Tomorrow’s game at West Ham is vital for Newcastle United – if we are to start to extricate ourselves from the grip of relegation – and it’s very important that we take something out of this game.
Newcastle have fallen apart since we were knocked out of the Europa league by Benfica – who reached the finals last night by beating Fenerbahce at home 3-1, and go through by an aggregate score of 3-2 and they meet Chelsea in the final – and the London club has a chance of winning two European titles in successive seasons, after winning the Champions League last year.
And here’s an email I received last night from Nuno Vultos in Lisbon, who runs this Benfica web-site, and we had communicated before the first leg game between our clubs, and I had written an article for his site to introduce Benfica fans to Newcastle United.
This is what Nuno sent me:
“In this hour of joy for Benfica, I cannot forget to wish that Newcastle can overcome the difficulties and stay in the Premiership. ” “Your club has a place in my heart, and I really wish that the magpies can be where they belong – with the very best!”
Since the Benfica game at home, Newcastle have gone into a terrible slump, and we have taken just 1 point from our last three games and are stuck in 4th bottom place, the lowest we’ve been all season – 5 points above Wigan who have a game in hand.
If we have won two of those games we would have been in 9th place – but of course we didn’t and we conceded 9 goals in the last two home games so that our goal difference is no better than those beneath us in the table – and that was worth a point.
So it’s not just the fact we haven’t picked up enough points, but that our goal difference of -23 is the worst it’s ever been in the Premier League.
The good news is that Fabricio Coloccini should return to the center of defense, and it’s vital that he doesn’t feel any ill effects from training this week – so he can lead out the side tomorrow afternoon at Upton Park and hopefully bring some solidity to the defense – which had no such thing last week against Liverpool.
Mathieu Debuchy is suspended for this game after being sent off last week against Liverpool, and we also continue to pick up injuries, and this week it’s Massadio Haidara who picked up a hamstring injury and misses out tomorrow.
And since we seem to be picking up so many hamstring injuries, it could be that former manager Graeme Souness was right back in 2005, when he suggested it was the training fields at Benton that were causing so many injuries, and generally hamstring injuries.
Hopefully Alan Pardew will include that in his comprehensive review that hopefully will be presented to Mike Ashley and Derek LLambias not long after this disastrous season ends, and we know our fate – which is in 16 days time on 19th May.
So at least we haven’t got too much longer to go through this agony – well unless Newcastle do something – like win a game for a change.
We have Tim Krul (shoulder), Davide Santon (hamstring), and Sylvain Marveaux (groin) out with injuries – in addition to Massadio – so that’s our two first choice left backs – although Vernon Anita can play there – as can Jonas Gutierrez, James Perch and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa – and it’s anybody’s guess who Pardew will start there tomorrow.
But Alan Pardew had better get the selection right for tomorrow, because time is quickly running out, and unless we start winning a game or two or Wigan keep losing – we could be in deep trouble over the last two games of the season.
Here’s our shot at the team for tomorrow in a 4-4-2 formation:
Elliot
Simpson Coloccini (c) Taylor (S) Yanga-Mbiwa
Ben Arfa Cabaye Tiote Gutierrez
Gouffran Cisse
Subs: Harper Williamson Perch Anita Obertan Sissoko Ameobi (Sh)
What team would you start tomorrow?
We are going for experience, and players who have gone through tough times before at Newcastle, which is why we still include Gutierrez in the side, and we’ve left Sissoko on the bench – because he’s looked poor recently and he could be brought on in the second half, and a little time on the bench could do him the world of good – with the emphasis on little.
Steve Harper could also be recalled in goal, simply because of his experience over Rob Elliot, but we think the manager will stick with Elliot for tomorrow.
Mike Williamson could also be included in the starting line-up to combat the aerial threat of a certain Andy Carroll, who is again combining well with former Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan – and the last time Mike played – against Benfica at home – he had a very solid and good game.
A win by Newcastle tomorrow would significantly lift the high anxiety being felt by Newcastle fans, because a relegation would be an absolute catastrophe for Newcastle for a multitude of reasons.
And there’s not too much confidence being shown be readers about tomorrow’s result – and here’s a chance to vote if you haven’t already done so.
We could still be safe in the Premier league if Wigan – who now have five games to play in the next two weeks – keep losing or drawing – but we need to buck up – smell the coffee – and start getting some results – and that starts tomorrow at West Ham.
Howay The Lads!!
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126 comments so far
daztoon-anti christ is that the time
May 3, 2013 at 9:42 PM
Comment #81Tsunki
What ever floats yer boat
Dennis Twice
May 3, 2013 at 9:43 PM
Comment #82A late winner 2morow for the toon…over the moon!!!
stuart no9
May 3, 2013 at 9:46 PM
Comment #83well its finally happened, me and the mrs finally at loggers over stupid little petty things.
The stress and anger over the last few weeks have finally taken its toll on my marriage, luckily my wife blames pardew for the little bust ups.
