Shak

Was not informed that the Discman was in attendance. FFS, had good material prepared. Great to meet you too man. Next time. We'll win one of these soon.

Not a bit. Absolutely immediately loved the guy

It's my fucking flag, he was making fun of me for wearing it as a cape two hours ago. Started doubting himself at one point so I asked the redhead receptionist at my hotel if it was better as a cape or a scarf. He'll listen to her at the drop of a hat cos she gave him the eyes, meanwhile all I get is sass.

I'm up for it if he is. We've immediately settled into an old married couple relationship, constant bickering

Not the hero Newcastle deserves...

Left back, they won't know what fucking hit them.

Feel better about arriving two hours in advance for my flight, reading that

Myself and an Asian lad just waved at each other in our Toon jerseys across airport security in Dublin. I'm assuming it was Oldtype, obviously.

Went to meet a few of the lads at a casino last night, went silent after that. Were a few Scandinavians in the group, doesn't bode well IMO.

That's just class. Delighted for you mate. And what a great gesture by whoever gave him the tickets. Class forum

People from on here gonna be stopping Shola on the street asking if he's Mike from the forum.

@Mike Had you down as a bits man, tbh.

Aye, good news this. Gonna be a valuable squad member for the next few years. Can play either side and think he'd also be quality playing the Willock role as the most advanced of a midfield three. Would hope someone like Diaby will be a target in the summer as the first choice RW but Miggy will be reliable as fuck there whenever we need him to play.

Rashford clearly had a bit of a limp coming off but it seems very likely he just got a kick at some point. Probably have some mild bruising this morning and be fine for Sunday after a couple of days rest. Half chance they put him on the bench if he's also a bit jaded but I'd be surprised, he's such a key player for them and winning a trophy in his first season would be big for Ten Haag.

I don't think there is a set plan after the game tbh Midds, much will depend on the result I suppose. Just gonna see what the more proactive locals among us suggest and follow them. Game won't finish til 6.30 anyway so if you're in around 7 I'd say it's very unlikely we'll have moved by then. We've a WhatsApp group if you want to join us there. At the moment it's mostly just me and Mike trying to sing in Geordie accents but will be quite useful come matchday, I'd say.

We need to have all the overseas people go over for the same game next season.

Aye, seeing one Magpie is a great omen!

Obviously not going to change anything for the final, but I wonder if Howe will consider going for a 4-4-2 / 4-2-3-1 at times during the run-in. Bruno and Joelinton in CM, Longstaff the first alternate. Gordon and Almiron on the wings, Willock possibly in contention for one of those spots. Think you could send out a midfield four there that would be defensively very solid. ASM, Isak and Wilson then fighting for two spots up front. Isak could play either the more advanced role if playing with Maxi or he could play just off Wilson. Potentially gives ASM a bit more freedom when he's not as concerned with protecting the LB. Think it's worth considering given how the goals have dried up the last month. Obviously the 4-3-3 will likely be our main system but it would be good to be able to give teams something different to think about.

Smug cunt. I'll kill you if I ever get my hands on you, you complete bastard.

You're trying too hard to be nice and it's unbecoming, frankly.

Christ, what a fucking life.

Trippier is quality at appealing for offsides, if not playing people off.

Surprised to see Anderson starting but think it makes sense, presumably Howe doesn't want to go tinkering with the system now with the final coming up. Huge game this, win would be massive for top four race while a loss would be a huge blow.

Pint on me for the first person to disdainfully look at the waitress and tell her she's just an option.