Game On! Crystal Palace v Newcastle

Game On at Selhurst Park
Game On at Selhurst Park
Hello strangers. Firstly let me apologise for the lack of content. I’ve been a bit busy with work and after the “performance” of last weekend I didn’t much feel like going over it again.

So what’s happened in a week? Not a great deal really. Lots of stories of heated discussions on the training ground with home truths being told apparently yielding a response from the players which is all well and good but if actually quite like to see a response on the pitch, as I’m sure others would do to.

In the way today are Crystal Palace who are now under the stewardship of former Magpie boss Alan Pardew allowing a section of fans the chance to hero worship him up close and personal after spending all week reading the history he’ll have no doubt been rewriting.

It’s ‘no win’ for McClaren today. Not that I’m his largest fan, he will find himself either preciding over a victory which shpuld be expected as despite our struggles some seem to think we are still a club that should be beating the likes of Crystal Palace. Or we lose and it will be a case of Alan Pardew getting one over on his former club which – just to clarify – he was absolutely awful at doing just that during his time with United.

Team news today will be provided by my good self and I shall look to get it published shortly after 2pm. You’ll find it at the bottom of this article.

If it’s a stream you’re looking for then your best bet will be to have a look in the ‘comments’ section as there are regular contributors who will gladly share links to watch the game.

After last week, and Bournemouth, the performance needs to be much better. Palace may have lost to Sunderland but Pardew’s side didn’t deserve that and played much better than the results suggest. We’ll need to be sokid at the back, strong in the middle and clinical up front if we are to get anything from this one.

Howay the lads!

Crystal Palace: Wayne Hennessey, Joel Ward, Scott Dann, Damien Delaney, Papa Souare, James McArthur, Yohan Cabaye, Wilfried Zaha, Jason Puncheon, Yannick Bolasie, Connor Wickham

Subs: Julian Speroni, Martin Kelly, Joe Ledley, Mile Jedinak, Lee Chung-Yong, Marouane Chamakh, Patrick Bamford

Newcastle: Rob Elliot, Paul Dummet, Chancel Mbemba, Fabricio Coloccini, Daryl Janmaat, Georginio Wijnaldum, Vurnon Anita, Jack Colback, Moussa Sissoko, Ayoze Perez, Papiss Cisse

Subs: Karl Darlow, Jamie Sterry, Yoan Gouffran, Jamaal Lascelles, Siem de Jong, Florian Thauvin, Aleksandar Mitrovic

About toonsy

A lifelong Newcastle fan and current webmaster of this very 'blog who has the sole aim of creating a place by Newcastle United fans, for Newcastle United fans.

708 thoughts on “Game On! Crystal Palace v Newcastle

  1. Just watching Everton okay and it’s amazing what a good coach can do. They pass it around lively and have great movement.

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  2. Replacing McClaren shouldn’t be too difficult. Moyes, Rogers, Favre, Bielsa all out of work. Warburton’s done fantastically well the last two years too.

    Oops – forgot Charnley and Ashley doing the choosing! Carver’s still around . . .

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  3. Seen some bad times at the toon over the last few years but never seen so many of the players that just don’t give a ****,surely something has to change,but to put the tin lid on it SM has come out and said “we” are doing the right things the guys rang in the heed imo

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  4. ice

    he’s just repeating himself – he knows that he is out of his depth & hasn’t got a clue what to do.

    just waiting for his pay- off so he can get away on a nice sunny holiday.

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  5. I would love to know the rationale behind this set up. It doesn’t work at Aston Villa, it failed at Sunderland, failed expensively at Spurs so why does he think it will work here when it is clearly failing here too!

    Easy to fix too. Sack McClaren, bring in a manager and let him run the **** football side of things. Simple!

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  6. Ashley doesn’t want anyone to have that sort of power Stuart. His fingers are still burning from the Allardyce regime.

