Playing in an empty shell

Live on Sky and beamed to the nation, the latest instalment of NorthEastEnders takes place on TV for the majority of NUFC matchgoers. With approximately 12,000 match tickets sold in advance, it seems that the vast bulk of our support have decided to register their displeasure at the Cockney Mafia by staying away.

Although a kick in the teeth for the players, they must understand that in a perverse sort of way it is for the benefit of the club. If Ashley knew he could still have 40k packing the stadium for cup games, regardless of the off-pitch antics, he could be sorely tempted to drag his heels over the sale of the club. An empty shell of a stadium would signal loud and clear that there is no way back from the current stand off and a quick sale / reduction of his obscene asking price is the only option.

This looks like the scenario that is going to pan out. The crowd will probably be made up of the fans who would watch eleven monkeys play in black and white shirts, those who forgot to uncheck the Direct Debit for cup matches option on their season ticket forms and those curious souls who like watching car crashes take place.

None so far

In terms of team news for NUFC Oba makes a comeback but Nacho man is struggling with the tight hamstring that restricted him to 10 minutes on Saturday.

Definitely missing are Barton and Guthrie through suspension as well as Beye, Carroll, Enrique, Guthrie, Gutierrez, LuaLua, Smith and Viduka on the crocked list.

NUFC.com speculate that the following youngsters, left out of the reserves on Monday, could be in with a chance of a start:

Frank Wiafe Danquah, Ryan Donaldson, Mark Doninger, Callum Morris, Tim Krul, Ben Tozer and Fabio Zamblera.

Our only hope for the game.

For Spurs, Hutton is out and Modric is a possible doubt with the injury that`s been niggling since the international break. Expect Frazier Campbell to make his second start against Newcastle this season, following his earlier opening day run out v the Mancs. Jamie O`Hara is another predicted starter.

Wand of a left foot and a great prospect.

The crowd is expected to be the lowest for a proper first team game since Mansfield in 1993.

2-1 to Spurs.

Blackburn at SJP on Saturday.

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