Newcastle United (H) | Sat 19th Aug, 20:00 | Pre-Match Thread

[Chi-town blues]

I didn’t realize we are playing against real madrid today.

 

[Axel Freed]

Really tough test for City tonight, a great barometer of where this XI is.

There's definitely a 'feel' that we're going into this a bit weaker, with key injuries and departures, up against a buoyant Newcastle. Foden and Grealish need to play to Haaland right from the off, to test the Geordie back line.

But for all their attacking verve, and Newcastle are a sharp attacking side, they still don't look great at the back. City need to get inside the twat Burn's head and keep Isak quiet.

The crowd are needed tonight!! Roar the lads on and don't show the nerves!!

Odds are certainly drifting like you don't normally see with City, 1.5 to 1.9.....

 

[ali benarbia's studs]

I expect a goal fest 3-2

 

[Axel Freed]

Wtf is going on…. we’re evens now

Haaland injured ?

 

[Axel Freed]

Skybet have Phillips as favourite to get booked. Weird

Rodri injured ? Evens makes a little more sense if he’s out

 

[TrentGrisham]

Wtf is going on…. we’re evens now

Haaland injured ?

Maybe Dias is out?

Even if he's not we've had two days' rest and are missing three of our best players. I can't remember the last time we were so short to win at home, though. A little concerning if I'm being honest but I expect us to at least get a draw.

 

[supercity88]

We will have to dig in. Fans behind us, give it everything and see where we get to.

 

[wolviedinho]

Wtf is going on…. we’re evens now

Haaland injured ?

Seriously undercooked throw in Kev out and a few injuries leaves us vulnerable.

 

[Axel Freed]

Maybe Dias is out?

Even if he's not we've had two days' rest and are missing three of our best players. I can't remember the last time we were so short to win at home, though. A little concerning if I'm being honest but I expect us to at least get a draw.

Who are the 3 best players missing ? KDB and Dias are imo easily replaceable, Stones and the incomparable Rodri less so but even money seems very generous given Newcastle’s record away to big teams last season.

Not since dippers at home in their title season have we been evens at home I don’t think

 

[gill_undrhill]

I think it has got to the stage where teams as successful as us have so many games to play that something has to give; in our case, this year especially, the start of the season is essentially still the pre-season warm-up period.

This has been made even more difficult by the rise of Saudi football, would Mahrez not still be with us but for that unbelievable money being waved in his face?

The Community Shield was definitely a pre-season friendly.

The Super-Cup was treated much more seriously as it was something new...

I actually posted in the match thread that I feared for the Newcastle game - because of the heat mainly and I got some criticism for it.

I do obviously hope we win tonight, City win is on my little football accumulator and Haaland is my Captain in my Fantasy Football team. But I expect it to be one of the toughest home matches that we have.

Hopefully, it being the first home game after the treble will make the atmosphere extra special and get the lads a few extra yards of pace.

There is also something special about night matches and therefore although it is unusual to play at 8pm on a Saturday I am hoping it helps too.

I wish I could attend matches such as this, that reminds me - let me go onto the Lottery website and buy a ticket.