If last weekend’s trip to Brighton was our first big test of the season, we’re stepping it up another few levels this Sunday as Manchester City come to town.
The Premier League champions have won both their games with minimal fuss so far, following a 2-0 win at West Ham on the opening day with a 4-0 battering of Bournemouth.
In truth, we were fortunate to come away from the South Coast with a point last Saturday, relying on some Nick Pope brilliance, goal-line clearances, missed chances and last-ditch defending to keep the score at 0-0.
Perhaps it’s a sign of a good side if you can play poorly and still find the spirit to muster a precious point on the road, with ourselves and Man City the only two sides yet to concede a goal this season.
That said, it was clear (again) last weekend that we are a few new attackers away from being a side capable of disrupting the big six and competing for a place in Europe. Not only that, some feel it was proof another holding midfielder is needed now Jonjo Shelvey will miss the first half of the season.
In a game that forced us onto the back foot, Bruno Guimaraes didn’t look nearly as comfortable in that deeper role – which limits his ability to make things happen in the final third. He ran the show in that position against Nottingham Forest, but we won’t be playing a newly-promoted side at St James’ Park every week.
Still, we’ve started the season unbeaten, with two clean sheets and four points from our opening games, gaining an early advantage on top 10 rivals likes Man Utd, West Ham, Leicester, Wolves and Everton – all of which are stuck on one point or less.
Sunday isn’t a ‘free hit’, but we can head into this one confident, ready for the challenge and with a sense of freedom, backed by another sell out crowd and a brilliant home record in 2022.
Man City may have beaten us 4-0 when the two sides last met at St James’ Park in December, but our home record since then has been nothing short of outstanding, seeing us win seven of our last nine, with our only loss coming in a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool.
Team news
Matt Targett is facing a late fitness test after missing our previous game with a dead leg, however Ryan Fraser is expected to return after overcoming a back spasm.
Jonjo Shelvey will miss out once again and it remains to be seen if Emil Krafth or Federico Fernandez will feature after both failed to feature in our latest set of training photos.
For Man City, new full-back Sergio Gomez has been named in the matchday squad, with Lavin Phillips also fit after overcoming a minor injury.
Predicted line ups
(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Guimaraes, S Longstaff, Joelinton – Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin.
If Targett passes a late fitness test, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Howe go with a 5-3-2 formation, allowing Schar, Botman and Burn to all start at centre-back.
However, the only change I can see – on the basis Targett misses out – is Sean Longstaff coming in for Willock, with the latter going missing during large parts of last weekend’s 0-0 draw at Brighton.
Howe may also want to see how Longstaff can perform in that holding role, as the club are said to be weighing up a move for another midfielder now Shelvey has been ruled out for the first half of the season.
In attack, Almiron’s energy could be key at both ends and crucial in stopping the marauding Joao Cancelo, although he could be the man sacrificed if Howe does opt for a 5-2-3?
Predicted Man City XI: (4-1-2-3): Ederson – Walker, Dias, Ake, Cancelo – Rodri – Gundogan, De Bruyne – Foden, Haaland, Grealish.
One to watch: Erling Haaland – Portuguese star Joao Cancelo provides ridiculously good quality from full-back and often causes havoc when drifting into midfield, but it’s hard to ignore Erling Haaland. The big man plays like a striker that’s been made in a lab and caused havoc at West Ham in his last away outing, with his movement, pace, presence and ice-cool finishing helping him to a brace against the Hammers. Whether it’s Burn, Schar, Botman or all three, they have their hands full with Haaland!
Match prediction
I expect us to give this one a real go, but it’s always a huge task finding the balance against a Man City side who always dominate possession and push teams back with goal threats in every area of the pitch.
I fancy us to score and believe we’ll have our moments in-between the backs-to-the-wall defending, but there’s a reason only Man City and Liverpool have beaten us at St James’ Park since Eddie Howe took the job – they’re a bit special!
Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 Man City
5-3-1-1 formation for us.
result: NUFC 1, MCFC 4.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Do you think Brendan might get sacked? He likes a good moan. It might between him and Super-Frank who is 1st.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
i forgot about HasselhutelHofbraubauhausbaywatch. Him, Brendan and Super-Frank look most likely to be sacked.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sheeet, I am so happy that Arlo White has fcked off to the golf. he was so annoying with his Maths teacher explaining.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I think Brendan is in trouble now.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
C’mon Forest get into those toffees
kimtoon(Quote)
OH God. I am the biggest home towner. I am changing from 1-4 to 1-1. Howay the lads.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Why do we all dislike the blue bindippers now? I never did, until about 18 months ago when their fans started to get uppity.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
And of course there is the accent.
