Tons of their lot calling to use the rail strikes as an excuse to postpone the game due to injuries. Hard pass lads, you'll need to come down here to prove your worth, and Mitro is going to bag a couple for sure!
The club could lay on a few coaches. Problem solved
Take it as a compliment lads. There is no way that during our last promotion season would the richest club on the planet be afraid of playing us. They are getting the results in early, it seems.
''We win this.
I can feel it.''
''Mitrovic 2 Isak 3''
'' Fulham look the better side so far, they're flying and at home , so it's hard to see past a Fulham win and I'm pretty sure the bookies will agree.
This Newcastle side doesn't score enough goals and relies on free kicks and set pieces almost entirely.
The only win Newcastle have registered was at home vs Forest and it took an hour and a 25 yard screamer to break them down.
I understand people want to keep blowing smoke up this manager and his sides arse , but the fact is this season isn't going very well and I'll be happy to credit when it's due.... right now it's in the balance, so perhaps they'll turn it around.
Last season they grinded out wins but never more than that and it's lead to unrealistic expectations.''
'' Robbed of several points, lost only one (robbed again) in seven. Not yet involved in relegation fight sitting tenth but "this season isn't going very well". Where have you been watching for the last 15 or more years?''
'' Just giving my view on what I'm seeing this season mate. Time will tell, but I see a side incapable of scoring goals in open play and I see other clubs playing really good football.
I'm not saying it isn't better that the last 15 years in terms of direction, but the ship is going to take a lot of turning around that's all''
'' Yep agree mate, it will take time and they've openly said that. I think things are changing for the better, but it won't be a straight line of improvement, or exponential growth. To make such a turnaround will involve some challenges and setbacks as we they new things and change personnel.
But it at least feels like a club that is now trying. And heading in the right direction, even if not getting everything right yet.
Some people seem to be expecting instant success and that's just unrealistic.''
'' I think having spent 220 Million we should have more than 1 more win than last season having played forest Palace and Bournemouth at home.
I think those failures will catch up to Newcastle in the coming months.''
'' Clubs now know how to deal with Newcastle they've been figured out and until Howe finds a new way it's a problem.
I'm concerned that he simply doesn't have the players to play this way... I feel like he's trying to turn water into wine.''
'' I've been predicting mid table, which I think we are on course for.
It's only 7 games. Others might be thinking of top 8 or better, but I think with all the change in place, mid table is fine this season, while we begin the transition. I don't think we'll be dragged in to the true relegation battle of recent seasons.''
'' For me -
Almiron----------Isak-----------Fraser
---Joelinton--Bruno---Willock----------
Targett----Burn------Schar-----Trippier
--------------------Pope--------------------
I would say start Botman, but I have a feeling Howe may start Burn to deal with Fulham's set piece aerial threat with mitro etc.
Can we please start Fraser and Almiron to they can play balls into the box to Isak rather than just cutting in and trying woefully to score?''
'' We are trying to play a dynamic system, we try to play in 3s, run at opponents, keep possession and push down the wings.
The problems? We lack an out and out striker, Wilson is a cripple, our wingers can't score, especially the right hand side who are dire.
The system works in the sense that we are clearly, very hard to beat. We have only lost one game and that was away at Liverpool, so, Howes system isn't flawed.
What's flawed is these players can't play that way as they're bad at it.
Willock specifically has been atrocious, especially when he "plays" down the wings. Crossing of a 5 year old.
Not signing Pedro was a tactical mistake from our board who felt Isak was enough, Isak is now covering Wilson and not playing on the right so, what do we do now? Just not score.
Fulham on the other hand have an experienced, passionate, tough striker who is on a roll and loves playing there. We are doomed.
Not gonna go down or anything, but top ten is far beyond this side.''
'' And I'm not sure you can say they're "flying" after 3 games.
With Bruno getting hopefully getting back into shape, and Wilson likely to play, we've got a good chance here.''
'' At the moment, it suits us to have teams giving it a go. So we have a better chance in this as we've repeatedly shown we haven't the talent to break down defensive treats but night nick a win by the odd goal as we did last season.
Burn can **** off with his comments an'all mind. Calling us deluded because we expect better vs B'mth? Read the room you lanky p**** - don't do a Bruce. I'd not play Burn unless there's injuries. Bang average player.''
