Ever since Allan Saint-Maximin scores what we’d hoped would be the winner against Watford, it’s been an incredibly frustrating time for us fans.
We went into our shells in the final half an hour, showing our worrying lack of confidence, quality or leadership as Joao Pedro’s 88th minute header gave Watford a point that denied us three we so desperately needed.
Since then, we’ve seen our attempts to sign Sven Botman, Diego Carlos and Jesse Lingard drag on to the point we have no new signings in for Saturday’s crucial trip to Leeds.
The hosts have had a poor season, not looking nearly the same relentless attacking threat that made them so good to watch last season, however they arrive on the back of a very impressive 3-2 win at West Ham.
They still have several injury issues and are definitely a side that can be got at, mind. Especially from set pieces!
Some feel like our season may start when the transfer window shuts and new players are in the building ahead of home games against Everton and Villa at the start of February, but we can’t afford to keep missing opportunities to pick up wins – and this is another one.
Team news
Javier Manquillo is back from suspension, but Callum Wilson, Isaac Hayden and Federico Fernandez have been ruled out.
Matt Ritchie faces a late fitness test after suffering a knee injury, Jamal Lewis, Dwight Gayle and Jeff Hendrick could feature after returning to training, but Ciaran Clark looks set to miss out once again – despite Howe saying he is ‘nearing’ a return to full fitness.
For the hosts, Patrick Bamford was expected to return but has now picked up a new foot injury, while left-back Junior Firpo and in-form midfielder Adam Forshaw will miss out after picking up knocks last weekend.
Tyler Roberts and Joe Gelhardt are fit and Diego Llorente is back from a one-game ban, while Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper remain out.
Predicted line ups
(4-3-3): Dubravka – Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Dummett – Shelvey, Willock, Joelinton – Fraser, Wood, Saint-Maximin.
Martin Dubravka – He continues to look below his best and hardly comfortable with the ball at his feet, but he remains our best goalkeeper. After an unconvincing spell for the usually reliable Slovakian, let’s hope he can have a stormer here.
Kieran Trippier – Rock solid last weekend and clearly the most accomplished player on the pitch. Will be tasked with stopping Jack Harrison following his hat-trick at West Ham last Sunday.
Jamaal Lascelles – The captain could be targeted for this one, with Leeds likely to press in a bid to expose his limitations on the ball. Fernandez would be my pick to return if fit, but he remains out. We need the skipper to step up here.
Fabian Schar – More capable on the ball than our other centre-back options, but needs to keep his head in this one. Hopefully he can create from deep and release the likes of Saint-Maximin or Fraser with ball in behind.
Paul Dummett – Kept Dennis quiet in his first start of the season last weekend and is positionally much better than Ritchie. With Raphinha their biggest threat and best player, he’ll have a real job on his hands keeping the Brazilian at bay.
Jonjo Shelvey – Started well under Howe but looked slow and cumbersome against Watford. We need him to be efficient on the ball and diligent off it in this one.
Joe Willock – Howe could well keep faith in Sean Longstaff, but I fear he’d be bypassed too easily against a Leeds side who run more than any other side in the PL. Longstaff tries, however we could benefit from Willock’s pace and ability to go from box-to-box, even if he too has been way below his best of late.
Joelinton – From £40m flop who can’t hit a barn door to box-to-box midfielder who looks like the Brazilian Vieira! He carried Shelvey and Longstaff last weekend and could have a big role to play at both ends here.
Ryan Fraser – Some nice link up play with Trippier last time out and looks much fitter; something that will put him in good stead to match Leeds’ intensity here. Hopefully he can get deliver some good balls into the box for Wood, especially with Firpo out.
Chris Wood – Looked a little rusty on his NUFC debut, however he’s a huge threat in the air and Leeds are known for being poor from set pieces.
Allan Saint-Maximin – Showed what he’s capable of with that piece of magic against Watford and we may need more of that here. I wouldn’t bank on it, but hopefully he helps Dummett deal with Raphinha if he’s struggling to cope.
