Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: olaftab on February 12, 2026, 09:55:32 AM
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What: The 2026 FA Cup, Fourth round
When: Saturday 14 February kick off 17:45
Where: Villa Park
OK enough of the regular boring League games and routine wins nonsense, lets move on the real thing the FA Cup. Villa must win this. Newcastle will be tough but they are not that good especially away from home.
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I was confident when the draw was made, but less so now. Given the injuries, our priorities have changed. I want us to rest the players that need one, avoid further injuries, and see what happens, preferably without extra-time. Toon are missing Bruno, but their league season going nowhere and questions about Howe's position might give them impetus and the edge. Newcastle win.
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This is a welcome relief for my nerves from the the Prem
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The gnawing pressure of the league is relieved for a while. We have a full week off after this game.
We need to go for it. The 5th round beckons.
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This is a welcome relief for my nerves from the the Prem
Same here. Less pressure on the players too. This is a welcome break from league action.
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I'd like to see us have a go at this one without Onana and Watkins.
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Do Newcastle have their CL Playoff game next week?
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I was confident when the draw was made, but less so now. Given the injuries, our priorities have changed. I want us to rest the players that need one, avoid further injuries, and see what happens, preferably without extra-time. Toon are missing Bruno, but their league season going nowhere and questions about Howe's position might give them impetus and the edge. Newcastle win.
Almost perfect summation Mr Brazilian but I reckon players like Barkley, Bailey, Alysson and Tammy have the ability to step up to the plate and get us into the next round. Even with a few changes our defence should remain strong and we have options going forward.
If Cash out and we are going to bypass midfield again, I would start Lindelof next to Onana to make it stronger physically. Dougie on bench, needs a rest.
Not pretty but needs must. Scrappy 1-0 win the villa.
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Do Newcastle have their CL Playoff game next week?
Yes, great point. They play Qarabag (sp.) on the 18th Feb in Azerbaijan.
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Yes, Carrierbag away at 1745 Wednesday and then Man City away the following Saturday, and then the return leg on the Tuesday. I can see them prioritising the CL as lots more money per round then anything else.
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Bogarde must play in midfield. Alongside Barklay,Lindelof and Onana.
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Is garcia injured?
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Shame their first leg isn't on Tuesday. I think Dyche is probably under too much pressure to rotate too much.
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Not a chance Emery flakes out and plays the bench here I feel. He'll throw almost everything at it with minimal changes. Onana, Watkins and maybe Konsa to be rested is my guess.
Contrary to what others feel (including myself prior to the Spurs win), I'd have to agree if he does decide to go strong. We need to keep the winning mentality going now and not pick and choose when it matters.
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Bizot
Lindelof Konsa Torres Digne
Bailey Barkley Bogarde Alysson
Elliot Abraham
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Shame their first leg isn't on Tuesday. I think Dyche is probably under too much pressure to rotate too much.
I don't think Dyche gives a shit. :)
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I'd go;
Martinez
Konsa, Lindelof, Torres, Digne
Bogarde, Barkley
Sancho, Rogers, Bailey
Abraham
Bizot, Wright, Maatsen, Mings, Onana, Luiz, Alysson, Buendia, Watkins
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Last night will have taken it out of our lads. Going to have to be priority calls. Onana did zero so he can tog out again. Really could do without seeing Sancho but bit much to throw the Brazilian kid in. Luiz to replace Barkley after 60
Bizot, Bogarde, Lindelof, Torres, Maatsen, Onana, Barkley, Bailey, Rogers, Sancho, Tammy.
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There won't be masses of changes. Emery hasn't done that since in the FA Cup since Stevenage.
Wouldn't be surprised if Bailey for Sancho and Abraham for Watkins were the only changes
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Shame their first leg isn't on Tuesday. I think Dyche is probably under too much pressure to rotate too much.
I know Dyche is available but can't see him replacing Howe in the next 48 hours.
