In a recent poll we conducted goalkeeper Tim Krul came out on top as the most improved player at the club this season with a huge 42% of the vote, with over 1600 readers casting their vote.
Tim Krul saves brilliantly from a Vidic point-blank header
Steven Taylor was second on 17% and Ryan Taylor third on 13% and captain Colo third on 9%.
And it’s hardly surprising that the top four players are all in the Newcastle defense, and have started every single game in the Premier League so far this season.
Tim Krul was also our Man of the Match on Saturday with 7% of the vote followed by Steven Taylor on 10%, and is seems that Tim just cannot wait for the game against Chelsea at St. James’ Park on Saturday.
Tim says the lads are full of confidence and it will likely be the 14th league game in a row that Pardew has played an unchanged defense:
“I’m really pleased with it. Thirteen games with the same back four in front of me,” “Everybody knows their jobs and everybody is doing their jobs.”
“The manager has put a defensive unit in front of me, and it’s ten times better if everybody can stay fit, which they have done.”
“Saturday against Chelsea is a tough game but one to look forward to, especially on the back of a fantastic result at Manchester United last weekend. Our confidence is sky high.”
“It is a perhaps a good time to play Chelsea. We are full of confidence and they maybe are a little bit down because they are not on such a good run.”
“But saying that, we will have to be on our toes because they have still got some world class players in their team.” “It will be great,”
“The city deserves success and the way we are playing now, the people are really wanting to see us play again.” “That is how it should be and all the players and staff feel proud that it is sold out.”
Jonas Gutierrez will serve a one match ban on Saturday after being sent off for two yellow cards, and his sending off was just before Tim’s save shown above, which was from the resulting free kick.
Alan can play either Sammy Ameobi or Danny Guthrie in that position, but unfortunately bad news today that Cheick Tiote will again not make the game, so Danny will start again in central midfield for his sixth successive start.
This is what we think the starting eleven will be on Saturday:
Krul
Simpson Coloccini (c) Taylor (S) Taylor (R)
Obertan Guthrie Cabaye Ameobi (Sa)
Ben Arfa
Demba Ba
What’s you starting line-up for Saturday?
Comments welcome.
PS – I was honored to write a piece about Gary Speed for the Daily Telegraph article dedicated to Gary, which was published last Tuesday, and had quotes from supporters of the various clubs he had played for.
Gary will get a fitting tribute from Newcastle United and the fans on Saturday, before the kick-off.
May Gary rest in peace and our hearts go out to his family.
16 comments so far
GeordieGerman
Dec 1, 2011 at 5:26 PM
Comment #1Krul
Simpson Coloccini (c) Taylor (S) Taylor (R)
Obertan Guthrie Cabaye Santon
Ben Arfa
Ba
GeordieGerman
Dec 1, 2011 at 5:33 PM
Comment #2Or.
Krul
Simpson Coloccini (c) Taylor (S) Taylor (R)
Obertan Guthrie Cabaye Ben Arfa
Best Ba
kevymartins
Dec 1, 2011 at 5:34 PM
Comment #3People on twitter are saying best aint fit but judging but the trining pic’s he looks fine
seantoon
Dec 1, 2011 at 5:35 PM
Comment #4Bang on Geordie german, only Guthrie out tiote in if he’s fit
ganiyu
Dec 1, 2011 at 5:36 PM
Comment #5erm i think its high time we see what santon can do
roshan MAGPIE
Dec 1, 2011 at 5:43 PM
Comment #6MY team will be
KRUL
SIMPSON
SAYLOR
COLO
RAYLOR
OBERTAN
GUTHRE
CABAYE
BEN ARFA
BA
BEST
subs
harper
pearch
santon
gosling
shola
lovenkrands
sammy
GeordieGerman
Dec 1, 2011 at 5:44 PM
Comment #7seantoon, Definitely Tiote is fit, but can’t see it. Think he’s having problems with the “For Sale” sign round his neck.
GeordieGerman
Dec 1, 2011 at 5:46 PM
Comment #8*Definitely if Tiote
Dannyo
Dec 1, 2011 at 5:50 PM
Comment #9Tiote is out and Best has just started training.
My guess is Best on the bench, moving Loven off it.
Otherwise i think Ed is spot on with his team setup.
Expecting to see Shola get a piece of action, along with Santon.
Scottishtoon95
Dec 1, 2011 at 5:50 PM
Comment #10Just read your part of the article in the telegraph ‘Mr Harrison’ (lol). Very well written articles by all the bloggers of his former clubs, they each expressed how we all feel towards a great man who could have had another five years with us. All I can say is what I said when I saw him play “SPEEDO, SPEEDO!” R.I.P
ganiyu
Dec 1, 2011 at 5:51 PM
Comment #11God bless you tim krul.
Beattie25
Dec 1, 2011 at 6:01 PM
Comment #12As a defensive unit we have been outstanding this year and with a combination of skill, determination and fortune we have done brilliantly at the back.
As an attacking force though I don’t think we have hit top form yet. Yes Demba Ba has banged them in for fun recenlty and Leon Bet has chipped in with a few at te start of the season, but in reality we havent looked really dangerous for long periods of each game (with the exception of Blackburn at home and Stoke away).
I really hope on Saturday we attack Chelsea throughout the match and show a different side to our game other than the tight defensive unit we are.
C’mon the toon let’s be entertaining at the right end on Saturday
Marty-Toon
Dec 1, 2011 at 8:20 PM
Comment #13Is Tiote being held back from playing because a certain fat boy wants to cash in???
Willo
Dec 1, 2011 at 8:43 PM
Comment #14I’ll agree with Ed when he says the team is
Krul
Simpson Coloccini (c) Taylor (S) Taylor (R)
Obertan Guthrie Cabaye Ameobi (Sa)
Ben Arfa
BA
But with a notice to Sammy. He must be given very clear instructions to track back and help defensively as well. He did a good job of that at Manchester United last week and he must do the same. That is my only qualm about the team.
Gascoigne - Legend
Dec 1, 2011 at 9:10 PM
Comment #15Krul crucial saves this season are a reason we are in top 4 . he will only get better , we’ve got to make sure we keep hold of him! He will be the Dutch no 1 in a years time! Anyone got a spare ticket for Norwich away , will pay good money !!
BenArfa1993
Dec 2, 2011 at 12:21 AM
Comment #16Can not wait for saturday to once again challenge ourselves against the supossed top 4 and to see the 52,000 of St James pay tribute to the great Gary Speed who will always be a huge figure in NUFC history!!! RIP