'' We've lost 1 game out of 7 this season, and that was with the last kick. And if you stretch that further, we've only lost 3 out of the last 15 league games... why the certainty that we'll lose?
Fulham have made a decent start, but they're still a newly promoted team, and definitely ain't a top half team, I think we'll start to see them drop back to lower mid table from now on.''
'' There is progress, the back office is MUCH stronger, the squad is stronger, the future immeasurably brighter.
This season, which is the immediacy we need to have constant discussion on this forum, is not going well. We are picking Burn ahead of Botman, we are struggling to adapt our play, we have not done enough to address the issues in wide areas and the formation/tactics have seen us stall and now creep backwards.
We are where we are - comparisons with Ashley are pointless, it's like comparing Thaksin Shinawatra to Sheikh Mansour. Should City fans not be delirious at playing CL football once again this season, or are they mostly bored until the semi-finals? It's comparing apples and toenails, it's utterly meaningless. Where are we? We're £200m deep from two transfer windows, have the most exciting striker in a generation, a standout young CB and a sprinkling of real talent in Pope, Trippier and Bruno. BUT this season Howe has failed to get us creating chances and scoring, has failed to recognise the fact that Almiron, Fraser and Murphy are nowhere near PL standard and has been very one dimensional in our set-up.
Is the future amazing? Yes. Are the owners amazing? Yes. Was Howe's first (half) season amazing? Yes. Is this season amazing? No, for a plethora of reasons. And that's all there is to it.''
'' no denying we aren't doing enough in front of goal BUT I think Isak plays wide right once Wilson is fit meaning Howe has addressed the wings as an area of concern until the next window at least.
A potential fully fit 25 man squad of:
Starting XI: Pope, Trippier+, Schar+, Botman, Targett, Bruno, Shelvey+, Joelinton, Isak, Wilson+, ASM
Bench: Karius, Krafth, Burn+, Manquillo**, Willock, Anderson, Almiron, Fraser*, Wood*
Reserves: Darlow, Lewis**, Lascelles**, Longstaff**, Murphy* - No space for Dummy or Ritchie imo.
We are missing several players atm in Wilson, Shelvey, ASM and until recently Bruno (nearly half the outfield players) even Krafth could be seen as a miss at present as an option off the bench.
*Wood Fraser and Murphy replaced in the next window for actual quality and our squad is shaping up very nicely! **Lacselles, Manquillo, Lewis, Longstaff as well over the next few windows while Trips, Shelvey and Wilson possibly a few others like Schar and Burn will likely need replacing by the end of next season or the season after as they are over 30(+).
So yes we need replacements and probably something like 10-12 replacements in the next 4 windows should be doable but before then, people need to take a long term view. We have been told it's not an overnight success story, its laying the foundations and putting the building blocks in place for a monumental future and we are 11 months in to a reign that could be unlike any other before it (e.g. City and Chelsea) but it may take longer to get there because of restrictions in place since those two did what we are trying to do...''
'' Mitro scored again last night.''
'' Mitro with a point to prove, Silva has these lot playing well.
Loss for us if ASM doesn't play/Bruno is still way off match fitness''
'' Been to see them at Arsenal away with my brother who is a fulham season ticket holder. Think they look reasonably solid at the back for a newly promoted team. Mitro has been a menace at the start of the season. Attacking wise, it is all built round Mitrovic and I don't think they have many other players to be feared. We should be looking to stop crosses coming in and if we can manage mitrovic then have a chance of getting a result. Their general play at home is attacking and positive and they have started very well. Think it will take a lot of effort and a good team performance to get 1 point, let alone all 3. However thats what we should be aiming for and hopefully 1 or 2 players back from injury will help us here. ''
'' I wouldn't say we need to win it, but it goes without saying that we need to turn draws into win sooner rather than later.
Fulham have had a very good start to the season and will be a handful, but I think their direct, front foot style will play into our counter press. ''
'' 1-1.''
''If ASM and/or Wilson are back and Bruno is match fit we'll win this, narrowly though, really rate these.
