Sylvain Marveaux is a very skilled Newcastle midfielder, who has finally got back to top fitness, after spending some time out of the game since last October, because of injuries.
Sylvain Marveaux – now in top condition at Newcastle
When Newcastle signed Sylvain, from under the noses of Liverpool in mid-June, the 11 times capped French U21 International hadn’t played football for almost nine months, following some injuries at his former French club Rennes.
Marveaux has not played too much in the Newcastle first team – yet – and he has two starts in the Carling Cup and four appearances in the Premier League.
Sylvain is a skillful winger and he is able to play on either side, so he will be a threat to Newcastle’s current two starting wingers, Jonas Gutierrez and Gabriel Obertan.
We expect Alan Pardew to again start an unchanged side on Sunday against Tottenham, and Sylvain will likely be on the bench, but he could get some playing time in the second half on Sunday, depending on how the game is going.
We expect Alan to against start this team on Sunday against Tottenham:
Krul
Simpson Taylor (S) Coloccini (c) Taylor (R)
Obertan Cabaye Tiote Gutierrez
Ba Best
Assistant Manager John Carver seems very impressed with the 25 year-old French winger, both because of the form he is now showing on Tyneside, and also because of his positive attitude.
This is what John Carver said today:
“We saw a glimpse this week of how much he’s improved condition-wise,” “That was a major factor when he came in. He’d had issues, and wasn’t up to speed.”
“He’s worked extremely hard, and I mean extremely hard.” ” It’s been difficult for him, as he’s not been in the team.” “He’s not used that as an excuse. He’s rolled his sleeves up. He went to Bolton, and I thought he was superb.”
“For me, he could do a job on either side. He’s got his mind focused on training, and he’s waiting for his opportunity.” “That’s what’s putting pressure on the two wide guys at the moment.”
There’s a first team place on the wing waiting for Marveaux, if he can take his chances when he gets them as a substitute, and probably his best chance could be on the right wing, where fellow French winger, Gabriel Obertan, is currently in possession of the starting position.
But the Newcastle bench these days is very strong, and that’s proof of how well Newcastle did in the transfer window last summer.
Comments welcome.
42 comments so far
Barras
Oct 14, 2011 at 2:03 PM
Comment #1I hope, that the Obertan quote is being used a smokescreen. If Marveaux isn’t fully fit, then OK that’s acceptable put him on the bench and bring him on with *at least* 30 minutes to go.
But then surely we should play 4 3 1 2:
Krul,
Simpson, S.Taylor, Coloccinni, Santon,
Cabaye, Tiote, Gutierrez,
Ben Arfa,
Ba, Best
With Tottenham’s pace, Santon should definitely start, and if he tires the bring on R.Taylor or Ferguson (not the other way around).
P:S – I think its quite clear if Marveaux is fit then we should put him in, instead of Best. So Ben Arfa plays behind Ba, and then we play 4 across the midfield.
GeordieToon89
Oct 14, 2011 at 2:05 PM
Comment #2looking at our fixtures up until the 30th december a think we could quite easily get 22 points losing only away to Man Utd and Man City providing we keep are players fit and fighting like we are
Obertani Martins
Oct 14, 2011 at 2:07 PM
Comment #3No reason Obertan should be guarenteed his place just because we havnt lost, aprt from a few climpses hes been far from impressive.
Marv shouldnt start sunday but needs more than 5 mins at the end.
P.S. Id be amazed if we go 4-4-2, Simpson will need help with Bale
GeordieToon89
Oct 14, 2011 at 2:15 PM
Comment #4a think we’l play 4-5-1 on sunday
————–Krul
Simo-Taylor-Colo-Santon
——-Cabaye–Tiote
Marveaux-Ben Arfa-Jonas
————–Ba
thats my team but a think it will be:
————–Krul
Simo-Taylor-Colo-Santon
——-Cabaye–Tiote
Obertan-Marveaux-Jonas
————–Ba
Dannyo
Oct 14, 2011 at 2:17 PM
Comment #5This is beginning to agitate me a bit, surely Marveux and HBA provides allot more offensive power than Obertan/Gutti and Best/Ba.
Personally i’d sacrifice Obertan and Best for the two of them.
