With the games coming thick and fast over the next few weeks, Rafa’s rotation policy will be in full force for tonight’s match against QPR. This makes it difficult to pin down exactly who will be trusted with increasing the gap between the two teams but, if picked, here are the five individual battles that could determine who gets the three points.
Chery v Hayden
Tjaronn Chery doesn’t play as an out and out striker, but the attacking midfielder is still his side’s top scorer so far in the Championship. This means it’ll fall to one of our defensive midfielders – most likely to be Hayden given his omission at the weekend – to keep tabs on the Dutchman.
All of Chery’s goals have come from set pieces (three penalties and one free-kick), so keeping him quiet will involve not conceding fouls in and around the penalty area. In fact, all of QPR’s nine goals this season have come from set pieces, so trying not to dive in and give them a chance to go to ground in general makes most sense if we want to continue our run of clean sheets.
Interesting that our 15 million pound Serb striker is good enough for his national team, but can’t get 5 minutes in the Championship.
Munich Mag(Quote)
Shola’s Ghost, excellent article by the way mate, well done.
Munich Mag(Quote)
oh no, just read that the makkems got battered at home 0-3, what a pity.
Munich Mag(Quote)
this season is the one when the makkems implode. throw in the Rafa effect at the toon, and the sheer uselesness of SAFC and its only a matter of time before the great unwashed hoy in the towel.
Having said that, wor lot in the current stage of our development wouldn’t last 5 minutes in the Premier League either… we’re way off the pace..
Munich Mag(Quote)
thing is mate scum will find it even harder in the ccc with their bunch off no hopers the odd decent player they have will bolt when it happens
icedog(Quote)
good thread,dont know who Rafa will pick tonight its ***** old ground fans are right up against the pitch,London has never been good to us i would be happy with a point they have a couple of defenders we looked at one time lets see how they fair against us
icedog(Quote)
I’m hoping that Brighton and Wolves will do us favours tonight
Premandup(Quote)
icedog regarding the scum you are dead right thee mate. The parallels between the two clubs is amazing, owners with loads of money, but they can’t get it right on the pitch.
I reckon the makkems will go down this season, then the owner will really lose interest…it’s a scary thought actually.
Goodness knows whee we would have ended up without Rafa, thats some serious brush he used in the summer to clear the decks, and he’s probably only 25% through the process. Him and Penfold did a brilliant job of moving out the deadweight, though a bunch of them are only on loan so we are probably taking a financial hit by paying part of there salary to get them off the books.
I suppose at least the likes of Cabella, Thauvin and Riviere in some respects deserve a pat on the back, they weren’t satisfied just to sit on the bench and take the money when they realised they were not up to it, and pushed for a move elsewhere.
I wonder what Cabella would be like playing under Rafa, because imo he has way more tricks in his locker than Perez, and is tricky with the ball…whereas Perez maybe puts in more defensively..
Munich Mag(Quote)
Nice thread Shola.
I think the Brighton & Derby games were both solid performances, with good goals & deserved wins. Another strong performance & win tonight will put a fear back into the league I reckon. We got off to a shaky start, but the last 2 have been closer to what people would have been expecting from us – but if we build a consistence in our performance & wins, then we start the game already in our opponents heads.
Sharpy17(Quote)
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/steve-mcclaren-right-man-wrong-11880564
There have been a bunch of people at the toon who have wound me up over the years, from Gordon Lee, to Souness, Fat Sam, the last couple of seasons of Pardew, Sissoko etc.
But this bloke beats them all I’m afraid… dear me…
I suppose the superstars at the toon who waited months for him to come free so that they could hire him to lead us poudly into the Championship should also be cringeing somewhat…
Munich Mag(Quote)
As much as I don’t like talking about those down the road, did anyone see the craic with their young fan last night.
I think the bairn is only about 5 and is suffering with cancer. The family need to raise 700k to get him to America for treatment – The toffees donated 200k last night & the whole stadium stood up on 5mins and sang the lads name.
Absolutely brilliant stuff.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy, I’ve heard about that poor kid, didn’t see the game until just before 1/2 time so missed that. Good to hear what the club did, shame football in general couldn’t just donate and help out. I know awkward as where do you stop and who don’t you help, but sure clubs and top level players could do more with all the money in the game
Simon(Quote)
Simon – I’m sure Sunderland as a club are doing their bit. As I say Everton have donated 200k & have invited the family to the away fixture, which I’m sure they will make a fuss of the lad down there too.
