We all know that our game in Moscow against Anzhi Makhachkala is going to be tough, and it’s against a side that has been bankrolled by Russian Billionaire Suleyman Kerimov, and is managed by the Dutchman, 66 year-old Guus Hiddink.
Guus Hiddink – Anzhi Makhachkala manager
The Newcastle 19 man squad will travel to Moscow today and Jonas Gutierrez is one the plane, along with the returning Ben Arfa – and the Argentine is expecting a very tough game:
“This is going to be a really hard game.” “When you go through in this type of competition, you know that any games you play are going to be hard at this stage.” “You also know that when you go away, it’s more difficult.”
“We have to be really compact and we must know that in the first 20 minutes of the first and second half they are going to try and score quickly to try and put us on the back foot.” “Their fans are going to want to score quickly and we need to be prepared for that.”
“The most important thing for us again is to not concede. That puts the pressure on the home side and if we can get an away goal then we have a big advantage to bring back to Newcastle.”
It will be important for Newcastle to try to get a goal in Moscow, and that could help us significantly, and the crowd will not be as intimidating as in the Ukraine in our last leg, and only around 12,000 are expected to turn up and that will include at least 100 Newcastle supporters who are making the long trek to Moscow.
But anything can happen in football and Newcastle still have a decent chance of making it through to the quarter finals, and you never know what may happen in a game.
That was epitomized last night when Manchester United were comfortably 1-0 ahead against Real Madrid, before Nani was sent off after 56 minutes, for an innocuous foul on Arbeloa (the former Liverpool player), who then rolled around the field like he had been hit by a bullet – and it was a complete shock when the referee showed Nani the red card.
It should never have been a sending off, but Real Madrid took advantage in the next 10 minutes, and scored two goals to go through to the next round – and now in 13 meetings with Jose Mourinho, Alex Ferguson has won only two games.
So nothing’s ever certain in football.
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13 comments so far
asenski
Mar 6, 2013 at 10:41 AM
Comment #1it will be very tough game, but still hope for result.
Well i think Pardew has no chance vs G Hiddink and hit tactical abilities, so any result but with scoring for us would be great hope.
TorqToon
Mar 6, 2013 at 10:42 AM
Comment #2Ibiza – I did ask him that and he gave me the ‘I’m currently happy at this club’ speech, but I did get the distinct impression that he won’t be there next season. The club are searching for replacements at the moment so they also think he will leave.
Will he come to Newcastle, all depends really. Get our league status confirmed for next season and give as good a showing in Europe as we can. He talks highly of Newcastle, was very much aware of our interest (NUFC scouting teams were watching him against Nice on Saturday just gone) and regularly talks with Gabby and Haidara.
Not saying for one minute this is destined to happen, but it’s not being ruled out. Personally, I think of we want him, and we bid a decent and respectable offer) he will come. Again…purely my opinion….
ITK pitchforks away, lads!
asenski
Mar 6, 2013 at 10:44 AM
Comment #3Torq,
for whom are you talking about?
TorqToon
Mar 6, 2013 at 10:47 AM
Comment #4Asenski – Sorry mate, was continuing a conversation from the last thread.
Discussing Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang.
Or PEA as we have named him! 🙂
nufc 11
Mar 6, 2013 at 10:48 AM
Comment #5Weve struggled all season to get goals in this competition duno if were up to it big games for big players.
Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand
Mar 6, 2013 at 10:49 AM
Comment #6Torq….So he’s coming then?
Excuse me, just going to go and polish your signed picture which hangs in the ITK hall of fame 🙂
wolfshead@toon
Mar 6, 2013 at 10:50 AM
Comment #7the best team lost has pards ever said that? haha http://www.quitsmokingwithbarca.eu
asenski
Mar 6, 2013 at 10:51 AM
Comment #8Thanks .
Well, maybe i should say I’m quite new here .Today decided to register cause sometimes i want to speak with someone about my favourite football club:)
TorqToon
Mar 6, 2013 at 10:51 AM
Comment #9Shine it up real good, Ibiza and make sure you look after it well..
After all I’m always 1 transfer window away from being slated for something I say on here not coming to fruition.
Didn’t you have a pic of ‘Proud’ up there before me?? 😉
Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand
Mar 6, 2013 at 11:05 AM
Comment #10Torq…I always keep a picture of proud in my wallet 🙂
toonincheek
Mar 6, 2013 at 11:19 AM
Comment #11wolfshead –
Yes has has.
But only when we’ve lost!
toonincheek
Mar 6, 2013 at 11:21 AM
Comment #12wolfshead –
Yes he has.
But only when we’ve lost!
Sav
Mar 6, 2013 at 12:09 PM
Comment #13We need a Turkish referee…