ExiledGeordie

They have to win today if there's any chance of them stayin up (states the obvious)

Yeah he could be vital for the return leg if we're still in with a chance

Big old game for them v Fulham this weekend

Lets just see how the game pans out . Massive pet hate of mine posts like this Yep, only silly folk like Martin O Neill plan their subs in advance. Hate posts like what exactly? I made a basic general assumption that having done some training he'd probably get some time against Swansea with a view to starting against Stoke. It's not like I've made some kind of controversial comment, fairly realistic given the time he's been out. A player who has been out months doesn't suddenly get 80 mins or 45 mins, they usually get a limited amount of playing time on the 1st appearance. Just a shame that he seems to be behind this but it would be great to see him atleast come on v the Swans though.

You're definitely right there mate about them having more cutting edge. Swans look so much more incisive with their play and with Michu they have a match winner. Sissoko and Gouffran give us the power and pace to cause teams all sorts of trouble though, they've changed our look completely. Hoping that Cisse is returning to his confident best after that latest hunderbolt. Looking forward to watching this. Oh and HBA 10 min cameo appearance tomorrow according to quotes from Pardew in the journal this morning.

Let's see what actually happens. I'd rather he didn't play at all if there's even the slightest risk of re-inury as frustrating as it is. People's frustration shines through in some of moaning/whinging comments.

Bit odd Pardew saying what fantastic shape they'd got him back from Clairefontaine only to now say they're not that impressed with his condition. Pardew really does like to contradict himself too often but hey ho we dont see him train so there's no point taking a risk on him. I'd much rather have him wait as long as needed so he's back to have a proper run in the team at full speed again ready to take on the likes of the Mackems and Pool at home.

20-30 mins v Swans, start him v Stoke

Ben Arfa puts bums on seats quite literally and makes us an infinitely better side. With the new signings we've made I'd say he'll be content to stick with us for a little while yet. It'll only be a side like PSG or a genuine title contender that he might move to. It makes no sense to sell him at the moment plus we'll be going for someone like Aubameyang in the summer so Carroll offers nowt in terms of dangling a carrot. The thought of him playing for them though, fucking hell. What an absolute shower they are.

Read a hideously cringeworthy Kop piece saying HBA was basically one foot out the door and was if they could just cherry pick who they want If he went it'd be to someone like PSG. The way some of their lot assume they're still the cream of the crop is delusion of the worst degree.

I think that result on sat might've really pushed Reading to the brink and they've got some tough fixtures coming up. QPR look done to me too. Villa also have some tough fixtures coming up so they'll struggle to get out of it now but Wigan seem to be doing what they always do best and push on about this time. I'd say QPR and Reading and then it'll be between Villa and one other that gets dragged into it but I think Wigan will stay up again.

Thought he was excellent

The problem is apart from Debuchy down the right we still lack that cutting edge without HBA. His return should really open things up a lot more as we look too lopsided with Jonas on right "wing"

I hope so! Would be criminal not to. I can't see who else he could drop if everyone is fit

His performance and the result takes the pressure off him a bit and will give him confidence. He obviously has plenty of weaknesses but all credit to him today, he did really well in a big game for the club.

Bang on

Yeah I thought he was excellent today

Just give him the credit he deserves for today's efforts man, Christ. Were you the one I heard moaning coming out of the round that it should've been 5?

It started snowing again on and off but not enough to call the game off imo

I agree it's far too early to tell what he's going to be like. So far he's done well though and his pace gives us an extra threat as Cisse doesn't have the pace to really trouble defences.

Have a feeling Gouffran will be key today. His pace and movement can really unsettle teams.

I live in Jesmond, was snowing first thing but its stopped now and clearer skies. Doesn't look like enough to cause too much of an issue.

Disappointing but if he isn't ready he isn't ready

Couldn't agree more really