But to hear both sets of fans singing the kids name had me close to tears to be honest. I’m sure the lad himself probably didn’t fully understand how big the gesture was but it must have blown his parents heads open!! – I know it would have mine like.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Totally agree Sharpy, great when fans can do that and let the kid and the family know people out there who care and wish they could help
Simon(Quote)
MM: McClaren really is delusional. For those that haven’t read the Chronicle article above he says he was “the right man at the wrong time” at NUFC. I suppose he was the right man at the wrong time at England, Wolfsburg, Twente 2nd time, Forest and Derby as well.
I am sorry, but McClaren was on the board so he had more control than most managers. We also had a team that were better than a few that stayed up such as Palace and Mackems and lack of motivation and belief in the manager were big factors in us going down. McClaren should just shut up because every time he opens his mouth he makes himself look even more stupid.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I don’t think McClaren is a bad guy or stupid, by the way. I think he doesn’t know what to do when things go against him. We saw it at NUFC when one week he was bad cop and the next he was good cop. He also brought the staff with him that had failed at Derby, and even then there was in fighting between Blackie and the fitness staff which must have undermined Schteve’s authority. I think he is probably a good coach, as many ex-players have said, just not a good manager. He is likely to be even worse as an executive.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Agree on your Steve mac thoughts Eric.
Sholas ghost, good preview mate, thanks. Never look forward to our trips to the capital if I’m honest as it’s rarely fruitful, lets hope we buck that trend tonight.
Lads, I saw that for that little boy at Sunderland, chanting his name by both sets of fans was a lovely touch.
kimtoon(Quote)
Well written Shola’s Ghost. I hope the money gets raised for that young’un. Everton looked good but against a shambles of a side. I’m hoping we can do a similar number on QPR. They seem lost in the wilderness now after having a brief resurgence a few seasons ago.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Steve McLaren: the right man to run your chutney shop. Yes, Steve has everything it takes to sell chutney. A brilliant mind lies behind that tufty and he can spot an excuse faster than you can blink your eyes. Steve McLaren, a legend in his own mind….
GeordieTwo(Quote)
G2: Sunderland were so bad in that second half it was a joke. I don’t even think Everton are that good of a team either. They are probably top 8 but no way Champions League. They have to pray that Burnley and Hull are their usual PL selves and that Palace keep Pardew. Really though, I think Sunderland probably have the worst squad in the league, Palace have much better players.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Interesting team again from Rafa. Looking forward to see how Mitro does in this league. Still think Perez needs to be stronger but there were the odd sign last season that these two guys were developing a good partnership.
Reckon it will be a toughie and could need to see someone like Diame come on to make things happen.
Stuart79(Quote)
I am pleased with the lineup, although I thought he may have rested Gouffy. The Chron do a lineup predictor and the sheep on there wanted Anita and Dummett dropped. I don’t get them as neither have done anything wrong and Rafa has said he is not as big into rotating defenders. I actually think Anita has finally found his spot at NUFC, he was **** at left back and middling at best in midfield. I don’t get people who want players who are doing well swapped out for players who they have hardly ever seen (Yedlin) and I bet have never seen (Lazaar).
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I agree with Stuart that it will be a difficult game but at least we have some game changers on the bench. Hope I didn’t jinx our fullbacks.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Anita is very good at RB, I am more than happy to see him keep that spot.
kimtoon(Quote)
Is MBemba injured? We do have a lot of games now is a short period so maybe he was rested.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Any links?
Stuart79(Quote)
looks like I got the thumbs up on my Tufty angle…
The bloke should keep his head down and his kisser closed… or maybe the writers at the Chronny are just quoting Tufty cos they are looking for click bait.
He must have skin as hick as a Rhino though at the same time, cos he’s been hammered everywhere he’s been, though that is par for the course for a footy manager, without a massive ego and self belief, and a bit of technical competence, they wouldn’t last 5 minutes in the cauldron..
Munich Mag(Quote)
wow it’s quiet here tonight…
Munich Mag(Quote)
Any links to the match peeps?
Dubai Toon(Quote)
MM: you are more often right than wrong. I am glad you are getting a bit more on board with our current team now. I know they are not all good enough for the PL, but as I have said before we are not in the PL. When we get back I think Rafa will be able to persuade the Fat Man to spend to keep us there. We will have to as even Palace are spending 27-32 million on one player now.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
icedog(Quote)
I can’t find anything either… Is there a radio link?
Dubai Toon(Quote)
yes radio5 via bbc football
icedog(Quote)
Eric, I’m pretty much always right when it comes to the football mate. Feel free to follow me closely, you will learn a lot.
Despite being a poorly paid floor scrubber… ??
