After West Brom last weekend and Leeds in midweek, we come up against another newly promoted side in the form of Fulham on Saturday night.
They looked set to become this year’s whipping boys a few months ago, looking toothless up top and a soft touch defensively, however Scott Parker has got them looking much more competent at both end in recent weeks.
Last weekend we played poorly but still had too much for a battling Baggies side completely lacking in quality, but I think we’ll have to be much better defensively this time around to see off a Fulham side who’ll come into this one quietly confident after surprise results over Leicester and Liverpool.
As for us, it’s vital Bruce fields a side that have enough in the tank to get at them from the off, with the after effects of that Covid outbreak catching up with this in that late capitulation at Leeds.
It was just a few days ago we arrived at Leeds on the up after back-to-back wins, but lose against Fulham and we could soon be dragged into a dog fight – especially with our post-Christmas fixtures consisting of Man City, Liverpool and Leicester!
A big game to get us back on track and well clear of trouble.
Team news
Thankfully, Steve Bruce has confirmed that there’s no new injuries heading into this one, but it seems the after effects of Covid will sidelined Allan Saint-Maximin, Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar and Javier Manquillo once again this weekend.
The NUFC boss stated in Friday’s presser that the virus has had a “damaging effect” on some, stating two unnamed players are unlikely to return over the festive period.
Elsewhere, Mark Gillespie’s return in midweek shows he’s fit again, but the game will come too soon for Martin Dubravka and Paul Dummett once again.
For the visitors, Scott Parker has hinted at changes before kick-off, feeling the side he named in recent draws to Liverpool and Fulham can’t play three games in seven days. With that in mind, it’ll be interesting to see if ex-Mag Aleksandar Mitrovic returns from his spell on the bench.
Predicted line up
Predicted NUFC XI (4-4-1-1): Darlow – Krafth, Fernandez, Clark, Lewis – Almiron, Hayden, Shelvey, Ritchie – Joelinton – Wilson.
Starting at the back, I can see Krafth coming in at right-back. Murphy was good going forward and a threat when he got moved up to the right wing, but I’m not sure Bruce will match him up against the dangerous Ademola Lookman after he struggled to cope defensively at Elland Road. You could argue Krafth could be done for pace by the RB Leipzig loanee, however he was rested in midweek and Manquillo remains absent.
I think Lewis needs taking out of the team, but the lack of natural options at left-back (when playing a flat back four) means he’s more than likely to continue.
In midfield, Shelvey will almost certainly return, but I think Sean Longstaff is another who needs a rest. Not only did he look leggy at Leeds, he dithered on the ball in bad areas and simply isn’t playing well enough to warrant a start for me. Bruce may well shift Hendrick into the centre, but if Hayden is fit enough to play again I can see him partnering Shelvey.
Out wide, Almiron seems likely to be recalled after a rest at Leeds – especially when he got on the scoresheet in our last home win over West Brom. On the other wing I’m hoping to see Fraser get another start, but it may be asking a lot for him to play twice in four days – despite the fact he helped create both goals at Leeds. With that in mind, I think Ritchie will come back in after his rest in midweek.
Up top, it’s likely Joelinton continues just behind Callum Wilson. Gayle will be knocking on the door after his goal made all the difference in our last home game, however his proven quality against Championship sides makes him guaranteed to start at Brentford next Tuesday for me.
The opposition
Here’s a few ones to watch in Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds side:
Ademola Lookman – The RB Leipzig loanee almost signed at St James’ Park earlier this year and has really impressed me whenever I’ve watched Fulham. Quick feet, direct, very quick and looks to have decent final product too, weighing in with a couple of goals and assists so far this season. We’re weak at right-back so he could be the main man to stop.
Frank Zambo-Anguissa – If Fulham go down, I’d love to see us make a move for the powerful Cameroonian – a player who offers a few key traits our midfield sorely lacks. His big frame and quick feet are a unique mix, with him high in the Premier League charts for tackles, interceptions and completed dribbles.