And going down for this with my dad, rail strike permitting. His first away game since the Marseille semi final in 2004. Hopefully a better result, assuming we can get down there. ''
'' Fulham away is a cracking day out tbf''
'' One of my favourite away days. Been 8 or 9 times a reckon. Probably more than anywhere else actually''
'' Thank love we are playing a side that we can not only dominate the ball against but who will also attack us and allow us to exploit their spaces.
Also International football can get in the loving bin. We shouldn't have to wait 2 weeks for this.''
'' They'll attack us and it'll work in our favour as we will hit them on the break, 1-3.''
'' Don't know like...Fulham are a tidy side. Defo goals in this game.''
'' Mitro could be problematic for Schar and Trippier if they get crosses in from the right. Hopefully Targett is back.''
'' Can't see anything but a loss here. We never seem to play well at Craven Cottage. Plus, our ex players at Fulham love a goal against us, so Mitro is bound to. Sorry to seem so pessimistic''
'' Can see a loss here. Pressure will be piling. ''
'' Mitro to score a couple, and another non-performance. 2-0. ''
'' Surprised to see so many pessimistic posts, I think this game will suit us better, they will press more than Palace or Bournemouth, and that should leave us space to hit them with the likes of Isak and hopefully ASM.''
'' Pope
Trip Schar Botman Targett
Anderson Bruno Joelinton
Almiron ASM
Isak
Fulham at home will play to our strengths. We'll win 3-1. Mitro consolation goal at the end of the game, crying and waving to the away end.''
''Got to be goals galore I would imagine. Not pessimistic as I agree this will play to our strengths. Think it'll be decided by a single goal, or a high score draw.
So put your house on 0-0. NFA''
'' They look solid. Narrow defeats to Arsenal and Spurs. Also took a point against Pool. Some hard games that and still they are some points above us. But as you said there will be more space for Isak/Wilson and hopefully Maximin. Maybe Almiron can produce something..maybe.''
'' They didn't park the bus against Liverpool at home, can't see them doing it against us''
'' I rate Fulham, at very least, as the best of the promoted sides. Can't help thinking their style of play will suit us better than the others though, particularly at their place. Don't think we have the creative flair (out wide mainly, particularly on the right) to break teams down and create genuine 'harder to miss' type opportunities. Far too reliant on Maxi when fit.
Even when we absolutely dominated Forest we only scored twice. Three quarters of the possession and twenty shots against Bournemouth and no goal from open play. Fulham will have more of the ball and really take us on. Can see us getting a couple of breakaway goals/nailed on opportunities. If we can restrain our once loved mad bastard, really fancy a victory myself.''
'' If we have Maxi and Wilson back then I think we might get something out of this.
Nice to see a maxi, wilson, isak front three. Will need our fullbacks to up their game a notch and get some decent overlapping going.
Botman into the defence and stick with the tried and tested middle three (joex2 + bruno)''
'' I think we'll lose this if we play anything like we did on Saturday. They will come at us and Mitrovic will be like a rabid dog on speed, just hope Howe gets it right this time with his selection at the back. I'd go Burn over Botman to deal with his added 'roughness', which makes his lack of selection against Bournemouth even more baffling to me.''
'' Botman hasn't lost an aerial duel in the league for us. Burn wins 2 in 3, Schar 1 in 2. Could see Burn and Botman here.
My worry with Burn for this one though is he gets involved in niggly things particularly at set-pieces.''
''Apologies of posted, but according the Times Wilson should return here, but ASM has had a setback.''
'' Rail strike
Rail maintenance
Brighton vs Palace was called off due to a rail strike just alone.....''
'' If the Tube was to be part of the strike I reckon this would be gone as well. Doesn't look like they are though.
Tbf I wouldn't fancy trying to get to Brighton if the trains that run from the city centre to the ground weren't on.''
''Palhinha is excellent, that's a huge blow for them.
I was skeptical of his signing at the time but he looks perfect for us.''
'' Confirmed no trains on the Saturday north of York.''
''Man these militant trade unions, they hate sporting freedom ''
'' This season has been stinking for injuries and it's only September. Bring another draw home.''
'' We are top of the league, say we are top of the league: https://www.premierinjuries.com/injury-table.php.''
'' Feels like the good old days are back. Solano on international duty, Dyer & Bellamy out with muscle injuries, something something with Speed, Cort permacrocked, at least one of O'Brien, Bramble, Woodgate, Dabizas or Elliott out with random injury.''
