With promotion already confirmed, Newcastle have their eyes on a final day victory that could yet see them lift the Championship title at St. James’ Park on Sunday.
Our title hopes looked all but over just a few weeks ago, however consecutive defeats for Brighton have seen us close the gap to just a point going into tomorrow’s final day.
To simplify matters, Newcastle MUST better Brighton’s result to be crowned Champions tomorrow.
Brighton face a trip to Villa Park in tomorrow’s 12pm kick offs, with Newcastle relying on Steve Bruce’s Aston Villa to the Magpies a big favour.
Should Brighton lose, a draw would be enough; seeing us win the title on goal difference. Should Brighton draw, a win over Barnsley will be required to see Newcastle lift the trophy at St. James’. A Brighton win and the title goes to Chris Hughton’s men – regardless of our result against Barnsley.
The opposition
Barnsley have just 1 win in their last 13 Championship games, losing 5 of their last 6 away from home.
Like recent opponents Preston and Cardiff, Barnsley have little to play for, lying comfortably in mid-table in 14th position
Top scorer Marley Watkins has 10 goals and 8 assists this season for the Tykes and could be one to watch tomorrow.
Team news
Jamaal Lascelles will miss out following groin surgery whilst Matt Ritchie is suspended.
Dwight Gayle won’t be risked but could return to the squad after taking part in first team training this week.
Vurnon Anita, Rolando Aarons, Jesus Gamez and Grant Hanley are doubts.
Barnsley will be without captain and first choice centre-back Marc Roberts, while on-loan striker Adam Armstrong is ineligible to face his parent club.
Predicted line-up
Newcastle United XI – (4-2-3-1) – Elliot – Yedlin, Mbemba, Clark, Dummett – Shelvey, Hayden – Perez, Diame, Atsu – Mitrovic
Barnsley XI – (4-4-2) Davies – Jones, MacDonald, Jackson, Elder – Scowen, James, Moncur, Kent – Bradshaw, Watkins
TWO changes from Cardiff?
Colback OUT, Shelvey IN? In fairness, Colback put in a steady display away to Cardiff last time out, however this is a game United need to win. With this in mind, I fully expect the more forward thinking Jonjo Shelvey to return to the starting line up.
Murphy OUT, Mitrovic IN? The Irishman was anonymous in last Friday’s win at Cardiff, looking a little sluggish and off the pace. Mitrovic’s lack of goals is a worry, but the Serbian’s all round play has been much improved in recent weeks. I expect Rafa to hand him another chance tomorrow.
Match prediction
With the title at stake, we have everything to play for whilst Barnsley could have one eye on their summer holidays.
I expect Newcastle to attack this one from the off and be full of energy and enthusiasm, with tomorrow’s opportunity likely to be seen as a real bonus given Brighton’s considerable lead at the top just a few weeks ago.
To win the title would be the cherry on the top of a successful season and I don’t see us slipping up. Let’s just hope Brighton do!
Prediction: Newcastle 3-1 Barnsley
Whatever happens tomorrow, I will stay to the end, celebrating our promotion back to the Premier League after a tremendous effort from Benitez an the boys.
Howay the lads!
YEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS CHAMPIONS!
Dubai Toon(Quote)
We are the champions!
Brisvegas(Quote)
Should be able to see this now, criminal that we can’t
kimtoon(Quote)
yahoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
funrafa(Quote)
Bitter sweet day for Shearer, what with Blackburn getting relegated
kimtoon(Quote)
Well done Rafa and the boys.
That will put another mil on Colbacks price 😆 😆 😡
Icedog(Quote)
Icedog: did you hear the commentator on the radio saying that Colback was just going around the pitch fouling people. What games were they watching for the rest of the season 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
As usual, NUFC do it the easy way.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Why the **** are SSN not showing the Trophy presentation, really poor form
kimtoon(Quote)
And people who aren’t fans wonder why football is so popular!
georgio(Quote)
Now we’ve won something will the fatman sell ❓ 😉
kimtoon(Quote)
Ok, Kimtoon we are the champions 😎
Stem(Quote)
Icedog certainly well done to Rafa and the players and we will need that extra million from Colback in the summer 😀
Stem(Quote)
That Villa goal would have won a few people a lot of money. There must have been hundreds if not thousands who had bets that we would be Champions.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
:smile always liked Vllla
kimtoon(Quote)
site has the gremlins again, keeps telling me I’m duplicating comments again !
kimtoon(Quote)
https://twitter.com/SkySportsEFL/status/861214555246137344
a pic at least
kimtoon(Quote)
Bloody hell. Just read the Championship roundup and Grealish scored in the 89th minute.
If I was Blackburn I would be wanting that Ref who sent off 2 of our players against Forest to be struck off (or whatever the term is). Venkys, eh.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Championaaaaaaaayyyyyssss!
Never been so happy to see that mop head Jack Grealish score.
Andy The Magpie(Quote)
Well I wish I’d enjoyed us winning this season a bit more now, but was too concerned about getting back up. Defo enjoyed our last time more for some reason. Hellish league to get out of, definitely harder this time round as a lot of very good and big clubs in it. Sunderland in for one helluva shock, oh and good luck with the officials.
kimtoon(Quote)
Me too, felt sure they’d missed their chances
kimtoon(Quote)
Good day. Well done to all concerned
Premandup(Quote)
Really wish I could’ve watched that match. Glad though that at least I was able to listen on the radio despite being in the office all afternoon… ???
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Still don’t understand Sky sports not showing us lift the trophy, poor firm all round.
kimtoon(Quote)
form not firm 🙄
kimtoon(Quote)
Well done Toon. Walked it ?
Now the hard work begins and see what Ashley intends to do. Key summer this will be.
shamrock(Quote)
Sham: I know I said we would walk it as well but the only reason we didn’t was because of how well Hughton did (until the last 3 games 🙂 ) You and me never wavered. There wasn’t much doubting on here to be fair with everyone. However, after we had a couple of bad performances a little while back the Chronicle had a poll where only 38% thought we would get automatic promotion.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It was tougher than I thought it would be Eric, but NUFC left everyone in their wake, bar a determined and organised Brighton.
I still think the standard of the PL has gone up even in the short time we have been out of it – and it will be harder than people think next season. Looking forward to ot though ?
shamrock(Quote)
They all love to have
They all love to have a dig at the toon for some reason but have they just woke up to Colprick,Rafa will over the moon to ship him out I hope,he has two hopes in staying,Bob Hope and Nee Hope
Icedog(Quote)
Just seen the Brighton highlights & Villas goal – God I’d be checking that keepers pockets for betting slips like!! ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
New thread folks! 😀
https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2017/05/08/newcastle-3-0-barnsley-scenes-at-st-james-as-the-toon-lift-the-title/
The story of yesterdays incredible afternoon at St. James’ Park!
What a day!
Olly Hawkins(Quote)