We haven’t seen it yet, but Ba isn’t exactly slow either.
Also, when will be start settling our new LB?
Cmon Pardew, be a man and field the better players. A good run shouldn’t blind us from the fact that we’re still able to field a better team.
GeordieToon89
Oct 14, 2011 at 2:20 PM
Comment #6Ba is quick as out for a tall guy plus hes very good at tracking back and helping the team which he said himself he enjoys doing thats why my first team a feel is our strongest and should be put in against a very strong spurs team especially considering we havnt even played that well
Ollieh51
Oct 14, 2011 at 2:21 PM
Comment #7The few minutes Marveaux has been on the pitch he’s been brilliant!
Nearly got a key pass to a goal agianst Villa nad his pace was there for us to see.
Just think that it’s one of the ‘lesser’ games that he and Santon should be started in as opposed to vs. Spurs who are really going to try and put us through the mill.
Barras
Oct 14, 2011 at 2:21 PM
Comment #8@GeordieToon89
The team you would pick is spot on mate, exactly the same as what I would pick, and a lot of other bloggers on here.
Disagree with the team which you think will get chosen, as I think we’ll play the same team we used against Wolves, which would be a big move.
Having said that Pardew said earlier this week, that Ben Arfa’s fitness has improved loads and hinted that he’s pretty much ready now. And now Carver has just said: “that’s what’s putting pressure on the two wide guys at the moment.” – which means Marveaux is putting pressure on the wingers but Ben Arfa isn’t because clearly their thinking of replacing Best/Ba with Ben Arfa.
So who knows we can still hope Santon, Marveaux and Hatem Ben Arfa start against Tottenham. I think its time for them now.
Ollieh51
Oct 14, 2011 at 2:22 PM
Comment #9@Dannyo – We can’t be too aggressive going forwards, Jonas has saved us too many times with tracking back and ball retention.
Santon is nearly ready but it can’t be a baptism of fire, you need to ease players in.
Dannyo
Oct 14, 2011 at 2:23 PM
Comment #10@GeordieToon89
Aye, but Best has had an immense work-rate aswell, but he doesn’t help out as well as Ba. Altho, i think Best has two assist on Ba’s goals.
Still, i feel a bit more secure when watching Ba getting in a shot than Best, still think Best isn’t too good of a finisher.
Often misses his mark sadly.
They work well together tho, so i see why it’s hard to separate them. But it’s all for the greater good imo.
GeordieToon89
Oct 14, 2011 at 2:24 PM
Comment #11Barras – ano mate my first team should defo start but a based me 2nd team on the fact the other week Pardew says Marveaux was closer to starting than Ben Arfa and the fact Pards has basically said Obertan is starting, would love him to pick the origional team ive posted though think thats easily capable of picking up 3 points and easily capable of picking up points away to City and Utd
GeordieToon89
Oct 14, 2011 at 2:26 PM
Comment #12Dannyo – a was agreeing with you btw a wasnt complaining haha Ba would start every time for me if we wer playing 1 up top, harsh on Best ano but Ba is more an all rounder which you need when only 1 is upfront
Dannyo
Oct 14, 2011 at 2:27 PM
Comment #13@Ollieh51
Yes, i realize this, thats why i’m opting to keep Gutti on, but switch him over to Simmos side to aid with Bale.
Santon comes with a good pedigree as any as has been touted TWO times by Beardsley as a young Maldini in his two reserve matches, aswell as he’s recently captained the U-21 side to victory.
I’m just convinced on the lad, this is a home game, he’ll have 45.000 people backing him, it won’t get easier, this is the PL.
Dannyo
Oct 14, 2011 at 2:29 PM
Comment #14@GeordieToon89
Aye mate, haha, i’m well aware, i think i was argumenting more for myself than anything else 😛 Just saying why i’m opting for Ba ahead of Best.
Christ u’re a quick poster btw…
GeordieToon89
Oct 14, 2011 at 2:31 PM
Comment #15haha fair enough Dannyo =]
its cos a got made redundant the other week so got nothing to do applied for over a 100 jobs in 2 weeks got 3 replys so far and managed 2 get a part time weekend one at Asda Warehouse so got nothing atall to do during week so a just bash this when people talk =]
Dannyo
Oct 14, 2011 at 2:34 PM
Comment #16@GeordieToon89
Yeah, gives u a real chance to be *FIRST* on the next thread then 😛 Sorry to hear about that btw, move to Norway, i’ll give u a job, u may not like it tho, lol.
