Everton away did you say? Any chance we could recall Florian Lejeune from Alaves and stick him up front?
All jokes aside…well, not completely….Steve Bruce seemed to take a lot of encouragement from our second half performance against Leeds United on Monday night, but it ultimately ended in yet another defeat – a line that tells you everything you need to know about his mentality and the current state we’re in.
It was another chance missed to stop the rot and a another week that saw those around us either creep a point closer (Fulham and Brighton) or extend their lead (Burnley) with big wins.
New assistant Graeme Jones has had a few days to give Bruce a ‘fresh pair of eyes’ in training and returns to the club he once worked at under Roberto Martinez in Everton.
His arrival is said to be a show of faith in the under-fire boss, but with the players shot for confidence and Bruce a broken record full of contradictions in most of his pre and post-match interviews, a trip to take on Carlo Ancelotti’s Blues will be a tough test and one that could make or break his attempt to save our season that’s sinking faster than the Titanic.
He clearly retains the backing of Mike Ashley right now, but that could change if results go against us AGAIN this weekend – with Fulham’s trip to West Brom giving them a big chance to move within three of us should we lose at Goodison in the early kick off.
Team news
- Clark & Dummett – Both returned to training at the back end of this week, but Bruce’s comments suggest this one might be a bit early for both of them.
- Federico Fernandez – Hasn’t played since the 1-0 loss at Sheffield United and Bruce reckons he’ll be out for “at least another couple of weeks.”
- DeAndre Yedlin – A midweek trip to Manchester appears to have sorted his visa, meaning he should be fit to play….providing he’s not about to board a flight to Turkey!
- Javier Manquillo – Was rated as ’50-50′ for the Leeds match but missed out. Has been spotted back in training since then, so you’d hope he can return here.
For the hosts, Allan, Fabian Delph, Niels Nkounkou and Jean-Philippe Gbamin remain out, but summer signing Abdoulaye Doucoure is back from a one-game ban.
Predicted line up
(4-2-3-1): Dubravka – Manquillo, Lascelles, Schar, Lewis – Hayden, Shelvey – Fraser, Almiron, Saint-Maximin – Wilson.
OUT – Darlow, Murphy and Hendrick?
IN – Dubravka, Manquillo and Saint-Maximin?
I’ve been wrong in backing Dubravka to return in recent weeks, but feel it’s a matter of time until Bruce brings him back into the side. Darlow’s not done a great deal wrong, but his distribution has put us on the back foot in recent weeks and I’m still not sure what he was doing for Watkins’ goal last weekend. I’d have no issue if he starts – he’s been brilliant – however I do feel Dubravka remains our No 1 for a reason.
At the back, Manquillo has trained so could be in line to return for Murphy; who was at fault for Leeds’ opener and struggled defensively in midweek.
In the middle, Lascelles and Schar appear to be our only fit centre-backs once again. Bruce has rarely played a four-man defence when Schar is involved, but it’s about time we got Hayden back into midfield – especially when one less centre-back (which we have so few of fit) allows Saint-Maximin to return in attack!
Lewis to continue at left-back and a midfield two of Hayden and Shelvey. It may seem harsh on Hendrick given he had a solid second half against Leeds, but he’s been an absolute passenger in our last two away games at Villa and Sheffield United. I’d probably prefer to see Matty replace Jonjo against Everton, but the latter somehow seems to be back in Bruce’s good books now he’s overcome that groin injury.
In attack, is this finally the day we see Saint-Maximin, Almiron and Fraser all start behind Wilson?
Bruce stated after the Leeds loss that he’s never been able to play his best side this season, so you’d like to think he’ll finally give that a go now ASM has got two cameos under his belt following a long battle with COVID.
That said, what the NUFC boss says and does tend to be two VERY different things, so it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if one of those attackers is benched to make way for another defender in a 5-3-1-1!
The Opposition
Here’s a few ones to watch in Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton side:
James Rodriguez– The Colombian scored a stunner with his weak foot in midweek, but tends to be more of a creator who’ll pop up in all sorts of areas to pull the strings and put them on a plate for Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison. His wicked delivery from corners is another one to watch – especially when Keane and Mina so often get on the end of them!