Aleksandar Mitrovic – He’s not started in any of Fulham’s last four games, but Parker has hinted at rotation ahead of this one and he could well come back in. Whether you loved him or hated him during his time on Tyneside, he’s their best striker and a real brute on his day.
Predicted Fulham XI: (3-4-2-1): Areola – Aina, Anerson, Adarabioyo – Ried, Anguissa, Reed, Robinson – Loftus-Cheek, Lookman – Mitrovic.
Prediction
As I’ve said earlier in the piece, I think Fulham will come into this with their tails up and believing they can win.
Thankfully, we’ve come out on top at St James’ Park against most sides outside the ‘big six’ so far this season, beating Burnley, Everton and West Brom since that 0-3 defeat to Brighton, however I’m expecting a tough game here.
I think their pace will cause our defence problems, but with Wilson up top I always fancy us that bit more in games like this.
Hoping for a win that would send us into Christmas in a comfy position, however I see this ending all square.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Fulham
HWTL!
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I think georio will drop an anvil on his own head like a Warner Bros cartoon if we play Krafth and Lewis.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Wrong Olly.
It will be Gayle and Wilson up top and Joe on the bench.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Will Mitro come back to haunt us i wonder.
kimtoon(Quote)
This should be a game where you’d have some confidence we’d be taking all 3 points – a game where you’d expect Fulham to come to SJP and shut up shop & hope to nick a point or lucky win – it should be!!.
The truth is I have absolutely no idea which Newcastle turns up, so it makes it so tough to predict how it goes.
The one thing I don’t need to predict is if it’s anything like Leeds I want be watching the whole game.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Quite possibly. Impossible to predict
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Hey Olly: I agree with the logic of most of your predictions. You make a case for them, unlike some people. Erm… Ryder 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I’ve gone with Ritchie for rotation purposes but would far prefer Fraser to play IF Bruce reckons he can start a second game in 4 days.
He still looks rusty but quite telling that he was the main creator behind our two goals on Wednesday…
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Totally agree with Olly on this one that the team is impossible to predict. I am doing the wishful thinking and saying Gayle and Wilson up top and no Joelinton 🙂
Watched Wraith’s youtube. It is always Ok if a bit long and boring about the “takeover”.
The self named “Geordie Dentist” is a total bore pretending he knows stuff and has all of these “contacts”. They have never been right, never! I also wouldnt let him near my teeth the amount he drinks! 1st thing on a Monday morning he would have the shakes and would be into your gums and cheek when doing a filling.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
“Sorry there. I nicked your cheek. Rinse and spit. Your gum. Aye, got that as well. A bit of blood, but that’s the way we do it in Dubai. Went through the whole outside of your cheek and came outside the other side. Aye. Shouldnt have had that last Moretti.”
“Dental nurse!!! Matron!!! We are going to need another one stitched.”
Eric Sykes(Quote)
“do we have medical liability insurance or is that why I work in Dubai so there are never any claims, aye, that’s right. No claims”. It is a big desert out there and I claim I know “people”. Although if they are anybody like the NUFC “people” I claim to know they will not be buried very deep in the dunes.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Geordie self-dentist.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=mr+bean+dentist+episode&view=detail&mid=64AB57A17557FD64957064AB57A17557FD649570&FORM=VIRE
Eric Sykes(Quote)
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9069523/PLATELLS-PEOPLE-Shattering-human-cost-putting-Covid-first.html
How many more like this. Why are those with Covid more important?
Stuart79(Quote)
Interesting interview with Phillips from Leeds last night. They have to play games in training sessions. If they don’t play their hearts out they won’t play the next game. The staff are on the touchline returning the ball immediately if it goes out. The players call it murder ball and they crawl off the pitch every session. Bielsa is only interested in extreme fitness before he gets to tactics.
Listening SB?
I have the anvil ready Eric. Can’t think of any other manager who’d play the only Brazilian without a good first touch . . . . again and again and again.
georgio(Quote)
Bruce has a selection dilemma. We have limited options but the answer should be addition by subtraction. We have quite a few players who have been shyte and need a “rest”. Krafth, Lewis, Sean Longstaff, Hendrick. And of course Joelinton who hasnt had a shot on goal that wasnt deflected.
