The Newcastle United Blog

140 responses so far ↓

• 1 Ewokshatemackems // Mar 14, 2013 at 1:21 PM

  First?

• 2 Carryingcoals // Mar 14, 2013 at 1:25 PM

  Ranger arrested…again http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2293257/Ex-Newcastle-man-Nile-Rangers-believed-arrested-suspicion-assault.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

• 3 northernirishtoon // Mar 14, 2013 at 1:25 PM

  Nervous and excited for the game 2nite after reading that

  Think it will be a convincing 2-0 win

  We have 2 click sometime and I think 2nite is gonna be the nite

  HWTL

• 4 Mister Tuff // Mar 14, 2013 at 1:29 PM

  I arrive on the blog a bit late today to be confronted by the news that both farmyard and zoo animals will be attending the match tonight, namely a cow and a giraffe. I know Percy wants a full house but this is taking it a bit too far. I would have thought the cow might have been interested in udder things but perhaps not the giraffe -they’ve got neck for anything.

  Alright, alright, perhaps not the best jokes in the world but not bad for my first post of the day. I had a late night “refereeing” the debate between Tads and Jesper who were going hammer and tongs at each other and would probably still be had it not been for my intervention.
  Ibiza -it was clearly your fault for slurping off early -oops forgot to add:-
  Bob Marley and Bob Dylan -easy peasey.

• 5 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 14, 2013 at 1:31 PM

  Mister…I must say you showed some fantastic mediation skills last night

  Northern…The game is not to be taken lightly, but I feel a win coming our way.

  Carrying…Hope you enjoyed your festivities yesterday. As for Ranger, just thankful it’s now “Ex-Newcastle player”.

• 6 Carryingcoals // Mar 14, 2013 at 1:37 PM

  ibiza

  I did indeed. Still feeling worried for tonight though. I’m not much of a betting man but I’ve just checked the odds for:

  Inter 2 – 1 Spurs
  Chelsea 2 – 0 Steau
  Newcastle 1 – 1 Anzhi

  300/1. Unlikely I know but that’s my instinct.

  More concerned about progression of course, I just feel we lack enough up top to do enough. Hopefully I’m wrong but they are a dangerous side.

• 7 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 14, 2013 at 1:39 PM

  Carrying…You have us for a 1-1? Are you still drunk from yesterday?

  They are dangerous, but I fancy us to get through.

  Hopefully we can discuss whether to be optimistic about the quarters later this evening.

• 8 Carryingcoals // Mar 14, 2013 at 1:42 PM

  ibiza

  There’s quite a strong possibility that I might be Who are we supporting again?!

• 9 Transfer Sage // Mar 14, 2013 at 1:42 PM

  Will Anzhi play their strongest team or gamble and rest a few?

  They are close to the top of the league an after losing last weekend can’t afford to drop mroe points this weekend.

• 10 Carryingcoals // Mar 14, 2013 at 1:51 PM

  sage

  I think they’ll go for it…

• 11 Dagwoodz // Mar 14, 2013 at 1:51 PM

  Anzhi are going to go for it, so I think we have to be very careful going forward…

  It’s kind of a catch 22. I think the best strategy is to press them into their half of the pitch and attack. But that leaves us exposed at the back, and with them being a counter-attacking side it could be our undoing.

  I do know if we try and park the bus, (which we don’t do well because we sit way too deep in our end) and catch them on a counter, we’ll get smoked quicker than a cheap joint in the ghetto.

  Tough to call. Don’t think it’s going to be a high scoring contest. Optimistically see us advancing with a 1-0 win, but can see us getting nicked by away goals in a 1-1 contest as well. I just see it coming down to the defense needing to play a great, almost perfect game, to get to the next round.

• 12 DokToon // Mar 14, 2013 at 1:51 PM

  i got decent odds for toon to win, in regular time… so i took them, and will not being sharing my wealth with naysayers and doubters… rest of you, beers on me

• 13 pawl250 // Mar 14, 2013 at 1:52 PM

  Team for tonight

  ——————— Elliot ———————
  Santon — STaylor — Mbiwa — Haidara
  ————– Tiote —- Anita ————–
  ——- Sissoko – Cabaye – Marveaux –
  ——————— Cisse ——————–

  Suspect it will be-

  ——————— Elliot ———————
  Simpson – STaylor – Mbiwa – Haidara
  ————— Anita – Cabaye ————-
  —— Jonas — Sissoko — Marveaux -
  ——————– Shola ——————–

• 14 Dagwoodz // Mar 14, 2013 at 1:53 PM

  Having said all that, it’ll probably be a 3-0 TOON victory and I’ll happily eat humble pie.

• 15 Pardews Parsnip Bonce // Mar 14, 2013 at 1:54 PM

  Hey you crazy kids. Been away a while. Have i.missed much?

• 16 Carryingcoals // Mar 14, 2013 at 1:55 PM

  dagwoodz

  As would I, amen to that

• 17 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 14, 2013 at 1:55 PM

  Dok…I’ll take my beer in a glass, not questioning your body of course

  Carrying…It’s on the tip of my tongue, new something or other?!?

  Right guys….meetings time.

  Catch you before KO. HWTL!