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – Loves scoring against Newcastle, having 5 in his last 5, but just loves scoring goals in general this season! He’s on a dry spell at present, failing to score in his last six PL games, but that’ll only make him more hungry to get back in the goals here. Forgetting his predatory instincts inside the six-yard box, he’s also a very good target man with a great leap and a surprise turn of pace for his size.
Jordan Pickford – An accident waiting to happen. If he’s not flapping at crosses or tipping shots into his own net he’s flying off his line when he really doesn’t need to – although all of the above may see him dropped for this one after yet another costly error in midweek.
Lucas Digne – One of the most creative left backs in the league, bagging an outstanding six assists in 10 Premier League appearances so far. Now he’s fit again, Calvert-Lewin will be licking his lips if we give the Frenchman too much time to cross.
Richarlison – A real handful who’s one of the best headers of the ball in the league for me, meaning whoever starts at right-back MUST be switched on from cross to the back post. Calvert-Lewin is the big one to watch but the Brazilian can be devastating if given half a yard.
Match prediction
We beat the Toffees when they came to Tyneside earlier this season, but that was a Blues side without James Rodriguez, Richarlison, Lucas Digne and Seamus Coleman – four key players who are all fit and raring to go after they dropped two points late on against Leicester in midweek.
I’m hoping we learn from our improved second half display against Leeds and don’t wait to go behind until we give the opposition something to think about, however it feels like Everton will have too much no matter how we approach this one.
It could get ugly if we are passive, downbeat and poor all over the pitch as we were in our last away game at Villa, yet you never know what might happen if Bruce’s finally decides to start ASM, Almiron, Fraser and Wilson in the same side!
Hoping for a huge result to get us back on track, fearing the worst!
Prediction: Everton 3-1 Newcastle
HWTL!
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I reckon Bruce will risk Clark at the expense of Schar and Dummett instead of Lewis. His job is on the line so I think he will risk their fitness. Does he really care if they are injured if he is out of a job anyway.
Of big interest to me is whether Graeme (Steve) Jones will be on the sideline and how many other Steves there will be. By my count it is 4 – Bruce, Harper, Agnew, Clemence. So we may as well call Jones Steve as well like that Monty Python Aussie skit from years ago. Everybody was called Bruce and they called the new guy Bruce even though his name was Michael, just so as not to confuse things.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Just listened to Wraith and Co and they said that Sean Longstaff was driven back alone from Villa. Must have been a big falling out. It was the show with The Geordie Dentist and Steve Hastey who are bores and know-it-alls but seem to have contacts at the club. Wraith doesnt bother me and also has 20 plus years of cultivating contacts at NUFC and in the press.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Olly: The Harrisons have the same team as you except for Darlow. I would be worried as I have never seen them pick a correct team – EVER. You might be saved by Dubs 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
If I had to put my house on it I’d say unchanged bar Manquillo in for Murphy (and maybe a start for ASM too), but there’s a little part of me thinking he’ll go for this “strongest team” he’s talked about now all of his big guns in attack are fit…
We shall see!
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
20 minutes of OK football in 11 games and Bruce wants a fcn round of applause!!!!!
Let’s see if I can remember my 11 times table from school. 90 mins times 11 is 990. So 20 decent minutes out of 990 and he wants a medal. How many goals? I will look it up.
In the last 11 games, 990 minutes, remember:
For 5
Against 21
Points – 2
Cups out of – 2
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I think you’ve got the team spot on – as good as we can expect from what we’ve got.
We will see a slight change in style courtesy of Jones with us sitting higher up across the board and hopefully getting rid of this idea that it’s fine to let them just stroll into our third and defend from there.
As for “He clearly retains the backing of Mike Ashley right now, but that could change if results go against us AGAIN this weekend”, regardless of who brought in Jones to expect a dazzling tactical change during his first game there is just expecting too much.
Regardless of the result Bruce is safe for another couple of games at least.
BykerBill(Quote)
I see the club are disciplining Joelinton for getting his hair cut. If they drop him from the squad it really won’t make one jot of difference to be honest. We won’t miss him.
