Altamullan

Thought you might be interested to see our 'group guesses': the most popular scores (mode or median goals, after 27 entries) for each team turned into results: Aston Villa 1-2 Man Utd Southampton 2-1 Everton Spurs 2-1 Stoke Sunderland 1-1 Norwich Swansea 1-1 Newcastle Watford 1-1 West Brom West Ham 2-1 Leicester Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal Man City 2-1 Chelsea Liverpool 2-0 Bournemouth Wonder whether 'he who dares' or 'middle for diddle' proves to be best strategy...

Missed 1st week, hope ok to join: Aston Villa 1 v 0 Man Utd Southampton 2 v Everton 0 Spurs 0 v 0 Stoke Sunderland 2 v Norwich 1 Swansea 1 v 1 Newcastle Watford 3 v 1 West Brom West Ham 2 v 1 Leicester Crystal Palace 0 v 1 Arsenal #Man City 2 v 0 Chelsea# Liverpool 3 v 0 Bournemouth

Me too Kaka. I would personally love to see (a fully fit) de Jong at "no 10", with Wijnaldum and Sissoko given roaming central roles, alongside Aarons (I really think he has all the attributes, if nurtured, to be a world beater) and one from Colback, Anita, or Tiote. I actually veer towards Colback, which seems rare in this forum. I appreciate that may not fit with an appropriately 'balanced' midfield. You know what though, I would love to see those players have a chance to develop an understanding. If we had a central defensive pairing which instilled confidence, this would help.

Well said mate; voice of reason. Only minor disagreement, pure opinion, is he has been (for us and the Mac-na-maras) a solid 6+ out of ten player. He is reliably above average and consistently puts in 'discretionary effort'; gives his all. A rare rather than 'to be expected' quality in premiership/any footballers, or any other job role.

Received an adult shirt, ordered 28 July: it's good quality, really happy with it. Still awaiting a child's shirt (but this had printing to be done).

He's a completely different type of player to Yaya Toure. To risk further crossed wires, there were a lot of early comparisons between Sissoko and Toure. Perhaps we're not playing to our strengths if we rigidly stick to a 2 and 3 in MFD. If there is a formation to enable Wijnaldum and Sissoko to safely roam (ie without leaving us too exposed) I'm sure SMc will know it. Can't see many teams living with the two of them in full flow.

Great shout.

LOLLOL: funny as ... Thank goodness for a bit of humour in here. Good on ye Reefa. ?

Suspect DB wouldn't be that arsed...he had a hard shell... picked it up from Ray Wilkins...

It's all about opinions. Mine is that players like Colback rarely catch the eye whilst on the ball. It's not often that they inspire us, or we marvel at their contribution (in a "Christ I'm couldn't do that" kind of way). But you sharp notice the difference if nobody is doing that role: harrying (Gateshead/Morpeth Harrier-ing?? ) hassling, doing the running, closing down, narrowing the options, tackling. David Batty used to get a lot of stick (self included) for his sideways movement/slowing down of attacking momentum, but had recognition from those who know, including Sir BR. (Soldiers are reliable, artists are not). I personally rate Colback more highly. IMO he consistently puts in disciplined performances, and 'goes that extra mile' (or 2.5km...) and I include willingness to take a card for the team within a sense of discipline and commitment. I think he'll be a regular starter, and reckon he'll add five goals, even from his deep role.

From memory, while doing the rounds of interviews at transfer time, I recall Gini saying he'd play anywhere but really wanted to play a central attacking role, and thought this was his best position. Apparently SMc, whilst managing in Holland, thought Siem de Jong was the best player in the league: he also played the central attacking role ('no.10' ish). Given SMc has also been quoted as wanting to give Sissoko a more fluid/roaming role, it'll be interested to see how he fits them in/keeps,them happy when de Jong is 100%, particularly if, as many expect, Aarons claims the wide left role as his own, as the season progresses. Not to mention the option of Perez as second striker. Whilst Sissoko on form is a beast of a player, I could see him /club accepting a good offer--especially if it meant getting a more specialist wide right player, and or balancing the books re new centre back.