Leeds XI (4-1-4-1): Meslier – Ayling, Llorente, Struijk, Hjelde – Koch – Raphinha, Dallas, Klich, Harrison – James.
Match prediction
With no new signings through the door this week and that late goal for Watford potentially damaging to the player’s already low confidence levels, I fear for us here.
Leeds put in one of their best displays of the season in that 3-2 over the Hammers last Sunday, having momentum on their side.
Hopefully we can exploit their injury issues all over the pitch and put in a much better defensive display, I just can’t help but feels we’ll see Raphinha run rings around us.
Prediction: Leeds 2-1 Newcastle
HOWAY THE LADS!
You can see the lack of quality in these 2 teams today. Whatever the result there will be howls on social media as the gap will widen to NUFC. Like that wasnt obvious before a ball was kicked!
I think the Refs should do a shirtless charity calendar and test my theory that they are too old and unfit. I would gladly send one to Kimtoon. That lovely piece of Man Candy Jon Moss as Mr. January and Mike Dean as Mr April.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Deano is getting a spare tyre now as well. Must have been at the lunch buffet with Fatboy Moss. They really are all looking their age now, which is in their 50s. Them 2, plus Atkinson, Marriner and Friend, especially.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Talking about aging. Eddie Howe looks tired.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Mike Dean is loving the flood light issue. Makes him even more the centre of attention. How much can there fcn possibly be to debate – he has talked to all Managers, Coaches and Players about it. Maybe he should go up into the stands and explain it to the fans? Or the press box? Is Delia Smith there tonight, I think Deano should inform her of the exact protocol for issue like this.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
2-0. That’ll be Ranieri sacked.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Stu: are you in the away end or posh boxes? I saw there is some sort of new points system for away games.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Eric I’m in the away end. Normally enjoy away days but not really looking forward to this.
Last nights result shows we should really be doing better than we are. If Norwich can win four games…
I’m also concerned about the transfer window now too. It’s all gone quiet and we are seriously struggling to bring in the players we need. A bug shift is needed.
Stuart79(Quote)
Eric+Sykes
January 21, 2022 at 20:30
I think the Refs should do a shirtless charity calendar and test my theory that they are too old and unfit. I would gladly send one to Kimtoon. That lovely piece of Man Candy Jon Moss as Mr. January and Mike Dean as Mr April.
Send me one of them and might have to get on a plane come over and slap you one.
kimtoon(Quote)
Can anybody explain to me why it’s a bad look for us to go to Saudi Arabia for a warm weather camp for a week? Why are the media making it out to be a big deal and couple hinder us buying players?!
Stuart79(Quote)
I saw Ollys article saying fans shouldn’t have a go at the new owners & they can’t be expected to fix 14yrs of Ashley’s failures in 1 window – nobody is expecting that – but I can criticise the new owners without being ‘deluded’.
Of course I don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes & im well aware this isn’t football manager where a player can be bought with ease. But these owners came in telling us they had a plan & so far I’ve not seen it.
I keep hearing that the sale went through quickly – it was around 18 mths from deposit paid to getting the keys – there’s nowt quick about that!!. They had nothing in place ready to go – no footballing director in place & no manager identified for when the takeover finally happened.
As a result, we are now seeing little to no structure around signing players this window – a window that will be the difference of them staying in the PL or not.
I am not slagging them off, but do I think they could have done, and be doing better – absolutely yes.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’m worried about today. Jack Harrison & Dan James have pace that will tear through our defence & their Brazilian boys have real quality.
We need to match their work rate & that won’t be easy. I don’t think a result is beyond us, but we need to excellent in every position today & our CBs concern me.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Lots of talk about Lingard, Ali & Choundhury – I’d be happy with all of those you know.
If we played a 4-3-3, Choundhury would be that holding player with Joe left and Ali right of him. Ahead of the would be ASM, Wood and Lingard. Obviously Wilson would be in for one of them when fit.