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  7. I have an awful feeling that Steve will play a back 5 on Sunday and also 3 defensive midfielders. Something like:

    Doormaat MBemba Colo Dummett MBabu

    Sissoko Tiote Colback

    Wijnaldum

    Mitrovic

    The line will be trotted out that we need experience and all hands on deck. Wijnaldum will be number 10 because he has been quiet as a midfielder lately and Steve has shown his willingness to drop Perez.

    I don’t know what has gone on with Mitrovic, probably a falling out but I doubt that Carr and Charnley will be happy with him and Thauvin on the bench.

    Play for the 0-0 or a lucky break of 1-0 like Bournemouth. This could be suicidal against a Klopp team. We shall see.

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  8. I did see they were practicing 5 at the back this week so I think it is a dead cert that’s what we will see it is just a matter of which players.

    The other thing I have seen are rumours that we have to sell to buy. Who can we sell? Most of the players’ stock has fallen so far that they are worthless. Maybe they mean clear some of the wage bill? I doubt anybody will be fussed if we sell Sissoko but if we let go of Perez…

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  9. Eric… 5 at the back?

    we technically play 6 at the back anyway with defensive minded Anita and Colback. the offer nowt going forward..

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  10. I had always wondered what the hell Gazza was doing in Rothbury when there was that Raoul Mort manhunt. This explains it:

    “You’ve got to realise I’m half cut anyway, sitting in the living room, I’ve got about six lines lined up. I’m not realising much but a good line and me and Raoul Moat are sort of friends. A couple more lines and we are good buddies.

    “A few whiskies, another few lines, I’ve had about eight lines and we went to school together. Another line and I have a couple of fishing rods and a chicken. He’s going to need a drink. I’ve had 14 lines now and he’s my brother. ‘You know in the morning when you panic the first thing you do is look at your mobile.

    “[In the morning] I’ve got 250 missed calls, I was like — what have I done? I’ve got a chicken by my side, fishing rods, a Barbour, I’m like f*** me I must have done something. I turn on Sky News — Paul Gascoigne was there last night”

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  11. Look at the championship today. There’s a lot of former PL team’s in it and I don’t think it will be as easy as last time. Fulham, QPR, Derby, Wigan and possibly Sunderland, Villa to compete against as well not forgetting Cardiff. We Shouldn’t get beat as much as we do in this league so I’m all for it. Especially under Ashley and I hope he loses his whole investment.

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  12. First the new manager should tell Ashley to stay completely out of it. Hide in your castle and keep your cake hole shut Ashley. Then bring in 2 good CB’s in January. Follow that up with a solid pacy winger and an AM we can count on. Oh and a top striker. Don’t worry, shouldn’t cost more than another 70M Ash. Oh and these won’t be little kids from France Mike so forget the foreign 25 and under bollocks. We’re in desperate trouble. We will need experienced players to get out of it.

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  13. Wouldn’t it be lovely to see Ashley lose his entire investment STEM mate? A fool and his money soon parted! Yes Ashley you fool, you are your own worst enemy. Greedy to a fault and as thick as two short planks when it comes to football.

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  14. At least I don’t see the old Ashley lovers on here nowadays. They seem to be in permanent hiding for some reason. ?

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  15. I know he wouldn’t touch us with Carraghers pole but I wish we had got Gary Neville as manager.

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  16. Ashley looks an even bigger fool now after that TV cameo in the summer. I wonder how he feels about that? Everyone is laughing at him yet again. The absolute drivel about winning something would be hilarious if it wasn’t happening to us. Ashley definitely has a future in comedy. Come on Mike give us another statement about the club. We can’t wait.

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  17. It’s beyond ridiculous now Ashley. Surely a man who has made billions can recognize that and realize it’s time to sell up. If not I think he really does have to be forced out. With protests and an empty ground. I’ve been saying it for years now and I’ll continue to say it.

