Newcastle United (H) - Sat 15th Feb, 15:00 | PL | Pre-Match Thread

[Mr Grumpy]

Time to rip the plaster off and permanently bench Grandad Gundo and his brain dead Partner in crime, Kovacic.

Nico needs to earn his crust so play him as much as possible.
Kosanov as well, which should help put Stones in the 6 where he's best for us atm.

 

[Fordyboy46]

Crikey, Newcastle .... a few years ago they could hardly buy a win against us, and now look at them ... probably coming to the Etihad fully expecting to win!

They have a bit of pace too, so that won't suit our error riddled defence, however i think we might just manage a draw

I rarely go on other teams forums but I bet whoever we play now their fans are confident of getting a result, contrast that to even last season where they would write it off. Newcastle will be very confident of taking all three points

 

[theres only one carlito]

Two teams probably at the same level at this moment in time. See a score draw.

 

[Mr Ed (The Stables)]

So what will happen we'll be winning on 70ish minutes then the ageing/injury prone old players will run out of steam or get injured and we'll lose by 2 clear goals....hope I'm wrong but a lot of this team and squad have run it's course.

Unfortunately "Grondhog Day again":-(

I really really hope I'm wrong.

 

[urban genie]

After his save/penalty in the youth euros

Start Oliver Whatmuff in goal ;-)

 

[Xhavenjoe]

After his save/penalty in the youth euros

Start Oliver Whatmuff in goal ;-)

Carson saved his last penalty too

 

[Fordyboy46]

Imagine Pep being that pissed with both Ederson and Ortega that Carson starts. What a story that would be

 

[chesterbells]

I’m clearly clutching at straws here, but anyway, so what exactly has to happen for England to be awarded 5 CL places for next season?

I know it’s based on the coefficient of how well our teams in Europe do this year, but realistically what will that look like? For example, will having an English team in the final of all 3 comps be enough? Does the UCL have a higher weighting than the other 2 comps? Do we need 3 teams in the UCL quarters, the semis ?? Etc etc

 

[Xhavenjoe]

Imagine Pep being that pissed with both Ederson and Ortega that Carson starts. What a story that would be

Imagine if he recalled Walker.

 

[MCFC1993]

I’m clearly clutching at straws here, but anyway, so what exactly has to happen for England to be awarded 5 CL places for next season?

I know it’s based on the coefficient of how well our teams in Europe do this year, but realistically what will that look like? For example, will having an English team in the final of all 3 comps be enough? Does the UCL have a higher weighting than the other 2 comps? Do we need 3 teams in the UCL quarters, the semis ?? Etc etc

Pretty much nailed on. It's like 99% chance.

Chelsea will probably win the conference league without breaking sweat. The Europa League 2 you never know but they're in the last 16 guaranteed, as are Liverpool, Arsenal and Villa.

They'd all have to pretty much go out in the next round and that's not happening.

 

[Lovebitesandeveryfing]

Don’t want to see any of Gundo, Kev, Rico, Bernardo or Kova starting.

You're going to be disappointed. A couple of those have to be picked, I think. Pep has no choice. Hoping, nevertheless, to see Nico González in there, if he's fit.

 

[WestGorton]

Pretty much nailed on. It's like 99% chance.

Chelsea will probably win the conference league without breaking sweat. The Europa League 2 you never know but they're in the last 16 guaranteed, as are Liverpool, Arsenal and Villa.

They'd all have to pretty much go out in the next round and that's not happening.

Yes that is how I understand it. If we are in the top five we qualify. I would rather end up fourteenth than play on a Thursday.

 

[TinFoilHat]

Pep needs all the hard bastards starting.

Barcodes will kick fuck out of us on Saturday with the blessing of the dipper **** in the middle.

 

[WallyA]

We have a couple of players who didn't play at all against Madrid or were subbed on, I think it would be a big mistake by Pep to play our tired players here, good chance to give some fresh legs a chance.

Match their physicality and beat them with possession until we find the right pass to the forwards.

Nunes (Stretch the pitch)
Khusanov
Dias
Gvardiol (Stretch the pitch)

Foden
Nico G./Stones
Stones/Nico O. (If Nico G. isn't fit play Nico O.)

Savio (Inverts)
Haaland
Marmoush (Inverts)

I had considered only Savio/Foden for RW and playing another defensive midfielder in midfield. But I feel sacrificing a defensive midfielder for a more attacking player might be worthwhile risk.

But I think the play here, and maybe future, is to get Foden to start deeper in midfield.

Have him play at the slower pace, with more build up, away from most of the pressure.

Then while we retained the ball for a bit, he pushes forward, almost being in the middle of the 3 forwards.

 

[Harrilew]

...........Ortega
Kuz Dias stones gvardiol
..........Nico
O'Reilly.....Foden
Moush Haaland sav

Can't see it happening though.

 

[Paul1970]

You're going to be disappointed. A couple of those have to be picked, I think. Pep has no choice. Hoping, nevertheless, to see Nico González in there, if he's fit.

I think everyone will be starting and we will see the same problems which pep refuses to see .

 

[burning blue soul]

Time to rip the plaster off and permanently bench Grandad Gundo and his brain dead Partner in crime, Kovacic.

Nico needs to earn his crust so play him as much as possible.
Kosanov as well, which should help put Stones in the 6 where he's best for us atm.

If stones is 6 and kusanov right backwhere does that leave Rico playing?

 

[mancboy]

If stones is 6 and kusanov right backwhere does that leave Rico playing?

hopefully nowhere

 

[heslops barnet]

If stones is 6 and kusanov right backwhere does that leave Rico playing?

Left back……..in the changing room

 

[mexico1970]

The only worry I have got about Saturday is if it's big coat or not so big coat.