Match Thread: Arsenal v Newcastle (Easy 3 points)

[Captain Obvious]

From NUFC.com

This evening sees the Magpies make a rapid return to the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League - just over a week after losing 0-2 there in the FA Cup.

It's an 8pm kick-off live on Sky Sports.

NUFC: Ryan Fraser is suspended and Federico Fernandez will be missing due to injury, but Jamaal Lascelles, Jamal Lewis and Paul Dummett are all available.

Allan Saint-Maximin has resumed light training but won't be considered for selection at this point.

The Magpies kick off this game with the unwanted record of scoring just one goal in the last 596 minutes of play.

AFC: Kieran Tierney is doubtful and Pablo Mari will miss out.

The Gunners are unbeaten in their most recent five league and cup games and having not conceded a goal in the last 395 minutes.

Referee: David Coote - second appearance of the season involving us for the official from Nottinghamshire, following on from the 3-1 home victory over Burnley.

VAR: Peter Bankes

Can't see Arsenal having enough to trouble us tonight. Another successful raid on the capital in the offing.

[biggeordiedave]

Comfortable 4-0 defeat.

[bodacious benny]

I don't think we'll get pummelled but a defeat by a goal or two where we don't really trouble them for the entire match is pretty inevitable.

[overseasTOON]

The gloves are off for this one and we'll finally see the rewards of a Steve Bruce inspired master class of team selection and tactics.

Arsenal won't know what hit em.

[Colly]

Didn't realise Fernandez was out.

[originallad]

Well, it was a nice 6 days off, now here comes the pain.

[beardface]

Already excited for Steve’s post-match excuses

[ALF]

Bruce: 'Turn up, have a bit of pride in your performance, pass the ball to each other, take part in the game.

Forget about tactics or analysts, you need that too, but you have to do the basics as well.'

The guy is a s**** PE teacher at best.

[Remember Colo]

Bruce: 'Turn up, have a bit of pride in your performance, pass the ball to each other, take part in the game.

Forget about tactics or analysts, you need that too, but you have to do the basics as well.'

The guy is a s**** PE teacher at best.

Does that make him more or less likely than my high school PE teacher to choke someone?

[seaside nipper]

All by set for another British B movie Horror epic tonight. Don’t watch alone

[Valentino's fast feet]

The guy is a s**** PE teacher at best.

Does that make him more or less likely than my high school PE teacher to choke someone?

I'm going to say less, but not by much. My high school PE teacher used to get us to sing build me up buttercup in the changing rooms whilst half naked. It wasn't till years later I realised how odd that was. He's not a teacher anymore.

[bodacious benny]

I've got Holding in my FPL team so if (when) we lose we better not do something stupid like score a consolation goal

[UlversToon]

Now that the gloves are off I fancy us to turn up and nick a nervy 1-0 win.

[Colly]

"So you didn't like me playing 5 defenders and a load of defensive midfielders against the worst team in the league? How about I play a back four, no defensive midfielders, and all the strikers away at Arsenal?"

[originallad]

I actually think we'll give it a proper go tonight...and get smashed by 3 or more goals.

[UlversToon]

Arsenal won't know what's hit them!

[jpg]

Ladies and gentlemen, Newcastle United will be playing 4-4-f***ing-2!

[beatski]

THE GLOVES ARE OFF AND ITS AS BAFFLING AS EVER.

Gone are the negative tactics of 'more defensive players = better defending', say hello to 'more strikers = more goals'

Is it a 433 with two strikers out wide, or a 442 with a striker and a central attacking mid as traditional wingers? maybe there's a false 10 on the pitch? who f***ing knows? probably not Bruce

how hard is it to play a 4231 with all the players in their natural positions? too hard for that idiot, apparently

[originallad]

Wonder what's happening with Gayle atm.

[Colly]

When we get tonked he'll blame the people saying he needs to attack more. Without any doubt.