• 18 Transfer Sage // Mar 14, 2013 at 1:55 PM

  dagz

  I think we are too very evenly matched sides both with a couple of game changers.

  It purely depends who is at their best and which of the big players stands up.

• 19 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 14, 2013 at 1:55 PM

  PPB….Nice of you to show your face. See you in another month or so

• 20 davybtoon // Mar 14, 2013 at 1:55 PM

  If ppl took the time to research they would realise anzhi are not very good away from home
  And tiote will play tonight am going 3-1

• 21 Dagwoodz // Mar 14, 2013 at 1:58 PM

  davybtoon,

  With the ref that is in charge of the match tonight, Tiote, if played, needs to be on his BEST behavior. Won’t take much to get him on a yellow or sent off. I think it would be best to have Anita on from the start and bring Tiote on at ’60 or ’70.

• 22 Dagwoodz // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:03 PM

  Sage,

  Their defensive set up impressed me in the Moscow game. Granted, we played with no recognized striker. But they stayed very, very organized and kept us to one good chance on goal all game. I’m hoping that our recent glut of goals at home continues.

  It wouldn’t hurt having Tayls doing the harlem shake at their keeper every so often either…seemed an effective tactic. I think Pardew got it wrong on the dance though, should have been the macarena instead. Would have thrown Begovic and the rest of Stoke into sucha tizzy we would have bagged another 2 goals…

  PARDEW OUT!!! USELESS!!!

• 23 Transfer Sage // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:05 PM

  davy

  Yeh I heard anzhi don’t travel well.

  The commentators said last week “anzhi are weaker away from home but they will play better next week”

  I think they were talking about the fact we have a grass pitch which suits them but made me laugh the way they said it.

• 24 davybtoon // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:06 PM

  Team in the mirror this morning
  Elliott
  Santon Taylor mbiwa hiadara
  Cabaye tiote
  Obertan sissoko Jonas
  Cisse

  I know ppl don’t like obertan but I don’t mind him n I would have him playing but I’d have marveux in over Jonas

• 25 Transfer Sage // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:07 PM

  dagz

  Yeh they seemed to contain us well…but cisse is a different challenge than ben arfa with no match sharpness. They need to keep alert the amount of runs he makes behind (offside often but a back line which isn’t straight could let him in).

  I think we limited them too…a couple of shot from distance but nothing more.

  It was a tight game which both sides looked like they didn’t want to concede in more than they wanted to score.

• 26 Pardews Parsnip Bonce // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:09 PM

  Right im off guys. Catch up in Easter

• 27 davybtoon // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:10 PM

  Transfer – that commentator was pissing me off just kept goin on about how much better anzhi will b next week, they poor away from should b a cracking game
  We know we have to win so need a couple of goals IMO no need to panick if they score bcoz we need at least 2/3 goals to go through I reckon

• 28 Transfer Sage // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:12 PM

  davy

  Obertan annoys me as he seems to not back himself. If he just kicked it past a player and ran he would be so much more effective than doing a daft flick or step over….he has pace so I just want him to use it. He can’t cross either but there’s plenty at our club like that so he isn’t the only one.

  I like marv but I have never seen him play well wide, so would prefer jonas. Give marv a central role or off the bench I think.

  We need players wide to combat their fullbacks and try to push them back into their half…..if we play marv and he keeps drifting inside we might struggle as their full backs will fly into that space knowing they have nobody to track.

  Obertan and jonas wide tonight is the bets option in my mind. But we have options so fairly sure whoever we put out can win us the tie.

• 29 catchy in norway // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:13 PM

  davybtoon

  if that is the team,, then god help us

  the midfield will be to week, with no real support for cisse

• 30 Dagwoodz // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:13 PM

  No need for us to score 2/3 goals if we keep a clean sheet davybtoon…which could very well happen with the way that our defense has been playing in Europe this year.

  

• 31 Transfer Sage // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:14 PM

  davy

  europa league commentators annoy me so much….especially espn which is what we are on tonight.

  They don’t know the basics like what foot a player prefers, recent form, anything of note….it’s poor from what is in essence a professional…not just a guy chatting with his mates like a lot seem to be.

• 32 Mister Tuff // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:14 PM

  I think it’s going to be a completely different game tonight compared to last week.Last weeks game was very poor to watch -but apart from a couple of early errors we were very very well disciplined, I think probably the best this season -everybody seemed to know exactly their responsibilities.
  Playing on grass tonight will I think lead to a better game and we should not lose sight of the fact their players will like grass better than a plastic pitch and will have played most of their lives on grass. I think last week Percy had an inkling for an away goal -hence he played Benny (foolishly).
  If everyone plays to their true abilities I think we should edge it 3-1 -but lets not forget at this stage there are no real mugs left in the competition.

• 33 Transfer Sage // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:15 PM

  catchy

  I just asked about you today….glad your back. What have you made of our recent turn in fortunes? enough to back the manager (or at least give you hope) or still not convinced?

  And what side do you want to see tonight? I think missing gouff and debuchy hurts us alot.