Who do we replace them with? Shelvey, Matty, Dwight, Ritchie, Miggy, even Yedlin. We still have enough bodies. It’s not like we are saving anyone for Man City, Liverpool and Leicester. This is the game we must win as Brucie said, although I am a bit worried that he is throwing in the towel for the whole Xmas period.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I am going with georgio here and recognizing that Joelinton just cannot control the ball. Even when he miraculously has a good 1st touch he gives it away with his 2nd. How many games has he played now? It must be 40 plus. And we can all remember the very few decent moments because there have been SO few. Has he scored a goal that hasnt been scuffed. 1 pass to Wilson. You dont even have to look at the stats, although they would back up the fact that he is total b0llocks. He really is shyte and I am also going with Malcolm McDonald on this one who says he is not a footballer.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
And whilst I am on the subject of ranting. How many more chances does Sean Longstaff get? One more, today? Would you put him in against Liverpool? He better show up against Fulham or him and his new agent can both fck off. Better still, dont play him.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I am also almost done with Krapth (thanks georgio). I dont really see any there there. What does he do well? He cant tackle and he cant cross. He is another one that you can count on the fingers of one hand what he has done well. That is a bad thing. Even when your main job is not to make mistakes.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Too many passengers. We are playing with 8 men in a lot of games.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
At least Jonjo and Miggy give it a go. You notice when they fck up. With Lewis, Joe and Krapth (and Longstaff now) that is the norm so you give a little internal groan and say OK, that’s what I expected.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I’m not saying for a second that Joelinton shouldn’t be doing better. But it does get a bit tiresome seeing the same one player constantly getting battered when there is definitely more than just him who isn’t performing well.
I think he’s got better when he’s played alongside Wilson or behind/to the left of him – but is still no great goal threat. But then why would he be?!. He NEVER has been. That’s not his fault – that’s the fault of our scouts and whoever recommended him & ultimately bought him. He didn’t come with a great goal record in Germany – so why did whoever bought him think he would bang them in in the PL.
He’s a limited player in a side that has 30% possession or less every week – what the hell do we really expect of the lad.
There’s a number of players are getting off very lightly thanks to Joelinton being in the team – coz they aren’t playing well, but it always seems to be Joe that gets it.
I’m not saying he shouldn’t be criticised at all – far from it. But there doesn’t seem to be any balance – coz Longstaff has been awful, Lewis has been awful, Shelvey is awful most weeks, Almiron despite his workrate, is pretty in affective most weeks, Carrol does nowt – and whilst these players get mentioned, it’s nowhere near to the scale of Joelinton.
While I’m writing this, it comes back to Bruce – who has he actually improved during his time with us. Forget results, possession, tactics – which player actually looks better?!.
Results wise, Bruce & Rafa are pretty similar. I didn’t enjoy the footy under Rafa either, but I can at least credit him for recognisable tactics & improving players.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I keep seeing people say Jonjo is lazy. I disagree. He has no pace. That is what it is, but he has other qualities like he can kick a ball and when he plays within himself he is pretty good. Just dont ask him to chase a man down because he is not quick.
He is our best option at the moment. Until we get somebody better. Hendrick is not better. Sean Longstaff has been a liability. Let’s see if he is a number 10 because he is not a number 4 or 7. Not on current form anyway. Hayden? He can tackle but you need someone creative next to him.
We are short of options in midfield.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Wow. Palace are getting a bit outclassed. Henderson might be the only Mackem I like. I have only ever met like 3 in my life. There are none in Chicago I have met.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
6 nil away from home against your ex-manager and ex-England manager who had Harry Kane taking corners and went site-seeing in Paris with his deputy the day before the biggest game of his life at the WC. Yes, Mr Roy, I still remember.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
7 now!!!
