Matchday thread - Toon v Hatters

[UlversToon]

The Magpies return to Premier League action on Saturday, when they make a first visit to Kenilworth Road since February 1994.

It's an old-fashioned, non-televised 3pm kick-off and all 1,100 away section tickets have been sold in a ground that officially holds 10,265 fans.

A first-ever Premier League meeting with the Hatters makes Luton the 50th different side we've faced in that competition, Kenilworth Road the 60th venue.

The Magpies will wear their dark blue change strip.

Team: Anthony Gordon, Emil Krafth, Alexander Isak, Joelinton and Fabian Schar all have a chance of featuring against the Hatters.

Nick Pope, Elliot Anderson, Harvey Barnes, Matt Targett, Joe Willock, Javier Manquillo, Jacob Murphy and Sandro Tonali all remain out.

Sven Botman is expected to play after completing 45 minutes against Chelsea as scheduled on Tuesday.

Jamaal Lascelles and Sean Longstaff each remain one caution away from a one match PL ban. In order to avoid that fate they'll have to avoid being booked against either Luton or Nottingham Forest.

Joelinton is also in a similar position, although it remains to be seen whether he plays in either of United's next two games.

Tonali rates this match as follows:

NUFC win 8/13
The draw 29/10
LTFC win 17/4
NUFC win 1-0 13/2
NUFC win 1-0, Wilson scorer 16/1

LTFC: Marvelous Nakamba serves a one game ban.

Tom Lockyer has now left hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest during last Saturday's PL game away at Bournemouth. That game was abandoned and will be restaged in full at a future date.

There are two former Magpies in the Town squad - goalkeeper Tim Krul and winger Andros Townsend.

On home territory so far this season, Rob Edwards has seen his side beat Crystal Palace and draw with both Wolves and Liverpool. West Ham, Burnley, Spurs, Arsenal and Manchester City all left with maximum points - Spurs the only side to keep a clean sheet.

Referee: Darren England - first Toon game of the current campaign for the official from Doncaster. His most recent appointment involving Newcastle was a 2-0 home victory over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup last season.

VAR: Peter Bankes

UK TV: None

UK Radio: Live on BBC Radio 5 Live Sport

Local Radio: Live on BBC Radio Newcadtle

Stats:

Hatters v Magpies - all time:

1993/94 lost 0-2 (FAC)
1992/93 drew 0-0 (Ch)
1988/89 drew 0-0 (D1)
1987/88 lost 0-4 (D1)
1986/87 drew 0-0 (D1)
1985/86 lost 0-2 (D1)
1984/85 drew 2-2 (D1)
1981/82 lost 2-3 (D2)
1980/81 won 1-0 (D2)
1979/80 drew 1-1 (D2)
1978/79 lost 0-2 (D2)
1974/75 lost 0-1 (D1)
1962/63 won 3-2 (D2)
1961/62 lost 0-1 (D2)
1959/60 won 4-3 (D1)
1958/59 lost 1-2 (D1)
1957/58 won 3-0 (D1)
1956/57 lost 1-4 (D1)
1955/56 lost 2-4 (D1)
1947/48 lost 1-2 (D2)
1946/47 lost 3-4 (D2)
1938/39 lost 1-2 (D2)
1937/38 lost 1-4 (D2)
1897/98 lost 1-3 (D2)*

All games played at Kenilworth Road except * Dunstable Road.

Latest Premier League results/fixtures:

Thu 21.12.2023:
Crystal Palace 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion

Fri 22.12.2023:
Aston Villa 1-1 Sheffield United

Sat 23.12.2023:
West Ham v Manchester United (12.30pm) TNT
Fulham v Burnley (3pm)
Luton Town v Newcastle (3pm)
Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth (3pm)
Spurs v Everton (3pm)
Liverpool v Arsenal (5.30pm) Sky

Sun 24.12.2023:
Wolves v Chelsea (1pm) Sky

[UlversToon]

For me this, along with Forest on Tuesday, is a must win game to keep us within touching distance of the top 4 and consolidate our position in the top 6 so just hope the lads are up for it and have the necessary energy levels to see it through.

2-1 Toon

[Colly]

Interesting to have almost no idea what the back 4 will be. Is Schar fit? Can Botman play 90 mins? Will Trippier be rested? We've just about got enough bodies but could be interesting where they end up.

[bodacious benny]

For me this, along with Forest on Tuesday, is a must win game to keep us within touching distance of the top 4 and consolidate our position in the top 6 so just hope the lads are up for it and have the necessary energy levels to see it through.

2-1 Toon

Agreed, especially as after that we play Man C and Liverpool back to back.

[overseasTOON]

I'd love to say we'll be too strong for them but still depleted throughout the squad and tiredness over 90 minutes is an issue.

Head says a draw. Heart says a win.

[Chappy]

I think we're gonna struggle today tbh. Another uncomfortable, borderline unbearable watch.

Also... Had no idea our record against them was that bad!

[Chappy]

[Colback's Orange Tufts]

They must really not rate Hall or it's some "if we don't play him we don't need to buy him from Chelsea."
Trippier needs a break

[bodacious benny]

I’d have started Tino but otherwise as you’d expect.

[Sanchino]

I’d have started Tino but otherwise as you’d expect.

This. Wouldn't have started Trippier, he needs a mental and physical break. Should have rested him for Forest at home.

[bodacious benny]

Upside, we have good cover on the bench and Isak who can come on for the last 20-30 mins and run at them.

[Colly]

Exactly, and I'd imagine we probably will rest Trippier (plus a CB for Botman) on Tuesday.

[UlversToon]

Better than I was expecting, sticking with a 2-1 win.

[UlversToon]

Bollocks!

[overseasTOON]

Knew I should have put a bet on Townsend to score

[Chappy]

That is a shocking goal to concede...

[overseasTOON]

Commentator on Talksport says Trippier was to blame.

[Chappy]

Commentator on Talksport says Trippier was to blame.

Nah definitely not. Miley was marking Townsend - everyone will jump at the chance to s*** on Trippier though and carry on that narrative...

[UlversToon]

Even on the radio this doesn't look very good. <negmas>

[Chappy]

Well that was f***ing dreadful