• 34 catchy in norway // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:16 PM

  Transfer Sage

  in 2 seasons, both obertan and jonas have gave us very little from the wings

  why play with wingers?

  sissoko and cabaye behind cisse, with kind of free rolls

• 35 davybtoon // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:16 PM

  Transfer – IMO of obertan is similar seem to lack confidence in himself he’s better on the left wing and your right he gets called for his crossing but there are many poor crossers at the club

  As for Jonas I like his work rate but at the end of the day he’s there to create n he creates nothing

  We need a couple of tricky wingers in the summer I think

• 36 Transfer Sage // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:20 PM

  Catchy

  I think you need width in a team to win.

  Even Barcelona struggle without width, get crowded out too much in the middle as teams can then compress the game. Only recently against Milan did they retun to form as the width gave more space in the middle.

  I know we don’t have great wide men but without them we would be too narrow and tere wouldn’t be as much space for sissoko to make his driving runs.

  Whilst the wingers themselves wouldn’t have a direct influence I think indirectly they help by allowing room for cabaye and sissoko in the middle.

• 37 Blaydon-Toon // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:21 PM

  Transfer agreed mate ESPN commentators are terrible and that includes our GEORDIE Chris BIG MULLET Waddle ! TBF most channels seem to give us little credit when covering our games which really winds me up …. No one likes us we don’t care

• 38 Transfer Sage // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:22 PM

  Davy

  Obertan might lack confidence but I think the time has come for him to go. If he hasn’t go it now can’t see him every havin confidence.

  Even if he could learn to run past people and be brave his crossing wood still be horrid so if we can cut our losses I think we should.

• 39 Dagwoodz // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:22 PM

  epiphany!

  —————–Elliot——————-
  Simmo–Saylor–Mbwia–Haidara
  ———–Anita—–Perch————
  Sissoko—–Cabeye———-Jonas
  ——————Cisse——————

  Bench: Alnwick, Santon, Tiote, Obertan, Marveaux, Gosling, Shola, Campbell

  Simmo is competent defending for the most part, but does not get forward nearly enough like Debs, Santon, or Haidara. Putting Sissoko on the wing gives that side a more attacking threat, but keeps it secure as well. Same on the other side, having Haidara pushing forward, but Jonas is there to provide cover when he does. Cabs pulling the strings in the middle. Perch the primary CDM, with Anita the link between deep midfield and the front lines.

  Again, it’s nice having options in the team. If you play Santon on the right, Jonas has to be moved over there for cover…can’t afford to give them space to move into for their counter-attacking style.

• 40 catchy in norway // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:23 PM

  Transfer Sage

  i dont really see a change in how we play, we have better players, but all we do is give the ball to sissoko,,

  its too soon to judge the players, as imo they have tallent, but goofy needs to be rested, i think he gets into good positions, but wastes alot,, i think that is more the speed of the game we play,,,

  but on pardew,, same ol same ol, crap subs, jonas still starting,

  and just to make this clear,, i think we have a fantastic squad, kids aswell, our MF could be one of the best in the prem,

• 41 Munster Mag // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:24 PM

  Oh God, Obertan was useless in Russia, please no…..I think they will score – we dont have a good defence. Hate to be a killjoy but I think 1-1 tonight. We are missing 5 excellent players – Krul, Colo, Gouffran, Ben Arfa, Debuchy. Any thoughts on this?

• 42 davybtoon // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:25 PM

  Thank god am at the game tonight so I don’t have to listen waddle n co

• 43 Dagwoodz // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:29 PM

  Munster Mag,

  Even with that bunch out, our defensive form in Europe, aside from the last Bordeaux game, has been excellent. Granted, there’s always the possibility that they have a stinker, but I doubt it.

• 44 Transfer Sage // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:31 PM

  munster

  I really dont want obertan to play but see few options without gouff and ben arfa unfortunately.

  Catchy

  I think we improved our game in december, reduced the amount of long balls and this has continued with the new players too.

  I think jonas starts as in that wide role obertan and marv haven’t done enough in that position to take it off him and they are the only other wide men.

  I agree on being a bit defensive though…think we are too cautious and should, with the quality we have, really stamp our authority on games more instead of looking to stop the opposition as much.

  I’m still happy giving time though, as long as we improve at a reasonable rate I am happy.

• 45 catchy in norway // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:32 PM

  Transfer Sage

  I FULLY AGREE

  any team i would build would have good wingers in it,,

  but the team we have right now, we dont have what i call wingers in it

  obertan,, is not a footballer,, just a sprinter

  jonas, he is slow, good for winning free kicks, but can not cross a ball

  HBA, not a winger, but can play there, as he is a great player

  fergy, is the only player i would consider a winger, but needs more games

  the only way i see it working is some kind of 352 with debuchy and santon kind of wing backs,, which is what they are doing right now,, but we must play with 3 proper CB

• 46 Pardews Parsnip Bonce // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:33 PM

  @Davy aye im glad im there. The commentary has been atrocious.
  Last week they spent the entire 90 minutes talking up a relatively toothless toothless anzhi side

• 47 Rainrix // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:33 PM

  I hope pards is inventive and plays santon on the wing. He’s a much better option than marveaux who has a chronic case of cant play on the wing and obertan who has a chronic case of cant play in general. As we know santon can beat a man and occasional delivers a decent final ball and has that defensive part so he can help out either haidara or simmo. I see jonas taking a wing position anyway. so at least thats a solid defensive footing to build attacks on.

• 48 JAMSHA // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:38 PM

  if the score is 1-1 do we go in.for extra time?

