Following back-to-back wins for the first time this season and a strong finish to Tuesday’s 3-1 victory over Everton, it’s fair to say we finally have some genuine momentum under Eddie Howe.
We also come into this one knowing there’s no reason why we can’t beat an Aston Villa side that often looked wide open in Wednesday’s 3-3 draw with Leeds.
They’ve been superb since Steven Gerrard came in, however they’re also a club who haven’t had the best of records at St James’ Park over the years.
One thing is certain, mind. They’ll pose a much bigger threat than Everton did earlier this week. The Toffees may have beaten Leeds 3-0 at Goodison Park today, but they were toothless on Wednesday – something Villa have never been since Gerrard took over.
Elsewhere, Brighton did us a huge favour on Saturday afternoon, beating Watford 2-0 at Vicarage Road to keep the Hornets three points behind us having played one game more, while Norwich were hammered 4-0 at the hands of Man City.
Brentford also went yet another game without a win, drawing 0-0 with Crystal Palace. That leaves them six clear of ourselves, yet they’ve played three games more.
So, with several results going our way and Burnley hosting Liverpool tomorrow, this feels like another big chance to give us some breathing space at the bottom.
Team news
Kieran Trippier is facing a late fitness test after limping off with a calf injury on Tuesday, while Matt Targett is ineligible against his parent club.
Elsewhere, Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, Federico Fernandez and Callum Wilson have been ruled out once again.
As for Villa, Coutinho is expected to start after shaking off a knock, but Emi Buendia is a major doubt because of a bruised hip, Bertrand Traore has a hamstring injury and Ezri Konsa begins a two-match ban after a red card on Wednesday, meaning Calum Chambers could come in for his debut at CB.
Predicted line ups
(4-3-3): Dubravka – Manquillo, Lascelles, Schar, Burn – Willock, Shelvey, Joelinton – Fraser, Wood, Saint-Maximin.
Martin Dubravka – Another solid display in midweek and set to keep his place, with Howe denying claims that he was offered to Man Utd in a deadline day deal involving Dean Henderson.
Javier Manquillo – Trippier has a calf injury and wasn’t spotted in training on Friday. I really hope he can pass a late fitness test, but see the reliable Manquillo having to come in instead.
Jamaal Lascelles – Made up for the own goal with that equaliser against Everton and put in a very steady display. Let’s hope he can maintain that level in this one.
Fabian Schar – Looked to be carrying a knock early on in Tuesday’s game, but came through OK in the end and built on that superb performance at Leeds.
Dan Burn – With Targett ineligible against his parent club, Dummett not fit and Lewis left out of the 25-man squad, I’m expecting the Geordie giant to make his debut here. If Trippier is fit, however, we may see Manquillo at LB.
Joe Willock – Grew into the game in midweek and was superb in that second half, carrying the ball well and pressing from first minute to last. Howe may be tempted by Guimaraes, but I’m not sure he’ll change a winning side or leave out a player finally getting his confidence back!
Jonjo Shelvey – One of the first names on the teamsheet under the new boss, it seems. Has put in disciplined displays in each of our last two and will need to do the same here against an energetic Villa side full of industry and ideas in midfield.
Joelinton – Wasn’t spectacular against Everton, but still gives us that presence and non-stop running that we’ve often lacked in the middle of the park. Needs to improve in the final third, however his main role could be to disrupt the likes of Coutinho or Ramsey at the other end!
Ryan Fraser – Got the goal he deserved on Tuesday and is becoming a key player under Howe, with his energy and pressing second to none. Hopefully he can build on this now.
Chris Wood – Needs a goal and hasn’t posed enough of a threat so far, but Howe has talked up his physical presence and the dirty work he’s doing to allow others around him to shine.
Allan Saint-Maximin – As he proved a few days ago, he is the difference maker in this side. Matty Cash will be a tough opponent for him on Sunday, however he has the beating of most defenders in world football if he’s at his brilliant best!
Predicted Aston Villa XI (4-4-1-1): Martinez – Cash, Chambers, Mings, Digne – McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Ramsey – Watkins, Ings, Coutinho.
Match prediction
I can see there being a few goals in this one, with us growing in confidence after back-to-back wins and Aston Villa looking very open in that 3-3 draw with Leeds in midweek.
