Neil

As usual, a massive game for NUFC. But from now till the end of season, any game against anyone other than the top 4 (ok, top 3 + Arsenal and ASTON VILLA ZOMFG1!!11!!!) is seemingly huge. I'll be interested to see what effect all the transfers rumours have on West Ham. With speculation that, essentially, their best players are all leaving, can they really keep it together and NOT get pulled deeper into a relegation battle? I worry for them, along with Pompey. Those are the 2 that in particular, I can see going into freefall. But then again such is the tight nature in the lower half, any one from 10+ teams can be in the same boat. For Newcastle, I think it's all about the supply line from the midfield, to Owen. I just have a funny feeling Mr Owen will get on the scoresheet tomorrow. An apparently disgruntled N'Zogbia won't help proceedings, which is why Jonas will need to have a good game. I've seen a bit of a split emerge on this forum recently, with the crux of the divide centering on whether he really is that good. These are the sorts of games he needs to prove it. Get hold of the ball, unlock the defence, cause panic for their defenders with his crossing, passing, and running. There's no doubt he has the talent, but he needs to really start dominating games in the way his potential hints that he can. If Guthrie's back, that's a huge boost. I've been quietly impressed with him, and when I took the chance to actually watch him in games his intelligence and movement to give the defence an option, is simple but essential. This allows the ball to stay on the ground a bit more. Who will be alongside Guthrie if he's fit? If it's Geremi, I can see that partnership working, as long as they don't get bullied. They strike me as 2 smart, tidy players but will either really be an enforcer in the middle of the pitch, stamp his mark on the game and win that central battle? One of them will have to. My prediction is a home win. That's a bit of my heart and not all of my head, but I think home advantage will push Newcastle over the line, providing the fans get right behind them and don't give up if things start going wrong/annoying/boring. Could be a case of a 2nd half show, with JK shoving a varying quantity of rockets up players' arses at half-time. 2-1.

Rafa complaining about referees? I don't know if irony really does it justice.

Perhaps he needs someone in the team he can look up to. Not that he'd physically be able to do that.

Don't get me going on Kenwright. I'll sound like NE5

Hasn't been given enough of a chance KD. He's been canny when he has played but not given a consistent run in the side, which I find bamboozling. He's not the sort of player who strikes me as a major improvement to what you have but under 'arry, who knows, he may shine. Certainly has the potential. And nah, we have Lescott who can play disturbingly well there.

It's ok, we have an answer. Step forward.. N......E....... Oh, forget it.

Can see Man U going on a bit of a run now, and going up a gear or 2 in the title race. Think Fergie will rattle a few players.

Come to think of it, the game does tend to produce goals. That 6-2 day was a tough day. Not as tough as the 2-1 though. Yes, that one.

You say NUFC need better. In what context, i.e. realistic achievements and targets, do you mean? You could do with better. But then you, Everton, and loads of clubs 'could do' with better players. He's your best forward. I've talked to quite a few other fans about this and the player on our team they are most nervous about when we play them is always Martins. Very interesting that. Yep. If his own teammates doesn't know what he's about to do, then the opposition sure as hell doesn't. It's the factor of pace. It's increasingly important in today's game and, despite his flaws, if you have someone who can stretch defenders, you've won half the battle. I'd be interested to see some stats to do with his shots/shots on target/chance conversion, etc.

No surprises there. He's a 'pundit' on You're On Sky Sports.

You say NUFC need better. In what context, i.e. realistic achievements and targets, do you mean? You could do with better. But then you, Everton, and loads of clubs 'could do' with better players. He's your best forward.

Agree with both indi and Midds. I think ultimately it just goes to prove what a bunch of t**ts ITV are at this sort of thing. BBC, as mentioned, would 99.9999% likely show this.

I take your point but I still think ITV have grossly mismanaged their scheduling. Imagine what the sight of a Premiership team at Kettering means to fans of teams at Kettering's levels. And this is where the problem lies. This is what ITV have just not appreciated. This is the FA Cup.

If more than 5 people (myself included) do, I'll be very very surprised.

Right can someone tell me why our match is seemingly always televised?

Melting.... meeeelllltttiiinngg!!!

This match will clearly be the 2nd version of... NE Thistle v Southend United Anyone see that on Soccer Saturday earlier in the season? Bloody hilarious.

I.e. actually pass to them.

I think with it being 11 on each team, there'll be enough structure to the formations (although not a lot!) so that offsides aren't a huge deal.

Could do a lot worse than... = Realistically couldn't do any better. And that's not just Newcastle.

I'd rather Arteta, a good player who doesnt whore himself about despite his massive talent! You can't afford Arteta. Nor would Moyes sell him anyway. More importantly Arteta is Everton through and through. He would never push to leave seems to love it there. If Bentley and Downing are £15 million then Arteta should at the very least start off at that price minimum. Especially since he's back to his very best form now. I wouldn't have been bothered about selling him in the summer tbh because he'd been in s*** form for ages but since we put him back into the centre instead of on the right he's been back to his old self. Guillem Balague said we asked Zaragoza for £25m a couple of years ago, he's not worth quite that much obviously but it gives an idea of what it would take for a club to get him from us. The Arsenal rumours in the papers, that he'd go to a direct rival in the league for only £12m, were just laughable. I think he'll only leave us if one of the really top Spanish clubs like Real Madrid come knocking and pay a premium. I think the simple fact is he's our best player by a mile, and we'd demand top dollar for him, so we can get a very good replacement (or 2).

In which case he'll go to Liverpool.

Ashley still thinks it is 1996 Just about to sign a young Alan Shearer then? But this time there's no need. http://www.newcastle-online.org/nufcforum/index.php/topic,54870.1110.html

I really dont know tbh. I've always liked him as a player but this will just push Gunter further down the pecking order. Gunter has looked solid eveytime he's had his chance so i see no reason why we cant rely on him and corluka for this season but i also see why Redknapp is after Pascal. Getting him in will release some pressure on king being fit every week... chimbonda----------corluka-----------------woody----------------ekotto/bale is better then corluka----------------dawson--------woody---------------ekotto/bale btw, a poster on GG who is a journalist in Spain, has posted something pretty interesting regarding a possible transfer target for both us and Newcastle. Usually i'd tarnish these lame itk's with the same brush BUT this guy is always spot on and never bullshits. I can post it here if you want? I really hope Everton go for Bale. Would give us some genuine width, think he'd make a good left winger with some training and a bit of confidence put into him. 'arry seems to hate him. Or has he been injured all this time? Personally, I wouldn't want Chimbonda. His attitude stinks and is surely the last thing Spurs need when in a relegation battle, along with a myriad of others. Footballing wise, he's decent but nothing to gasp at.

What would you make of Chimbonda coming back, KD?