leffe186

Definitely not the most hated club. Just imagine how much more virulent it would be if Liverpool, Man U or Chelsea were struggling. The motive is broadly the same just that in the case of Newcastle there is currently the opportunity as well. As others have said, if we (Spurs) were in the same position the general feeling would be the same, maybe worse with an anti-London/southern media mafia slant tacked on. I think you can look at any inter-club hatred coming from various angles - 1) local rivalry 2) tall poppy syndrome 3) rivalry between peers 4) personal resentments/jealousies. At the moment, Newcastle ticks a lot of the boxes. 1) Boro & Sunderland 2) smaller clubs 3) Man City/Spurs/Villa/Everton and I'd actually say some residual Big 4 rivalry (it wasn't that long ago) 4) any club with smaller attendances, less media spotlight, smaller wage bill - or who've got mates who are Newcastle fans and enjoy a bit of a laugh. When I was growing up in N London in the 70s/80s I hated Arsenal (1, 2, 3 & 4) and Liverpool (1, 3, 4 - so many bloody glory-hunters). I only knew one Man U fan and Chelsea weren't a threat so I've never hated them. It's schadenfreude. Most fans have the same delusions just some teams can live up to them more often than others.

Level with Boro with better goal difference, three points behind Hull with better goal difference. Beating Middlesbro alone might conceivably do it.

They have to win three of their last four, minimum. Can't see it. I think they'll be down after their next match - away to Spurs.

aye. crazy eight bonkers ain't he. even better with spanish commentary even though i dont understand a word. TBF I'm a defender and many's the time I've felt like doing that to a soft, diving twat.

Best to drink in the centre of town then make your way there. I would cab it from the centre but you can catch a 67 bus to Aston Station (get off by the Swan pub) and walk it or the train from New St. Pubs on Broad Street are a bit like Blackpool, low rent but with a fair bit of talent. Some late drinking at my favourite - the Tap & Spile, usually open till 4 - with some more upmarket bars by the Mailbox and dotted round the centre. The Barton Arms is good with decent food but is away from the centre. Anyone driving in might fancy a drink in Sutton Coldfield as a warm-up.

Another year of Stoke.

Watching Stoke vs Blackburn in the US. What better advertisement for soccer football could there be. I pity Howard Webb for having to ref these games.

FWIW it looks like Jenas may be out. If so then we may have the spectacle of three of the least mobile CMs ever on one pitch - Huddlestone, Butt & Nolan.

Finally did the predictor - Hull, Boro & West Brom down (before the last game too) and Newcastle 13th or 14th on 43 pts. Duly added to the poll

I think you'll stay up at the expense of Sunderland and Boro. They are in as much trouble and playing at SJP will make a massive difference. I know there is the potential for the crowd to get on the players' backs but against mediocre teams like Middlesbro & Fulham, if you get an early goal you'll win at a canter. Barton coming back could be crucial. Looking at [edit] the teams from [edit] Bolton down in the next two games, if West Brom lose both, all games against the "Big Four" are lost and all other games are home wins the table would look like this: Stoke 38 Bolton 37 Hull 36 Portsmouth 35 (with a game in hand) Blackburn 34 Sunderland 32 Middlesboro 30 Newcastle 29 West Brom 24 I know that looks scary but Boro will still have to go to SJP and both Middlesbro & Sunderland have a horrible-looking last four games. I think they'll both go down.

For what it's worth, I saw the Arse at Villa not that long ago and it was the worst Arsenal team I'd seen for years and years. Sure, they have Arshavin now, but I still think their confidence is fragile and if you guys get an early goal a la Man U I can see Arsenal struggling. Get at them early.

You've probably seen this before....

Do you guys want to see the smoggies win or lose today? If they win then that's an extra game or two in the run-in and a distraction from the relegation battle.

Pompey, I think. Us as well (Spurs). We still have to play Man U, Chelsea, Villa & Liverpool - three of those away. Long way to go yet.

Apparently just after Lucas Neill should have got a red after a terrible tackle on him. They deserve each other.

I think you guys might get a draw. Blackburn nearly did them at their place by keeping it tight early on then hitting them on the break. Remember the game you played at Chelsea. Keep it tight, run around like bastards and ride your luck.

Not sure if you're being serious or not! Man U first half yesterday?