The Endgame

9 out of 10 (Guardian reading) fans fancy us to go down: http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/mar/27/observer-fans-network-the-endgame

Thoughts? Can we do it? Newcastle is (understatement of the year) fooking massive and to think they humped us 6-2. I'm a bit lost this w/e having missed out on my normal ironing to a Norwich stream. The Germany game was too late for me last night, but pleased to see the team make a valiant comeback. The highlights I saw made Roy look a bit pleased (not).

Anyway - we will see! OTBC

 

If we beat Newcastle I might start believing.

 

We will beat Newcastle and Palarse and draw with Sunderland then secure our PL status against Watford. We will lose against Arsehole, Manure and the Phlegm Meisters ... FACT

 

So for comparison:

Winnable = Bold, Draw = Italics "6-pointers" = Underlined
Norwich fixtures: Newcastle (H), Palace (A), Sunderland (H), Arsenal (A), Man Utd (H), Watford (H), Everton (A).
Palace: West Ham (A), Norwich (H), Everton (H), Arsenal (A), Man Utd (A), Newcastle (A), Stoke (H), Southampton (A)
Newcs: Norwich (A), Southampton (A), Swansea (H), Man City (H), Liverpool (A), Palace (H), Villa (A), Spurs (H)
Sunderland: WBA (H), Leicester (H), Norwich (A), Arsenal (H), Stoke (A), Chelsea (H), Everton (H), Watford (A)

So ignoring the fixtures where the 4 teams play each other, that gives a table:
Palace +3 = 36 (36 played)
Norwich +5 = 33 (35 played)
---------------------------
Newcastle +7 = 32 (36 played)
Sunderland +5 = 31 (37 played)

-So in this ideal world, Sunderland have to beat us to get to 34 points, and hope NOR-NEW is a draw and Palace beat Newcastle and ourselves. They'd then look to stay up on goal difference.
-For Palace to get relegated, they have to lose to both ourselves and Newcastle, then a Norwich-Newcastle draw, or Newcastle win and Norwich beat Sunderland, sends them down.

So yeah, Norwich vs Newcastle is massive, as it looks hardest for Palace to get relegated or Sunderland to survive. Newcastle possible have slightly easier fixtures against those outside the relegation battle, but we've got that extra game against rivals.

 

I wonder if the those 9 out of 10 fans would give me 9 to 1 odds on that? I would bet a bundle!

Here's hoping the intn'l break postpones any progress Benitez might make with the magpies, and we win this week as I expect we will.

 

So we have more 6 pointers than anyone around us. Destiny truly is in our hands

 

That survey proves that not many people in Norfolk read the Guardian.

 

I prefer that everyone has written us off and dismiss us. Less pressure on the lads.

 

Rob Elliot stretchered off today. Possibly a twisted knee. I really hate to see any player injured, but especially in a meaningless game like a friendly.

 

Remi Garde has been sacked, can't see anyone wanting to take that job up.

 

Lambert?? Ha ha ha.

 

A "dead cat bounce" would be nice though, seeing as they play Newcastle.

Probably the most sane decision Villa have made all season. Garde won't want to manage in the championship, and he has no experience to offer Villa there anyway. They can pitch the job to prospective managers as a championship project, with the bonus of half a dozen no pressure games to get to know his squad.

 

The Pink'un is reporting that it's ligament damage and that he's likely to be out for the rest of the season. They've had a nightmare with injuries this season.

http://www.pinkun.com/home/newcastle_keeper_to_miss_crunch_clash_with_canaries_1_4475573?

 

Yes they have. Lost Krull early in the season; now down to Darlow or 19 y.o. Woodman at keeper. plus their other injuries.

 

Bet Darlow has a worldie. He's a very good young prospect.

 

We should not be relying on the misfortunes of others

 

I know what you mean, Thurnby, but I don't think it's like that. Injuries are a part of the game and the season as a whole. I shouldn't think Newcastle or Sunderland shed any tears when we lost Tettey and Redmond. Really cruel for them that it happened in an international friendly though.

 

Whilst I was concerned at the loss of Tettey, AN appears to have changed tactics slightly and we appear to be defending as a team - long may it last!!!!

 

We shouldn't, but I think we will be.

 

He can have a worldie next week. This week belongs to the Canaries!

I'm getting anxious for Saturday!