• 49 Transfer Sage // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:39 PM

  catchy

  Interesting….not a fan of 3-5-2 as I think the fullbacks are neither defensive enough or attacking enough….prefer a back 4 but see the sense in what you like.

  I think a modern winger is like alexis sanchez, robben, ribery, ronaldo etc

  They are wide when the ball is there side of the pitch but do have a license to move into space centrally if they think it will benefit the team and create a chance.

  Also it’s vital that when the balls out left the right winger gets into the box to support the forwards and add another body.

  I accept we dont have any for tonight, although I think HBA and gouff can do it well enough but it compromises their influence as they are further from goal (but how else do we squeeze them all into the team).

  I just think to abandon any wide men for tonight, no matter how little they offer, will just leave us too conjested in the middle and we will struggle to score.

• 50 Rainrix // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:39 PM

  Jamsha…. No anzhi will win on away goals. The only score that’ll take us into extra time is 0 – 0

• 51 catchy in norway // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:39 PM

  transfer

  100% agree,, we have the team to really stamp our game on it,, but we dont

  i think since the new players have came in,, we hold onto the ball better, but do nothing with it, unless it is sissoko, im really impressed with him,,

  i think this is morre down to pardews tactics than the players, he is always worried and trying to stop the other team first

  tonight,, i think this is a hard game for us, they looked ok, they dont have the home crowd we have, but i think that could work against us, esp if we dont score early,, pardew panics , starts making defensive subs

  campbell would start for me tonight,, he is unknown to them, but good enough to cause trouble

• 52 Transfer Sage // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:41 PM

  rainrix

  I’d like to see santon out wide….so much better than obertan.

  Jamsha

  A 0-0 draw does to extra time….a score draw sees anzhi win on away goals.

• 53 Transfer Sage // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:45 PM

  catchy

  Yeh I think Pardew does set us up to be solid first and foremost…not a terrible plan but it depends what he wants. Thats fine for top 10 finish around the 7/8th mark.

  What the top sides do well is go out to win games from the off…..it doesn’t mean be reckless, don’t have to get the ball forward instantly or try and score 10 a game…..but we do need to go out there and push harder for the win throughout the 90 mins.

• 54 catchy in norway // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:50 PM

  Transfer Sage

  we struggle to score anyway lol

  im a 442 guy, love wingers

  loved our team with ginola and KG,

  KG reminds me of fergy now,, hugs the line, and can put great balls into the box

• 55 Transfer Sage // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:54 PM

  catchy

  I don’t mind 442 proving you have the players for it.

  I do like the current idea of 433…good wide men who can score goals as well as assist but also have somebody behind the striker who can chip in too.

  I dont mind what formation though, as long as there is good pace to the attack, good movement and plenty of attacking intent.

• 56 Transfer Sage // Mar 14, 2013 at 2:58 PM

  catchy

  not a fan of fergie really. I was glad to see him have a go but I think he wasn’t up to scratch.

  He doesn’t have strength on the ball which is ok if you know how to position yourself between the ball and defender to win a free kick if shoved…he can’t do this yet…but still hope for future.

  also his crossing is better than a lot of out lads but I still don’t think it’s fantastic…not enough pace on the cross….

  I think debuchy is out best crosser in the club, good shape and pace as well as being put into dangerous areas.

• 57 NUFC_LEAZES END // Mar 14, 2013 at 3:01 PM

  every time I stick a bet on Newcastle to win they get beat for some reason, its like a curse.
  so i’d just like to inform people that ive stuck 10pound on us to draw and 10pound on us to get beat.
  so if we win tonight I expect every single member just to say a little thanks to me

• 58 DokToon // Mar 14, 2013 at 3:03 PM

  leazes i put toon down to win in regular time… i havent lost a bet on toon this year… fyi… i feel quite good today…

• 59 NUFC_LEAZES END // Mar 14, 2013 at 3:05 PM

  doktoon

  hopefully with our combined luck we’ll get a win tonight then

• 60 DokToon // Mar 14, 2013 at 3:07 PM

  agrred leazes, best of luck to us, and the toon… too bad i cant text you, id join you in a global lifting of beers!! lol

  by the way for all us married or attached folk.. everybody is aware its a holiday, i hope…

• 61 DokToon // Mar 14, 2013 at 3:09 PM

  and how much is L10, in american money? forgive my not knowing the financial market, i deal in liquid commodities here…

• 62 pawl250 // Mar 14, 2013 at 3:11 PM

  Skysports reports Willian is available for selection, too me this is massive. I think he looked the threat before being injured.

  Hopefully Skysports are wrong and he doesnt make the squad, but he can hurt us if he does.

  Hoping we make it through, I dare put a bet on us though dont want no heeebie jeeebies going down.

• 63 Rainrix // Mar 14, 2013 at 3:14 PM

  Pawl… Thats just ssn showing that they dislike this bizarre thing called “research”. Its been confirmed willian didn’t travel by lee ryder and other journos.

• 64 Transfer Sage // Mar 14, 2013 at 3:20 PM

  I’m going for 6-2 to us tonight

  cisse 2, cabaye 2, sissoko 1 and marv 1 – eto’o 2

  Like to be optimistic.