I went to get a cup of tea and they scored again.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
God help us on Dec 30th.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – hes a PL footballer. Nobody is demanding he run fast – but don’t asking him to chase a man down – that’s part of his job – a huge part when the opposition has 70% of possession. His while working week is about working on his fitness & desire to make those runs – he doesn’t have to do it the quickest – but no way should he get a pass from making them when he’s a PL player.
Sharpy17(Quote)
My letter to Santa:
Have Jurgen go easy on us and not start Mane and Salah.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy mate, you know I go back and forth on Shelvey. He is our best nidfielder though unless we want to be full on 9-0-1. Which I know you hate as much as me.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
They just interviewed Jordan Henderson. He seems like a nice lad despite being a Mackem.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Well. How to predict the team? I think there are a few definite starters:
Darlow
Clark
Fernandez
Shelvey
Fraser
Wilson
The rest, I dont know. I really dont. I would like us to start Dwight but I dont know.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Getting back to the “Geordie Dentist”. Everything he ever says proves to incorrect. He says he has contacts but with contacts like them who needs enemies – as Groucho Marx would say. Anyway, him Wraith and the other one that call themselves the “Three Amigos” know abolutely the square root of F-all.
I might rant on here but most of it turns out to be true. I said Rooney was done for England and Everton. That Grealish is a cheat. That Wilshere was finished. That Pep is a cheat (cynical fouls). That Mr Roy was a bad England manager. That Southgate is ****.
All negative points I admit and let me add that I am done with Sean Longstaff. He will never make it as a top 10 PL footballer.
Hope he scores today though 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy – Joe needs a personal trainer for a month teaching him one thing – how to kick the ball.
georgio(Quote)
And when do they stop “taking the knee”? The problem with this stuff is that you dont know when to end it. That clapping on 17 minutes for the lads who died on the way to NZ just seemed to fizzle, unless I am unaware of other fans just saying we had done our tribute and it was time to move on?
But when does “taking the knee” end? Is it permanent now?
They play the National Anthem at every baseball game over here and then often play “America the Beautiful”. It sort of cheapens the whole thing and gets on my t!ts. Overuse, means it means less. That’s what I fear with taking the knee.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – I think Hayden is our best midfielder by a country mile.
He does the defensive side well coz we only get 30% possession, but with more I think he would show just how good he can be with the rest of his game too.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Georgio – let’s hope we can replace him then and really have a chance at that top 6 ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
The red bindippers are going to be unbearable now.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy: what about Longstaff the taller? I have gone off him in a big way in the last couple of games. I hope it was not all a mirage. Is it Bruce, or is it him? That’s the question.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Blo0dy hell I have been so negative recently. I am probably going stir crazy because it has been a bit cold here and we had that tw@tting by Leeds. Cheer up Eric/Graeme. This too shall pass! You will not have to listen to Bagpuss saying we did well (we didnt) up to the last 12 minutes or suffer through a pandemic again.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
MCCarthy is a **** good keeper. How can Southgate pick the TRex Mackem? Darlow is better as well and made me eat my words because I thought he would be the deer in the headlights of 2 years ago. So happy I was wrong.
Darlow for England.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
And. AND…..
Southampton are not just laying down and letting Man City tickle their tummy. Their squad is no better than ours. They are getting beat but are giving it a go.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Brucie gave it a go against Leeds but it was a bit dumb. Like his head looks!!!
I am shocked he didnt say he was “delighted” with the 5 goals we let in.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
how did you think the game went Steve?
I was delighted until the last 12 minutes. Absolutely delighted. I thought we gave as good as we got apart from the fact that they had 25 shots and we had 2, and we let in 5 goals. I thought Joe was great in his stumbling, bumbling, let the ball bounce off me way. Like Alan Gowling without the goals.
Yeah, delighted. So delighted.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Ha ha ha. That own goal from Holding was hilarious. Isnt he the one Bruce wanted on loan? 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
There’s a “tier 4” now. What Boris?
Are we going to get a Star Trek 9 now. Or a Star Wars minus 4?
Or Marvel Comics’ Wolverine 17 – “One Night in Sunderland, The Most Boring One Yet!”