Munich Mag(Quote)
There is some licensing thing where BBC radio will not play in the States.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
1 nowt up 😆
icedog(Quote)
Cannot get it in Dubai either, and that Pepe gadgy seems to be absent tonight
Dubai Toon(Quote)
late to the party but whey hey shelvey
kimtoon(Quote)
Get in Shelvey, looks to be sorting him self out finally…
Newkie(Quote)
man city champions league rained off…
Munich Mag(Quote)
unlucky Richie good save
icedog(Quote)
MM: did I ever say that about you mate, if so it was in jest 🙂 That’s actually what I did in Munich for 3 hours a day so maybe I was transferring my experiences onto you. I mopped floors at the Youth Hostel in Pullach for room and board when I was young.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric, BBC Radio Newcastle have a live broadcast, but it aint allowed here in Minga either ?
Munich Mag(Quote)
Shelvey looks bang up for tonight – it was only a matter of time before he scored.
Rafa has made a number of changes, but we are playing if not just as good – dare i say better ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Yeah Eric, I know mate…just teasing ?….
28 degrees all week here, absolutely brilliant… beer gardens are loving it….
Munich Mag(Quote)
Sounds like best away performance so far. We need to take these chances though!
Stuart79(Quote)
wow, following the toon in the Championship reminds me of when I was a sprog relying on the ticker tape at Grandstand on a Saturday afternoon, havkng spent all afternoon watching Les Kellet and Johnny Quango jump around the ring for an hour…
Pity that Troy has deserted us, he would know exactly what I’m on about…though I’m a bit younger than him…☺
Munich Mag(Quote)
Sharpy: are you at the game?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
looks like Norwich are getting up to speed too, 2-0 up already…
Munich Mag(Quote)
MM: Les Kellett was my brother’s favourite. Don’t mention it to Troy. I said it once but I think I got away with it.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Would love to be watching this. It’s a mess this championship lark. 🙂
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Aargh going crazy here… I hate that I cannot even get a radio stream in this age of the Internet.
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Those were the days eh, when wrestling trunks came up to Les Kellet’s nipples.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Bein sports showing all the champions league matches in 4 languages but no championship matches.
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Get innnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnperez 0.2
kimtoon(Quote)
Get in!
Stuart79(Quote)
Pez 2 nowt
icedog(Quote)
DT: Fox have got Barca here.
Sorry to digress, but there is no way for me to follow our game.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sounds like the complete performance so far.
Stuart79(Quote)
Ice: aren’t you in Malta or somewhere, how are you getting updates?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I know exactly what you are on about mate, my Dad loved Wrestling and Les Kellet was one of his favs.
kimtoon(Quote)
Ahhhhh! 2-0 already. I love being able to say wor gaffa is Rafa!!!!
GeordieTwo(Quote)
son lives in Malta can get updates from him,toon playing out their skins,should be 4 nowt
icedog(Quote)
Well, at least this will help our london away record, even if it is against an awful side like QPR.
Newkie(Quote)
MM and KT: spending warm summer days indoors!!!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Newkie: have you noticed that for all of his bluster that ‘Arry always leaves his ex-teams in **** shape, whether he is sacked, poached or walks.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Perez sounds back to his best. We sound really good but early days..roll on full time.
Who said the championship wasn’t enjoyable ?
Gashley(Quote)
Celtic fluffed a pen at 1-0 down at barca decent game
Gashley(Quote)
Gash: the Championship is going to be really enjoyable, especially when you see what will happen in Mackemland. That 3-0 debacle to Everton last night was only the start as well. When they face Citeh, Man U and Liverpool I can see a few cricket scores in their future.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
5 live extra commentary
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/player/bbc_radio_five_live_sports_extra
kimtoon(Quote)
I really enjoyed last night’s game Eric.
Like I said to troy? **** needs to hit the fan before Fatty acts. Relegation was probably needed to rebuild and get shot of the *****
Very early days but we have the best squad and manager so I hope it will remain enjoyable
Gashley(Quote)
I’m under no illusions that we may be good enough for the Championship, but off the pace for the EPL… one step at a time…
Look at Stoke City, Mark Hughes was the dogs testicles last season, this season he’s a diddy, despite spending loads and having a team of internationals..
Munich Mag(Quote)
Eric – TBF I don’t really blame Arry for QPR, they’ve been a joke ever since fernandes walked in and tried to turn them into a champions league side…But yeah, the wheeler dealer isn’t too fussed about how he leaves the club, if anything it enhances his reputation while he was there. Bit like SAF and Mourinho 😆
Newkie(Quote)
Eric, hope you enjoy watching Pep’s Man City this season, he had 3 wonderful years at FC Bayern, the football they played was immense !
Munich Mag(Quote)
Eric. I never want a player injured but I’d be happy seeing Defoe out for a few month. Their team is weak and he looks the only quality they have. He was poor last night mind
Gashley(Quote)