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Shame their first leg isn't on Tuesday. I think Dyche is probably under too much pressure to rotate too much.
I know Dyche is available but can't see him replacing Howe in the next 48 hours.
Given the pace with which these managerial changes are happening, I'm not ruling it out just yet.
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It will be interesting to see what kind of side they put out as well, as they have a qualifier on Wednesday plus some injuries of their own.
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I'm surprised at how split the verdict is here. Outside of a win against an extremely poor Spurs side, they've looked atrocious since mid Jan.
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I'm surprised at how split the verdict is here. Outside of a win against an extremely poor Spurs side, they've looked atrocious since mid Jan.
Seen us recently?
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Shame their first leg isn't on Tuesday. I think Dyche is probably under too much pressure to rotate too much.
I know Dyche is available but can't see him replacing Howe in the next 48 hours.
Not sure why I said Dyche when I meant Howe. Guess I'm just missing him already.
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I'm surprised at how split the verdict is here. Outside of a win against an extremely poor Spurs side, they've looked atrocious since mid Jan.
Seen us recently?
Our attack has been equally dross, but at least we can defend well.
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I’d be massively surprised if Onana started on Saturday.
It seems that Unai is managing his minutes, tiredness and risk of injury.
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It will be interesting to see what kind of side they put out as well, as they have a qualifier on Wednesday plus some injuries of their own.
Their priority is Champions League, so is ours.
Their priiority is nearer.
I do think they edge on squad in midfield/attack but we do on GK and Defence
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I said this last round, play the kids.
In fact if we do now go with the B squad it begs the question why we risked the A team in the last round. Poor intial decision in my opinion although the response on here was "to rest players is disrespectful to the travelling support".
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I’d be massively surprised if Onana started on Saturday.
It seems that Unai is managing his minutes, tiredness and risk of injury.
And if Joelinton plays the probability of incompetent dangerous tackling injuring another of our midfielders
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I’d be massively surprised if Onana started on Saturday.
It seems that Unai is managing his minutes, tiredness and risk of injury.
And if Joelinton plays the probability of incompetent dangerous tackling injuring another of our midfielders
Isn’t part time thug/footballer Joelinton injured?
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My prediction is that if we put out a strong team some will moan. And if we put out a 'weaker' team, some will moan.
Put out a strong team and batter Newcastle. It's our year.
3-1
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I’m expecting a few changes for both teams. Before the recent injuries I think most of us had a similar fixed idea of our best 11 with only a couple of positions up for debate. It’s not the case now so starting Bailey, Barkley, Digne and Abraham shouldn’t really be a contentious decision.
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I said this last round, play the kids.
In fact if we do now go with the B squad it begs the question why we risked the A team in the last round. Poor intial decision in my opinion although the response on here was "to rest players is disrespectful to the travelling support".
Oh you kidz, the way you think.
I fully expected Unai to play the B team last night with an important FA cup tie fewer than 72 hours away.
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UE has matches in important order. Number 1 for him is the Europa League. He wants to win that to make it 5 times a winner plus put us in the CL next year. Number 2 is to get us in the top 5 of the PL so we are in the CL next season. After that comes the FA Cup.
In my opinion he should choose the 7 substitutes from last night with 4 additions of people who need game time to help them get fit.
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Tough game. Our injuries, plus this is all they have to realistically play for.
Martinez
Bogarde
Konsa
Torres
Mastsen
Onana
Luiz
Barklay
Abrahams
Rogers
Bailey
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Bizot
Bogarde
Lindelof
Torres
Digne
Hemmings
Douglas Luiz
Sancho
Buendia
Bailey
Abraham
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5 at the back would be good right now.
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Full strength team (as much as we’re able), knock this mob in to next week, then have a week’s R&R.
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I'd like for us to work out a way of playing without Rogers in the side, on whom we are over reliant and he needs a rest.
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5 at the back would be good right now.