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  18. If we play 5 at the back it’s purely because Colo is undroppable/Schteve doesn’t have the minerals to actually confront him and drop him. Tactically, how is this going to help us? It’ll work a treat for Janmaat as he won;t have to track back, but is dummett honestly attack minded enough? Anita? Give over. We struggle to dominate the midfield when we outnumber the opposition let alone if we have fewer, and we’re also not creating or scoring the chances we do make. So Janmaat might make a few – all the opposition need to do is double up on him (done before) and we’re boned. They will batter our measley defence anyway because throwing another body in won’t solve the key issue – total disorganisation and poor communication/understanding.

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  19. Now we need good solid signings of experienced players. Not more little kiddies who are excited about their wages and how much they can afford to spend on clothes and hair cuts. I don’t think Ashley and co. are up to it. End of story for me. The club is knackered until Ashley leaves. Plain and simple.

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  20. Clearly if we continue on as we have, we’re done in the Prem. So what could be done now to change things up? It’s big plums time McLaren. Drop Colo. Decide on your best back four and stick with it. Find out if De Jong is good enough by playing him. Lay down the law to Mitro. He plays but only under control or club fines will follow. Sissoko and Wij must play if we are to win any at all. Pick their best positions and stick with it. Pull back the reigns on Janmaat. He doesn’t track back well enough. He has to play on a shorter leash. We have to find a midfield combination that can get the ball to the forwards. Surely that’s not too much to ask from a manager?

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  21. ——————- Elliott —————–
    —– Mbemba – Colo – Dummett —-
    Janmaat ———————- Thauvin
    ——— Sissoko ——- Gini ———–
    —————— De Jong —————
    ——– Mitrovic ——– Perez ———

    If we were to go 5 at the back, then I think this could work. I know Thauvin isn’t a full back, but I reckon he could get up and down that wing and could hopefully get some decent balls into the box.
    But against Liverpool, both he and Janmaat would need to make sure that they worked back in defence as well.

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  22. Liverpool looking out of form… Their movement up front and pressing high will completely and utterly destroy us! The only way it won’t be 5 or more is if they take pity on us and relax at 4.

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  23. Sharpy – They press unbelievably and we just cannot keep the ball in our third of the pitch. It really could be carnage!

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  24. Why on earth would you think we won’t win Stu? We have a team of talented model pro’s that would die for the shirt. A visionary as a manager and the momentum of several recent great results. Oh wait, no that is Liverpool I’m describing. We are the polar opposite. Yep. We’re fu#%?d.

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  25. We may catch them off guard and get lucky. We may keep it down to 4… Is anyone else in this bizarre situation that almost thinks 0-2 would be a result for us?

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  26. I used to think like Newkie, that I hate seeing my team getting beat – i still don’t enjoy it.
    But the reality is that we are playing really poor football and getting beat week in week out. The reason for that is not just coz the players aren’t performing, but also because there have been far to many **** poor decisions made by those incharge – and because of that I want maximum exposure.
    Sections of the media and other fans have blamed the negativity and unrealistic expectations of the Geordie faithful. Well that’s just bollocks, and I think that’s widely known now, and I’m hoping that the pressure of this exposure may force change – coz nowt else seems to work!!.

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  27. The threat of relegation again with force Ashley’s hand. I’m sure of it. I don’t believe McClaren or the set up can survive defeat in the next two games. I’m not even sure it can survive a heavy defeat on Sunday.

    A new manager such as Moyes wouldn’t work under these circumstances and I reckon Ashley will see it failing.

    Well I hope so anyway…

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  28. Stu – I’m not a fan of the idea of getting relegated. But equally I’m not a fan of the idea that the club pocket another 100 million for a 3rd relegation battle in a row.

    It would appear that Sunderland have changed their whole approach and transfer set up to get fat Sam in. Would it finally be something Ashley realises if he intervenes and gets rid of McClaren – he swings the axe in at Charnley & Carr as well.

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  29. I think it might be a bridge to far for him to sack his entire board. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him sack Charnley and bring Llambias back but Carr would stay I imagine. But whatever happens, he needs to concede that the club needs a manager and they must have control over the players leaving or coming in. That’s the only way they can get the respect of the players and get a resemblance of stability and discipline back.