But we still need these CBs in. I still think we should go get Rodon from Spurs & Phillips from Lpool in this window. They would keep us up imo & we’d be able to go back for the likes of Botman in a far stronger position in the summer.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Have the Refs discovered an elixir of eternal youth? You never see a 53 year old golfer win The Masters. How about a 53 year old pole vaulter? My dog lived to age 15 but he wasnt the same at 10 as when he was 2.
Age catches up with all of us, but apparently not English referees.
Then there is the argument that after 35 years in the game for some of them that they should have the experience to make better decisions. Has anybody being paying attention to VAR 🙂
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
The T-Rex Mackem took the Villa player out and the Ref let it go when it should have been a penalty. Just like they did when he put Van Dijk out for a year.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Jordan (my main job as a goalie is to scream at my own players) Pickford does this every other game where he clatters a player after the ball is gone, and it is NEVER called.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Ha Ha Ha – the Mackem T-Rex’s arms were too short to make a simple save that every other keeper in the PL would have got to. Then, unfortunately some idiot threw a coin at a Villa player. Dont they realise there is CCTV at games and they will be banned for life and probably face criminal charges?
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Villa 1, Mackem T-Rex nil.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Do Aldi’s sell suits? I reckon they do, because that must be where Duncan Fergusson’s came from.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Leeds fans are the worst i ever see,when i was always going to away games they were only interested in fighting before and after games,even a lot worse than Millwall fans of old
icedog(Quote)
At least Willock is back in. You have to give him a chance when the alternative is Longstaff!!!
But, Lascelles keeps his place. WTF, he has been our worst player this season followed by Ritchie and Miggy.
But, on the Meatloaf theme – two (dropped) outta three aint bad.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
That back two really worry me. I’d rather bring the under 23s CBs in than have Lascelles and Schar. At least they’d have a winning mentality. They couldn’t be any worse.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Everybody, yes everybody – pundits, blogs, youtubers, journos, Supermac, John Gibson, Olly, everybody… thinks we will get beat. I am going for a win. 2-1. Wood to score from a Trippier set piece.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
It’s still those 4 central players that worry me – Schar, Lascelles, Shelvey and Willock. I’ll hang fire on Willock though coz he’s not had much of a chance really.
The other 3 need to be at least 7/10s if we stand a chance today – and how often have all 3 been that this season?!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Everton lose again
kimtoon(Quote)
Loss today no doubt. Quality of squad is poor thanks to Ashley.
Not happy with lack of progress on transfers but that’s January for you. Deli Alli? Not convinced by that but we need to do something/anything….
Shamrock(Quote)
Derby Forest a bit feisty
kimtoon(Quote)
No hope today, they have too much pace for us, hope i’m wrong .
HWTL
kimtoon(Quote)
BT Sport showing the fans protesting & discussing how badly ran the club has been ?????.
When we voiced our anger about Ashley – and owner who hired the poorest cheapest managers (bar Rafa) and invested so little to recruit quality players – we got ‘what do the Newcastle fans expect?!, they have ideas above their station!!, he’s kept them in the PL’.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Eric – I love big Dunc, and don’t understand why he doesn’t get given a chance – especially when you look at the favourites for the job being Rooney & Lampard.
Dunc is an honest hardworking fella who doesn’t do BS – he’s not going to give a politicians answer to any question put to him. He’s just an honest decent fella imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Leeds are not Man City. They can have really bad games as well and are missing probably their 2 best players.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I like him as well. I think he went to Jail though for assault of another football player, on the pitch? I cant remember the details. The story about the burglars breaking into his house and getting slapped by Dunc is a classic.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Eddie has never taken a point from Elland road 🙄 😳
kimtoon(Quote)
Well done Dubs
kimtoon(Quote)
Schar down injured
kimtoon(Quote)
Lascelles is all over the bl00dy place again today!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Might sound harsh but I don’t believe Schar is as hurt as he’s making out. He knew it was a rash tackle and might have been a penalty
Sharpy17(Quote)
yep, not looking good again.
kimtoon(Quote)
Doesn’t Joe go down at this sort of time in most games?!