Only if it's to get the players used to the system ahead of the upcoming league games.
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5 at the back would be good right now.
Only if it's to get the players used to the system ahead of the upcoming league games.
Having Bogarde fill in at right back is one thing, asking him to play right wing back is another. We saw what happened at Palace away second half last year when Bailey was tasked with playing wing back, disastrous!
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I’d play a strong side. We’ve got a week off after this game and we need to get into the winning habit.
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Fantastic game, game of the round for me, Aston Villa vs Newcastle Utd in the FA Cup conjures up all kinds of magic, really hope Alysson gets a start and in his correct position, lets see this guy, watching him last night and he's got great touch and balance, looks kinda like Rogers I think once Unai has let this guy know what he wants from him, then let him lose to really make a splash, he has it in him to be a very special player if its allowed.
Aston Villa 3 Newcastle Utd 2, total thriller, fingers crossed.
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Fantastic game, game of the round for me, Aston Villa vs Newcastle Utd in the FA Cup conjures up all kinds of magic, really hope Alysson gets a start and in his correct position, lets see this guy, watching him last night and he's got great touch and balance, looks kinda like Rogers I think once Unai has let this guy know what he wants from him, then let him lose to really make a splash, he has it in him to be a very special player if its allowed.
Aston Villa 3 Newcastle Utd 2, total thriller, fingers crossed.
No pressure Alysson!
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4-0
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My first game at VP this season, looking forward to it.
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My first game at VP this season, looking forward to it.
Enjoy, brilliant, go for it, Villa need every bit of that 12th man it can get. massive excitement.
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Think Guimarães is injured again.
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Please god no injuries! These lot are a bunch of dirty fuckers.
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From the Guardian "The BBC’s biggest audience in the third round was the peak of 3.1m who watched Aston Villa’s win over Tottenham, a game which attracted a three-minute reach of 6.5m".
Presumably most of them were watching to laugh at Spurs.
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Bizot
Bogarde
Lindelof
Torres
Digne
Hemmings
Douglas Luiz
Sancho
Buendia
Bailey
Abraham
Very bad this. Very good is:
Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen
Onana, Luiz, Bogarde
Sancho Watkins, Rogers
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Think Guimarães is injured again.
Aye, Miley being assessed also. Would be surprised if he risked either of them given they have a CL game 4 days after. Massive if they miss out, Mileys been one of their few bright sparks this past few weeks.
Edit: just spoke to a Toon mate of mine. The common consensus seems to be that Miley is likely out for the season.
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Ramsey probably their other bright spark recently, he seems to be settling in.
Can’t decide whether to be pleased for him or not?!
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Ramsey probably their other bright spark recently, he seems to be settling in.
Can’t decide whether to be pleased for him or not?!
Be pleased for him, he'll probably be back here playing in 18 months like Dougie.
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Think Guimarães is injured again.
Aye, Miley being assessed also. Would be surprised if he risked either of them given they have a CL game 4 days after. Massive if they miss out, Mileys been one of their few bright sparks this past few weeks.
Lewis Miley? The one who raked his studs down the back of Youri’s calf and Achilles meaning he’s out for 10 weeks.
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Aye, that one.
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Worryingly they shed themselves of their big donkeys the other night and looked better for it.
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Tbf Spurs where giving them that much space, any team would look fluid.
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Will be watching from home for various reasons primarily related to a) my lack of planning and b) a desire not to be castrated.
Not sure how Emery will approach this, he has shown more favour towards the Cup in recent seasons despite being open about his priorities but this season has more of a challenge due to the injuries we have. He will mix it up for certain and given how poor the opposition have been of late should be confident of victory.
It will be a bruiser though, the aggression shown by multiple PL teams this season has been quite illuminating and made a difficult job even harder for officials who have hardly covered themselves in glory in trying to deal with it.
I'd still rather win the Cup than anything else but would want us to avoid injuries (difficult), red cards (relatively easy) and et and pens (who knows?).
