It hasn’t gone unnoticed that teams Newcastle still have to play this season have come into some top form.
Tony Pulis – Stoke manager – team exhausted by European exploits?
Chelsea are now playing like the team of old and even beat the mighty Barcelona 1-0 last night at Stamford Bridge, in the first round of the Champions League semi-final.
Wigan have beaten both Manchester United and Arsenal in their last two games, and deserved to win both those games, and Manchester City are starting to look like the side that hammered teams earlier this season.
Newcastle have to play all those three sides in the last five games of the season, so let’s not under-estimate the task facing the lads before this amazing season ends.
But Newcastle themselves have won their last fives games on the trot, and are full of confidence, and Alan Pardew has today called on his players to get the results in the last five game for their loyal fans.
This is what Alan told the local press today:
“It could be a brilliant end to the season.” “We are going to be playing in full stadiums and that’s brilliant.” “The fans believe in what we are doing.”
“Regardless of what we do in the last five games we’ve had a great season.” “But we still want to repay our fans.” “At times against Bolton the crowd were quiet.”
“It wasn’t like that against Liverpool, we frightened them.” “Against Stoke I hope it’s more like Liverpool.” “We need to try to get that atmosphere going again.”
Stoke seem to have been exhausted by their exploits in the Europa League this season, and have already played over 50 games this term, with 12 of this being in the Europa League, and they are also a better side at home than on the road.
So it could be that Newcastle can register yet another win on Saturday to make it six wins on the trot.
And then we’ll travel to Wigan, and the curious thing there is that the Latics could even be the favorites to win that game, such has been their form over the last five games, in which they have won four of them.
But we’re also sure our players will have something to say about that.
It’s almost like a mini-season of five games Newcastle embark on this Saturday, and depending on how many points the lads can pick up, will decide whether we can qualify for the Champions League next season, for the first time since 2003.
Comments welcome.
50 comments so far
G
Apr 19, 2012 at 11:15 AM
Comment #1We have nothing to lose at this point, and everything to gain. It would be a shame to not go for 5 wins now. Come on the toon.
LewSpi
Apr 19, 2012 at 11:24 AM
Comment #2Ha. I was thankfully talking about football. And this summer wont be too bad as we have the Olympics as well as the Euros.
toonincheek
Apr 19, 2012 at 11:43 AM
Comment #3LewSpi –
doesn’t make too much sense when you reply to a comment from another thread without any explanation.
Wor Shearer
Apr 19, 2012 at 11:50 AM
Comment #4Pulis has backed us to finish in the top 4. Good news for the Stoke game!
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/12/04/19/SOCCER_Stoke.html
marius
Apr 19, 2012 at 11:58 AM
Comment #5hello from romania! hope 2 c nufc playing near by next season, hopehully in UCL, off course
Visten
Apr 19, 2012 at 12:04 PM
Comment #6Wigan will never be the favourites over the toon, don’t care how they are playing.
Toon_Tom
Apr 19, 2012 at 12:06 PM
Comment #7agree with Visten – form will not pay too much of a part in the last few games. It will come down to who wants it more, what people are fighting for and the determination and motivation installed by the managers!!!!
Therefore we will win all games, secure a place in UCL, finish 3rd and collectively laugh at 5under1and 😉
HWTL
SMB
geordiejamie89
Apr 19, 2012 at 12:16 PM
Comment #8Hopefully it’ll be six wins in a row after this week……. then seven………. then……….
may aswell keep going into next season and become the tyrants.
keeleytoon
Apr 19, 2012 at 12:21 PM
Comment #9Just seen baines for everton could be out for the season, personally think he is a great player at lb, could be good news for us when we play them, may not make much of a difference but who knows….
Beattie25
Apr 19, 2012 at 12:39 PM
Comment #10Gonna be honest I am fed up with talking about the form if other teams! They should be afraid of us. Peoples mentallitites are wrong
martoon
Apr 19, 2012 at 12:40 PM
Comment #11Arsene Winger is backing HBA for France
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Newcastle-Hatem-Ben-Arfa-should-start-for-France-at-Euro-2012-says-Arsene-Wenger-Arsenal-manager-article892409.html
Hope that doesn’t mean he is going to bid for him.
Wor Shearer
Apr 19, 2012 at 12:49 PM
Comment #12I see France doing well at the euros. I can also Belgium going quite far too.
Korzic
Apr 19, 2012 at 12:57 PM
Comment #13I don’t think Everton will be a hard game. Last game, they have nothing to play for. they’ll be focussing on Mad Monday.
Offkey
Apr 19, 2012 at 12:58 PM
Comment #14Beattie – Although I understand what your saying about mentalities I think there should be some realism. Our record in the Premier league is 7 wins in a row (covering the end of the 93-94 season and start of 94-95).
In one season it is six wins. If we beat Stoke, we equal a record of our star studded squads of the past. As such, even though I believe we can do it, there is a good possibility we wont. In which case I want to know who everyone is playing, what injuries they have, bookings etc…..
In fact, I actually find it extremely interesting looking at all the possibilities…..
Offkey
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:05 PM
Comment #15and before any picks on me for it, I do understand we could draw the next game and win all the others, thus not getting 7 wins in a row but still likely we may get in to CL…..
But you understand what I’m saying 🙂
Jail for Ashley
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:14 PM
Comment #16I think two wins and three draws will do it if Chelsea draw or lose with Arsenal,the sickener would be finishing fourth and Chelsea end up winning the cup.
WWJBD
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:15 PM
Comment #17Rumour has it that Butterfield lad has signed for NUFC, anyone confirm this?
