Neil

Dzeko yet again. 2-1.

How have you generally played on Sundays after Europe? A noticeable difference to "free" weeks before a game? We really struggled a couple of years ago with the Thursday-Sunday rota.

Jonas and Benayoun down.

Ben Arfa is quality.

I've got a disproportionate disdain towards Birtles.

http://i.imgur.com/S0W6N.gif

Please use the match day thread now folks: http://www.newcastle-online.org/nufcforum/index.php/topic,93173.0.html

So..... what do you guys usually do before the match?

Apologies for the dirty nature of me doing a match-day thread. Corrupted by power.

Mancini himself surely can't be that safe, but who would take over? Guardiola maybe?

What's with the defences of the so-called top teams this year? Both Manchester clubs have produced some comical defending this year. Man Utd though look much more incisive going forward and are clear favourites for the title. I'd say Chelsea are favourites. Sure, they will be prone to comical defending as well, especially from Shit Coloccini, but with Oscar, Mata and Hazard they have the best attacking options IMO. It's a frighteningly talented trio of attackers to have but I dunno, just can't see past Man Utd for me. They have the best striker in the league and are stronger mentally IMO. Chelsea will be close but Man Utd will be more consistent and will simply win more matches I reckon.

Rome derby about to kick off. Football.

What's with the defences of the so-called top teams this year? Both Manchester clubs have produced some comical defending this year. Man Utd though look much more incisive going forward and are clear favourites for the title.

Hart.

Bonanza.

Ridiculously bad defending.

Even harsher Adebayor's hardly played, after (a) not being our player anyway, then (b) being injured. Every time he's been on the pitch we've looked better. It's the age-old question with Defoe - do you play him for the goals and sacrifice the all-round play? Away against City, I agree with AVB. Actually, I'd have been tempted to play Ade and Defoe and drop Dempsey, but there you go. Can you see them both playing together successfully? On paper there's potential for a quality 4-4-2 with your lot, what with Bale and Lennon on the wings. But then again 4-4-2 is frowned upon nowadays.

I think Villa have shown enough in recent weeks that they'll steer clear of serious trouble. Even QPR have shown a few signs of small improvement IMO. I've always thought Sunderland would be OK due to how many teams there are down there but they need to improve, and fast. If yesterday is them being "outstanding" (O'Neill, M. (2012)) then I worry for them.

FWIW, thought he was a quality player whenever I watched him. That bastarding outside of the foot goal against us ffs.

Was tempted to put something on Spurs, us and Chelsea treble. Hope City will get a draw at least now. Think Man City's home record can't be ignored so not saying money should be thrown on Spurs but 5/1 is long for them. Double chance is very tempting.

Think Man City are awful value at 1/2.

Another afternoon of Gazza Bazza, delightful.

Alright Robin, calm it.

They're really quite bad, but they'll be saved by the amount of shite teams down there.

Now you've done it.