A comic book publisher. Dodgy Colon?

Much happier with that. Hoping Mitrovic, raw as he is, will prove to be a Ferguson-Cole hybrid, Mbemba is a clear improvement and will look better in time/a settled partnership, Wi-aye-man is a class act: top drawer. Was hoping to seeing Aarons start, but tbf thought Obertan gave a good account of himself. And well-played Jack C; went that extra mile.

In my more paranoid moments, and these have been a common occurrence over the last couple of years, I have thought 'he' is trying to make us look like his beloved Spurs: even the new home strip. Imagine, being in the posh bit of the Gallowgate, watching through a myopic squint, when the La...Boys are attacking the Leazes end, all you can see is the white backs... and darkish shorts... well makes you think...

Good to know he's used to it... Less likely to put him off his stride if we sing 'Happy Birthday to you...' when he scores.

I'd wear it with pride Kanji; the 'teenage' embarrassment of being in hand-me-down, first-up-best-dressed, or even your own old top (...posh poverty) is now chic. Old is the new, new....

You put in a canny shift, Bob. Not forgotten. ?

That's works too. Toffs have some great ones: previously bought what I think was my first replica kit, at least first there is a pic of (aged 7). However, this works better, I think, as a collective response. Personally, I've bought a couple of Magpie shirts (self and nephew) because I feel ashamed that the club is associated with Wonga, and how I think this illustrates a money over morals/values attitude at the club.

Bollocks. Loving your work! Scene I, two captives in Stockholm. Captive 1: We must continue our plans to escape. Captive 2: Again? Fine, if we must. But maybe we can wait a few more months, he just bought me this new frock! Isn't it shiny? And that embroidered collar around your neck, look at the way it pulls ever so gently from the radiator when you move. Captive 1: You're f***ed.

Ok trawled previous outbreak of chant-creativity, not of these are mine: Songs Just sing 'Happy Birthday to you' when he scores (better than average chance of being right...) La bamba M M M Mbemba M M M Mbemba He's 35, he's 35, he's 35 M M-bemba, M M-Bemba... Batman M M M M M M M M MBEMBA! Return to sender ( bit near the knuckle until today) Chan-cel M-bemba Age un-known Got no birth date Check his bones Do the Conga Do-do-do Mbemba's from the Congo, Oo-oo-oo leaves attackers on the floor I'm a believer: Then I saw his face, Chancel Mbemba Didn't know his date, of birth when he signed. I'm in love, I'm a believer. Chancel Mbemba's 35 (everyone's fav fromTTom) By the way, he has to have no 4! ( homage to n of birthdays)

The initial excitement (this place was afire!) all seems such a long time ago. Can anybody remember the plethora of songs? I'm off in search of Lion Sleeps ( short version...).

That idea is so good, makes me suddenly want to strip off me kit and kick advertising hoardings! Can't think why...

Good analysis, if I may say. I'm not sure how the attack will shape up, but even without any new signings, we do have some options. We've got to cut out shipping goals. Another CB to partner Mbemba would make a big difference, but the back four need some protection and I don't think either Tiote or Anita have the all-round quality to fill that role. One can't pass, the other can't tackle. I assume that the 'S' in WBS means 'satisifed' rather than 'sorry'. Google wasn't much help to me there. Apols mate: s= surprised

I prefer first image when he's hiding stamp of shame sponsorship. Top man. Anybody able to photoshop his heed on our ' new' shirt??

Ignorance of the law declared, but... You can't protect/prevent people buying B&W striped shirts... or ahem! partially B&W striped shirts. The city of Newcastle badge, the Magpie icon, and the word United-- can't see any problem adding them to above. The Adidas badge, if the shirt is made by the company ( or licensed sweat sho..., sorry partner) then surely can't be a problem with that. There may be some case to be made about falsely representing a protected product, but haven't seen anything about the people flogging the shirts with club badge, but no stamp of shame, on EBay getting the dreaded letter. Even if there was some chance of NUFC ?, or Puma (owned by Sports Direct?) winning, there would be a protracted and potentially further damaging public legal argument.