All was not to bad untill one blazing row last night when my wife had just about enough of football and declared in a loud screatching voice ” thats it, you think more of newcastle utd than you do of me” not going to let her get the final word , i swiftly replied ” i think more of sunderland than i do of you ” i knew i had pushed too far at this point as i noticed a clenched fist heading my way, luckily i was sober and managed do duck. glad we both seen the funny side later on though.
daztoon-anti christ is that the time
May 3, 2013 at 9:48 PM
Comment #84@Stuart
Yer a brave man mate so how’s the couch
Graeme
May 3, 2013 at 9:49 PM
Comment #85Cant see any point in Bambi starting as he only has 20 minutes left in him – not even as a 3rd CB – he would be bound to put it in the wrong bloody goal lol
Dannyo
May 3, 2013 at 9:55 PM
Comment #86Sissoko may not play tomorrow lads, has picked up a knock.
89Norcal
May 3, 2013 at 10:02 PM
Comment #87where did you hear that Dannyo
daztoon-anti christ is that the time
May 3, 2013 at 10:02 PM
Comment #88Hoof ball to Shola it is then
stuart no9
May 3, 2013 at 10:03 PM
Comment #89daz —- still in tact ! and thought i’d use it to my advantage later on that night ! hehe.
daztoon-anti christ is that the time
May 3, 2013 at 10:11 PM
Comment #90@stuart
Lol.Why is it I’m still looking forward to the game tomorrow even though I know Pardew will again ruin it for us
Dannyo
May 3, 2013 at 10:16 PM
Comment #91@89Norcal
Twitter mate. Via @nufcfans.
santonthenewmaldini
May 3, 2013 at 10:21 PM
Comment #92@Dannyo
That actually might not be that bad a result if Sissoko is injured cause he has been shite for a while and it means Pardew wont be able to play him as the no 10
santonthenewmaldini
May 3, 2013 at 10:26 PM
Comment #93If Sissoko is out then back to basics 442 then?
Elliot Gk
Simpson
Colo
Taylor
Mbiwa LB
Arfa RW
Cabaye
Tiote
Jonas LW
Gouffran CF
Cisse CF
Jonas can do what he does best protecting the full back and Arfa can have a free role knowing Simpson will not venture too far forward I feel Tiote would suit playing in this formation and probably Cabaye at least they know what to do in this formation look at bit lost in the current one we play
stuart no9
May 3, 2013 at 10:26 PM
Comment #94daz — could it be that being a masochist is part and parcel of supporting the lads , drummed into us at a very early age ? saying that , i’m going to have words with me dad tomorrow- bas…d !
daztoon-anti christ is that the time
May 3, 2013 at 10:27 PM
Comment #95Heard Shane Ferguson could be linking up with squad tomorrow on the bench at least
Dannyo
May 3, 2013 at 10:33 PM
Comment #96@daztoon
He’s been with the first team squad this afternoon. He was spotted at Canary Wharf, Cabot Sq by the bridge
daztoon-anti christ is that the time
May 3, 2013 at 10:34 PM
Comment #97@stuart
For sure mate watched some poor performances over my 30 odd years supporting the toon but never seen such a gutless performance as last Saturday
Dannyo
May 3, 2013 at 10:34 PM
Comment #98@santonthenewmaldini
Hope there’s plenty of patience with for him though.
18 apps, 3 goals and 5 assists quite decent for a player in a new league from January and has changed position from a DM.
He’ll sort himself out. Still very young!
papscrunt
May 3, 2013 at 10:36 PM
Comment #99I’d love to see two up top myself. But does anyone actually think Pardew will go into away game with two up top? I reckon Frank Pingel showing up as ball boy is more likely than two up top.
stuart no9
May 3, 2013 at 10:38 PM
Comment #100daz — my fu…king grandad has never seen such a shocking display as last week !
daztoon-anti christ is that the time
May 3, 2013 at 10:38 PM
Comment #101@dannyo
Last I heard his last training session was with Birmingham today and he was to meet up in London with the lads tomorrow.
Inman is also back now I think would be worth a punt from the Bench instead of Strolla.
santonthenewmaldini
May 3, 2013 at 10:39 PM
Comment #102@Dannyo
Oh I love Sissoko I just feel that he is totally burnt out cause we have played him every game and out of position this is one of Pardews major failings he plays his favourites till they crash and burn with injuries then plays someone else till he can rush the favourites back and he wonders why players are tired and the reserves dont try when they get brought on?!?!
I think eventually when he gets moved into the Yaya Toure role next season he will be excellent but I think he could do with a rest dont risk him and hopefully have him back for QPR
Dannyo
May 3, 2013 at 10:40 PM
Comment #103@daztoon
Inman played in the U21s tonight against Bolton, so he’s not going anywhere just yet.
Sammy, Campbell and Fergy with the 1st team though.
