Pre Match: Rotherham – Could a Surprise Inclusion Be Possible?

Newcastle go into this game off the back of two wins, two wins that have seemingly ended the  bad run of form that the club previously found itself on.

Another huge boost in the midweek win over Birmingham was the return of Jonjo Shelvey, who was arguably the best player on the pitch.

Shelvey was partnered by Cheick Tiote in that game, in what was possibly the Ivorian’s final game for Newcastle.

It is likely that Shelvey will play again this weekend and is likely to be partnered by one of Jack Colback or Isaac Hayden.

However, it is not there where the surprise inclusion may come. It is in front of them.

Ayoze Perez has not done badly this season, despite what people may think. His goal return is reasonably good and he tries his best to create.

However, with Rotherham struggling, this could be an ideal opportunity to make a change.

Dan Barlaser played exceptionally well against Birmingham. He wanted to the ball throughout and was comfortable receiving it anywhere on the pitch, an incredible quality for a player so young.

Perhaps Barlaser could get his chance in the league this weekend.

209 thoughts on “Pre Match: Rotherham – Could a Surprise Inclusion Be Possible?

  1. If it turns out Ashley has gone back on his word with Rafa and as a result Rafa walks, then I’ll be done following the club until MA is gone – as it won’t be the club I grew up with.

      (Quote)

  2. funrafa:
    Daily Telegraph: Townsend admits mistake in leaving Rafa Benitez’s side.

    And that’s probably why they are looking at getting Townsend back as cheaply as possible.
    Personally I’d say get him back – the £13m we got is fair imo. But our lot probably think they can get him back for less.
    As long as we get him back, that’s all I’m bothered about.

      (Quote)

  3. Shamrock:
    If it turns out Ashley has gone back on his word with Rafa and as a result Rafa walks, then I’ll be done following the club until MA is gone – as it won’t be the club I grew up with.

    me to,among many others as well

      (Quote)

  4. Stuart79:
    Personally I do believe Ashley has pissed on Rafa’s chips. Either that or he’s said he thinks we’re going to go up and will save money for then.But personally I think we’re in for a tough/rough old ride now Jabba is back in the town.

    Maybe Rafa is too professional to rock the boat this season.

    Yes Rafa has been acted professionally, avoiding any open conflicts with club owner. I believe even he is not happy, he won’t say it openly. But for me, he already gave enough clues that he is not in control anymore in terms of transfers.

      (Quote)

  5. Shamrock:
    If it turns out Ashley has gone back on his word with Rafa and as a result Rafa walks, then I’ll be done following the club until MA is gone – as it won’t be the club I grew up with.

    oh, so sad 🙁
    That is how I changed from a club follower. I basically lost the confidence/patience with the club, while certain people was in authority of the club.

      (Quote)

  6. Funrafa, who did you support? I think you are right about Rafa not going public with internal grievances, if he has any…

      (Quote)

  7. Stuart79:
    That Brighton goal was always going to happen…

    Got to hand it to them, they have a lot of resolve. They have learnt a lot from last season.

      (Quote)

  8. I remember Rafa mentioned the average age of Brighton’s players are the oldest. I don’t know how they have been doing in terms of rotation. If they don’t do much, I doubt they can keep up for long.

    Yes, they are winning, but still I doubt it they can keep doing it in the 2nd half, IF they don’t rotate.

      (Quote)

  9. When Rafa signed his deal weren’t there assurances in writing and he had his lawyers look over the contract? I think it was that he had final decisions on transfers. However, if the Fatman will not cough up the loot then that doesn’t really matter as we cannot buy anybody without money (he said, stating the obvious).

      (Quote)

  10. Here’s my predictions – and you heard it here first …. it all depends on Saido Berahino.

    So, Boro want Bojan from Stoke, but he won’t leave unless Stoke get Saido. If Bojan goes to Boro, the Boro will let Downing go. Fat Sam had Downing as a key player at WHU and will take him again at Palace – once Fat Sam has Downing he’ll loan up Townsend with an option to buy in the summer.

    I believe Stoke agreed a fee for Saido today, so hopefully when that ones done, all the others can move pretty quickly.

      (Quote)

  11. Well done Sharpy.. good to see a level head… let’s be honest here. January transfer windows are a profit making bonanza. Certain clubs are desperate to buy and selling clubs know this. Take Townsend for example (if we are indeed interested in him). Why should we pay the same amount as we sold him for? He has proved to be a flop at Palace and is earning high wages. Which clubs needs win out? I think Palace are keen to move him but we are not desperate to sign him. A bit of “who will blink first” is going on and it may come down to the 11th hour. In think Palace will come to the party.
    I don’t blame the club for being cautious, there a no good deals struck in January. Just desperate buys at inflated prices.,

      (Quote)

  12. Sharpy, you could well be right but let’s say Rafa did walk away, what would your stance be mate ?

      (Quote)

  13. I’d be royally pissed off Kim. But then I have been many days in Toon. Can’t stop though – it’d be like losing your shadow.

