ExiledGeordie

Our midfield should be able to absolutely destroy theirs

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/ben-arfa-set-for-newcastle-comeback-against-sunderland-1-5563476 Has "a chance" it seems

Me niether from where I was sitting Cisse's coming into form at just the right time.

Definitely, and they're missing Clattermole who whatever you say about him is a real leader for them on the pitch. Derbies are unpredictable but we have the quality, improved optimism after that result with a bit of pressure off us and with a baying crowd behind the lads we should be able to bury this lot. Ed: what we simply can't afford is a stupid red card like in October and I hope Pardew is drilling that into the players this week. They escaped a drubbing last Oct because of exactly that.

Best goal celebration I've had at St James' for a while, almost ended up in the row in front Fair play they kept going right til the end........ One thing I noticed was how much of a difference HBA would make to our play with Sissoko in the side and Marveaux too to be fair. There were times in the 1st half where Sissoko had some good runs down the right but ended up running at 2/3 players. Having HBA on the right would really open things up massively space wise. To be fair though atleast Marveaux now is starting to look like a proper player with his ability to run at players and put in passes.

Shola is ideal to being on in this fixture but not to start

If HBA was having a fitness test today then you'd have to think/hope he'll make the bench next weekend. 30 mins against a tired full back/defence would do nicely.

I think it's fair to open discussion about his negatives, christ I have plenty of question marks about much of his management. But the way some people go on here they give off the impression that they're almost desperate for a negative result so that they can be proved right.

I think they'll do enough to stay up, just. I guess as someone above has said if they lose to us and lose to Everton at home then there'll be huge pressure in the games against Stoke, Southampton and Villa and anything can happen in those games given the magnitude of them.

Desperately want Wigan to go. Absolute cunt of a chairman and a manager who has really let himself down. They're in the shit big time with their fixtures

Was class today

Yep

Don't get too excited

Agreed - basically only one place left now unless either of those 2 put together an unbelievable run. It will be a disgrace if NUFC fills that place after the money spent in Jan... Absolutely

It's a chance to go above Stoke and Norwich and take some pressure off the derby. Fulham can play relaxed because they're basically safe and that means if we full on go for them, will they really be up for it? First goal I guess will be crucial but we've done alright at home recently.

God it's 9.30 and I'm already shitting it, feel like ive got an exam on ffs

Yeah Norwich definitely aren't out of it and to be fair even though Villa are starting to play well they're not safe yet are they. The table will make interesting reading after today's games blimey

Yeah that sounds like it'd be the earliest appearance if it happens. Heard so many contradicting quotes over this saga I don't really know what to think anymore. But if it means we can get him fit and back on the pitch it's a major major boost.

Pathetic the way we've heaped totally unneccessary pressure on ourselves. I have no idea how the game is going to go, but if I walk out of St James' after a win I'm heading straight to the pub to neck a pint

I would always prefer to be at the game and watching as you can see everything and you don't always get that with TV. Listening on Radio is possibly worse than not knowing as they are sometimes miles behind the game. Yeah i was joking really but it can be bloody torture although thats what makes goals/winning so good (when it happens) I know what you mean about listening on the radio though mate, dear oh dear.

I'm nervous now ffs, almost wish I hadn't bought a ticket

What is the latest on him then, did i read quotes in this thread that sad he's back in training? I've lost track completely and had written the season off? The secret weapon rolled out for the derby?

Yah Sunday is a big game for him I agree.

I suppose the only thing I could see happening is us haggling for a deal for Carroll if other targets fail. But they won't sell to us on the cheap after we screwed them before and Ashley certainly won't bend over backwards to sell HBA will he. So it's unlikely that either will happen really.

As I was handing over money at the ticket office I did wonder why for a second when it guarantees an afternoon of absurd levels of stress