But we expect the figures to be "doctored" regardless how many stay away, as Newcastle United have traditionally worked "wonders" with the figures in past decades.
Disgruntled fans are expected to express their anger towards club owner Mike Ashley and director of football Dennis Wise after the acrimonious departure of manager Kevin Keegan.
It's not known how many fans will choose to boycott the game, but the attendance could be up to 20,000 short of the 52,000-capacity ... but expect a few thousand to be added to create a "healthier" tally.
Today a Northumbria Police chief urged fans intending to protest to do so peacefully.
Nearly double the number of officers as normal will be drafted into the city centre to deal with any outbreaks of disorder.
Sgt Ian Boath, planning and events officer at Northumbria Police, said: "We accept the right of any group to stage a peaceful protest.
"However, any group or organisation wishing to stage a public demonstration is required to give police six days' notice in writing, and once that is done, we may impose certain conditions on that protest or advise a particular route.
"We have been made aware of demonstrations being planned on websites, but we have not been officially approached about any of those.
"We would discourage the organisation of any such protest, but if fans still wish to demonstrate on Saturday, we would urge them to do so in a peaceful way.
"The vast majority of those wishing to take part in a march or protest will be law-abiding members of the community, and we are not anticipating any incidents of serious disorder."
The Toon Ultras group want fans to congregate an hour before kick-off at the old Milburn reception of the ground.
Another march is proposed from Tilley's bar, on Westgate Road, to St James's Park, starting at 3pm.
But many believe boycotting the game would be a "pointless exercise".
Ashley already has our money because we've renewed our season tickets, and we (NU Mad) will be attending the game ... but intend joining the protests prior to the match.