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  30. think Liverpool could hit double figures against us I really do, not sure I even want to watch the game tbh. 🙁

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  31. There’s a lot I could say but I can no longer be bothered. 8 years of under investment and terrible appointments coming home to roost. It’s possible Villa, Bournemouth and Norwich will be worse than us but I have to ask – what for?

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  32. Liverpool will murder us. No question. So will Spurs. It’s going to be a miserable December on the NUFC front.

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  33. New manager for the Villa at home fixture? Perfect opportunity to get a win if we have a new manager.

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  34. In years past this or Spurs would be the kind of fixture where we’d rally and get a completely unexpected result and score a few goals. Somehow I don’t see it happening but you never know eh, this is Newcastle 😆

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  35. You really couldn’t make this up!

    Williamson is out of Sunday’s game due to hamstring injury occurring during training today. I’m glad they’re working on the muscle injuries!

    McClaren hasn’t spoke to Ashley, he says the stats show the players care and they have character but are just young. Maybe the last comment is a dig at the transfer policy…

    Otherwise usual ****!

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  36. Stu – is that true?! What the hell are we doing to our bloody players FFS!!. Anita will be CB at this rate 🙄

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  37. Would any of us have started Willo anyway? Tiote might have started though and he is still out. Maybe they are considering this and the Spurs game as throwaway games and are saving him until he is fully fit. I would worry about that as Steve and his coaches might be throwing away their careers if we get tonked.

    I think Mitrovic has to start as we will probably be penned in and resort to a hoof. Colback and Perez bring energy and chasing down opponents so they have to play midfield. God knows how the defense will cope and Wij and Sissiko have both played badly the last 3 games.

    The bar I watch games in is the main gathering point for Liverpool fans in Chicago. I am not sure if I should go 🙂

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  38. Looking at Liverpool, I doubt they will start Sturridge twice in a week. Only Benteke to worry about then 🙂 That’s also why Mitro has to play, for his heading ability in our box.

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  39. Let’s see where we stand. We might go with Last weeks starters with Mitro for Cisse. They are desperate though and I can see them going 5-3-1-1. Now you have to fit the players we have AND WHO STEVE PLAYS in that formation. I think it will be:

    Elliot

    Janmaat MBemba Colo Dummett MBabu

    Sissoko Colback Wij

    Perez

    Mitro

    That basically leaves us with Anita, de Jong and Cisse as subs. It is deja vu all over again and I even have a bit of sympathy for Ugly John seeing what is happening now (almost).

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  40. The way they press and we defend it could be just a complete embarrassment and some sort of PL record score line. I’m hoping they’ll be tired from last night and keep it down to 4.

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  41. More rumours coming out of the club:
    Colo won’t speak to any of the other players because he knows they’re jealous of his hair.
    McLaren is furious and won’t do any more of his excellent coaching unless someone admits to having pooped in his wellies.
    Willo has been quietly taking advice from Saylor about how to stay fit between matches.
    Tillie the Tea Lady has already given several of the lads a good thrashing along with several cups of tea. 😯

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  42. A lot of you are asking: “G2 as Official Blog Hobbit how do you feel about wor club this season?”
    Hmmmm. Very difficult one lads…..Very difficult indeed. I like the new tea lady, aaaannnd errm I think possibly we need a new owner….aaaannnd I don’t like Wonga or Sadistics Direct. That sums it up for me like.

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  43. Although I still think we can beat them on Sunday. If their coach breaks down and they’re forced to play the kit man, Klopp and his assistants.

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  44. I’m not so sure we could beat Klopp and his assistants Stuart mate. They look very fit in training. Hmmm…. If we could bring in a few celebrity players like Messi possibly…..

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  45. I don’t understand where all the people who thought keeping Colo was a good idea have disappeared too ? Surely they’re not embarrassed about how **** his been this season.

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  46. How low does the bar have to be for The Chronicle to call Mick Quinn a NUFC Legend? He spent 3 years in the second division with us.

