TRon

Even if Willock was fit I was pleased when I found out we were going to a back 3 again. It just felt like the right fit for the players we had available. What did surprise me was how dominant we were even in that formation, I would have expected us to be a bit more circumspect, but we got after them like sharks sniffing blood.

Probably already the best season in my lifetime, but CL will confirm it.

Yep. this game was a bit too much for him, he didn't play much of a role in keeping Chelsea at bay when they were pushing up in the second half. Lovely player when he gets time, but today wasn't that sort of game.

They'll want to, but not sure they can make it happen. The three at the back which we used to beat them in the cup semi final might be a good shout.

Forest fucked.

Great result considering the players we had missing. Felt like we had the 10 men in the second half but maybe that looked different on TV. I'll have to watch the game back, we did defend well for the most part so the game plan worked and that's all that matters.

This is why all you can do is win your own games. It's still in our hands, just means we have no margin for error now.

Chelsea's midfield are apparently functioning a lot better since Lavia has come back in. Add to that we will have a vital cog missing in Joelinton. This is the problem with writing off clubs with Chelsea's resources, they have a far deeper squad than us. Yes we are at home, yes we can win. But let's not pretend this is like playing Fulham or Wolves at home. This is a big game between two very big teams, nothing can be taken for granted.

If Big Joe's playing I hope we'll be blasting out We will Rock you before the game. Ge them shitting their kegs right before kick off.

You'd like to think it's a big enough game that there wouldn't be any need for beer to loosen the vocals.

Free money basically. Great deal for us.

I think fringe players like Willock always have a price, if we get a half decent fee we would sell. That money would then go towards buying someone next level I would imagine. Hopefully if he's playing the last few games he'll put in the performances to show his real value.

Because stats don't mean that much when key players are missing. I'll bet all those games you are citing we had Joelinton playing. Of course a draw is very likely. A win is also likely but when two top teams go head to head it doesn't necessarily mean a win is guaranteed for Newcastle when one of our key players is out.

Same here.

That's how I see it. A draw is a very likely outcome on Sunday no matter how much I would prefer to win it. But if we don't win I won't be assuming it's game over and assuming we are out of the running for CL football. Villa still have points to make up on us, and we only have to finish ahead of either them or Forest even if Chelsea finish higher.

They are obviously regretting the decision to pay £20m, but I guess it's just about whether they are locked in or not. If we drew the contract up right, they won't be able to wiggle out of it.

Not sure it's what the Howe system demands, which is what @buzza is getting at. Not that Howe doesn't like technique, but it would need to be allied with some physicality and bite. Not seen much of McAtee so no idea if he fits the bill.

The early kick off might make for a more nervous atmosphere, that's my worry. Fans will have had less time to get some drinking in which normally inflates the confidence nicely.

It's neither in reality. Both teams are very dangerous in their own way. We have the home advantage, but that's kinda negated by Joelinton being out. Any result is possible, that's why there will be nerves on both sides of the fanbase. Their supporters will be dreading it, and I know I am very apprehensive about it just because so much is riding on it.

Disagree, I think it's important we don't get beat above all else. There's every chance Villa and Forest stumble as well. Ideally we beat Chelsea, but a draw wouldn't be a disaster, if we draw against Arsenal as well then beat Everton, that might well be enough to see us through.

Fuck me how are they missing these??

i'd take a draw here all day long.

Forest are more than capable of winning, they have a mean defence, and MGW, Wood and Elanga are more than capable of scoring goals. Their style is probably better suited to countering away from home anyway. But Palace is a tough game, could go either way for me, and I am hoping they will turn Forest over.

You were right first time, neither Miley or Longstaff will start left side midfield, just think lack of pace and playing on their wrong side is something Howe won't consider IMO. He'll either go Willock again ( I actually thought he did ok) or he'll change formation.

Not a bad shout. Hall was a converted midfielder iirc, so he should have some of the attacking/defensive attributes needed. The real difficulty is replacing Joelinton's physicality. He's a beast, and with that height he's important at set pieces also.