'' Love that there is some website out there where some goon is just updating injuries with timetables and info and such.''
'' We 100% should be using the rail strike to get this called off!''
'' I know Howe wants to play front foot football but with all of these injuries we don't have the players for it. Fulham are pretty attacking, I think we should just try and nail them on the counter.''
'' The absolute main problem with this is the fact that ASM isn't available. I guess Willock and Murphy could give it a go.''
'' I'm pinning my hopes on Miggy....
Going to have to score from a set piece to win this.''
'' i love Miggy but he ain't pinging a free kick in from 20 yards or rising like a salmon to head in a corner''
'' I'm hearing NUFC have oversold tickets for Fulham and are ringing people now on 80/70 points that purchased tickets not sure by how many''
''Shambles that like. You'd be raging. Wonder what would happen if they can't get in touch with people and they still turned up with their tickets''
'' They'd find their ticket didn't work...''
'''' loving awful fans.''
'' I've had a drink or two with them when down there,good bunch of fans they are''
''Ah I was talking about in the stadium, I'm sure they're nice people. They use these blow up clapping things because it so dead in there. It's loving awful when they all start smacking them together.''
'' Still no idea what to expect from this one.
Fulham are quite direct. While they are unlikely to play a low block, they'll be happy to let us have plenty of the ball. When they do go forward they'll obviously aim to get the ball into the main man, Mitro. He's in great form so whoever plays in that back line will have their hands full. Palhinha has made a great start to the season and will be a big miss for them.
Fulham's style of play means that we should get more chances on the break than we have in the last two. It sounds like Bruno should play, but ASM and Isak won't. Wilson being back will massively cushion the blow of the latter. Previously at Bournemouth he linked up really well with Fraser, so them knowing each others games should be a plus. I have no idea what we'll do to manage his minutes though.
I'd like to see Longstaff holding and Bruno further forward, but I think Willock will get the nod again due to his work rate in the high press.
I think it could be quite a high scoring one. Both sides have been competitive in every game, even against higher class opponents. I don't buy that we need a win here and while I'm not as confident as I was away to West Ham, I think we might just nick this 1-2.''
''João Palhinha being out for them is bigger than any team news for us IMO. Was a capture way beyond their status in classic Fulham style and will be a huge loss.
Would love an absolutely shite game with a late Wilson pincher against the grain.''
''Reckon they'll focus play down their right and Mitro will absolutely ruin Tripps and Schar at the back post. ''
'' Seen a picture of Mitro walking off the pitch with an ice pack on his ankle last night. Would be good for us if he was missing Saturday''
'' He was listed as having a knock before yesterday's match, I was surprised to see he'd played. ''
'' I honestly think Mitrovic is as likely to wind himself up and get red carded as score. Point to prove and all that. ''
'' nah, he's played us before and not got into bother. its not his first match against us since he left.''
Thats it for today. I'll check back Friday to see if there's anything new worth posting
[/b]
I aways look upon Newcasle as a big match and this one is going to be great.
Win and we stay in the top six of the Premier League, a huge incentive surely.
I quite like Newcastle. Win or lose, we always seem to have a fair game against them, and I can recall a few crucial wins in past seasons. We may be playing them at a good time, for us, but we will need to be at the top of our game to get the points.
As well as we've been doing this season, playing without Palhinha will be quite a significant test of our ability to navigate his absence as the people who can replace him are significantly lower quality.
It's all well and good saying our form is good and their injuries are a cause for concern for them and optimism for us, but Palhinha is a key player for us and in a key position.
If they get control of the middle of the park then we may not find it as easy.
Will be a good gauge though. They've done well and not lost many games but just haven't been able to win them either.
I rate Calum Wilson too - always a capable goalscorer at this level.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
I love it that João Palhinha was a capture way beyond our status.
Yeah they seem a pretty reasonable lot and I agree that the loss of Palhinha is huge for us.
All that matters is we are up for it... and get 3 points
I think our glass ceiling is fairly high considering he amount of money that our owners are investing. They may not always invest it wisely, but we are backed well beyond what most clubs are.
The ceiling for us is based on turnover, much like Newcaslte, but Newcastle take home far more than we do at the moment so their owners can invest a bit more.