    It is an insult to real NUFC legends.

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  47. It’s actually very disappointing to Mike that he has to win a few football matches. I mean…..what’s with that? Isn’t there some kind of agreement he could come to with the FA that allows us to just play like buffoons and then get automatic promotion each season? It’s something Mike is working on now……Beautiful Mike.

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  48. I demand compensation for all of us for mental hardship inflicted on us by Mike!!! Except Mick Quinn. He doesn’t get any of the compo mates….. More for us. 😀

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  49. Somebody is playing a sick joke on us. We are the National Game for the next 4 weeks. I might be wrong but aren’t the Sat at 5.30 and Sun 4pm usually exclusive live games? They are here in the States. We are:

    Liverpool Sun 4pm
    Spurs Sun 4pm
    Villa Sat 5.30pm
    Everton Sat 5.30pm

    This could be really humiliating.

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  50. We might have a new manager by Villa, Eric so we might not get totally humiliated then. We get a new manager bounce, you know what that is don’t you? It’s what normal teams get when a new manager comes in. We got lead balloon bounce when ours came though…

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  51. Ok, this is serious people! Steve thinks we might be in what you might call a mini slump! That’s right lads. The club has won 6 league matches in the last calendar year and Steve is getting a little concerned…..Hmmmm…..

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  52. Is anybody else getting a bit concerned? I think Steve might be exaggerating a bit…..I mean what’s wrong with 6 wins from 34 matches or so? Let me do some quick math here…..That’s almost a point every 1.9 games!!! Steve has such high expectations…..

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  53. As long as we stick with the defense we have for a few more seasons I think we’ll be ok. Mike will leave, then we can sack everyone associated with the club and start over. Simples.

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  54. 6 out of 34 is better than McClarens record I reckon in 2015.

    The sad thing is Ashley just thinks throwing money at it in the summer would be the answer. He just didn’t get it, that the whole transfer policy of using players like commodities just does not work! History tells you that.

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  55. I still think its bloody strange Willo comes back from Wolves and does his hammy oh aye why don’t you just say you don’t want to play in this team

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  56. Carver won 3 of 19 in 2015 against Hull, Villa and of course a West Ham team who knew their manager was being sacked and were mentally on the beach. So, if we add that to the 2 in 14 for Schteve we have a record for 2015 of 5 wins in 33. Soon to be 5 in 35????

    No wonder everyone is a bit down in the dumps about NUFC.

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  57. I think you’re being a bit negative, Eric! Don’t you think we have anything to be positive about?

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  58. I know that was tongue in cheek Stuart but I am finding it very difficult to feel anything but dread about the next couple of games. That could really take any heart that is left out of the players before Villa which I see as a must win.

    Steve has talked about changing formation and players this week. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have the players for 5 at the back and every time you turn around someone else is injured. Laying into these players doesn’t usually work as Carver found out.

    It is difficult to find a solution except to spend 70 mil in January but who would come? I think they would have to see a change in manager and have a relegation get out clause.

    If you look at our next 6 fixtures it is easy to imagine 1 point and at most 4, along with some humiliating defeats. That would be 3 from Villa and one at West Brom. I would probably take that if you offered it to me now 😥

    I wasn’t for Steve but I didn’t think it could be this bad. The players we bought looked promising although I hadn’t seen a lot of them. We all knew that the spine of the team was weak and was not really addressed. I didn’t see them being so spineless as in the past couple of weeks.

    Will Ashley invest if it looks like we will have 11-14 points by January and will a new manager come in if he is not guaranteed investment and more control?

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  59. Got to love our training sessions, Schteve has revolutionised them and make them even worse than before. He’s managed to injury a player within two days, top work 😆

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  60. a more pertinent question would be “what will ashley do if he thinks we are gone already?”
    When the penny finally drops that we are goosed.
    when he realises he has ****** it up yet again.

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  61. Tomorrows press all saying McClaren has had no assurances about his job and next two games crucial. Seems like the club slowly leaking info…

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