Newcastle (A) | Pre-Match Thread

[chesterbells]

True.
So why did we select that midfield today?
Back four and front three I could just about live with.

Maybe to rest our midfield who ran themselves into the ground on Tuesday - and thus to reduce any slight risk of a muscle injury today that would put their final place at risk.
Maybe to not give Chelsea’s team first hand experience of playing against that midfield so close to the final.
Maybe cos the risk of playing our first choice and losing today really would have been a psychological blow before the final.
Maybe because we didn’t need to win today.
Maybe for squad morale to keep everyone involved he wanted to give them responsibility in a potentially big game.

I’ve obviously no idea why Pep decided as he did, but those are just a few possible suggestions

 

[Semper aggressus]

So a game closer to the CL Final where we could have rested a few first teamers could now be an absolutely must win game away from home.

 

[I'm Blue]

I hope it’s done before Friday.
Then we can play the tea lady upfront for all I care.

 

[chesterbells]

So a game closer to the CL Final where we could have rested a few first teamers could now be an absolutely must win game away from home.

It’s over 2 weeks before the final - how much rest do they need?!

 

[Prater70]

Is Stones still suspended?

 

[city saint]

pep wont want us out of rhythm by the final so strong sides from here i think

 

[Gabriel]

Won the league up there in ’68, so time to do so again.

 

[christened at st marks]

Is Stones still suspended?

No

 

[dickie davies]

Is Stones still suspended?

Is Jo cup tied?

 

[christened at st marks]

Hope we win 3-4 like the first time i went to St James park 1968