Jail for Ashley
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:17 PM
Comment #18WWJBD,
Beattie was on about it earlier,who is he like ?
WWJBD
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:20 PM
Comment #19JfA
Meant to be the best CM talent in the Championship, out of contract in the summer but he is crocked badly from what I’ve read about him. Gosling situation it again NUFC are meant to be picking up his rehab
Offkey
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:21 PM
Comment #20This is a story I read on butterfeild –
http://nufcfans.co.uk/slider/toon-have-not-been-in-touch-over-tykes-midfielder/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=toon-have-not-been-in-touch-over-tykes-midfielder
tarie4
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:25 PM
Comment #21martoon
Wouldn’t worry about Wenger…he won’t spend over 20 mil on one player
Beattie25
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:29 PM
Comment #22I think we are going to win 2-1 this weekend. Thoughts? Please I’m so bored at work. Pleeeeaaaaaasssseeeee
Offkey
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:30 PM
Comment #23JFA – I would think from the remaining fixtures Spurs and Arsenal could easily get 9+. Admittedly Spurs form isn’t great but I see that changing, and I think Arsenal’s loss to Wigan is likely to spur them on.
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:30 PM
Comment #24Hi Beattie…How’s tricks?
I think we’re in for a win this weekend. I’ll go for a 3-1. Cisse, HBA and Ba to get back in the goals!
tarie4
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:31 PM
Comment #25WWJBD
Is it off twitter?? And who does he play for??
Beattie25
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:31 PM
Comment #26We keep dr. Richard Steadman in business!!
Beattie25
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:33 PM
Comment #27Good Ibiza. I’m still optimistic but like jekyll must fight Hyde I remain aware I could change at any minute.
3-1 sounds good to me. Spurs draw, Chelsea defeat and 4th place for the weekend.
Lovely
martoon
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:34 PM
Comment #28tarie4 @21 Aye good point well made!
magpie6699
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:37 PM
Comment #29I’ve pointed out in an earlier blog a few days ago that our remaining opponents are hitting form and (as always) am very nervous but will be well satisfied if we can hold onto 6th place – it will still have been an unexpectedly fantastic season.
One little crumb of comfort – weren’t Bolton on a good run before they played us? I think Coyle got manager of the month – which is always the kiss of death!!
martoon
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:37 PM
Comment #30Hi Ibiza – you still freezing your wotsits off back in UK?
I think it will be tight 1 0 or 2 1 to the Toon of course.
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:38 PM
Comment #31Beattie…Well keep up the good fight mate…still lots to be optimistic about…for now 🙂
Any new information floating about? Been off of here for about a week…anyone care to fill me in on the highlights (or lowlights)?
tarie4
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:38 PM
Comment #32good stat that..for dreamboat
@NUFC_Stats: Yohan Cabaye has produced most total (102) and successful (72) tackles in the PL at NUFC this season #nufc
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:41 PM
Comment #33Martoon….Ay, have been and got some thermals to try and combat this weather….i know i know, man up! 🙂
Hopefully flying back tomorrow night, as long as i can get some things tied up first.
As long as we get 3 points tomorrow, I couldn’t care less how they come. Need to keep the pressure on the “top teams”.
check the toastie
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:41 PM
Comment #34Think we wil butcher stoke, they ae a poor footballing team and will not have the technical ability to keep the ball from us, they wil play 442 and we will smah them to bits, 4-0, then the Toon really will be at fever pitch.
If our oys are fresh and we put them under pressure they wil keep giving us the ball back, if we have any decent amount of possession they will be on for a hiding.
Would like to see us impose ourselves on them, no excuses now, everyone has had a good break and people should be raring to go, although we have been winning games, we have not dominated sides as we now should, i have a feeling this cud happen on saturday, looking forward to it.
CODARM (The poster formely known as Ibizatoon)
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:43 PM
Comment #35Tarie…Interesting stat indeed. Confirms what many have said on here that’s he has sat back a lot this season to protect the back line. Hopefully next season we’ll get to see a bit more of him getting forward and nicking some goals for the toon!
WWJBD
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:44 PM
Comment #36Aye lad it is off twitter as for who he plays for I can’t remember tbh Burnley maybe?
tarie4
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:45 PM
Comment #37check the toastie
Agree mate, they also have nothing to play for, they are safely in mid-table, just hope our boys turn up..if they do, I can’t see us not getting the 3 points
check the toastie
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:47 PM
Comment #38Hope evrybody agrees that perch should play instead of simpson in the back 4, gives more height and will try and contribute to some football being played rather than being a passenger most the game.
Boltin game Simmo was disinterested and hid, perchinho next to willo for me, willo has started to play well and we need a big game from him at the weekend, personally think perch can look after himself as well, which frees up ben10 a bit more. It is the way to go for the run in, Perch has shown his steel and should be rewarded, simmo is about to leave in 5 games, wot does he care whether we make europe on not when hes playing for west brom next year.
check the toastie
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:50 PM
Comment #39Unsure whether Gutti should play instead of Guthrie for the same reason, Guthrie is about to leave club, does he go into the tranches for a club that wont give him obviously wot he wants, Simmo looks fed-up, dont know if that applies to guthrie, seems to always run himself into the ground.
tarie4
Apr 19, 2012 at 1:52 PM
Comment #40WWJBD
rumour is he is due for a medical tomorrow!! Hope its TRUE, he can slot right beside gosling same age and same type of player..it could be beneficial to both, guess he is the Guthrie replacement.
Ibizatoon
yeh he has sat back alot this season, I see him more of a xavi player, keeps the mid-field ticking over, all we need now his a Silva,mata inesta, type…and I see Marvin martin as the perfect choice, corgnet will do too..