With four new players coming into the club last week in just four days to join Mathieu Debuchy, Newcastle have now brought in five good Frenchman to strengthen the squad this month, and with Steven Taylor and Yohan Cabaye now fully fit and available, and the great Ben Arfa to return in a couple of weeks time, Newcastle should be able to field much stronger sides than we have over the last two or three months.
Sylvain Marveaux – in sparkling form recently
And we need to start picking up wins in these games, if we are going to quickly get away from the relegation zone – and we have almost a perfect chance tomorrow night at Villa Park to do just that – and a win will give a huge boost to the Newcastle squad and the fans too.
Alan Pardew has no excuses now – and he says the squad is at full strength (only Ben Arfa and Cheick Tiote are really missing):
“It’s a kind of restart for us because we are so much stronger in terms of depth and quality within the group.” “We have got Yohan coming back, and he’s like a new player; Debuchy has come into the building and settled quickly, Sylvain Marveaux is playing well, and then the new boys on top of that.”
“The loss of Demba, I think, really impacted on us. You only have to look at the goals scored and you would have to say it has.” “We have had to react to that and hopefully, we have reacted in the right way.” “We have had a small squad since I have been here and now for the first time, I think I have the full allocation, and that goes without the injury crisis we have suffered this particular year.
“We are up to full strength really and now it is about making sure we get the victories we need to build on this.” “People keep talking about finishing fifth last year and this and that, but that team, I have never been able to field because of injuries or whatever.”
“We now have a strong squad. We will probably have a new look to us and that new look hopefully settles quickly because we have not got a lot of games left.” “It may seem like it, but it won’t be in five games’ time if we are still in this same position.”
The game tomorrow night will be a watershed game – and it will be interesting to see what kind of formation and what kind of game plan Newcastle will have against one of the weakest sides in the division, who have not brought in many reinforcements so far this month.
If we are to get away from the relegation zone quickly, then we need to win tomorrow night – it’s really as simple as that.
What do you think?
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473 comments so far
Beattie25
Jan 28, 2013 at 4:45 PM
Comment #1No way near full strength.
Super Magpie
Jan 28, 2013 at 4:48 PM
Comment #2Beattie
We’re only missing Ben arfa from our starting 11. I would call that near enough full strength.
Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand
Jan 28, 2013 at 4:49 PM
Comment #3Hello all, hope everyone had a good weekend. Been off for a few days, where are our new players? I was expecting 3 more in by now 🙂
Really looking forward to tomorrows game, there is a new confidence surrounding Newcastle, at least it seems that way and there certainly is amongst the fans and that should be enough to see us through tomorrow…fingers crossed.
Hoping this is a turning point and we can really kick on from here.
Faddj
Jan 28, 2013 at 4:49 PM
Comment #4hellaw, me and a few pals are venturing to the Aston Villa game for our first away game, if anyone else on here is going, could you get in touch and let me know where all the toon supporters are going for a drink before the game, don’t fancy a pint with the Villa fans!
I’m on twitter, @Faddj, someone get in touch, please and thanks.
pk
Jan 28, 2013 at 4:50 PM
Comment #5Agree with Pardew. Apart from Tiote and Ben Arfa, we are full strength. If the new boys hit the ground running, we will soon climb the table and out of trouble. Sissoko excites me the most. Looks a beast
GAZ09
Jan 28, 2013 at 4:50 PM
Comment #6As close to a full strength team as we’re going to get!
Hatem's better than Messi
Jan 28, 2013 at 4:51 PM
Comment #7We have got Yohan coming back, and he’s like a new player ….
… classic we’ve been waiting weeks for this line to blurt out of his rubbery gob… lol
toonarmydownsouth
Jan 28, 2013 at 4:52 PM
Comment #8toonarmydownsouth // Jan 28, 2013 at 4:47 PM
I dont even reckon tayls is fully fit tbh and was only on the bench due to the fact we had no one else
Also dont think he will be getting the nod infront of a lad who was club captain at 23, a full international, and guided his team to a league title
Wait who does that sound like? Oh yeah cabaye so would everyone of been happy with cabs making a few 10 minute sub appearences when he signed? No? Same for mbiwa the lad is exactly what we need to shore up our defence not warm the bench behind a want away captain and a sick note ffs
Also note pardew hasnt mentioned taylor being fit…
Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand
Jan 28, 2013 at 4:54 PM
Comment #9Hatem…At least it wasn’t said to compensate no actual new players arriving.
