sushimonster85

Don't want to jinx anything, but if it goes to pens I make us heavy favourites. Pope is decent on pens, and De Gea is shocking on them these days. Before last season he hadn't saved one for 6 years. Remember that Man U/Villareal shootout in the Europa league? Never got close to one.

As a pot 6'er myself I have resigned myself to watching it in pub somewhere, unless they're holding some back for the ballot stage (which I highly doubt). To be honest, I will be shocked if it gets past pot 3.

I feel like he is ok. The concussion protocol is clear, if he was diagnosed with concussion he wouldn't be able to play, regardless of how he felt. Either Howe is deliberately being vague (which he does like to do with injuries) or he isn't concussed and Howe is just being cautious and waiting to see how he feels.

Pretty sure Castore knew exactly what they were doing as well. Remember when they first started they initially had bunch of 'a new beginning' type marketing out there, almost like they'd had the heads up that there was still a pretty strong chance the takeover would be going through later in the season. They've basically paid (barely) mid-table money for what will likely be a top 4 side by the time their contract is up.

Where did Anderson actually play for Bristol Rovers? In my head I have always had him pegged as a wide attacking player, but seen people suggesting he is more of a CM than I may have originally thought.

I thought it was 6 years? Which (without paying them to fuck off) would be another 4 seasons after this one.

Spoilers for that Athletic piece... Apparently it was between Anthony Gordon and Nico Williams for who we brought in after Wood left.

I fully expect him to start, but not sure he will last the 90. Guy who does my training was saying you or I may not notice, especially if still training every day, but an elite player at that level starts to lose match sharpness after just a couple weeks. Bruno won't have had any competitive minutes for 3 weeks by the day of the final.

Period 6 represent. Wonder if they're holding a set (obviously decreasing number) for each? If not I'd say I have 0 chance.

Not sure its been officially confirmed, but I'm sure I read somewhere it's 20.

Whatever happens in this game, the feeling around this final is so much different than 98 and 99. Back then it was clear we were on the way down. Getting to two finals in a row was remarkable in itself, but each one had the feeling of 'we will need a massive bit of luck to even have a chance'. This one feels so much better. Partly because (whilst we're underdogs) I do give us a very legit chance of winning. But mainly because, whatever happens, this should become more and more of a regular thing. If the worse happens and it doesn't go our way, I really don't think we'll be waiting another 24 years for a crack at another cup final. If things keep going the way they're going there will likely be more in the next 3/4 years. I have a quiet theory in my head that we're making the final of the Europa League next season for example . All that being said. I think I'd give my left arm to beat the bastards.

Agreed. Joe needs to fully complete the redemption loop by shinning one up off his face, only this time it happens to fly into the top corner.

Their fixture schedule in general is crazy in the run up. Between now and the cup final we play 3 times. In that same space they play 6 times.

Have a similar feeling. Their fixture congestion before the cup is crazy. Was saying to a mate last night, if I were a neutral I'd be saying "I fancy Newcastle here" God I feel sick already.

I'm a member who has only been to a couple of cup games, so working on the basis a ticket will be a no go. Local to North Shields, mates and I are still undecided. Part of me feels like we should go into town for it, however one of my pals is of the view that: A) Things could get spicy in the city centre if things don't go our way. B) Again, if it's a bad result, we're likely going to want to get home to sulk ASAP, and a packed Metro ride isn't ideal. Have a feeling we may end up going to one of the pubs in Tynemouth for it.

Think this will be a struggle. The team and crowd always have a bit of a cup hangover after LC games. And I think West Ham are in a false position and are turning things round. Wouldn't be shocked at a 0-0 or a 1-1. Bruno missing means ASM has to play for me. He and Bruno are the two real x-factors we have in the team in terms of breaking other sides down. Go about it in different ways obviously, but when one isn't playing I feel the other has to. Especially at home. Really hope Isak is ok after that noggin bounce as well, he has looked a step above Wilson since he's been back.

Not sure if this is a genuine question or a commentary on our Jan business But not really, no. Closest he has come to that is playing as a 10 behind a striker, so could potentially be used there in a 4-2-3-1.

Bild is up there with Marca in terms of reliability I tend to find.

Imagine the club will know either way by now. We probably won't get an idea till Howe's press conference. Unlike normal injuries it's not one he can play close to the chest. Either he has a concussion, and therefore the protocol keeps him out of Saturday, or he doesn't in which case he's available. My own take is, it's a positive sign we was allowed to walk around the pitch at the end. Concussions are treated as serious business (rightfully) these days, I feel if the medical staff thought there was a chance he was concussed they'd have had in the training room.

Don't get me wrong, we won't get Bellingham, but we will be likely in the CM merry-go-round this Summer. Bellingham, Caicedo, & Rice all likely to be on the move in the Summer. Us, Liverpool, Arsenal, Man Utd, Real Madrid, City, & Chelsea (because obviously) all likely to be in the hunt for one. It's going to be an interesting Summer.

Imagine he wasn't in the photo as he was likely ready to go somewhere at a moments notice.

I have a daft theory that the ref had noticed someone on the bench tell Isak to stay down holding his head, and he (the ref) was pissed at our time wasting and basically came over to tell us if we think Isak has a head injury then he is going to have to go off by means of punishment. Because the medical team hadn't even come on the pitch yet to see to him. And the discussion between Howe, Tindall & the ref looked a little animated.

Had a look before and Footmob currently has it as a 4pm KO.

I love Isco, but he couldn't play in this high pressing system, bless him.

I imagine we may take a late final crack at Berge. As I understand it they wouldn't be open to any sort of loan as they need money now due to their financial issues. Perhaps a generous loan fee, with the rest covered as part of an obligation in the Summer could work.