GeordieToon89
Oct 14, 2011 at 2:35 PM
Comment #17to be honest a think its better putting players in against better teams cos sometimes putting them in against really weak teams like say Wigan might make them take it easy against the likes of spuds whereas putting them against bigger clubs makes them realise just how hard the league really is.. you see what a mean? am not saying if we sign say 5 new players then they all should start am saying like put 1 or 2 in then next game add another 1 or 2 like that but to be captain of the italy u21’s and labelled the next Maldini he is more than capable of holding his own against the likes of Lennon
GeordieToon89
Oct 14, 2011 at 2:36 PM
Comment #18Dannyo – what do you do like mate? always wanted to work away from home to be honest
Dannyo
Oct 14, 2011 at 2:41 PM
Comment #19@GeordieToon89
I’m the manager at a McDs here in Norway, again, don’t think thats worth the travelling tho 😛
Dannyo
Oct 14, 2011 at 2:42 PM
Comment #20@dannysimpson12
Danny Simpson
Every1 back training together today, was like we’ve not had a break! Great session n we can’t wait 4 the match on sunday
GeordieToon89
Oct 14, 2011 at 2:47 PM
Comment #21Dannyo – where u origionally from? howd u manage to get the job in Norway canny distance.
good to see everyones still happy and all seem to get on v.well
ToonRanger
Oct 14, 2011 at 2:53 PM
Comment #22Awryt lads, im planning on coming down for the Swansea game in December and its been a few seasons sine i was down at SJP. Was just wondering where people would suggest i sat and what exactly the sports bar section is? cheers
Dannyo
Oct 14, 2011 at 2:55 PM
Comment #23@GeordieToon89
I’m from Norway mate, I’ve just been supporting Newcastle since the year we finished 2nd with KK in charge. I was at high school then and was easy influenced by the “best teams”. And it just stuck, for better and for worse 😛
Hobs
Oct 14, 2011 at 3:01 PM
Comment #24I thinki’s more likely to see Marveux than HBA against Spurs. Marveux has a really good workrate, and we need that in a match where we’re likely to be the ones put under pressure.’Also I think this is gonna be a starter for Santon, as we need his pace to take out Lennon. That was how we conceeded against them last season.
My tip is we start an unchanged side, apart from a possible start for Santon and then Marveux might take the place of Leon Best. We need Obertan at our right wing to exploit Tottenham’s left side when Asout-Ekotto and Bale go forward. Counter attacks anyone?
Ollieh51
Oct 14, 2011 at 3:13 PM
Comment #25Bale pushing on is only one thing to worry about.
For me, this game is won/lost in CM.
Tioté+Cabaye vs. Parker+Modric.
If we can stop the outlets to Bale/Lennon, we can cut of the supply to whoever is playing up top.
This will be a chess game, slower, more calculated attacks knowing that both teams can hit on the counter.
Bale’s pace is a worry but it’s more his fitness that will hurt people as Simo is no slouch.
soundoid
Oct 14, 2011 at 3:15 PM
Comment #26http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thefootballtacticsblog/2011/10/newcastle_profit_from_pardews.html
Anyone see this?
Barras
Oct 14, 2011 at 3:16 PM
Comment #27@Hobs
See, now I completely get what you mean when you say: “we’re likely to be the ones put under pressure” – but in all honesty, why? If we are to beat Spurs, we need to not have that attitude at all. We need to have the opposite, we need to think OK were going gun ho on these guys, and I think most of the bloggers here agree because everyone wants to see Santon, Marveaux and Hatem Ben Arfa.
If we put them under pressure, we’ll see the weakness to Spurs. Michael Dawson = not very good, Assou Ekotto *if that’s how you spell his name?* = not very good. Bale is not great when required to defend, Modric is not so much of a threat when put under intense pressure *Tiote*.
Also, I think Lennon is injured for Sunday but not sure buddy?