      (Quote)

  14. I think people are more than within their rights to think the worst now Jabba is back in the club. His record shows he makes bad decisions. On that basis it is right he’s treated with a lot of suspicion.

    Numerous press reports have said he hasn’t got as much cash as he bought he had this window and is that a coincidence now Jabba is back?

    What I will say is, if there’s a problem it will be next year when Rafa wants to push the club forward. That’s not Jabba’s Modus Operandi.

      (Quote)

  15. kimtoon:
    Sharpy, you could well be right but let’s say Rafa did walk away, what would your stance be mate ?

    Kim – I’ll worry about that if it were to happen – but I really don’t see anything pointing to that right now, so it would just be wasted energy.

      (Quote)

  16. Stuart79:
    I think people are more than within their rights to think the worst now Jabba is back in the club. His record shows he makes bad decisions. On that basis it is right he’s treated with a lot of suspicion.

    Numerous press reports have said he hasn’t got as much cash as he bought he had this window and is that a coincidence now Jabba is back?

    What I will say is, if there’s a problem it will be next year when Rafa wants to push the club forward. That’s not Jabba’s Modus Operandi.

    Couldn’t agree more Stu, you are spot on with your last bit of post too.

      (Quote)

  17. Stuart79:
    I think people are more than within their rights to think the worst now Jabba is back in the club. His record shows he makes bad decisions. On that basis it is right he’s treated with a lot of suspicion.

    Numerous press reports have said he hasn’t got as much cash as he bought he had this window and is that a coincidence now Jabba is back?

    What I will say is, if there’s a problem it will be next year when Rafa wants to push the club forward. That’s not Jabba’s Modus Operandi.

    To be fair Stu I think it was his intervention that got rid of McClaren last season – if only he had done it sooner.

    But if you look at January windows whilst Ashley has been at NUFC, we bring players in.

    If the Mirror hadn’t ran that report last week, nobody would be worried we hadn’t signed anyone yet – or that’s my opinion anyway.

      (Quote)

  18. Today is a pretty big day to be honest. Reading have a tough trip to Derby and Leeds have a tough trip to Barnsley. We have a good opportunity to extend the lead over 3rd place if we win and results to our way.

      (Quote)

  19. I’m interested to see Rafas team selection today. Will he go with Murphy up front or will he put Gouffran up there as the similar small pacey forward Gayle would be?. If so, who plays left wing?.

    I suspect he’ll go with Murphy, but you never know with Rafa.

    I do feel confident of 3 points today though.

      (Quote)

  20. Darlow, Yedlin, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett, Ritchie, Hayden, Shelvey, Gouffran, Perez, Murphy.

    As expected, I think with the injuries we have the 11 picked themselves really.

      (Quote)

  21. Seemed a bit boring but now picking up a bit from the radio reports.

    Mackems losing 2-0. I thought this was probably their best chance to get a point in the next few games. They are screwed 🙂

      (Quote)

  22. Well, that might cheer some people up. I am with Sharpy, we have had one crappy article from the Mirror and suddenly Rafa is leaving. I know Ashley is nuts but surely he is not THAT nuts. He must have learnt his lesson, especially when he saw the man he stuck by for so long do so badly at Palace. He has to realise he should be a fan and leave the football matters to one of the best managers in the world.

      (Quote)

  23. Been a **** first half to be honest but what a goal from Murphy. Almost had a heart attack when Darlow screwed up but he saved the situation well. It’s on TV here on Bein sports so well chuffed.

    Shelvey’ been very quiet but that cross for the goal was excellent vision and Yedlin’s cross was amazing. More of that please.

      (Quote)

  24. Not easy. When switch from defend to attack, we finally had a space to shoot. Thanks to Jonjo’s accurate cross and Murphy’s wonderful finish.

      (Quote)

  25. If this score holds we are top and 9 points ahead of 3rd place. Hardly a reason for concern as it stands.

      (Quote)

  26. Also, hoping not to jinx anything but currently we are top, Mackems are bottom and Palace are 3rd bottom. I had nothing against Palace until their fans started gloating and I have never really liked Toad of Toad Hall.

      (Quote)

  27. Am I missing the page where we are celebrating to goals here or something?!?!?!!
    We are 2-0 up aren’t we? ?

      (Quote)

  28. Yup. As expected we are winning.

    To clarify, I’m not saying Rafa is leaving and I’m not panicking. What I am saying is just stating the obvious. If Rafa has cause to walk because Ashley has done his legs, then I will be completely disalusioned with the club and probably won’t be interested in it. That’s not panicking, just passing my point of view Of a certain scenario happens – which is certainly not beyond the realms of possibility.

      (Quote)

  29. Get in Perez son!!!

    This is what I wanted to see!!. Nee good just controlling games, so really clinical finishing being shown here.