When did it change from the Cheeky Chappy Beatles and everybody’s Mum Cilla Black to the back of the throat Jamie Carragher and Stevie G?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
The Beatles didnt have that croaking in the back of the throat accent, ready to hockle. Neither did Cilla, or Ken Dodd.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It went from a nice Irish lilt with Northwest tones to croaky frog in about 20 years.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
If we are eyeing Scott MCra@piminey and Anthony GordonShyte we must be out of our minds.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Oh gawd no please no
kimtoon(Quote)
Firstly I will say that I think we could sign better – but … and I know I’ll be on my own here … I don’t mind McTom – I think he’s better than how he’s playing for Man Utd at the moment and there’s a few others as well – wan bissaka for example.
I think McTom is let down a lot by the likes of Fred & Fernandes (as there is only one Bruno!!) and behind him Maguire and usually Lindelof.
He makes mistakes, but the lad never hides or shys away from the ball. He’s got a bit of grit about him & isn’t a bad passer of the ball either – alongside Bruno & Joelinton I think he’d do really well – in the games we need more defensive cover – in the games we don’t I’d stick with little Joe.
But it’s a CF and RF we need in as a priority next week anyway.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Totally agree with you mate
Icedog(Quote)
I will defer to Sharpy on McTom as he is usually a good talent spotter, he is another dirty b@stard though. There is a good player in there somewhere with Bruno Fernandes. I think it is Ronaldo stepping in his space.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I was thinking about going to the pub to watch the match but changed my mind. I have a 50 inch TV and can see it better at home. I was also thinking about plastics. City have a lot more fans now. They didnt seem like plastics but they must be. I s’pose I will just have to get used to it as that is what will happen to us in the next few years when we win the Champions League.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
so, I was watching a cooking show and they were making Texas Toast or summink. This is why you are so fat you fat fcks!!!
It was bread steeped in butter and cream. Then cheese and bacon in the middle and deep fried. This is why you are so fat people !!!!!!!!!!!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – I’m not sure about talent spotting like 😂.
He’s definitely good for my yellow card betting though, you’re right there. A lot of them I think are down to him just trying to get a reaction out of his teammates – similar to what Keane would do. I’m not saying he’s as good as Keane, but both are/were less technically gifted than their teams. Neither going to produce a piece of skill or score a goal like Cantona, Rooney or Scholes might. So instead they clatter someone ‘howay let’s fight man’ – I like to see it to be honest, not enough players like that anymore.
But actually, when Man Utd are playing well & controlling the game, the lad can play too. He’s energetic, makes intelligent runs & can play a pass and like I say, with our players around him & a coach like Howe, I think he’d be a really good addition.
Sharpy17(Quote)
So Villa have managed so agree a deal for Sarr from Watford – no messing around, straight in with what Watford valued the player at.
That may well impact on us signing Pedro – they’ve already sold Denis for £20m & Sarr is £25m plus add ons – Watford may not need to sell Pedro now & decide to hold on to him.
If it ends up being the case we don’t sign Pedro, my opinion of our new lot will take a big hit. I’m said from their slow response to getting rid of Bruce & equally slow appointment of Howe – this lot take too long to do things.
We’ll see what happens this week, but I worry about this one.
Sharpy17(Quote)
talk is we are trying to do double deal with Watford for Sarr and Pedro 55mill
icedog(Quote)
Was inaccurate reporting, unfortunately
A journalist misreading a tweet from Fabrizio Romano led to an article with no substance from The Express
https://twitter.com/NUFCblogcouk/status/1561303169837240322
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Nervous about this afternoon. I’m hoping we don’t get thrashed. I’d love a draw or a sneaky 1-0 win. 😬😂 but I can only see a loss.
I’m with Sharpy too on how slow we seem to be on transfers. How can teams like Forest and West Ham keep getting players in quickly on big fees and we cannot? I’m not saying I’d like all the ones they have but they get deals done quick. Disappointing… but let’s see how things go. So many links and rumours but nothing happens. 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
Oh, and site still screwed. I have Prem’s details currently. 🤷🏻♂️
Gilly Toon(Quote)
This is such a difficult team to predict. I think it will be 5-3-1-1 with our most athletic players. Therefore:
Pope
Tripps Schar Botman BDB Targett
Little Joe Bruno Big Joe
Miggy
Wilson
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I highly doubt that Eddie will leave out Maxi, but I would, just for this game!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I still think 1-4 and just move on to next week.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Ever the optimist
Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Targett; Miggy, Bruno, Big Joe; Little Joe; Wilson#
0-0
PremAndUp(Quote)
The good thing about Mandy is that her and Mehrdad always seem happy in the crowd and to support the team.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Nil – Nil Prem. I highly doubt that scoreline, Bl00dy hell, let’s go 2-1 NUFC. Now that’s being optimistic 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Prem: you picked the same team as me!!! Although I doubt we will be right.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
So, I am watching WHam and B’ton. Mainly because I want WHam to lose. I dont much like the Sith (Moyes).
