TheFish

Ah, fair enough. Sorry, it's just unusual, most fans of other clubs have no opinion on Sunderland. They're not a going concern for most. "Good crowds", is the best compliment they tend to get. "Ground empties when they're losing" is about as bad as it gets for them from other fans. Newcastle United tends to divide opinions, either we're arrogant, deluded, gravy stained, sobbing, fat morons. Or we're good humoured, down to earth, knowledgeable fans, and good lads. Don't think we're helped by the muppets they shepherd onto 606, and the like. I think it rankles with some that we get far more attention than a lot of clubs that haven't won owt in decades. But Sunderland don't seem to generate the same strength of opinion. Have to admit their malaise is tickling us at the minute, especially after the shit they gave us when we went down; "Rafa doesn't know the league", "You'll struggle with that team", "You've bought shit, and if you don't strengthen in January you'll drop", "No wonder you're winning it, it's a pub league.", "You bought the title. Nobody else could afford Premier League players litke Gayle and Ritchie!" If Coleman doesn't save them and get them promoted next season, the level of their debt could cripple them for years. c£130m, half to their owner, but half is external debt (that they're paying interest on).

Oh aye, we'd only be decent shouts for that if we're taking over, if Benitez is backed and if the new signings pan out. ... Is this some midlands humour I, as a Northerner, won't get? Not Benitez' style mate. If we play 4-2-3-1 our #10 may harass and harry your CBs and deeper midfielders, but there'll be a bit of a gap between him and our midfield pair, who'll sit fairly deep. Hayden or Merino will break up play and Shelvey will look to find gaps behind for Gayle, Murphy, Yedlin etc. to run onto. If we play a 4-4-2 it'll be a counter attacking setup and there'll not be a high line.

Combination of huge costs, disruptive refurbishments across the way and being pushed out did for them. Only been in Sam Jacks a couple of times, me and my mates have our route to the ground and there's no way we're changing it now, not even for boobs and watery beer. Forth-> Tilleys-> Rosies if we can get in-> Strawberry if we can->Trent House if we can't->St James'-> Disappointment Arms-> Misery St-> home

No shut down I'm afraid. Idols/the Vaults on the bigg Market might still do ... entertainment, but I'm not sure. It's infuriating. Especially when there's a prospective new owner waiting in the wings to take over and really push us forward. We'll not usurp someone from the top 6, regardless of money spent, but we might be able to make that top table a table of 7.

Sticking point is his valuation. He wants £400m (we're not worth that), Staveley and PCP partners value us (more reasonably) at around £250m-£300m. Perversely this run of bad form may strengthen their position. I do think the sale will go through, I'm not convinced it will happen in time to impact the business we do or don't do in January. Tell you what though, if it's announced today that it's gone through I'd break the bank to sort hotels for your visit, because Newcastle City centre will be a bacchanalian celebration for days regardless of the result. Can't wait for that fat chavvy mess to Get out of my club.

Combination of opposition (need Hayden's defensive focus vs big teams), injury and suspensions. Personally, I'd play all three with Merino ahead of Shelvey and Hayden. I'm hoping we grind out a result, but I'm not confident. All comes back to Ashley refusing to fund a proper recruitment drive in the summer. Woefully short up front, at #10, at left back and could do with strengthening right back and in nets. Aneesa's Buffet? Near the Slug and Lettuce by the Quayside? If you like your curry try Dabbawal on High Bridge Street (near the Theatre Royal), right round the corner is Fat Hippo Underground which is a cracking burger place too.

Course. any excuse to laugh at them lot down the road. We've been shonky at the back without Lascelles and Merino in the team. If we return to a 4-2-3-1 I'd fancy us to be much more frustrating for visiting sides. An injury enforced switch of tactics has made us better going forward, but much worse at the back.

Alright lads, Geordie in peace here We've been on a shocking run but to be fair, we're a side newly promoted from the championship who haven't strengthened on that team much, if at all. Hoping that Benitez sticks with the 4-2-3-1 that we used at the beginning of the season. Recent experimentation with 4-4-2 and 3-5-1-1 haven't really worked given the lack of quality in key areas. On the positive side Merino should be fully fit, Gayle is in ok goal scoring form, young J.Murphy is growing in confidence and competence. Predictions on Tyneside seem pretty mixed between wins draws and losses, but all think it'll be tight. That is most definitely not a "North East" thing, that is a mackem thing and they've got form for similar. If you want any pub/food/travel/hotel advice let me know.