Sharpy17(Quote)
OOH Shelvey, good save
kimtoon(Quote)
Bo llocks Joe is injured ffs
Never got injured when he was useless 🙄 typical
Longstaff coming on, oh gawd we are sooooooooooooooooo screwed
kimtoon(Quote)
Great!! Our only decent midfielder is now off injured ??♂️
Sharpy17(Quote)
Poor Wood I don’t think he’s touched the ball all first half here like. I’ve been watching him quite closely and he’s been in all the positions I’d want a CF in – no good him dropping deep to look to get more touches – we just need to feed it into him more.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I think the Ref has given phantom fouls on Wood. Hardly touched their players and the whistle blew.
Not totally shyte in 1st half but Leeds probably shaded it.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Scrappy first half for both teams – little quality for either really.
Their threat is defo from the wide players though. I’d consider bringing Lewis on and switching to 3 CBs with Lewis and Trippier pushing forward and hopefully in turn pushing their wingers back.
If Lewis & Trippier could get more quality crosses into the box, Wood may be brought into the game more too.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Most would probably disagree but in the absence of Wilson the only player we seem to have who knows where the goal is, is Gayle.
Groucho(Quote)
Eric Agree about Wood, seems the way he played for Burnley is not allowed with us where this ref is concerned.
kimtoon(Quote)
Gayle is injured
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim. Thought he was on the bench. He certainly trained this week.
Groucho(Quote)
I watch a lot of PL football and no other team seem to lash at clearances was wildly as we do.
I watched Brighton pass their way out of trouble the other night & even Norwich last night – we just hoof the ball away only for it to come straight back coz inevitably it doesn’t fall to one of our players.
There is no composure or calmness to our play at all.
Sharpy17(Quote)
b loody hell lobby, 2 left feet
kimtoon(Quote)
Selfish ASM, SHOULD OF PASSED THERE 👿
kimtoon(Quote)
Dummett down ffs
kimtoon(Quote)
FFS Dummett out again – get f@cking rid of him!!. He’s never bloody fit!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
god this ref
kimtoon(Quote)
I referenced watching Brighton before – it’s just reminded me just how hard a watch we are!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Feels to me like Dummett just quit on his feet because he had been torn a new **** hole by Rafinha.
Anybody notice one of our players shoulder barged Dummett as he went to the bench??
I reckon all is not well in camp. Last thing we need.
Shamrock(Quote)
wow, how has Leeds not took the lead there
Lascelles down now 🙄
Just draft in the kids Eddie, this lot are too old and unfit
kimtoon(Quote)
That injury to Lascelles should force the hand of the owners for a new CB.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Lascelles now too. I really do think they are just throwing in the towel.
Shamrock(Quote)
Pleased Lascelles is off – if that’s a long lay off it might just put a rocket up them to get these CBs in this month!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
probs doesn’t wanna be the reason for late Leeds winner 😆
kimtoon(Quote)
It’ll be Clarks fault again
kimtoon(Quote)
What a useless foul by Llorente.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
All off to pack for Saudi Arabia mate ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Dirty leeds
They been pulling shirts all day
kimtoon(Quote)
That was lucky but I will take it.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Shelvey better not be taking this when Trippier is there by the way!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
Getinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
Jonjo
Woohoo
Now please please hang on lads
kimtoon(Quote)
???????????
Sharpy17(Quote)
you were saying Sharpy 😆
kimtoon(Quote)
Hang on lads ffs
We need this
Shamrock(Quote)
just got to hang in there for 12 mins plus et, surely we can get some luck for once.
kimtoon(Quote)
ooooh off the line
kimtoon(Quote)
we are really pressing now good to see
kimtoon(Quote)
That was a foul for any other team.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)