If Trippier misses out I think he’ll be a huge miss and I also think we’ll find it much harder to win the midfield battle against the likes of McGinn, Ramsey and Douglas Luiz, however I’m hopeful we’ll have enough to cause them problems.
Wood to get off the mark and Coutinho to cause havoc in a high-scoring draw!
Prediction: Newcastle 2-2 Aston Villa
HOWAY THE LADS!
The changes are disappointing coz I thought we were excellent as a team against Everton – but the injury for Trippier does seem too bad and he will be back in soon enough – plus, Manq has been really good this season.
Targett is only coz it’s his parent club so will be back for the next one, but Burn isn’t a bad replacement either if his LB performances for Brighton are anything to go by.
Id really be fearing this fixture before that Everton game, but if we can show a bit of consistency and turn in a similar performance then I think we stand a really good chance of coming away with something.
I think we need to just keep putting points on the board as often as possible especially until Burnley catch back up with their games in hand.
If we can keep picking up results then I think Leeds & Brentford could be dragged into the mix too – I think Everton will have enough to pull away, but a win tomorrow puts us on 21 points and pulls Leeds & Brentford right into it imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
It’s a toss up Olly man. Bruno or Willock?
Joe is good off the bench but Bruno will be good against Mcginn. I have no idea on this one, but the rest I agree with.
What I do know is THAT DAVEY CRAIG’s SONG IS ****.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
If it were me, I think I’d leave Shelvey out and put Bruno in. I’m sure that won’t happen though. Shelvey was quite lucky to only get a yellow in the last match. He needs to sort out his tackling!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Good weekend so far in results. A win tomorrow and we could well have one foot in the PL for next season and definitely bring in Leeds and Brentford.
Stuart79(Quote)
This is newcastle, three wins on the bounce. Not happening. One step forward two steps back. Still Last week we were in the bottom three, this week we are one point above the drop zone. After tomorrow we are one , two or four points above the drop.
I’m sorry you cant by one of the best and then not play him. He’s capt of my FF team fFS.
PremAndUp(Quote)
buy
PremAndUp(Quote)
I’d play Bruno in place of Shelvey. Shelvey is doing okay but he does go missing for a while during games and he knows it and so he comes back with the sort of lunging scissor tackle that could have been a red card instead of just yellow which could have changed the game and the result.
I think Bruno should make a start and feel the passion of all the supporters at St James’ Park.
Ozzy Johnno(Quote)
If we beat Villa we are still only 1 point behind Everton. I watched the whole Leeds/Everton game and Leeds were so bad! They were worse than Everton 2nd half against us.
Hard to judge on 1 game, but there is hope as both of those teams can have stinkers.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I always look at Goal Difference. It may seem obvious, but it verifies what the points tell you about how **** certain teams really are. It is like going to a Dr for a 2nd opinion, points 1st, then double check with the GD.
GD says there are 7 teams in this relegation dogfight.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
“Friends of Frank” are going to have a right old w@nk on Talksport on Monday!
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
What I would really like is a midfield full of running against Viila, but I dont see Eddie dropping Shelvey. Therefore, I think it is between Willock and Bruno to start.
My choice would be Bruno with Willock as a sub on 65 mins but I think Eddie might do the opposite.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Another thought for you Eric is that if we do win tomorrow we will only be eight points behind Southampton in tenth, currently leading the pack of also rans. We would have a game in hand too.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Please dont get me wrong on Joe Willock. I think we might have a midfield that will overrun almost every PL team with him, Bruno and the latest iteration of Joelinton. I am liking the look of Eddie’s Shelvey but I think we could terrorize teams with those 3 in midfield. Youth, energy, tackling, passing! If Joe Willock finds his shooting boots there is no stopping us.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I dont think I have ever seen anything like the rebirth of Big Joe at NUFC. He was so bad for so long under Bruce. Now he looks like a different player.
He had like 90 games where he looked Sunday League! Or Worse!
I was thinking Amdy Faye.
I know it is a small sample but he looks completely different.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I am going to Florence in May, and specifically the Uffizi Gallery where Sandro Botticelli’s Birth of Venus is. I think I will photoshop Joelinton in there and ask Olly if he will put it up on here if we stay up.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Did I mention that I think Davey Craigs song is shyte?
