STM

I'm not so sure the truth in this. After all, our form has seemingly slumped since only having 1 game a week. There's something to be said about the flow of having regular matches, provided you have the squad to cope. I actually think it doesn't suit us whatsoever to have a full week's training between games. Our squad would probably benefit from a mini fixture pile up. Man United are riding the crest of a wave. If they beat Barca on Thursday, nothing will have changed.

Fair point. The truth is I REALLY want us to win the final but even more than that I REALLY want nothing to rock the boat in terms of our progression. Perhaps I'm overstating the influence our fans have on the players, to make the wider point about some not being able to see the bigger picture after a tough 90 minutes.

Far from being worried about the game itself, I'm more worried about our fans reaction should we lose. If some were prepared to throw their toys out of the pram because we lost against current champions league finalists, what are they going to be like in a cup final? IF we lose, I hope our fans stay and applaud our boys off the pitch and thank them for getting us to the first final in 20 years, rather than to social media to bitch and moan.

Come on you ammers.

As soon as this cup final and couple of tough fixtures are out the way, we will see a different Newcastle. We can press the reset button, get players back and start our recovery. It will get worse before it gets better but it will get better results wise.

He's back this week.

The more I think about it, the more I'm tempted to play Joelinton out wide and bring Willock back in. We are just more solid like that. Leaves us Maxi and Isak from the bench too.

Of course it isn't. VAR isn't used when yous lot play, they just ask Bruno Fernandes.

Haven't been looking in this thread by does Froggy think it was a red for sabitzer? bet he doesn't.

Don't misread me. I prefer Eddie but really like Emery too.

Playing on the counter might not be the worst strategy for us. Suits Maxi, suits Isak and prevents them countering us. We aren't in a position to go toe to toe with them but also don't under estimate Brunos impact on our side.

Something I hadn't noticed but look at Maxis chance in the first half. Van Dijk pushes him in the chest with both hands as he goes to strike.

Let's be mature about it. It was a sending off. Honestly, I like a bit of bias as much as the next guy but fuck me.

Alreet lads, i was just making a wider point about a goalkeeper being the last line of defence. Chins up and all that.

If we lose this game, it won't be because of our Goalkeeper. Besides which, De Gea has a rick or two in him.

It's unreal isn't it. Who the fuck does this guy think he is?... Nick Pope? One mistake and people are telling him how to be a keeper.

I love our Eddie but can't deny this guy is a class act. This is how an articulate, intelligent manager reacts to defeat. The fact he sees right through Emi Martinez tells its own story.

Yep, the usual suspects with very short memories. Complaining about the lack of investment in January is the best mind. it's as if some have been missing for the last 15 years.

Ronaldo embarrassing himself on every thread on this forum is quite something, especially since I only managed it on the traitors thread. When he got married and lost his virginity he was chilled as fuck and disappeared, almost makes me long for the days of Mike Ashley.

Perfect for next week.

Isak looked dangerous on the break with Maxi, so I'd start him but I'd be shocked if Wilson doesn't start. Maxi on form is a massive plus.

4th/5th in the league and in a cup final. I'm leaving this here for the whingers. Its disappointing, its frustrating, its annoying a couple more times but please fuck off with the over the top stuff. We are going places.

I'm actually more proud today than I was last weekend.