STM

We are playing Bromley.

Then play Joe 45, Bruno 45. Hardly a risk of injury to either player.

Glad you are not manager then.

Lads, Joelinton is playing 45 minutes against Bromley. I've no doubt we will see cameos from other big hitters in the second half. It's not about them not getting injured, its about just giving them enough game time to bounce into the next game. They've all had a mini holiday, at this level they likely need a few minutes to start dialling back up again. It's worth baring in mind they've had one day's training since Arsenal.

I'm sure it will be only half for Joe.

Shouldn't be surprised. He regularly played Pope in cup games despite being number 1. It's also a little nod to Dubravka.

Looks like he's start, Vlach, that is.

Yep, a couple of quality signings RW and CB, then if we shift a couple we will can tart up the squad in other areas. Also, with total respect to you, I'm not convinced anyone on here has a clue about our finances. Guess? speculate? sure, but I don't think anyone has it nailed..... I certainly don't.

Their football has got worse, that's the concern. Their signings have been awful: Zinchenko Jesus Calafiori (still time) Timber Havertz Trossard Merino Sterling Viera Kiwior Some of these have been good in spells but I'd argue none (so far) have looked like good investments for the medium/long term. Imagine had half of the names above been better signings, they'd have likely won the league. Fuck me, how hard was it for them to go and sign Ivan Toney or whatever. Just some bizarre decision making and its no wonder the relationship with Edu came to an end.

We will sign plenty in the summer when we have CL football.

Let's be honest, their football is shite, their players are shite, they've had nothing to support for years and one could understand them abandoning their club in such circumstances... I mean we didn't but then we have a proper support. Sunderland football club isn't a football club, it's a protest club for people who didn't want to support Newcastle. Sunderland til I did..... or until it gets a bit cold marra.

It's all a bit sad to be honest. Fans not turning up and then fans online trying to scramble for excuses for their shit support.

The problem with this is that Merson is a gobshite. I don't even want to give him the credit when he compliments us because he doesn't have a clue what he's talking about. He's the one saying Tonali is the next Rodri but next week he will be saying that we aren't good enough for top 4.

While it protects their asset, ultimately they can't keep a player who they won't use, especially when Chelsea will be desperate for any PSR wriggle room for their next 11 signings for the first team. Although, I do agree with @SUPERTOONthat Dibling is another great option. I wouldn't put it past Chelsea to add Dibling to their stockpile either.

Seems he's certainly out of favour but Maresca is ruthless. He's quite happy just to ostracise players who are no longer in his plans, they also have loads of players in similar positions, Neto, Sancho, Palmer etc.

Front six next year: Gordon Isak Madueke Joelinton Bruno Tonali Add a CB and a keeper and your talking top 4 as a minimum IMO. (Perhaps need some depth to the squad added too).

I'm all for the no-dickheads policy but there has to be a time as a manager that you back yourself to make it work. I don't think Madueke is necessarily a bad egg either, just your modern day footballer with a touch of arrogance. If there's anything bad about his character, Gordon will know, probably Hall and Tino too. If Howe can turn Gordon into a leading PL winger, he could possibly do even better with Madueke. Physically he's immense, quick, strong, can go both ways with his feet. Looks like another big game player too.

Madueke would be perfect.

My revised line up: Dubravka Trippier Schar Kelly Targett Longstaff Bruno Willock Miggy Osula Barnes

Hes a lazy fucker.

Jesus this is the worst I've seen Villa in a long time.

Id still have Paqueta. I dont care what sense it makes.

Enrique was one of my favourite ever PL players but hes dead to me now.

Go on then: Given Trippier Schar Woodgate Hall Ben Arfa Bruno Lee/Tonali/Speed Robert Isak Shearer I'm not choosing between 3 of my favourite ever Newcastle players. Special mention 11, 3412 formation: Pope Coloccini Burn Botman Solano Cabaye Dyer Gordon Beardsley Bellamy Cole