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
It is like a turd with a scotch egg placed in the middle, drenched in toilet water and left for 3 days in the Egyptian sun in a cow pat.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
My dog just f@rted and said in dog language – is that a Davey Craig song I just farted out? It really sounded like one. The tune and the lyrics were certainly one of his. And the smell.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Mate, you’re being a bit disrespectful now. Davy works for the NUFC Foodbank and is wanting to raise money for them through this song.
OK, you might not like it, but to constantly say this throughout this thread and make petty jokes is poor form when he’s done it to support such a great cause.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
And… I am going to rant about these old Refs again. They cannot keep up with play. Especially, Fat Boy Moss, Sponge Bob Square Pants Dean, and Old Man Graham Scott – he is 53 FFS and Euro Refs are forced to retire at 45.
They trot around like dressage ponies, especially Mike Dean. Would you want a dressage pony to even Ref your schoolkid’s game?
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Not really. I said the cause was good, but the song wasnt.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I will stop though Olly, because I have said all I need to say about that song.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Olly: I will get back to my usual rant again about these old Refs not being able to keep up with play. I am not sure if they can play guitar or write Beethoven’s 9th.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Mike Daen turns 54 in June.
Graham Scott who Reffed the Everton game yesterday is 54 in October.
It is not about their eyesight or cognitive abilities. It is about them being able to keep up with play.
I am in my late 50s and am quicker than Mike Dean!!!
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Yes, but you don’t need to put four separate posts out taking the mick out of it. If you don’t rate it, it’s probably best to keep that to yourself when he’s trying to do good for a great cause.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
bad songs are bad songs, regardless of whether they are for a good cause.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Right, but you’ve made six posts in separate parts of the blog saying the same thing in different ways – it just comes across a bit distasteful mate, that’s all.
If you mentioned it once and were constructive then fair enough, but it’s poor form to keep going when it’s for such a great cause.
I know you’ve acknowledged that, I’m just saying it doesn’t make you look great to keep going & won’t exactly make Davy feel great about himself seeing someone repeatedly slate it.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Olly, mate. You know I dont work myself about NUFC usually. I’ll get back to the team sheet. I still cant figure out if Eddie will start Willock or Bruno.
Game starts at 8am in Chicago and I am also not sure if I will go to the bar to watch. Covid is pretty much over in Chicago, but there is a much worse disease in the bar I go to – the Red Bindippers. They play at the same time as NUFC.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Olly – I WILL STOP.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
If I go into a pie shop and they are selling really bad tasting pies but 10% of the takings go to charity, would I call all of my friends and say go to this shop and buy really bad pies?
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Or would I say? Yeah, It is a really good cause, and 10% goes to charity, but the pies are bad and you might get food poisoning?
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
All I have said is that I think Davey Craig’s song is ****. It is your website Olly, so you can ban me if you want.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I don’t know what song you’re on about, Eric but I get the feeling you’re not set on it too much? Don’t get me started on food banks either!
Anyway as for today, I think I would start Bruno because we need someone to look after Coutinho. I also want Willock in for his energy and he does seem to be coming into some form. Joelinton gets up and down and is strong so also want him in and yet I think we need Shelvey’s passing ability. So who to drop? It’s tough but I would go for Willock, Bruno and Joelinton.
Stuart79(Quote)
Bruno can pass also. His presence makes Shelvey redundant. Shelvey has a tendency to just lose his head out of nowhere. No question he is talented but why take the risk when we have everything he can offer covered from the better temperaments of Willock, Joe and Bruno.
If Howe goes with him then he knows best as he works with the lads every day and knows what direction he is trying to take the team in, but from the outside looking in Shelvey is a nutter and we risk undoing everything we are building if we keep him the side after what he did on Tuesday. Refs will have his card marked ready to go. Bruno is good to go. Let’s get him in, especially given the Coutinho factor. Knows the lad and had the legs to stop him whereas Willock brings that pace up the middle. Dropping Joe is not an option.