• 65 JAMSHA // Mar 14, 2013 at 3:21 PM

  Rainrix & transfer

  tnx mate… so screwd up i tought a 1-1 would take us in.extra time.. bloody hell so we need to win this… hope to c us win 2-1

• 66 DokToon // Mar 14, 2013 at 3:22 PM

  TS…

  that IS optimistic… i like it!

• 67 pawl250 // Mar 14, 2013 at 3:23 PM

  Catching up with the conversation, 4-4-2 was always my preferred formation but given our current selection I prefer 4-2-3-1.

  I think Carroll returning in the summer window would suit this 4-2-3-1 formation. Here is my reasons why!

  1. Him and Sissoko can both play like he did with Nolan, interlinking with the no.10 role allows him to not have to beat anyone with pace but bring other plays into play.
  2. We look weak on set pieces, it would not surprise me if the last set piece we scored was when Carroll was at the club. He is arguably the most dangerous player in the air the premiership has these days. Corners, Free kicks go to waste and with Carroll I would expect he would convert some of these wasted chances, or set someone up in the process. He also defends crosses well, especially later stages.
  3. Cisse and his general play right now is very hold the ball up, bring others into play. Personally think Carroll can do a better job than this.
  4. I dont want to see it, but late stages of a game it gives you the option to hoof the ball, for him to hold it up with presence rather than Cisse falling over, or losing it.
  5. He would have something to prove, leaving was a massive mistake. He would want us back on his side, he wants to be the local hero. He now knows money isnt everything, people make mistakes.
  6. Just because he plays a more aerial related game does not mean we need to hoof it. We simply use him similar as we do Cisse. Play the ball into him he passes it back, I struggle to think of a better hold up player right now than Carroll.
  7. Hes a local lad. Nowt better than seeing local lad in our team.
  8. Only if the price is right, 7m I would snap Liverpools hand off.
  9. He is better than Shola, even if he does sit on the bench he is far better option than Shola, both in the air and the ground.

  Personally, and its only my opinion, I think he will be perfect for our team right now. It seems crosses, set pieces go to waste since Ba left, and in some respect even when Ba was here. Its time to add some more width into the game…. and would love to see maybe in 5 years time Campbell, Carroll partnership!!

• 68 pawl250 // Mar 14, 2013 at 3:25 PM

  Oh and by set pieces, I should have mentioned more of the creative ones. Not like Cabaye the other day, but the ones on half way line, or near corner flags. You know the same old lets aim for Taylor/Williamson trick that never actually works.

• 69 santonthenewmaldini // Mar 14, 2013 at 3:33 PM

  @pawl1250

  Think the last corner was Ba against Blackburn? That was a Cabaye corner whipped in at pace at the near post why do we not do that anymore?!

  I would take Carroll back next year but not if his fee meant that we did not get anyone else as we really need a winger who can deliver the ball to make the most of him

• 70 pawl250 // Mar 14, 2013 at 3:43 PM

  Santon -

  I disagree, Santon, Debuchy, Sissoko, Gouffran, Anita, Cabaye, RTaylor and Ben Arfa can all whip a good ball in.

  I think if I had to choose now who I would pursue in the summer window it would be -

  In -
  S De Jong – 7m
  Carroll – 7m
  Douglas – FREE
  Young RB – 2m?

  Out -
  Gosling – 1m
  Obertan – 1m

  My reasons for out, Gosling is too injurt prone and think I would prefer Perch, even Bigi in his place.

  Obertan, hes known for pace but doesnt use it. He is lazy and his ego thinks he is better than he is with these small back heels that never come off. Dont have time for him anymore.

  Douglas – Free and would certainly add cover should Colo left, or STaylor gets inevitably injured.

  Siem De Jong, he is the player like Carroll that can cause damage in the air, would be a decent back up for Sissoko or possibly drop Sissoko beside Cabaye and play De Jong in no.10 role.

  Carroll – as stated 10x better than Ameobi and arguably best aerial/hold up player in the PL right now.

  Anyone saying we lack pace, we have Gouffran, Marveaux, Ben Arfa, Campbell all fast players with likes of Sissoko and Cisse who isnt far behind. We need a Shearer type powerhouse, think Carroll is the man for the job.

  Young rb – Simialr mold to Haidara, just right sided as Simpson is away.

• 71 woolerbill // Mar 14, 2013 at 3:47 PM

  Transfer saga
  I are you on something, or are you into rugdy, I f we win it will be by the odd goal. The odds are in their favour, away goal and it’s all over.

• 72 santonthenewmaldini // Mar 14, 2013 at 3:51 PM

  @Pawl

  Quite like the shopping list but we will never get De jong or Carroll for 7 million nowhere near!!! De Jong is the Ajax captain and a goal scorer they will want at least double that for him

  Liverpool will not give us Carroll for that either but would love Ashley to dig deep and get those 2 players !