Pardew NEEDS to start our fast players, Santon, Marveaux and then the tricky Hatem Ben Arfa. And I think Ferguson could do great in this match, he’s fearless when running at players, just like Gareth Bale.
Dannyo
Oct 14, 2011 at 3:16 PM
Comment #28@Ollieh51
I see our right side as the easiest part to break through atm for me.
Tiote is well capable of stopping Parker and Cabaye is techincally versed enough to put the breaks on Modric.
Once we break them down, we have lots of oppertunity through the middle of the park. Tottenham has let 10 goals in so far, so we deffo have the oppertunity to score.
But they are a gung ho team, so defending is equally important.
Dannyo
Oct 14, 2011 at 3:17 PM
Comment #29@Ollieh51
Then i mean our right side as being the weakest, sorry, should’ve pointed that out.
wynsleap
Oct 14, 2011 at 3:20 PM
Comment #30GeordieToon89 @ 4
That 4-5-1 team looks pretty formidable if everyone plays to their best ability.
The bench could be pretty tasty too.
I still say that Pardew has to start playing or giving much greater time to Benny, Santon and Marveaux or I can see some unrest starting to fester.
cyprus
Oct 14, 2011 at 3:45 PM
Comment #31Maybe it will be a game of two halves: Start with the winning formula we have now, then depending on how things go, throw in (even for 45 minutes) 2 of the known suspects. With 15 remaining, put in our ‘secret’ weapon.
cyprus
Oct 14, 2011 at 3:48 PM
Comment #32Oh, and AP, hope u oif course did this: First show reel of Spurs thrashing Pool, to show team what to look out for. Then show them how how Man. City thrashed Spurs, to show them that it can be done…
cyprus
Oct 14, 2011 at 3:56 PM
Comment #33Lawro’s prediction:
“For me, Harry Redknapp’s side still look the most likely to get fourth place, and I would expect them to underline that by winning at St James’ Park.
“Prediction: 0-2?
Don’t worry! He gets our results more wrong than right!!
gorskino10
Oct 14, 2011 at 3:58 PM
Comment #34Obertan hasn’t impressed me as of yet, this im hoping will be a game he goes out and shows me why we bought him, wanders around aimlessly too much for my liking.
Merv is in form and i would 100% play him, but they may keep him on bench and play Obertan and tell him to run about a bit.
I just hope our weakest spots the LB/RB can hold out Bale etc.. Tough tough ask, but the counter attack is our best bet.
gorgonzola
Oct 14, 2011 at 3:59 PM
Comment #35Like somebody said…. This is starting to be a bit of an irritating thing choosing the right players….
HBA and Marveux SURELLY need a start now …especially for Spuds… Got my NEW 1999 Kit with long sleeves…Burnt my old Owen one 🙂
HWTL!!!! I am really
gorgonzola
Oct 14, 2011 at 4:01 PM
Comment #36I somehow think this could be a possible end our unbeaten records as Spuds in particular Modri? and Bale are on top form…. But I am still in my dream state and it is football anything can happen….
Whey_Aye_Cabaye
Oct 14, 2011 at 4:59 PM
Comment #37Everyone is saying it’ll be a ‘baptism of fire’, but, with all taken into account (from his reputation and the fact he had his european debut against cristiano ronaldo of all people- coping fine) then i personally think stick him on. Cheers Raylor, but it was always going to be on a temporary basis you being in the first team
colwell
Oct 14, 2011 at 5:54 PM
Comment #38There is no way i`d start Raylor on Sunday. This should also be the game HBA starts, with Tiote/Cabaye vs Modric/Parker we need someone who can create that magic with Ba up on his own. We have definitely got the SQUAD to beat spurs lets use it.
I love Oba but he doesn`t deserve to start Marv does whats the point of competition when even when you play poor your still not dropped?.
Whey_Aye_Cabaye
Oct 14, 2011 at 5:58 PM
Comment #39@colwell. I concur completely, we need to play our best to compete with their best.
NickeAlvaro
Oct 14, 2011 at 5:58 PM
Comment #40Does anyone know how the new fm demo is? I can’t wait to play the full game in a weeks time but my internets too bad to try and dl the demo.