Shamrock(Quote)
Totally agree Shamrock. Shelvey’s contribution is his passing, which Bruno can do, Shelvey however cannot tackle without getting a card
PremAndUp(Quote)
Yes I kind of agree, Sham. I’d pitch it to Shelvey has having a bit of a rest so he’s fit and ready for the whole season.
Stuart79(Quote)
Grippier has just posted his picture up with #NEWVIL. Looks like is playing.
Who plays at left back then? I’d prefer Manquillo to Burn in that position. Burn is a CB for me and Manq is better than a lot of people realise.
Shamrock(Quote)
Sounds good to me mate.
Shamrock(Quote)
Good news – sounds like Trippier has been passed fit to play!
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
So Trippier Lascelles Burn and manquillo as a back four then?
PremAndUp(Quote)
Hope Tripps is really properly fit and not being risked like. Bit worried about getting a result today but they haven’t won at SJP since 2005 when of course we had the Bowyer/Dyer scrap.
So they either are due a win or we carry on denying them 3 points at SJP.
We shall see .
HWTL
kimtoon(Quote)
Hope Bruno starts, I like Shelvey but he always worries me when he tackles .
kimtoon(Quote)
Still, ‘We don’t talk about Bruno’
PremAndUp(Quote)
Schar not Lascelles. Happy with that
PremAndUp(Quote)
Olly – can I say I like your participation in the blog mate (nowt to do with the convo between you & Eric) it’s good to see your avatar & involvement mate – keep it up ??.
We obviously appreciate the articles but good if you get involved in the banter too – I do know you’re busy as well though, but nice to see you involved ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Wow, no Lascelles.
I think I would have played Bruno and brought Willock on as a sub. He did well in that role for Brucie.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Fingers crossed. Bruno has to start. I’d leave Shelvey out
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Bruno is on the bench. No sign of our captain Lascelles. Not even on the bench. Trippier, burn, Schar and Manq with Shelvey starting in the middle
Gilly Toon(Quote)
No Lascelles ? illness or injury??.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Who’s Lucas De Bolle? I know he’s a youngster but what position? He’s on the bench!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Centre mid
PremAndUp(Quote)
Villa have strong side. Buendia starts! So a bit of gamesmanship by the Scouser!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Great that Howe bringing in youngsters.
Shamrock(Quote)
Ok thanks Prem!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Coutinho playing as well. He is getting rave reviews but I havent watched any of their games so cant verify that. Ings on the bench. I am glad about that. Is he like their record signing?
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
All the pundits seem to be predicting a draw. Do I really care what Owen or Merse say 🙂
Villa’s side look pretty strong now so perhaps I would take a draw. Mings can be got at so hopefully we can sneak a win. So, 2-1 NUFC.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I hope Burn has the confidence to keep Schar right today. Schar can be a good CB but with a rush of blood to the head can show indiscipline and get caught out of position – need Burn to keep him in check today really – him or Trippier
Sharpy17(Quote)
Lascelles is sick apparently
KIMTOON(Quote)
Trippier is Captain ahead of Shelvey. That is surprising.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Wood scores today
Sharpy17(Quote)
Nervy one today. I would’ve liked to see Bruno start but can understand we don’t want to mess with a winning team. Hope he gets more than just a few minutes.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Villa seem a lot better under the Scouser! Hard to call today
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Mike Dean is the 4th official.
Are 4th officials allowed to give red cards?
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
The Waddler is commentating over here. His commentator said Burn worked in a supermarket at one point.
Waddler said he would be good for the high shelves 🙂
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
that’s not a corner ffs
KIMTOON(Quote)
http://weakstreams.com/soccer-streams/premier-league/newcastle-united-vs-aston-villa/523
Shamrock(Quote)
Getinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
Trips AGAIN
KIMTOON(Quote)
Who needs a pen
KIMTOON(Quote)
FK me what a signing
Shamrock(Quote)
Manquillo gone
Shamrock(Quote)
Oops. I think Joe got a yellow because ASM didn’t look up and lost the ball.
Shamrock(Quote)
Correct mate
KIMTOON(Quote)
Oh dear woeful there Woody
Shamrock(Quote)
Manquillo looks uncomfortable
KIMTOON(Quote)
Hope Wood doesn’t do a joelinton and try too hard, the goal will come and his other all round play is good winning headers and good passes.
KIMTOON(Quote)