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Moyes is younger than me and his skin is like old boot leather on top of 30 year old orange skin and beef jerky.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
orange peel.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Brighton are outplaying West Ham even though the Southern Press’s best player since Bobby Moore and Franz Beckenbauaer is in the other team and valued at 150 mil.
Brighton lost their 2 beat players and are still good.. Graham Potter must be a fcn genius!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
* Declan Rice
Eric Sykes(Quote)
C’mon Brighton.
C’mon Brighton.
C’mon Brighton.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Declan Rice and Anthony Gordon – the 2 MOST OVERRATED PLAYERS IN THE PL.
I am not saying they are bad, I am saying they are overrated. 150 mil and 50 mil respectively. Give me a break, man!!!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Leeds are beating Chelsea 2-nil. I am a bit surprised by that.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Leeds stuffing Chelsea
kimtoon(Quote)
Bit of a shocker with B’ton up 2-nil and Leeds 3-nil against Chelsea.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
No Targett and 4-3-3. Same side! 😳
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Koulibally sent off oops
kimtoon(Quote)
Pretty **** day for Chelsea. The only way it could get any worse is if Butch Wilkins arose from the grave and started to pass sonly sideways and back again.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Are West Ham Bottom now? Man U? This is turning out to be funny.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Here we go then
HWTL
kimtoon(Quote)
FFS, Didn’t even have to work for it
kimtoon(Quote)
bloody hell Bruno
kimtoon(Quote)
FFS miggy, you had to score there man, soooooooooo frustrating
kimtoon(Quote)
That was absolutely **** from Miggy like!!. I’m passed caring about his workrate or whatever else he’s credited with – his finishing and composure is pathetic!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Kim – for him to not even get a shot on target was just pathetic!!. I don’t care what he done in America or pre season – his PL record is atrocious!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Thank god for VAR
kimtoon(Quote)
There’s the answer!! – just let it hit him!! 😂😂😂
We are really taking this game to City like – just what you want to see at SJP!!.
Better decision making and more clinical finishing and we could have had 3 already.
Bruno needs to be careful or a red though.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Wilsonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnngetinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnladddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
kimtoon(Quote)
we have been brilliant so far.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
ASM with 2 assists that’s more like it
kimtoon(Quote)
Eric, After a poor start we are value for the lead imo
kimtoon(Quote)
Big Joe has been magic.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Kimtoon. I changed from 1-4 to City to 2-1 the Toon. I hope I am right 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Well we were fucking brilliant that first half.
The ref has been a joke though – booking our players for fouls the city players are getting away with.
I also think that was a penalty just before half time. Stones has jumped into Schar knowing he wasn’t getting to the ball. If that was in the centre circle it’s a foul and freekick 🤷🏼♂️.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Maxi has been outstanding that first half as well – making good runs and releasing the ball at exactly the right time.
Wilson – great goal!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
Totally agree on all that mate
kimtoon(Quote)
Agree Sharpy
Eric, you got a bet on that ?
kimtoon(Quote)
my comments not showing and constantly having to reopen tab again.
please please fix this site somebody.
Gonna bow out till after the game as this is bloody tiresome
kimtoon(Quote)
This is the longest half time EVER!!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
Tripppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppps
kimtoon(Quote)
Tripps 🙂 🙂 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Oh my 🫢🫢🫢🫢
Oh my oh my 🤭🤭🤭🤭
That was sensational!!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’m gonna take it back before full time and regardless of the score – Miggy has been brilliant today – other than his skied effort.
Sharpy17(Quote)
We won’t win this, they will get a third goal
And there you go
3.3
kimtoon(Quote)
Only real difference today – they are way more clinical with fewer chances.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Botman has been shakey today like
Red card for Tripps
var overturns
kimtoon(Quote)
Well I absolutely loved that!!.
As someone who was lucky enough to experience the Keegan era, let me tell those that didn’t – that game would have slot right in there!!.
We deserved to win that one – it was close but we just edged it imo – but their quality up front was the difference today.
We need those upgrades in – and if you were one of them having just watched that you’d be on the phone to your agent right now wouldn’t you!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
OMFG what a game that was. We should’ve won that. Easily a pen that we should’ve had. The difference was in city’s attack. We must must get attacking players in whatever it costs
Gilly Toon(Quote)
That free kick from trips, phenomenal!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Don’t know if he was a new ref – but he had a bad game today imo.
Punished us for fouls City were getting away with.
VAR saved us from a red card that never in a million years was a sending off!! – but I think VAR should have looked at that challenge from Stones on Schar imo. It was a foul anywhere else on the pitch & did anyone else notice the way Stones was looking over at the ref – he knew what he’d done!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)