Im hoping for a similar line up as the Reading game. I think we started very well its just that Reading scored 2 in quick succession which was a bit of a sucker punch and left us chasing the game.

I would make 1 change, Bring Oscar in for Lampard. Perhaps give Frank a rest?!

Thoughts?

Not a bad shout starting with Oscar, attack was looking far more potent once him and Sturridge came on. But RDM will probably continue to stick with Frank in the middle of the park.

The only change I would like to see is probably Sturridge for Ramires on the right of the wing, Ramires didn't seem his usual bundle of energy self so I doubt he was 100% fit having had that illness.

Is Luiz going to be available?

I think Luiz is fit but to be honest I would keep Cahil in for this one. Newcastle will pose a physical and ariel threat which I think Gaz' will deal with better. Can't afford for Luiz to be making erratic challenges.

Newcastle are going to be a whole lot tougher than the two teams we played so far and will be fresher as well.This is one game where I might play Bertrand in the midfield.

cech

ivan cahill terry cole

ramires mikel bertrand

sturridge torres hazard

mata and frank get a rest for this one in my team

Essien in for Frank, Marin in for Mata, Sturridge in for Ramires

4-2 Torres double, Rambo and Hazard

Ba and Ba

Newcastle are going to be a whole lot tougher than the two teams we played so far and will be fresher as well

No doubt about them being a considerably harder opponent, but not sure about them being more fresh. Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't they playing Europa League in Greece tonight. Then again will be dependant on what sort of team Pardew plays tonight and whether he decides to rest players for this game.

Maybe Mata for Marin, or Sturridge for Torres, but I wouldn't mind seeing this lineup.

I think we will need three in midfield for this one; Cabaye, Tiote and Gutierrez have a great understanding, and I feel that the likes of Perch will struggle with three energetic forwards up top closing down.

-----------------------Cech

Ivanovic-------Luiz-------Terry------Cole

-----------------------Mikel

---------------Ramires----Oscar

------Sturridge-----Torres------Hazard

Essien in for Frank, Marin in for Mata, Sturridge in for Ramires

Marin won't be fit for this game.

--------------Cech

-Ivanovic-Cahill-Terry-Cole

--------Lampard-Mikel

--Sturridge--Hazard--Mata

-------------Torres

Sturridge should be given a go as he has had some excellent cameos and stretches the game giving Mata and Hazard more space.

Toughest game so far, we will need lamps and mikel to be on top form in this one.

Same team as last night as I don't think we will be as attacking in this on, Studge does deserve his chance though.

Can Frank, Terry & Cole still play 4 90-min games effectively in 15days

Edited August 23, 201213 yr by ducavis

When is Marin back?

Sturridge should be starting this, their fullbacks aren't anything great when faced one on one. Don't want to see Mata or Ramires on the wing though, that would suit them.

I remember last year when we played at St. James, Studge tore them apart and iirc scored twice, think he'll definitely be starting this one.

Marin won't be back at least until after the international games according to RDM's Reading press conference.

With United already dropping points and City going to Klanfield this weekend, we could be in a very comfortable position to begin the campaign provided we do the business here.

Nervous about this one, Newcastle are a very good side. Hope to go Cisse wont score 2 world class goals again.

----------------Cech

Ivan-----Cahill------Terry-------Cole

--------Mikel-------Lampard

Studge-----Oscar------Hazard

--------------Torres

Or just put Mata on for Studge or Oscar, I think RDM wont rest him until after the super cup to be fair! Another option could be moving Oscar back instead of playing Lampard.

----------------Cech----------------

Ivan-----Cahill------Terry-------Cole

--------Mikel-------Oscar--------

Studge-----Mata------Hazard

--------------Torres-----------

I think we will need three in midfield for this one; Cabaye, Tiote and Gutierrez have a great understanding, and I feel that the likes of Perch will struggle with three energetic forwards up top closing down.

-----------------------Cech

Ivanovic-------Luiz-------Terry------Cole

-----------------------Mikel

---------------Ramires----Oscar

------Sturridge-----Torres------Hazard

Change Ramires with Lampard and I can agree that 4-3-3 might be the way to go this match.

----------------Cech----------------

Ivan-----Luiz------Terry-------Cole

--------Mikel-------Oscar--------

Hazard-----Mata------Bertrand

------------Sturridge-----------

Sturridge deserves a chance, and should be brought on as a forward at the very least.

Bertrand on the wing to help deal with Ben Arfa down that flank, and possibly swap Mikel for Ramires if the Tiote/Cabaye partnership is too industrious for Mikel

I remember last year when we played at St. James, Studge tore them apart and iirc scored twice, think he'll definitely be starting this one.

Not putting a downer on him, because he's a good player, but that was against Ryan Taylor playing out of position. Plenty of awful players have looked class against him playing there.

It's a 5-30 Sat KO, so the crowd will be well oiled for this one, expect a great atmosphere.

4-3-3

-----------------------Cech

Ivanovic------Cahill------Terry-----Cole

-------------Ramires------Mikel

----------------------Oscar

-----Sturridge-------------------Hazard

----------------------Torres

Mata and Lampard rested, Ramires to support Mikel and feed Oscar, Oscar gets center midfield with Sturridge,Torres and Hazard making the runs up front, Hazard to play the line behind Torres, Sturridge and Ivanovic work the right wing.

Now this one is gonna be a tough one..They have dangerous players throughout the team.I expect a win but feel a draw is on offer..Also ,will we outsing "well oiled geordies"?????

I doubt we will see change in formation. Many will choose Oscar for Lampard and generally that seems the better option but against a good team such as Newcastle we need Lampard experience and leadership in the midfield. Mata wont be rested until the international break, so the only spot we may see someone different is right wing. Sturridge was very good when he was introduced, but again like Lampard, Ramires is a big game player and i fancy RDM sticking with the same line-up especially now that Ramires will have more training sessions after his illness.