Good to see him acknowledge Marvs form also. Really interested to see who emerges as the starting 11 over the next few games.
Beattie25
Jan 28, 2013 at 4:54 PM
Comment #10Super mag
I was talking more of the left wing options and striking options.
John Tudor
Jan 28, 2013 at 4:55 PM
Comment #11imho if pardew makes cockup of the selection of the team and we do not get a result, he is at fault
Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand
Jan 28, 2013 at 4:56 PM
Comment #12tads…Didn’t Cayabe arrive during pre-season? He would have had some time to adapt to the team etc, mind you, I would think that a non adapted Mbiwa is better than Williamson 🙂
Super Magpie
Jan 28, 2013 at 4:56 PM
Comment #13Tads
If he isn’t fit then we shouldn’t risk playing him. He’s only ever a couple of games away from another medium/long term injury. I have no doubt that M’Biwa is the better player and I would have no complaints if he started.
Super Magpie
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:00 PM
Comment #14Beattie
I see your point. We only have 3 strikers in Cisse, Gouffran and Shola. 1 bang out of form, 1 is untested and the other is just Shola. However, that’s all we have. Another striker would be very helpful.
Hatem's better than Messi
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:00 PM
Comment #15Playing CB can’t be too different from club to club most have a back four.
They’ve had a couple of training sessions … jobsagud’n
toonarmydownsouth
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:01 PM
Comment #16Ibiza
He did, but he’s our earliest signing next to debuchy, he’s played with debuchy sissoko and cabaye and he’s match fit, he’s trained with the squad imo its a no brainer rather he start against villa and have a game to know his team mates than watch one then start against chelsea!!
Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:03 PM
Comment #17Tads…I do expect him to start, but I do worry about who we would be able to direct free kicks at without Willo…what a dilemma…
yo-yo
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:04 PM
Comment #18I wouldn’t play Marv in left midfield with Santon LB. That way will leave gaps for their right winger to attack.
Raffo
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:05 PM
Comment #19I think Mbiwa and Sissokho have to start.
——————-Krul
Debuchy-MBiwa-Collo-Santoon
———–Anita—–Sissokho
Gouff———Cabaye———Marveux
——————Cisse
Mister Tuff
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:05 PM
Comment #20I think we should now rest easy in view of the fact that our Captain Colo is now staying at the Toon for at least until the summer to lead the fight against relegation. A true hero of the people. An unfortunate letter was published which caused some offence to Toon supporters -however we now know that what the letter said was not really what the letter said – this news has allayed the fears of many Toon fans after the letter was translated by that well known Spanish linguist, Percy Panais, our esteemed manager.
You will be aware of Captain Colos’ need to get back home to Argentina immediately in order to be with his estranged wife who was ill. Captain Colo is now willing to stay until the summer not because of what has been reported in the press -that he has been threatened by Toon lawyers but because of a miracle in Argentina.
I am reliably informed that a famous South American shaman called Amasina -a Trio shaman from Surinam was draughted in to help Mrs Coloccini. After his examination he applied a poultice (made from medicinal forest plants and chicken entrails) onto the torso of his patient and following various chants and a secret ritual -any ailments to the unfortunate spouse will be magically placed in suspended animation for 6 months -which should allow courageous Captain Colo to stay in England without any worries and return to his wifes’ bedside in the summer, which is great news for all concerned.
Viva jungle medicine.
Viva la France.
Viva le Toon.
Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:06 PM
Comment #21Yo-yo…Marv and Santon both on the left isn’t covered enough as you say.
