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Matchday Musings

Need something to pass the time before kickoff? We've got something just for you.

By Souvik Roy Chowdhury
Stu Forster/Getty Images

Can you smell it? It's another weekend. Aah. Therefore, it's another matchday heading our way. Newcastle take on Swansea on Saturday at the Liberty Stadium.  There is already a more than nice preview up on the site. If you have missed it, go, check it out.

So what's happening in the world of Newcastle except  for the game preparation? A lot actually. The transfer window isn't shut and that means only one thing. Names you have never hurt from team you have never seen are going to get thrown at us, apparently making us think we have an interest in them.

One of them is not going to be Jetro Willems. The PSV left-back jetted out to Newcastle last weekend to check out his old pal Georginio Wijnaldum take his first steps in the Premier League. A sighting, a twitter follow, an encrypted Instagram post and a so-so performance from our eminent left-back later, everybody envisioned the PSV and Dutch left-back to be in black and white soon. But that's not happening as confirmed by our very own Lee Ryder

In other news Steve McClaren's pre-match press conference delivered a lot and at the same time left a lot to the imagination. Emmanuel Riviere has had 'a small operation on his cartilage' according to the gaffer. So don't expect him back anytime soon. Are we going to miss him? Don't really think so.

Newcastle are still 'searching' for more signings, but he also added that they are 'happy with what we've have' at the club. What does that mean? Well, knowing Newcastle in the last few years, we shouldn't really keep out hopes high of anything happening any soon. If some quality players come in, it's a bonus. But frankly even after three heart warming signings, the past misadventures in the transfer market have left a too sour an aftereffect on our mouth to get us all giddy.

McClaren's words on Mitrovic were encouraging. 'It was good to make an impact, and that was an impact. We can't take that aggression out of him.' He has the rebel inside him. He might step over the line on a few occasions, but he is what he is. He might even be a thug for some, but he is our thug. Just like in the NBA, I would rather have Kevin Garnett jabbing away a mouthful playing in the colours of my team, rather than be in the opposition. Let the devil remain.

We love Vurnon Anita. We hate Vurnon Anita. We love Vurnon Anita. Not sure? Neither am I? We hate Mike Williamson.We hate Williamson. Hate might be a strong word but the dislike of his presence in the middle wearing the black and white is nearly unanimous. According to a lot of reports he might be on his way out. Even a part exchange with Brighton for their highly rated Lewis Dunk has been probed. I would love McClaren to clear the deck but it would be foolhardy if we didn't bring in any cover.

Reports are also suggesting that Mehdi Abeid might be on his way with a £2m price tag slapped on him by the club. He got his chances last season and the results were mixed. His horrendous mistake against Manchester United at home stood out. He needs to be playing football at his age. Either here or somewhere else. I think I will leave it at that.

McClaren presser also reminded us that with players getting fit and the three new signings in, the fight for places is heating up. In his words,'a few left out (against Southampton) weren't happy' and added that a few others had 'a bit to prove'. Competition for places is always a good thing. Long may we have it.

Let's end this thing on a bright note. This week had us reminded of the great talent that we once took for granted at the club. Alan Shearer turned 45 on the 13th. If you have forgotten how good he was, here is a reminder. Courtesy: The Premier League.

P.S. Wor Alan doesn't only rule on the pitch, but off it as well. He just carves up all and sundry on Twitter. If you haven't followed him yet, you are missing out on a lot of fun.

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