Stuart79(Quote)
Just for once, can we go into a game with less of a pusillanimous approach please Steve.
kimtoon(Quote)
Olly: what did Bruce say in that interview? It says it wont play in my region.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I did see that Bruce mentioned “fake news”. This is the biggest lie out there started by Trump and pushed by the biggest liars of all – Murdoch’s Fox News. They just make stuff up and Trump has been verified lying 30,000 whilst in office. In true Goebbels style they repeat something so many times that their acolytes just accept it as the truth. They accuse the “Mainstream Media” of fake news when it is themselves that are the biggest culprits. They never really have a counter argument, they just say fake news and leave it there. Is this all that Bruce has in his defence?
Two of the main papers over here are the New York Times and Washington Post. If they get a story like say someone is about to resign they have to have at least 2, and preferably 3 verified sources before they will print it. Fox just has Giuliani on saying what the fck he wants. Now he is being sued for 1.3 billion by a voting machine maker for his lies. He also made ridiculous accusations on Fox that he would not repeat when he took cases to court. You know why? Because if the judge found them to be made up or even just frivolous they could hold him in contempt and even suspend his law license.
But the term “fake news” is now in our lexicon and Brucie even uses it now.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Guardian article on Pickford. Skip down to the comments section.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jan/29/jordan-pickford-england-gareth-southgate-high-risk-gamble
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I am up at 5.30am to watch this game. Better be worth it. It might be, just for the Bruce body language if Jones is on the sideline. Or seeing the camera cut to Jones if he is in the stand.
If it goes t!ts up I have a giant piece of pork (not a euphemism) that I will make into a cuban stew instead so my morning will not have been wasted. Plus there is Man U / Arsenal later.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Waste of sleeping time, Eric, I’m afraid.
Stuart79(Quote)
I think we will get well and truly stuffed today. That’s my expectation in order not to be too disappointed. So if we claw our way to a draw or even a win I’m going to be happy to exceed my expectations. However, I think my expectations will be admirably met today…
Gilly Toon(Quote)
I can also get West Brom / Fulham live so I will give a match report if I am not thoroughly disgusted with all things football by then. Our current run has to end at some point, so 1-1. Wilson and Calvert Lewin.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
St Max on the bench. Looks like Bruce has kept the same shape as Leeds with Hayden at the back. According to The Chronic, Ancelotti has 2 keepers on the bench and starts Pickford. Never seen that before. I think it says he doesnt really want to play the Mackem T-Rex but will give him the quick hook and wants another keeper as injury replacement on the bench.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Oh, I was wrong about Bruce going for broke and playing Dummett and Clark. That tells me he still thinks he has a job, win or lose.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Just want to see us put a couple past that arrogant short armed ***.
kimtoon(Quote)
Surprise surprise, Bruce has bottled it and ASM is on the bench.
He’s right though, I mean both Hendrick & Shelvey together nearly offer the team as much as ASM does when he’s on the bench, so ??♂️??.
I expect us to sit back, Everton go a goal or 2 up, Bruce frantically rubs his face – leaves it til about the 70th min to then make the change too late & we get beat … much like Leeds and every other game actually.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Needs to start St Max, not shove him on when all hope is lost.
kimtoon(Quote)
Not too worry everyone – Steve says he’s determined to turn this round ??????
Sharpy17(Quote)
So midfield is Shelvey and Hendrick again with Hayden in there too. Defensive it is then…
Gilly Toon(Quote)
waste on space unless Shelvey thats a ten man team then
icedog(Quote)
I f@cking knew he’d justify our loss to Sheff Utd coz they beat Man Utd.
Dead right Steve ?? Great point mate ?? That’ll keep us out the relegation zone won’t it?!.
T!T!!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
I absolutely love Jake Humphrey!!.
Fantastic analysis of our performances this season, and use of stats to show the fans aren’t being unreasonable or unrealistic in what we want from our team.
Top top man ??????
Sharpy17(Quote)
I think it’s time Bruce banned all media because every time he opens his mouth something comes out that makes it worse.