I’d probably go:
——————–Krul—————-
Debuchy—Mbiwa–Colo—Santon
————-Anita—-Sissoko——–
——–Marv—Cabaye—-Guti——
——————Cisse—————–
Or something along those lines anyway.
Newcastle for alltid
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:06 PM
Comment #22I’m really excited by these new signings and what they’ll potentially do to out form and results. Combined with getting Cabaye, Saylor and (soon) Ben Arfa back, we SHOULD soon be back on winning ways.
I do, however, fear that tomorrows game will be a huge anti-climax. It has been so hyped now. The fact is that it’s an away game against a side desperate for a win, and they do have players who can punish us. We have to win this game, as simple as that, just like we had to win the game against Reading. If we lose against Villa, we have games against Chelsea and Tottenham coming up. Imagine what kind of sh1t three defeats would leave us in.
toonarmydownsouth
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:07 PM
Comment #23Ibizatoon
That is the worry!
Maybe drop colo and give wilo the armband? Seems the only logical action tbh
Beattie25
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:07 PM
Comment #24I just think LW is THE biggest weakness.
Marv and Ober could do a job but we all know who will be there tomorrow night.
tequilamag
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:07 PM
Comment #25The lack of arguments on the blog is most alarming this week. I say Jonas has to start LW. discuss
toonarmydownsouth
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:08 PM
Comment #26Mister tuff
Lol!
Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:08 PM
Comment #27Mister…Don’t suppose you heard anything about the club recruiting that shaman to join our medical team?
Big Pappa Cissé
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:09 PM
Comment #28If Pardew is starting players on form Gutierrez & Willo should be nowhere near the starting line up
Raffo
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:10 PM
Comment #29Toon army – Willo is the first who should be dropped IMHO. If Collo isnt in the team then the skipper should be Cabaye/MBiwa/Saylor
jonman
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:11 PM
Comment #30@GFN_France: We understand that #NUFC have enquired about the availability of #Standard Liege’s French central midfielder William #Vainqueur. #Newcastle
toonarmydownsouth
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:12 PM
Comment #31Raffo
Its a joke man!
Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:12 PM
Comment #32tads…I’m sure Pardew has a master plan, fear not 🙂
Tequila…This blog has become sickening. A Jonas start should throw a few curve balls though…which is in great need 🙂
I can definitely see him starting tomorrow, I would say there is no chance all the new players will start tomorrow, Pardew is a cautious guy and will want Guti and his covering ability on the field from the start imo. For me, Sissoko and Mbiwa need to start (obv Debuchy as well), Gouffran and Hadeira (spelling?!?) on the bench and a run out later in the game if needed or possible.
Hatem's better than Messi
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:12 PM
Comment #33We haven’t scored from a corner or indirectly from a free-kick all season, and we’re still targeting Willo v Reading … it would be funny if it wasn’t so insane. lol
Think we’ve seen the end of Willo?
Epitaph – Always gave 100% but panicked too easily.
davis_toons
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:13 PM
Comment #34“The loss of Demba, I think, really impacted on us.”????
Hello!
The rotting problem has always been there..It just surface earlier. Maybe that’s what you “mean”.
GeordieDan
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:14 PM
Comment #35Faddj>
Unfortunately I’m not going-couldn’t get a ticket.
Could you do me a massive favour and take a huge “Who’s YOUR next Messiah Villa scum?” banner/poster?
I’ll never forgive or forget what those ******** did when we were about to get relegated.
davybtoon
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:14 PM
Comment #36@30 rmc are backing that story and saying we will bid in next 24hours
tequilamag
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:15 PM
Comment #37Ibiza, my thoughts entirely. Can`t see MYM and Sissoko not starting.
Mister Tuff
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:15 PM
Comment #38Ibiza – not to join the medical team but to become manager- now there’s an idea.
jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:16 PM
Comment #39Am I being ungrateful because I still want us to sign a forward? 😀 lol
Hatem's better than Messi
Jan 28, 2013 at 5:17 PM
Comment #40I hope he doesn’t play it too cagey. We’re better than them if we just play football. No silly rigid formations designed to keep clean sheets.