gave up my allegiance to the pope upon hearing of my excommunication for my association with the Masonic fraternity… 😉
OHurley(Quote)
OH http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sash
OH it was my Dadm and he said you preferred the back door 😆
richietoon(Quote)
*Dad 🙄
richietoon(Quote)
OH £6 quid for P+P I ordered the wee Lad a trackie of the club and they fleeced me £12 for P+P the robbing c@nts
Big Dave(Quote)
Rich/Dave-
Nope, don’t know that song. But I do know a great one called “Follow Me Up to Carlow” 😈
OHurley(Quote)
Dave-
Now that IS gettin’ fleeced like! What thievin’ bastards!
OHurley(Quote)
OH @ 62 well mate there is no probs being an Orange Mason 😉
Big Dave(Quote)
Hi everybody.
My DJG name and ip has been banned for this site so thats why I havn’t been on. So i’m afraid toonsy you ARE a liar.
I didn’t want you guys to think I had gone out of choice. Cheers to people like Big Dave and batty and everybody else; too many to mention.
be interested to see how long before this post is deleted.
Hi(Quote)
Hi 😆
Big Dave(Quote)
Hi what does the DJG stand for then as you could be anyone ❓
Big Dave(Quote)
Big Dave
😆
Hi(Quote)
😯 Fock me I’ve just had a look and it was 😯
That’s what you get for being pissed last week I guess 😆
Still, it’s undone now 😳
toonsy(Quote)
well it looks like big sam is in for west spam job poor sods 😮
and going back to toonsy last thread sturridge would opt for toon and not spuds,according to the METRO rag 😯
icedog(Quote)
DJG hows it going Lad 😉
Ice nice to see you on mate and I am not sure BSA will get the job if hooters goes for it 😀
Big Dave(Quote)