The team is no surprise. The likes of Sigurdsson, Rodriguez , Iwobi and Calvin Lewin will rip us apart
Stuart79(Quote)
I am going to keep an eye on Hendrick today to see what he actually does. Apart from the 1st game I havent really noticed him. I never really noticed him at Burnley either but the Ireland fans seem to think he is pretty average at best.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Said it is “fake news”. I think they are quoting ACTUAL FACTS like no wins in 11.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Showing the build up and Jones is on the pitch talking to Wilson.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
ffs Lascelles
kimtoon(Quote)
How many assistant coaches does a head coach need?
Stuart79(Quote)
Jamal cannot put a foot wrong now or he’s gone, so stupid
kimtoon(Quote)
Under the cosh and that left side is not being marshaled well
kimtoon(Quote)
Does he not get the fact that they’ve banned all written press tells you they can’t all be wrong?!
Stuart79(Quote)
We seem to be pressing more. We really should be fit enough to do it through the game.
Stuart79(Quote)
Shelvey is hopeless
kimtoon(Quote)
Jones shouting instructions, Bruce stands with hands in pockets
We are a bit better but still look likely to concede .
kimtoon(Quote)
Jones is giving instructions on the sideline.
Didnt realise that the keeper coach is Steve Smith. So that’s 5 – Harper, Bruce, Agnew, Clemence.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
jesus Shelvey you are testing my patience man.
kimtoon(Quote)
We should press the Manic Mackem. He can kick it hard but when pushed he is very nervous. I dont understand how you can pick a keeper based on kicking!
I mentioned earlier that Everton have 2 keepers on the bench. I have never seen that before except in international friendlies.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Better
Stuart79(Quote)
I fcn hate Pickford. He is screaming at his defenders again. I am surprised one of them hasnt given him a slap in training. Maybe they should sign Andy Carrol.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sod off Mina that’s nowt
kimtoon(Quote)
Eric, where we can we should shoot from distance he is so poor, England GK , don’t make me laugh.
kimtoon(Quote)
Unlucky! They normally go in them…
Stuart79(Quote)
That’s Siggy on a yellow
kimtoon(Quote)
groan
kimtoon(Quote)
Can we just not have Shelvey take free kicks!!!!!!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
**** free kick and then we nearly concede
Well done Darlow
kimtoon(Quote)
And another chance for them
kimtoon(Quote)
That’s what my groan was for
kimtoon(Quote)
It is not too bad. A bit of a high press sometimes.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sorry to go on about the Manic Mackem but I think it is a really good tactic to press him. Pity there are no NUFC fans there.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Don’t imagine too many Newcastle fans would be disappointed with that first half – and for the benefit of the thick head pundits that claim we have unrealistic expectations, we are 3-0 up.
We just want to see our team competing & going toe to toe with whoever they are playing.
Sharpy17(Quote)
nearly 45% possession , that’s better
kimtoon(Quote)
On first half showing we deserve a point at least.
Can’t wait for Maxi to come on
kimtoon(Quote)
Well that was a better half. What’s happened to our team? Still goalless but better.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
If we play like this all the time we will get some results. I’m not yet convinced that they will continue like this though. Let’s see.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Agree, i am more up beat but still hesitant to say we have turned a corner.
kimtoon(Quote)
*** Wilson should of scored
kimtoon(Quote)
FFS Callum.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
That was a decent save by Darlow.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Fraser off so Shelvey back on corners 🙄 🙄
kimtoon(Quote)
Wilsooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooon
kimtoon(Quote)
Wow! I even had a little “get in”!
Stuart79(Quote)
Greame Jones is a football genius? ?
Stuart79(Quote)
Anyone is compared to Bruce
kimtoon(Quote)
So close Callum, corner though
C’mon
kimtoon(Quote)
nearly jon jo nearly
kimtoon(Quote)
Just make the keeper save it Jonjo.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Getinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
Wilson great counter attack
kimtoon(Quote)
Well done and well done Bruce. He’s taken stick and rightly so but today we’ve set up to actually compete and win. We have done.
Stuart79(Quote)
Pickford flappin like a fish
kimtoon(Quote)
I said a draw so I wasnt totally negative even given recent results.
Not going to watch Brucie being smug!!!!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Massive win this and puts pressure on the others
kimtoon(Quote)