This week's installment sees our resident injury guru (and Newcastle fan) Ben Dinnery answer a couple of questions for us. Understandably, he's not too optimistic...
Your start hasn't really set the world alight, and you're yet to win this season - what's the general feeling so far amongst Newcastle fans? Are you confident things will improve?
Confident? Far from it! The eternal pessimist in me predicted a difficult season ahead back in February although our flurry of summer transfer activity briefly offered a little respite. Nothing I've seen so far has changed my mind though - my thoughts are echoed by a lot of supporters.
Have you noticed any changes in the playing style this season?
Teams play to their own strengths - when you lose quality [Cabaye, Remy, Hatem Ben Arfa et al] and fail to replace them you're left with a side lacking ideas, creativity and ultimately a player who can produce a moment of magic. We work hard and press [nullify the opposition] but we seem to wait for the opponent to make a mistake as opposed to taking the game to them.
Are there any players we should watch out for in particular this weekend?
Potentially players like Remy Cabella, Moussa Sissoko are capable on their day of producing a game winning performance but the pressure is intense on Tyneside and these players have struggled with consistency.
As for ourselves, is there anyone in particular you think your team will need to be wary of?
I tipped Gylfi Sigurdsson for a good season when he signed from Spurs - a player I like a lot - while I think Jonjo Shelvey will be brimming with confidence following his England call-up & Wayne Routledge will undoubtedly have a point to prove. Wilfried Bony being the other obvious talent amongst your ranks.
How do you think you'll fare in general this season?
Bottom half around 14th would be my guess & another season of disappointment!
Do you think you'll be looking to keep things similar to how you've played so far this season, or will Pardew make changes against the Swans?
Again it comes down to personnel and the players we have at our disposal - I can't see a great deal of change although supporters would like to see two up top as Riviere looks extremely isolated and lost on occasions.
Has any player surpassed expectations so far this season?
After 7 games and 3 points it would be very difficult to say anyone has fulfilled any promise - Rolando Aarons did look decent before his hamstring injury & Siem de Jong [groin] had potential but nether will feature.
You signed Jack Colback this summer which caused a bit of a storm in the North East. How's he done since then?
Solid, nothing more - works hard for the team & always gives 100%, can't ask for anymore than that ....
Lastly, what's your prediction for this match?
The reality of the situation is I'd take a draw right now - are we capable of getting more - quite possibly? Will we? Recent form would suggest not .... 1-1
Thanks to Ben for taking the time to answer our questions! He's our resident fitness expert and you can find his injury updates on this site every week prior to our game. You can follow him on Twitter @BenDinnery, and you can also find him on Talksport, ESPN & PremierInjuries.com