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric you seem to be carrying this thread by yourself!
I see Dummet is starting tonight. I recon Mitro will haunt us tonight. I have lost all confidence. We are just sh.it. Even reasonable players have become sh.it.
I recommend it will be a high scoring 0-0 draw
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Dubia/Gilly: Dummett is our best defender so it might be a good idea to keep him on the half way line at corners in the last 12 minutes.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I couldnt predict that lineup. I thought for certain he would start Fraser.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
😉
Gayle will now start vs Brentford IMO!
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Last chance for Longstaff the taller!!!!!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
making predictions is fool’s errand.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
That Fulham goalie is a bit of a t!t. Isnt Areola the red bit around a nipple?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
So now we are letting fcn Fulham have all of the possession…
Eric Sykes(Quote)
DO NOT give Ritchie or Shelvey any freekicks or corners. They are **** at them. or Longstaff.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I was having a nap before this and it is sending me back to sleep.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Utter **** so far this half, need to get into the game far better second half.
kimtoon(Quote)
ffs
just hopeless
kimtoon(Quote)
The Guardiola system is that if you keep the ball then the opposition wont create anything. And if you give it away, you do a strategic foul. What are we doing. Give the ball away and let them keep it.
This is total ****. unlucky for Ritchie, but what are we doing here !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Kimtoon mate. What are we doing? FFS. What are we doing. It is Fulham, not Pep’s Barcelona.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Jesus f Christ this is Fulham and we have 30% possession and 1-0. Pass backwards more than forwards and run like their boots have superglue on them. What shi.te, unfuc.king believable.
Bruce just has to go.. but of course he won’t.
Any team in the premiership must relish playing us. Easy points for them.
Dreadful first half.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
I feel your pain mate, waiting all day for this arrgh
Eric, what are we doing indeed mate
kimtoon(Quote)
For some reason we have Danny Higgenbothom on the panel over here. I thought there were travel restrictions?!!! He has to be in the running for ugliest pundit. Hard to get by Phil Thomson or Big Fat Sam before he got another job but Danny is giving them a run for their money. He is really boring as well. I wouldnt want to be his wife – boring and ugly, not a good combination.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – and that p!sses me off more than anything Joelinton does mate.
You are right, none of them can cross a dead ball with zero pressure on them.
We have players who could be a threat from set pieces, but we can’t cross the bloody ball into the box!!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
The other pundit at half time is Robbie Mustoe – ex-Boro bore. He is like watching ugly paint dry. So I have 2 of the 3 most boring and ugly pundits in the world (Phil Thompson remember) and us giving the game to fcn Fulham without a fight. Merry Xmas.
Get Dwight on. Get Joelinton off.
Get anybody but Sean Longstaff on.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
That was a surprise!!!!!! The Shelvey free kick over the bar!!!!
I just dont get it. He can drop a ball on a sixpence when he has no time but cannot take a free shot on – always over the bar for free kicks and floaters for corners.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Longstaff just give the ball away again there!!!
He’s sh!te!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
Who are we saving Fraser and Gayle for? We have a week until Man City.
Dont say Brentford.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy: I think people will turn on Longstaff even though he is a local lad. He has done nothing in 18 months. I gave up on him a couple of weeks ago. I gave him a chance, a last chance and he failed dismally.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
pen and a red
C’mon then
kimtoon(Quote)
How lucky can Bruce get. We have been shyte and get a penalty and a red 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
get in
kimtoon(Quote)
We have been so **** and are level against 10 men 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Hector coming on to challenge Yedlin for stupidest haircut.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
What the F was that Sean?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
That was never a pen or a sending off.
VAR is f@cked & that’s the worst I’ve seen it.
I should be pleased it went in our favour but that embarrassing.
Sharpy17(Quote)
This has to be last chance saloon for Joe. Brilliant pass from Shelvey and he wastes it.
Joe out.
Longstaff out.
Bruce out.
I dont care if we win this game, we have been dire.
Eric Sykes(Quote)