1-0 in normal time please.
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F365
Game to watch: Aston Villa v Newcastle
Both picked up welcome wins over relegation stragglers in the week, but the contrasting nature of their needs remains stark. Villa needed their win to give their faint but lingering title hopes a shot in the arm; Newcastle to avoid getting dragged into an embarrassing relegation battle alongside the hopeless Spurs team they somehow only beat 2-1.
Both teams still have continental ambitions as well, which makes Newcastle’s win over Spurs particularly timely. Had they lost that one – don’t laugh, it really was theoretically possible for that to have happened – then this would have started to look like a further commitment they could have done without. Now it looks more like a further opportunity to keep the meaningful part of their season going now the threat of something catastrophic in the league is over at least.
For Villa you’d still imagine the two routes into next year’s Champions League – a top-five finish and/or winning the Europa League – remain the top priority. But with no punishment round for them in Europe and an eight-point gap over sixth-placed Liverpool in the league they can give the FA Cup a bit of a bash too.
All-Barclays FA Cup ties in the early rounds can go one of two ways, but the hope is that this one sits nicely in the sweet spot for it to be entertainingly loose in a tournament that is neither side’s tip-top priority but also not an afterthought for either.
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Think I said this earlier in the thread, but I just can't see Unai fielding a weak side for this.
This year he's shown a real dogged determination about maintaining a winners mindset through and through. Picking and choosing when that mindset applies makes it largely redundant.
I do think he'll rest Onana and Watkins, but both can be explained away.
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Pretty much every time Emery has tried a left field formation, three centre backs at Palace, Bailey wing back, Cash midfield...the results have been disastrous. So he will stick with our regular shape anyway. Hopefully bit of an open game and no injuries. Some bit of impact from the likes of Tammy, Bailey, Alysson, Barkley would be great.
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Glancing at a Newcastle forum, they seem to think that Guimares is going to be out for 10-12 weeks. That feels properly season-screwing for them.
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Feel for them if true. Had too many good away experiences up there to begrudge them anything (not results wise, obviously...). Regardless of what people think of their ownership, top fans of a great club in the same position as us.
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Glancing at a Newcastle forum, they seem to think that Guimares is going to be out for 10-12 weeks. That feels properly season-screwing for them.
so how many times will the camera look at him in the stands .
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Glancing at a Newcastle forum, they seem to think that Guimares is going to be out for 10-12 weeks. That feels properly season-screwing for them.
so how many times will the camera look at him in the stands .
yes hope he doesnt go to the games ffs . Am I being grumpy or do the cameras spend far too much time on what is going on ithe side these days . sometimes we miss the football
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Glancing at a Newcastle forum, they seem to think that Guimares is going to be out for 10-12 weeks. That feels properly season-screwing for them.
The screw was already loose.
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Glancing at a Newcastle forum, they seem to think that Guimares is going to be out for 10-12 weeks. That feels properly season-screwing for them.
The screw was already loose.
Yeah, it does feel like they've shot their bolt in terms of qualifying for the CL via the league.
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Shame their first leg isn't on Tuesday. I think Dyche is probably under too much pressure to rotate too much.
??
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Shame their first leg isn't on Tuesday. I think Dyche is probably under too much pressure to rotate too much.
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I think (I think) the gag is that Eddie Howe is just Sean Dyche with self-help jargon?
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Shame their first leg isn't on Tuesday. I think Dyche is probably under too much pressure to rotate too much.
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I think (I think) the gag is that Eddie Howe is just Sean Dyche with self-help jargon?
And a packet of Lockets.
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No Guimares, Joe, Livramento or Miley it seems for them.
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Shame their first leg isn't on Tuesday. I think Dyche is probably under too much pressure to rotate too much.
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I think (I think) the gag is that Eddie Howe is just Sean Dyche with self-help jargon?
I'd like to pretend it was a gag but I just got mixed up.
