[Albion] Newcastle away: would you take a point?

[Dick Swiveller]

The pessimist in me thinks I wouldn't be too upset at a couple of changes tonight and go strong on Sunday. 3 points against Saints is likely to be enough for Conference League. And there is also a good chance that City at home will be easier than this game if they wrap up the league and start thinking about the treble. Classic Take The Money or Open The Box dilemma.

 

[NUFC1]

I'm not sure you boys have much to worry about in terms of European qualification. Reading through, it seems you're worried about the Southampton game because of how you've been in the past (and probably recent performances against Forest/Everton), but honestly your Southampton game is a bye. They were 1-0 up at St James' a few weeks back at half-time and not once did I think we would lose that game. It could have been 6-1 in the end. It's your last weekend home game of an incredible season where you've got the nation talking about you. The stakes will be high and the fans will be well up for it. You will beat them by 2 or 3, regardless of your worries.

Even Man City next week I'd fancy you for at least a point. They'll win the league on Sunday and have 2 finals on the horizon. Pep will definitely rest a few of their main boys, although granted their 'back-up's would walk into most teams in Europe!

As for tonight, most of us aren't confident at all. Brighton aren't a good match for us and will come into the game with extreme confidence after the Arsenal hiding, whereas all the pressure is on us as we need to win. If we'd have beaten Leeds on Saturday I'd have snapped your hands off for a draw tonight, but sadly we need to win. Pressure does funny things as you all know. Our record against Brighton is horrendous too, certainly in the Premier League. I've been to the Amex 4 times and missed our only win there - that midweek game in 16/17 when Diame scored that absolute screamer....

I honestly wouldn't be shocked at any score line. A comfortable home/away win, a 0-0 or a 4-4. Both teams have exceeded expectations and all going well, we should all be going on a European tour next year. You will get the job done, I'm 100% certain of that, I just pray it isn't tonight!

Safe travels to all of those on the road/rail up North now. No designated home or away bars in the City so fill your boots and don't be shy to say hello - we're mostly a welcoming bunch!

 

[Thunder Bolt]

What would Taffy say?

WE AINT COMING FOR A POXY POINT!

Now, you've done it.

I won't even bother watching it now.

 

[Berty23]

A point works for me. That means we need a win and draw from last 3 to secure europa league. Hopefully we can beat saints which would mean needing a point vs the city juggernaut or at villa (who might be dead by then).

 

[Dibdab]

Points are for pussies and we are better than that mentality now. This is the business end of the season big balls time. Let's go!

 

[HCxUK]

I voted no, but on reflection I probably would take a point.

If Villa lose at Liverpool on Saturday it would mean we'd only need a point vs Southampton to guarantee at least 7th. Obviously we should be looking to win that, but it takes a bit of the pressure off.

I'd bite your hand off for a draw and no injury/fitness concerns for Sunday.

 

[Kalimantan Gull]

You think Villa will beat Liverpool?

It's probably more about Spurs as they will definitely be fighting hard for Europa and they have two very winnable games

 

[SittingbourneSeagull]

Still worried that it may come down to Villa away and needing a draw and I'd rather it was all over by then. A point means a point from Man City as well, plus 3 against Saints.
So it's a NO from me. 3 or zero is the only option.

Villa have Liverpool away at the weekend. If we get 3 points from Saints and Villa lose to Liverpool they can't catch us.

 

[Jimmy Come Lately]

Points are for pussies and we are better than that mentality now. This is the business end of the season big balls time. Let's go!

Exactly. Enough of this calculating permutations of our and other teams' results. Like Tony Bloom and Ivan Toney I'm a natural gambler: I want us to go for the win and the glory.

And I'm Scottish so heroic defeat also sits pretty comfortably with me if that's the outcome.

 

[The Fits]

We don't look like drawing really do we? The last team games have highlighted it to the extreme. If we turn up and the opponents miss early chances we win, if we don't turn up and they take their chances we lose. Sounds obvious, obviously. But I just can't see us getting a draw in our remaining fixtures. Tonight is a free hit to an extent and that makes us very dangerous.

 

[Official Old Man]

You're assuming that villa and spurs win both their games - very unlikely especially when villa play at Anfield at the weekend!

But you have to assume. It's probably the same as Villa presuming they will beat us and going to Anfield for a draw.
Ah, spot the error. Villa need a minimum of 5 points so must win at Anfield.

Villa have Liverpool away at the weekend. If we get 3 points from Saints and Villa lose to Liverpool they can't catch us.

Yes, but that's 7th and a possible 3 behind Spurs. Win tonight and Sunday and let's party.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

Everybody knows the rules by now shirley? Beat Newcastle away, then lose at home to Southampton. Classic Albion right there!

 

[axscott]

I have to be honest, I am finding it hard to let go of the Champions League dream. I know, ridiculous. But if we beat Newcastle, and then Southampton which is not completely unrealistic and Leicester fluke a win over Newcastle (highly unlikely!) we would be 2 points behind them with a game in hand. It's Man City but who cares, we can do them too. Win at Villa and the Champions League is ours.

EDIT: and yes I know we also need Liverpool to not beat either Villa or Southampton, but Villa is certainly possible at least.

So yes, no taking the draw for me.

I'm exactly the same, I can't help but think it's still possible even though it most likely isn't! What I would give for just an extra 3 points right now, it would feel well within grasp if we pick up 3 against Everton, Forest or the dreaded Spurs game!

Top 7 should already be a lock because of that Spurs game, now Toney's ban gives them a bigger chance of 3 points against Brentford. Very lucky team this season, can't imagine what happens if Kane leaves and their luck regresses.

I voted 3 points because I agree with the manager, this squad should be looking to win every game because they are capable of doing it and the evidence was there at the Emirates

 

[Icy Gull]

Right now I want a win but ask me 10 mins before the end

Yes I’d take a guaranteed point before kick off

 

[Icy Gull]

Everybody knows the rules by now shirley? Beat Newcastle away, then lose at home to Southampton. Classic Albion right there!

Shut UP

 

[Zeberdi]

I've gone for all 3, because I want us to play for all 3.

Big balls time.

(Although if you ask me afterwards & we got a point, I probably won't be unhappy!)

This

 

[juliant]

Just come off a zoom call with a Georide colleague going tonight. Hes not massively confident and said would be happy with the point.

Hes happy that March is out but crapping himself if Mitoma goes against Burn !

 

[The Grockle]

Definetly take a point. Potentially our toughest fixture of the season against a manager we have a shocking record against.

 

[chickens]

This is absolutely one of the matches that could trip us up, but there’s no way I’m taking a point on this one.

If we turn up, then we can beat them, just hoping that the player’s legs and heads have enough left in them to finish the job.

Given that right now a draw seems to me to be the least likely outcome, we’ll probably end up with one anyway.

 

[OzMike]

An away point against a top 4 side, yep.