View from the oppo – Newcastle
Name: Mick Bates
Current home town: Leicester
Birthplace: Newcastle
Fan for how long? Held as a babe in arms to welcome back 1955 cup winning team! 1st match I can remember v Walsall 1963 so 55 years!
Favourite thing about your home ground: The atmosphere especially night games in Europe
Favourite Game: 5th round cup tie at the Hawthorns 1974. Geordies everywhere. played brilliantly and won 3-0!
Favourite player: Peter Beardsley. could pass, tackle and score unbelievable goals!
Current favourite: Matt Ritchie. Always gives 100% and weighs in with the odd goal!
Who could unlock the game: Jonjo Shelvey. Can pick a pass no-one else can see
Player you fear: Vardy-wish he played for us!
Player to watch: Young goalkeeper currently on loan at Aberdeen Freddie Woodman
Score: I think it will be 1-1
Where will you finish: Anywhere above the relegation zone 12th would be fantastic!
Transfer activity: Dubravka the keeper and Kenedy both look decent but on loan. Hope we can keep them both!
Relegation prediction: WBA Stoke & Southampton
Will Man City win the title this weekend: It would be hilarious to win it against United just to see Jose's face!
Any other comments: One of my first away games was to Filbert Street on a cold wet November day in 1967 I remember it was 2-2 and Jackie Sinclair played, but I can't remember who for!