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No Guimares, Joe, Livramento or Miley it seems for them.
And Scharr? (I’m guessing from a vague memory). I could have looked it up in the time taken to type this post.
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Really awkward kick off time. Anyone know anything about the Warehouse? Can you buy food there? Is there any decent ale? Can you sit down? Asking for a friend.
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Loads of food options, but no seats or tables. Really awkward space.
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Cheers. If only the Bartons hadn't closed. Missing such a key part of the match day routine.
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Cheers. If only the Bartons hadn't closed. Missing such a key part of the match day routine.
Agreed. Match days aren't the same without a 20 minute queue, then a disgusted look from the bar staff as I ask for 6 pints of Genius.
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Really awkward kick off time. Anyone know anything about the Warehouse? Can you buy food there? Is there any decent ale? Can you sit down? Asking for a friend.
Two lines of security to get past, just in case someone who isn't going to the match fancies standing in a warehouse for a bit.
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Really awkward kick off time. Anyone know anything about the Warehouse? Can you buy food there? Is there any decent ale? Can you sit down? Asking for a friend.
Two lines of security to get past, just in case someone who isn't going to the match fancies standing in a warehouse for a bit.
...while trying to give the club money for food and drinks.
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Cheers. If only the Bartons hadn't closed. Missing such a key part of the match day routine.
Agreed. Match days aren't the same without a 20 minute queue, then a disgusted look from the bar staff as I ask for 6 pints of Genius.
It didn't help that you used to ask for 6 Genii.
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Bizot
Bogarde
Lindelof
Torres
Digne
Hemmings
Douglas Luiz
Sancho
Buendia
Bailey
Abraham
Jeez, A 3 of Sancho, Buendia and Bailey will get bullied off the park, Dave! leaving Luiz and Hemmings to stem the tide ....
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Someone asked me earlier today about getting into the Holte pub before any match. I have no idea on entry rules, so can someone provide any info please?
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Bizot
Bogarde
Lindelof
Torres
Digne
Hemmings
Douglas Luiz
Sancho
Buendia
Bailey
Abraham
Jeez, A 3 of Sancho, Buendia and Bailey will get bullied off the park, Dave! leaving Luiz and Hemmings to stem the tide ....
You were also terribly angry when I said that Bailey should come on against Brighton. That seemed to go fine.
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Someone asked me earlier today about getting into the Holte pub before any match. I have no idea on entry rules, so can someone provide any info please?
Isn't it for members and Lions Club members? I may be wrong about that.
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If JJ does the hush sign to us when he inevitably scores, I'll stop hankering after him. There are limits to love.
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Shame their first leg isn't on Tuesday. I think Dyche is probably under too much pressure to rotate too much.
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I think (I think) the gag is that Eddie Howe is just Sean Dyche with self-help jargon?
And a packet of Lockets.
And a ‘im constipated’ look on his face
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Loads of food options, but no seats or tables. Really awkward space.
My 15 year old hasn’t realised the delights of the pub yet, so tend to just go straight to the ground most games. I had toyed with the idea of the warehouse tomorrow though and he seemed open to that. However, someone I know, went before the Brighton game and said it was rammed and had ran out of food. Having second thoughts, may just go my local spoons and hop on the train.
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Someone asked me earlier today about getting into the Holte pub before any match. I have no idea on entry rules, so can someone provide any info please?
It's supposed to be only ST holders - which gets slightly complicated when it is a cup game. Assuming the people on the door can be bothered, they ask to see multiple future tickets in the AVFC app on your phone.
As it is more cosy than a Warehouse (!) and as it is a later KO, I imagine it will be full quite early - assuming a full house or close to full house. UTV
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You won't get a beer, or a cup of tea even, but I do recommend the Classic Fish Bar on Witton Road. Fish and chips for a fiver, and you get to eat sitting down inside.
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We're going to batter them so hard that Dyche may be their manager next week.
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No VAR tomorrow
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No VAR tomorrow
So we can have genuine shit decisions by the ref rather than faceless corrupt wankers in a studio somewhere...comforting
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We're going to batter them so hard that Dyche may be their manager next week.
Or Frank, or Ange, or Harry, or Kev....
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You won't get a beer, or a cup of tea even, but I do recommend the Classic Fish Bar on Witton Road. Fish and chips for a fiver, and you get to eat sitting down inside.
Great place! Quite literally as cheap as chips!
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You won't get a beer, or a cup of tea even, but I do recommend the Classic Fish Bar on Witton Road. Fish and chips for a fiver, and you get to eat sitting down inside.
Great place! Quite literally as cheap as chips!
Surely you mean plaice?
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No.
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Oh my Cod, stop!
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You won't get a beer, or a cup of tea even, but I do recommend the Classic Fish Bar on Witton Road. Fish and chips for a fiver, and you get to eat sitting down inside.
Great place! Quite literally as cheap as chips!
Surely you mean plaice?
I missed a sitter there (covers face).
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I’d play a strong side. We’ve got a week off after this game and we need to get into the winning habit.
No we don’t, we have Leeds next Saturday.
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Unai will assess each player’s mental and physical wellbeing in the utmost detail before deciding on the lineup.
Then he’ll pick a side with a combination of usual starters and 3-4 changes, that will play with just the right tempo and tactical know how to beat Newcastle but not compromise the upcoming league game against DL.
1-0 Villa.
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I’d play a strong side. We’ve got a week off after this game and we need to get into the winning habit.
No we don’t, we have Leeds next Saturday.
Is that not a week?
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Martinez
Bogarde
Konsa
Torres
Maatsen
Dougie
Onana
Sancho
Morgan
Bailey
Tammy
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Should have a prize for who guesses the correct starting X1
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I will be glad to see our players come through this without any further injuries seeing as they are probably the dirtiest team in the division. I’ve got a feeling Joelinton is still out so there is a chance of that I guess. A more cynical fouler you will not find.
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I will be glad to see our players come through this without any further injuries seeing as they are probably the dirtiest team in the division. I’ve got a feeling Joelinton is still out so there is a chance of that I guess. A more cynical fouler you will not find.
Think your right about the dirtiest team, it’s them or Spurs for me
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Looks like they have as many injuries as us, Joelinton, Gumaries, Miley, all out. So it will be patched up midfield vrs patched up midfield
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With Joelinton and ‘Bruno’ (puke!) out, I’m less worried about injuries.
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Looks like they have as many injuries as us, Joelinton, Gumaries, Miley, all out. So it will be patched up midfield vrs patched up midfield
Maybe - wait until the team comes out because Howe regularly misdirects in pre-game media.
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Although just seen the news on Guimaires - so that would be stretching it even for Howe!
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Although just seen the news on Guimaires - so that would be stretching it even for Howe!
And Miley / Joelinton have missed the last few matches already, so one more wouldn't be a massive surprise.
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What is Newcastle's allocation for this game, and where in the ground?
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All along the watchtower.
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I’d be surprised if we don’t see several players rested today…
Bizot
Bogarde, Lindelof, Mings, Digne,
Luiz, Barkeley
Bailey, Buendia, Sancho
Tammy
…with Rogers, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen, Watkins and Alysson on the bench.
Would like to see Alysson get a game today but don’t think he’ll start.
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What is Newcastle's allocation for this game, and where in the ground?
6500, usual away section plus upper North.
And we've sold out our GA tickets.
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Looks like they have as many injuries as us, Joelinton, Gumaries, Miley, all out. So it will be patched up midfield vrs patched up midfield
Also Schär and Livramento, their 2 best defenders.
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I’d play a strong side. We’ve got a week off after this game and we need to get into the winning habit.
No we don’t, we have Leeds next Saturday.
Is that not a week?
It was before SKY Invented football.