  Our main problem is we never play players in their right positions they always have to cut back onto their stronger foot Santon would be so much better on the right wing so he can just beat a man and whip it in

• 73 pawl250 // Mar 14, 2013 at 3:55 PM

  I would like to see this team start next season, its imperative we dont lose likes of Cabaye :-

  ———————– Krul ——————–
  Debuchy – STaylor – Mbiwa – Haidara
  ————– Sissoko – Cabaye ———–
  Santon ——— De Jong —– Ben Arfa
  ——————— Carroll ——————-

  Subs/Reserves
  GK – Elliot, Alnwick (Harps should retire) (2)
  DF – Williamson, Douglas, Colo?, Young RB, Street, Good, Ferguson, RTaylor, Tavernier (8)
  MD – Anita, Tiote, Perch, Marveaux, Jonas, Sammy, Bigirmana, Vuckic, Gouffran, Amalfitano, Abeid. (11)
  ST – Cisse, Shola, Campbell. (3)

  Not to mention the vertsaility of Anita, RTaylor, Gouffran, Perch, Sissoko, De Jong, Santon who will all be able to play in different positions.

• 74 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 14, 2013 at 3:59 PM

  I am glad we are going all out ffor a win

  …what time is the game tonight?

• 75 pawl250 // Mar 14, 2013 at 3:59 PM

  Santon – lol like I just posted? I didnt even know what you said until now.

  For me….. Carroll he isnt 12m anymore, he is below 10m can see him wanting to come. Liverpool will most likely want him off the books too. Clearly not wanted right now. 7-8m would be my estimation for the lad right now given his current season. Liverpool could not argue it, should it say be Stoke they would probably consider it, but with us given we got 35m I think they may want abit extra but 7m -8m is what he is valued.

  De Jong I believe I read on here enters his last year of his contract next year, 7m given the dutch league would not be far off, especially since he has already stated desire to leave for a new challenge. Maybe 8m but we know what MA is like.

• 76 pawl250 // Mar 14, 2013 at 4:11 PM

  With who I have put on my summer wish list the back up team will look like this -

  ————————– Elliot ————————
  Young Rb – Williamson – Douglas – RTaylor
  —————– Anita —– Tiote ——————
  Jonas ————– Marveaux ——– Gouffran
  ————————– Cisse ———————–

  Still arguably a strong side lol

• 77 Spellcheck // Mar 14, 2013 at 4:15 PM

  Sadly no place in latest England squad for Steven Taylor. Wot a shame.Hope e has a great game tonight.HOWAY THE LADS!!!!!!!

• 78 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 14, 2013 at 4:19 PM

  Just read Ranger has been arrested under suspicion of assult!

  …will he never learn!

• 79 hatemorloveit // Mar 14, 2013 at 4:20 PM

  does anyone else have a hard on for this match? (no homo)

• 80 Munster Mag // Mar 14, 2013 at 4:21 PM

  Lads what channel is game on?

• 81 Tsunki // Mar 14, 2013 at 4:21 PM

  Does everyonme umnderstand the away goal rule ha ha. We have to win, regardless of whether its 1-0 or 6-5. We just need to make sure it aint a score draw, my fear is it will be just that or the terror of extra time aftwer a 0-0. Sorry but I don’t see them just turning up and going home without having a bash. I think it will be a different show if we are not careful.

• 82 MacToon // Mar 14, 2013 at 4:22 PM

  Huge cheer for Shola if he plays any part in the game tonight, 50 appearances in Europe is quite an achievement considering. Hattrick for Shola to celebrate.

• 83 Munster Mag // Mar 14, 2013 at 4:22 PM

  I believe they will score but as I said earlier, we have 5 top players missing and people seem to be forgetting that. If fit, Colo, Krul, HBA and eligible – gouff and debuch , would all be in our team. Simmo will offer nothing down the right and i cant see Pards playing Santon on the right.

• 84 Rowan Milsted // Mar 14, 2013 at 4:27 PM

  Munster Mag – ESPN (unfortunately).

  hence my question – anyone know any links? I’m guessing firstrowsports..?

• 85 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 14, 2013 at 4:30 PM

  Munster
  ESPN mate

  Catchy
  Thought you’d gone AWOL! How ya been?

  Mactoon
  A huge cheer mate, love him or hate him it’s a massive accomplishment for him and the toon
  Cannot wait for the game absolutely buzzing for tonight, of course they are going to come at us this is a chance to get into a quarter final if a European competition! Both teams will be going hammer and tongs tonight and i can’t effin wait!!!!

• 86 Tsunki // Mar 14, 2013 at 4:31 PM

  Jesper @78 I believe its well established the answer is no.

• 87 check the toastie // Mar 14, 2013 at 4:36 PM

  Think we will get beat tonight as Pardew has no idea.

• 88 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 14, 2013 at 4:40 PM

  Spellcheck
  When you look at some of the players who have been called up you’d have to say leaving stevie tayls out based on his form is criminal tbh, the FA never scout further up than Manchester!

• 89 MacToon // Mar 14, 2013 at 4:48 PM

  tads, I’m not bothered if STaylor misses out on England as it’s less chance of him getting injured but that’s purely selfish on my part. He does deserve a call up but maybe see if he gets through the rest of the season first.

• 90 Munster Mag // Mar 14, 2013 at 4:48 PM

  Shit – i was certain it was on ITV4 like last time???

• 91 Tsunki // Mar 14, 2013 at 4:54 PM

  No munster – evidently espn thought we would be battered away while much more interesting teams were for the watching. Tonight they have wrested this one back off the free channel because they think we might have a chance after all.

• 92 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 14, 2013 at 4:55 PM

  Mactoon
  True mate for purely selfish reasons its great but would be nice to have a local lad in the England set up!

  Munster
  I’d imagine its because we’re back to being the late kick off, but yeah you’d think if they showed the first leg they’d show the second! Bloody ITV

• 93 Munster Mag // Mar 14, 2013 at 5:12 PM

  ESPN is working on my tv now, but i think they will cut it for the NUFC game!!! Any experience of same??

• 94 Novocastrian66 // Mar 14, 2013 at 5:18 PM

  Whenever I watch the Toon on ESPN I always get the impression they want us to lose.
  Come to think of it whenever I watch the Toon I get the impression the commentators want us to lose.

• 95 Dagwoodz // Mar 14, 2013 at 5:20 PM

  I’ve already listed what I’d like the starting line up to be, but I honestly think that Pardew is going to go with this:

  ———————-Elliot———————–
  Simmo——-Perch—Mbwia——-Santon
  —————Tiote—-Cabeye—————
  Marveaux——–Sissoko————Jonas
  ———————-Cisse———————-

  Really think that Santon should be RW and Haidara starting LB. Don’t agree with it, but Saylor is going to be rested. Perch and Mbwia did very well containing their attack in the first fixture, but I think that Perch is more prone to error than Saylor.

  Marv…I don’t like him on the wing, he hasn’t shown that he’s a 90 minute player…but I really believe that Pardew is going to throw him out there regardless.

  Tiote shouldn’t be starting this game. He’s going to get carded early on by this ref, hopefully only yellow, and the rest of the game he’s going to have to temper his agressiveness, which is one of his major strengths.

  With that being said, I think that team still matches up well with Anzhi and gives us a great chance to move through to the quarter finals. We shall see though…

  Just hoping to not see Obertan or Shola on the starting team, though I do want to see Shola get a run out later on in the game for his 50th appearance for NUFC in European competition. Might not be the greatest of players, but would be nice to see a Geordie get the honor.

  Whatever side Pardew plays, they need to not just try and park the bus and counter. Attack intelligently, ensure there is cover for any counter attack that Anzhi might attempt, and convert the chances that we get in the attacking third for us.

  HWTL!

• 96 Munster Mag // Mar 14, 2013 at 5:20 PM

  agree novo…

• 97 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 14, 2013 at 5:22 PM

  Tsunki…yeah he is almost a waste of a breath of air!

  …some never learn!

• 98 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 14, 2013 at 5:35 PM

  Novo
  Nothing worse than listening to chris waddle prattle on tbh, and how hard is it to say penalty!!!!

• 99 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 14, 2013 at 5:36 PM

  Dag…could be the starting lineup; the only possible changes I can see are Haidara for Santon and Anita for Tiote.

  …but think you might be spot on there!

• 100 Tsunki // Mar 14, 2013 at 5:51 PM

  Sorry lads but can anyone tell me what a ‘sriker’ is? I cant find it with google. According to the previous article, theres a ‘top sriker’ unavailable for tonights game……

  Sorry E, I couldnt resist it I just love your speed-typos. Sriker makes a nice change from that Newcatsle place.

• 101 Rowan Milsted // Mar 14, 2013 at 5:52 PM

  If anyone has a sure-fire good link then please can they share?

• 102 Tsunki // Mar 14, 2013 at 5:53 PM

  ..and my speed-typo would be E instead of Ed. Ahhh…so the wheel has turned full circle……..
  

• 103 Tsunki // Mar 14, 2013 at 5:54 PM

  Dont tell Rowan anyone let him find one himself.

• 104 ToonDownSouth // Mar 14, 2013 at 5:56 PM

  Pardew, or ‘Percy’ – a joke which appears to have passed me by – said that he’d be playing his strongest possible team, so I expect to see Taylor instead of Perch.

  Tsunki

  You’ve got to watch out for those comments backfiring

• 105 Dagwoodz // Mar 14, 2013 at 5:57 PM

  Blog death in 3…..2…..1….

• 106 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:00 PM

  Tsunki…it seems Sriker is a popular name in India

• 107 Alan Pas-de-clue // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:01 PM

  http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/383843/Hatem-Ben-Arfa-tops-Liverpool-list-for-Brendan-Rodgers

• 108 PhillNUFC // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:01 PM

  Is this game on any tv chanels in the UK?

• 109 Rowan Milsted // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:01 PM

  Tsunki

  Surely you mean ‘don’t'? Ah you rotter. I can find one but if I miss the first 15 minutes trying to find a decent stream then I fear my laptop will end up going through the window. As for the pub, chances are that Spurs and Chelski will get preferential treatment.

• 110 Tsunki // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:02 PM

  Jesper – you read this? I love the bit about ‘with the right guidance..’

  http://tyneandwear.sky.com/newcastleunited/article/58553/the-downfall-of-ex-newcastle-striker-nile-ranger-a-sports-psychology

• 111 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:02 PM

  Tell Rowan what? lol

• 112 ToonDownSouth // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:02 PM

  The rags recycling each others articles is getting boring.

  Tiote has been heading to Chelsea for 2 years now, and Ba was off to Anfield all summer.

• 113 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:04 PM

  TDS
  Aye out of everyone can’t see Taylor accepting anything other than a starting spot! And shola is bound to make an appearance tonight for his 50th euro appearance!

• 114 pizzicatochan // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:05 PM

  Not sure if it’s mentioned anywhere, but we and PSG both have 4 players in the French national team squad.

• 115 Tsunki // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:07 PM

  Rowan yeah but on this tablet it doesn’t do the auto punctuation thingy like my phone does. so I dont bother.

  These might work -

  http://www.firstrow1.eu/watch/174714/1/watch-newcastle-united-vs-fk-anzhi-makhachkala.html

  http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?matchid=193249&part=sports

• 116 Dingo†® // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:08 PM

  3-2 like the Barcelona match @ SJP

• 117 Tsunki // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:09 PM

  Yay! My first comment awaiting moderation! Thats because I posted Rowan some direct streaming links. They were from firstrowsports.eu and wiziwig.tv btw rowan.

• 118 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:09 PM

  Tsunki…the right guidance they say!

  …what is that; a ball and a chain

  He doens’t suffee from low self-esteam though!

• 119 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:09 PM

  Pizzi
  Debs cabs socks mbiwa?

• 120 Dingo†® // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:09 PM

  any geordies in Los Angeles on here like?

• 121 Rowan Milsted // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:15 PM

  Tsunki

  Ha, thanks for the attempt mate and glad I helped you achieve your first moderated comment! I did that after the Reading game… I’m sure you can guess why. Cheers, I’ll try those links. I’m thinking 1-0 to the Toon tonight.

• 122 NorseToon // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:15 PM

  ——————–Elliot
  —-Simpson Mbiwa Taylor Haidara
  Marveux Cabaye Sissoko Anita Santon! <——
  ——————–Cisse

• 123 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:29 PM

  Inter 1-0 after 20 mins, could they get another 2? The press would be in crisis melt down if spuds and chelski went out tonight but the toon go through!

• 124 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:32 PM

  I wouldn’t mind that scenario

• 125 mally72 // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:32 PM

  Can’t believe Taylor didn’t make the England squad he’s been immense since he came back

• 126 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:36 PM

  Jesper
  I’d bet the toon would barely get a mention in the papers if that happened! Be journo’s crying everywhere

  Has to be said you take away bake and spurs suddenly become a very ordinary looking side, no real threat or service to defoe

• 127 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:40 PM

  tads…iff that happpend I’d say good riddance!

  …would be nice to a change if we stole their thunder – but you are probably right there would most likely be no thunder!

  Another reason why we should go all in for the EL i think – just to show them lol

• 128 geordieracer1980 // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:47 PM

  NUFC are unbeaten at home in Europa League matches.

  It will take a very, very good team to beat us at home and I don’t think this mob are good enough. They might sneak a 1-1 draw but I can’t see anything other than a Newcastle win.

  2-1 Cisse first goal.

  Howay the lads.

• 129 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:48 PM

  Wish we had the ref who’s doing the spuds inter game! He’s already booked friedel and Livermore for time wasting, and everytime Defoe goes down he lets play go on and tells him to stop diving!!!
  Adebyor has missed an absolute sitter

• 130 Joe Blog // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:50 PM

  Why, no matter how many hairs I pull out my arse over a prolonged period, does it ever seem to get less bushy?

• 131 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:50 PM

  Jesp
  Tbf it’s about this time in the comp I start to believe we will win it so would love to see us go for it!

• 132 Joe Blog // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:51 PM

  *never

• 133 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:52 PM

  Joe blog
  Could it be possible you actually have a tail?

• 134 DevonMag // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:54 PM

  Newcastle United (4-3-3): Rob Elliot; Davide Santon, Steven Taylor, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Massadio Haïdara; Vurnon Anita, Cheick Tiote, Yohan Cabaye (c); Sylvain Marveaux, Papiss Cisse, Moussa Sissoko

  Substitutes: Steve Harper, James Perch, Gael Bigirimana, Jonas Gutierrez, Gabriel Obertan, Adam Campbell, Shola Ameobi

• 135 geordieracer1980 // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:54 PM

  That carryingcoals fella gave me an idea…I had a spare 0.25p in my PaddyPower account after taking out my Cheltenham winnings today, so i’ve tried (and probably failed) to predict three results….

  Fenerbahce 1 FC Viktoria Plzen 3
  Chelsea 3 Steaua Bucharest 1
  Newcastle 2 Anzhi Makhachkala 1

  £815 quid if it comes in.

  Nee chance!

• 136 northernirishtoon // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:54 PM

  Well impressed with team 2nite. Bring it on

• 137 DevonMag // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:54 PM

  couldn’t have asked for better. Beast of a line up! HWTL!

• 138 geordieracer1980 // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:56 PM

  That is an excellent team. The shackles have been taken off Cabaye. Sissoko and Marveaux can roam about and find pockets of space. Cisse can finish the moves off! Really think we are going to win!

• 139 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:57 PM

  Wow
  He said he’d name a strong team fair play mr pardew
  Now lets go and rout these lads and cement our place in the quarter finals!!!
  HWTL!!!!!

• 140 geordieracer1980 // Mar 14, 2013 at 6:57 PM

  Great line up. The shackles have been taken off Cabaye and Sissoko can really flourish in the role he will be given. Very exicted.