Dannyo
May 3, 2013 at 10:42 PM
Comment #104@santonthenewmaldini
We’re at the same wavelength then.
I can quite clearly see Sissoko as a box to box midfielder like Yaya. Strong and loads of stamina plus pace. Excellent player to carry the ball from the deep. So much more of a player than just breaking up play. Play Cabaye ahead of him to spray balls in the final 3rd.
I’m telling you, I’ve got it all figured out, lol.
stuart no9
May 3, 2013 at 10:43 PM
Comment #105papscrunt —–frank pingal- now your talking football !!
daztoon-anti christ is that the time
May 3, 2013 at 10:43 PM
Comment #106@stuart
Man even Cunningham and rob mcdonald put in more effort and they were pure shite.
wouldn’t mind some kind of roll for Ando even if it was for him to kick em up the arse
Dearka
May 3, 2013 at 10:44 PM
Comment #107my team for west ham match
Elliot
Yanga-Mbiwa Coloccini (c) Taylor (S) Perch
Ben Arfa Cabaye Tiote Gouffran
Sissoko
Cisse
Subs: Harper Williamson Gutierrez Anita Obertan Ameobi (Sh)
Big Pappa Cissé
May 3, 2013 at 10:48 PM
Comment #108Sissoko is perfect for counter attacking football. His pace on the break would be amazing. The guy is wasted as a winger or no.10 IMO
santonthenewmaldini
May 3, 2013 at 10:55 PM
Comment #109Ferguson has been really good on loan for Birmingham although its probably not right to throw him right into the deep end just hope Pardew does not think about just chucking him into left back
The boy is a natural byline hugging old fashioned winger where he can put in quality into the box without thinking about it I think that is one of Pardew’s biggest faults is that I think he tries to over complicate things rather than putting players into their natural positions he wants to try and be “continental” with players playing on their wrong foots etc
I am still going for a Toon 2 – 1 victory
One of my mates who lives down in London got a ticket for the game with people from his work who are all hammers fans he will need to keep quiet if we score!!
ha ha
Big Pappa Cissé
May 3, 2013 at 10:59 PM
Comment #110I really hope we stay up as one day I want to see this team fully fit:
——————————-Krul——————————-
–Debuchy——–M’biwa——–Collocini——–Santon–
—————-Sissoko———————Anita————–
———-HBA————-Cabaye————Marveaux—-
——————————-Cisse——————————
Subs: Elliot,Taylor,Haidara,Gutierrez,TioteBigirimana
,Gouffran
Best starting 11 and subs bench we have IMO. That would give most PL teams a good game and on paper should be challenging with Liverpool & Everton for Europe.
stuart no9
May 3, 2013 at 11:00 PM
Comment #111daz —- what – cunningham sh.te ? haway . he lives not far away from me now, hes a solicitor . i see him in his garden sometimes and remind him of the chant we had for him – hes black – hes broon – hes playing for the toon, and also the nic name we gave him , blackie milburn haha. he still looks at playing here as the best time of his playing days. jeez , yeah i suppose he must have been sh//te- nice bloke though.
daztoon-anti christ is that the time
May 3, 2013 at 11:16 PM
Comment #112@stuart
Would have loved to have seen Berbatov partner Cisse
Joe Blog
May 3, 2013 at 11:18 PM
Comment #113So, as we’ve had all week to recover, are we all plumped up, chests puffed out with renewed hope, awaiting the inevitable body blow to knock the stuffing out of us again?
Thought so. It’s the only way. 😉
Big Pappa Cissé
May 3, 2013 at 11:21 PM
Comment #114@ daz
Me too m8, The guy oozes class. That’s where our transfer policy needs to be looked at IMO. Just because someone is 30 doesn’t mean they would not be a good signing for a few years. I reckon if we had Berbatov we would have been safe by now.
daztoon-anti christ is that the time
May 3, 2013 at 11:25 PM
Comment #115@pappa
The man links everything together is the perfect no 10
ErnestHemingway
May 3, 2013 at 11:25 PM
Comment #116Tsunki
Are you after Henry winters job? Lots of flowery language in your post.
stuart no9
May 3, 2013 at 11:27 PM
Comment #117daz – i was hoping berbatov would have signed for us before he signed for fulham .
I thought he really wanted to come here being a toon fan but maybe years may pass him bye and the opportunity lost . sad really .
daztoon-anti christ is that the time
May 3, 2013 at 11:30 PM
Comment #118@stuart
Still got a few seasons in him yet I’d still sign him now.
santonthenewmaldini
May 3, 2013 at 11:39 PM
Comment #119Berbatov would have been amazing for us not only would he have been a great player but he is also a leader you can be certain that he would have got the likes of Krul told not to launch it over his head every chance he gets
He would not have allowed any hoofball it would be too his feet or he would have went mental !
daztoon-anti christ is that the time
May 3, 2013 at 11:48 PM
Comment #120To get the best out of Cisse he needs a Berba type partner up front