      (Quote)

  30. Shamrock:
    Yup. As expected we are winning.

    To clarify, I’m not saying Rafa is leaving and I’m not panicking. What I am saying is just stating the obvious. If Rafa has cause to walk because Ashley has done his legs, then I will be completely disalusioned with the club and probably won’t be interested in it. That’s not panicking, just passing my point of view Of a certain scenario happens – which is certainly not beyond the realms of possibility.

    Sham – nowt to say that’s going to happen mate. Worry about it if it does ?

      (Quote)

  31. Rafa-o-Meter 58 points from 27 games. That’s on course for 99 points. Champions last year had 93. Yes, the sky is falling!

      (Quote)

  32. He (Rafa) told the Sunderland Echo: “Now it’s not about convincing players or not, it’s a question of finding the right one for us. “I didn’t have too many in the Premier League that I had to talk to them or convince them. Some of them were fine, but maybe their clubs didn’t want to sell or maybe the price was too high, so you don’t waste time. “Maybe they can wait until next year. With that, we haven’t had too many players saying no because this. What we have is prices that are very high which we aren’t even considering.”

    Read more at: https://www.clubcall.com/championship/benitez-bemoans-transfer-woes-1838345.html

      (Quote)

  33. This is the start of 3 home league games in a row. QPR then Derby. There has to be a good chance we will get maximum points and remain top and on course for more than 100 points.

      (Quote)

  34. Good to see Ritchie amongst the goals. He has 10 now. I thought he was having a quiet season but 10 goals at this stage is good for a winger.

      (Quote)

  35. only just got back on here, I am having terrible problems with this site, it keeps freezing on me and has done for yonks now. Have to keep logging off and restarting, it’s frustrating as all the other links I have up are always fine. Anyone else experiencing this problem?

      (Quote)

  36. Palace losing. Apart from the Brighton result it couldn’t have gone much better. Not too concerned about Bright as it is the 3rd placed team we need to stay ahead of and we seem to be pulling away.

      (Quote)

  37. From David Moyes. It seems like he has given up:

    “I’d be kidding you on if I said the players we’re hoping to bring in this month are going to make a big difference because, first of all, we probably couldn’t get that level of player and, secondly, we probably wouldn’t have the finances to do that. To suggest that a player we might bring in would be making a big difference would not be correct.”

      (Quote)

  38. Well chuffed with that result. A few contenders for motm for me, Yedlin, Hayden, Ritchie even Murphy had a great game. I think Ritchie for me but the whole team did well. Onwards and upwards. ???

      (Quote)

  39. Good result, we played well without Gayle.

    Chill for now regarding Rafa getting funds.

    We don’t need anyone atm. What good players are available and who would drop a division? Let’s wait. Some of the names mentioned aren’t worthy of the toon ****…apart from Townsend, but he jumped ship so no sympathy there ?

    Regarding Rafa, I see no happy ending when we get to the prem. Fatty will mess things up as usual..

      (Quote)

  40. Well done lads. Wish I could have seen it. Next season will be different with us in the Prem! 😀 Murphy is really doing the job and Ritchie has definitely come back to life.

      (Quote)

  41. I find it very slow coming on here as well Kimtoon lass. Sending a comment is also very slow.

      (Quote)

  42. G2 and Eric, yeah I was wondering if the ads were something to do with it as other sites are fine mostly. Often when I am typing it takes ages to type a word as it keeps freezing then takes an age to post. And I also get ‘ looks like you made a duplicate comment ‘ when I haven’t 😕

      (Quote)

  43. Good day today , nice win for the Toon and I finally told the witch I was buying the bungalow off to stick her bungalow where the sun don’t shine. 😎

      (Quote)

  44. Varies Kimton. Yesterday there was a delay as I was typing words they would take a while to appear. Today it is fine.

      (Quote)

  45. kimtoon:
    G2 and Eric, yeah I was wondering if the ads were something to do with it as other sites are fine mostly. Often when I am typing it takes ages to type a word as it keeps freezing then takes an age to post. And I also get‘ looks like you made a duplicate comment ‘ when I haven’t?

    I get the duplicate thing often too

      (Quote)

  46. Eric Sykes:
    Varies Kimton. Yesterday there was a delay as I was typing words they would take a while to appear. Today it is fine.

    yep it’s on and off like that with me too Eric

      (Quote)

  47. Yep, site is definitely very slow.lots of delays scrolling the screen and sometimes it just freezes and shuts down.

      (Quote)

  48. So according to 5 Live, no team with the points tally that we and Brighton have at this point of the season has ever failed to be promoted. No pressure then .

      (Quote)

  49. Shamrock:
    Yep, site is definitely very slow.lots of delays scrolling the screen and sometimes it just freezes and shuts down.

    I had to log off and back on 10 mins ago, that’s 5 times today.

      (Quote)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *