Newcastle face a tough task tonight at Goodison Park, where we rarely do well, although last year we got a good 2-2 draw in the corresponding game, and came from behind twice to come away with the point.
Newcastle will be looking for the second away win in the league tonight, and if we can manage that it will equal the two wins we had on the road all of last season.
Newcastle are coming off a horrendous display in the league against Hull City at home, when we twice gave the lead away with soft goals, and it makes this game at Goodison Park even more important.
A win would take us up to 8th place, a draw would take us into 12th place and a defeat will keep us down in 16th place – 5th bottom of the league. đ
Shola Ameobi (flu) and Steven Taylor (hamstring) are almost ready but we don’t think they will be risked tonight, and Jonas Gutierrez is back in training after recovering from his  hamstring injury, but will not be ready for this game.
Fab Coloccini has a knock he picked up against Leeds, and there was news that Loic Remy has a muscle problem, so it’s unclear whether both can play or not – but we’ll assume they are fit to play.
Here’s what Alan Pardew had to say today about the team:
âWhichever team we go for, we have the options to change things.â âLike a lot of teams,we have been up and down this season, but the signs are good.”
âWe are stronger this year, and thatâ a key element. We have top offensive personnel that can change games.â âThatâs how it should be with players pushing to star – itâs a nice situation to be in.â
âWe didnât do well defensively against Hull, but it was better against Leeds.” âWeâll want that again at Everton. Thereâs now pressure when it comes to first-team places if we donât.â
There were some good performances in the Capital One Cup win last Wednesday,  and a number of players are pushing for a start, but we have a feeling that Alan Pardew will stick with the team that did so poorly against Hull, and the call to them will be  to show it was just an off day against Hull – and that they can get the job done for Newcastle.
So here’s the side Pardew could play tonight
Krul
Debuchy Coloccini (c) Yanga-Mbiwa Santon
Anita Cabaye Sissoko
Ben Arfa Cisse Remy
Subs: Elliot Dummett Williamson Tiote Gouffran Ameobi (Sa) Obertan
There could be some changes in there and some could be the following:
Paul Dummett in for Davide Santon
Mike Williamson in for Yanga-Mbiwa
Sammy Ameobi as one of the front three
Let us know what team you would start tonight.
Te keys to the game are fairly obvious and Newcastle must keep it very tight at the back, especially after the woeful performance against Hull, and we have to hope that the 4-3-3 formation will cause the Everton defense some difficulties.
Th danger men for Everton would seem to be Leighton Baines from free kicks, and Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, who is on loan for the season at Everton.
54% think we will lose this games, and only 18% think we can get the win, sop the expectations are not high.
We definitely need to play well and get something out of this game tonight.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
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91 comments so far
Tinman
Sep 30, 2013 at 3:55 PM
Comment #41I would drop Cabaye personally, think he has been shite since he came back into the side. Not sure if this is because of how embarrassed he is about his behaviour or because he is getting played ahead of the other 2 in a number 10 role.
Then you can add to that the fact that he picked up a knock the other weak so there is a good chance he ain’t fully fit.
Bring him on later on when some holes start to open up. Getting benched could give him the reality check he needs anyway.
toonking
Sep 30, 2013 at 3:58 PM
Comment #42edd
anita! he along with remy has been one of the most inform players this season he was trying so much last year to get a chance he is probably thinking now he has finally got the chance he deserved and has been the most useful of all the CM at helping to defence the whole reason with why tiote is talked about as making a return is the FB and width are a much greater attack than last year and do very poor defensive so that is left to our CM.
perhaps sissoko could be dropped.
Tinman
Sep 30, 2013 at 4:01 PM
Comment #43Sage,
I think your wrong on Sissoko mate. Some powerful runs from deep. Set up the 1st goal against Hull doing exactly that. He hasn’t set the world alight but he has been solid in defence and is the only CM we can have who can drive forwards with the ball. Anonymous is harsh.
Tinman
Sep 30, 2013 at 4:03 PM
Comment #44What I like best about Anita is how he seemlessly drops into cover positions when the back four go up. Seen it when Mbiwa, Santon and Debuchy have got forward. A lot of people don’t notice that because they are just watching the ball, but if we did lose it and they had a break Anita is nearly always there to cover. Something I don’t think any of our other players do well.
wolfshead@toon
Sep 30, 2013 at 4:14 PM
Comment #45i think we could win if cisse is in the bench if hes not missing chances he gets in the way of other players haha
Transfer Sage
Sep 30, 2013 at 4:18 PM
Comment #46Tinman
Fair enough. Maybe a little harsh but I think with cabaye ahead of tiote and Anita we could do some good counter attacking and contain the opposition well.
Ciaran
I know it was a lot but it was when we played the 6 games we won with great games against stoke, Swansea, west brom…good games with those in. They aren’t the best players but can still play good attacking stuff
Edd Case
Sep 30, 2013 at 4:34 PM
Comment #47I really rate Anita but I just think away from home, the extra bite in the tackle that Tiote will provide surpasses what Anita can offer.
That said, I’d be quite happy to see Cabaye dropped with a trio of Sissoko, Tiote and Anita.
Whatever our midfield, I think it’s strong and should win that battle.
Can we be solid defensively and sharp up front?
If so, I can see us getting a sneaky 2-1 win here.
ToonDarnSarf
Sep 30, 2013 at 4:48 PM
Comment #48Ian Toon
I’ve been targeted because I refuse to agree with the irrational arguments and statements just because we want the club to do better. We all want the club to do better!
Sadly, I agree with you that there’s a lot of rubbish on here which is just people rehashing the same old arguments, but then I also agree with JfA that it’s boring as hell reading people posting their proposed line-ups. Different strokes for different folks I guess, but I think there are only some occasions where this is relevant, like before the Leeds game when the club had just made a statement that they would target the cups (and then put out a strong team in a cup!)
Some of them claim to be heavily involved in anti-Ashley groups and that is one reason that I extremely pessimistic that they will have any positive effect on the club – they simply have no chance of winning if they aren’t educated on the facts and don’t actually understand the enemy they’re going up against. I only hope that those people in charge of the campaign are a little better informed and that the ones shouting about it on here are just the foot soldiers.
9
Sep 30, 2013 at 4:49 PM
Comment #49The key to winning tonight is our defence, especially against the superb Baines. Offensively, Remy is the missing piece and I have no doubt we can score tonight.
daztoon
Sep 30, 2013 at 4:55 PM
Comment #50Funny how pushy,carl etc have vanished from the blog and Ian`s fixation with re-quoting Solano`s posts caught him out,doing it with one of his other persona`s too.
VanToonMan
Sep 30, 2013 at 5:04 PM
Comment #51I have to admit with Edd Case – I really like Anita but as we are away at Goodison….I would play Tiote instead to help dominate the central area with Big Moose and Cabs. Anita is just a little bit lightweight and we need to boss Centre mid tonight.
Anita for Tiote tonight – keep the rest the same until half-time. If Cisse is still mis-firing – put Remy up top – take Cisse off and put Goofy on LW
nick_9
Sep 30, 2013 at 5:09 PM
Comment #52—————– Krul —————-
Debuchy – colo – mbiwa – santon
—-sissoko–cabaye—Anita—-
Arfa——-gouffran——-Remy
No room for cisse as he gives the ball away far to much and lukaku could easily punish us tonight. Tiote gives away free kicks, baines free kicks anyone? Lethal. Was close to saying summer at left back and santon at right back. Anita is a far better player than tiote and surely sissoko and cabaye are macho enough to put some tackles in?
nick_9
Sep 30, 2013 at 5:11 PM
Comment #53Unless Tiote is a changed man he will just aggravate me tonight when he sends it long all the time and gives it away. We cannot have him and Cisse giving it to baines and lukaku or it could be a long night.
TorqToon
Sep 30, 2013 at 5:27 PM
Comment #54I worry about tiotes rash challenges in and around our 18. With Baines around it could cost us the game. Anita – Cabaye – Sissoko for me.
Ibizatoon
Sep 30, 2013 at 5:53 PM
Comment #55Seeing as most fans have extremely low expectations for this game, it would be typical of Newcastle to go on and do well tonight.
God forbid we’d see a pattern in our play and results!
Things that could work in our favour:
1) We’re the away team, so less pressure.
2) Everton are the only unbeaten side so they have more to lose.
Things that could work against us:
1) Ourselves.
Still, kick off not far away and that inevitable excitement is brewing.
ToonDarnSarf
Sep 30, 2013 at 5:54 PM
Comment #56Anyone who thinks we shouldn’t start with the same back 5 is crazy in my opinion. The only debates (barring injuries) are surely whether Tiote starts (for any of the 3 CM) and who to play out of Cisse or Goofy (or even Sammy).
NUFC FOR SALE
Sep 30, 2013 at 5:57 PM
Comment #57Tonight’s team hopefully:
Krull
Debuchy Yanga Collo Santon
Tiote
Anita Cabaye Sissoko
Gouffy Remy
Cisse and Arfa on the bench to change if required.
Arfa was awful against Hull and proved yet again why he will never and i mean never be a top world class player. He just doesn’t have the mental stamina to do it week in week out and people need to face the fact.
TorqToon
Sep 30, 2013 at 6:04 PM
Comment #58Nufc 4 sale
Wouldn’t drop HBA. Whilst not world class, he can change a game single handedly. We need him in this side.
Ibizatoon
Sep 30, 2013 at 6:07 PM
Comment #59Nufc for sale…Benny can blow a bit hot and cold and I do agree that his effort against Hull wasn’t good enough. It was however one game this season, apart from that he has put in some decent displays.
Not sure I’d be dropping him for this one. If we see another similar performance then by all means for the next game.
As for Cisse, i’m torn. He did get a goal against Leeds (I know, I know, Leeds), but maybe give him the opportunity now his confidence should be improving? Otherwise, what was the point in playing him against Leeds?
Ibizatoon
Sep 30, 2013 at 6:08 PM
Comment #60https://twitter.com/__RG27/status/384722937183760384/photo/1
That horse doesn’t look too sure… đ
jimBOB
Sep 30, 2013 at 6:11 PM
Comment #61probs gonna start the exact same team that played hull. I think its safe to say Pards is just hoping it will work. if he does not play Gouffran then he really has no idea. the kid causes problems, him and Remy? they wouldnt no who to chase.
jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew
Sep 30, 2013 at 6:15 PM
Comment #62Evening folks đ
…is everyone alive and well?
Ibizatoon
Sep 30, 2013 at 6:18 PM
Comment #63jimBOB…Gouffran has looked lively and has made a decent impact from the bench lately. Not sure he’s done loads to justify being the leading man over Cisse though or that the decision would mean Pardew has no idea of what he is doing.
Jesper…Good evening sir, alive and fairly well…and yourself (I assume you’re alive and not communicating from the afterlife)?
ToonDarnSarf
Sep 30, 2013 at 6:19 PM
Comment #64Just happened to see a table…
The year after we were pipped to the title, Fulham, Hull, Swansea, Cardiff and Wigan were all playing in the 4th tier! 5 clubs!
4 of them got less than 4,000 attendance and Fulham had 6,500!
We’ve never been that far down the league, but it’s worth remembering that our attendance was around the 20k point in 1990-91 in Div 2 which was less than Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham and (sadly) Boro…it was also less than the mackems but they were in Div 1 at the time.
The following year, we had 21k (highest in Div 2) but it’s worth remembering where we were just 20 years ago before SJH came in and turned the club around. We were a very well supported 2nd tier team in terms of facilities, team, management etc.
Always worth remembering where we came from when we’re thinking about where we want to get to…
Novocastrian66
Sep 30, 2013 at 6:25 PM
Comment #65I think Cisse needs to know he cannot just turn up and pull a shirt on.
Last season there was virtually no competition for his spot in the team and it showed. There is competition now, not much but more than last season.
He has to perform. He cannot stroll around and expect to start. Unlike last season.
jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew
Sep 30, 2013 at 6:26 PM
Comment #66Ibiza…haha đ
…I am still among the living!
And thank you for the mail…haven’t come around to answer though – but better later than never right?
So are we watching the game tonight?
TorqToon
Sep 30, 2013 at 6:28 PM
Comment #67I know I’ve been away a while, but when did Ibiza become the blogs ‘voice of reason’??! đ
Hope you are well, sir.
jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew
Sep 30, 2013 at 6:33 PM
Comment #68Torq…don’t worry mate it’ll all in your head đ lol
Ibizatoon
Sep 30, 2013 at 6:34 PM
Comment #69Torq…Wth do you mean? I’ve always been a voice of reason đ
Glad to see you’re not being such a stranger and hope all is well.
Jesper…I was getting a little concerned. Given your age, I was worrying the worst may have happened đ
Novo…I agree with that. However, the Leeds game was his opportunity to get in amongst the action and with his goal, he did. Not sure what the message would be by dropping him for this one.
TDS…I think that argument is a little weak tbh. Just because something was one way in the past, doesn’t mean it should dictate where we are now or where we’re going.
People issue with Ashley etc is not that we’re at our lowest point ever, just that he doesn’t appear to have any ambition to take us any further forward. There doesn’t seem to be much footballing ambition about the place and that is pretty soul destroying for fans. That’s the big issue for me. There is a balance to be found imo.
Ibizatoon
Sep 30, 2013 at 6:37 PM
Comment #70http://hereisthecity.com/2013/09/30/sunderland-jozy-altidore-el-hadji-ba-newcastle-united-prank-smb/
Ibizatoon
Sep 30, 2013 at 6:41 PM
Comment #71On the issue of finding balance.
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mick-quinn-old-school-chairmen-were-6112461?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
There has to be some middle ground in this modern era of football. I think most accept that it is the right and responsible thing to do to keep within your spending power, but that should not be used as a reason to show the minimum ambition.
Jeez. I came on here with the intention of not getting in to an Ashley debate and I’m starting one with myself.
Time out for Ibizatoon.
John Tudor
Sep 30, 2013 at 6:42 PM
Comment #72peanuts tanner a bag
Ibizatoon
Sep 30, 2013 at 6:43 PM
Comment #73Sort me out JT. Does that include international shipping?
John Tudor
Sep 30, 2013 at 6:44 PM
Comment #74no you dig em up
Ian Toon
Sep 30, 2013 at 6:45 PM
Comment #75ToonDarnSarf — Yes where do I begin! The irrationality stems from
those coming on as if they’re official adjudicators and have made an assessment about everyone’s view and present their own as facts.
So many are clueless when it comes to appreciating what’s involved in running a football club. As for the manager well. No recognition of anything positive or negative being gleaned from training, possible niggle being suffered by individual player etc. They simply have a greater appreciation of the team that should be selected. As for team performance when we win its because of individual players flair but when we lose its never the players fault but Pardew being out thought by the opposition manager. So simplistic.
It seems that the posters in question can’t defend their assertions without being abusive. At which point you realise you’ve won the argument but get little satisfaction. The same, have axes to grind hence the personal attacks I would suggest against you. Mediocrity is the outcome.
Your wasting your time offering evidence and reason when the antagonists deal only in slogans and propaganda. Like an automata stuffed full of dislocated facts.
On the action groups. My contention is of leaders and followers. The “run in” mob are not poster boys, garnering support types because they don’t have the ability to persuade only bully. I refer to my earlier point on the abuse, they are simply irascible types who are purely best equipped for the trenches/ or as foot soldiers. Not the types to devise the strategy or to convert and win the hearts and minds.
Someone on here, Solano (who is the mature students mentor ) is a different kettle of fish but I don’t believe he’s playing a significant role – I might be wrong as I am forming the view simply on what he mentioned to me recently. He is someone of substance and emotional intelligence.
I personally would not wish to be involved in anything likely to impact unfavourably on my work etc. Demonstrations, marches can backfire because you can’t always regulate who’s involved. I am a football fan first and foremost who is disappointed because can’t make it to the game.
jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew
Sep 30, 2013 at 6:46 PM
Comment #76Ibiza…that is a warning to you my friend; next time it is a time out in the red corner đ lol
Ibizatoon
Sep 30, 2013 at 6:47 PM
Comment #77Seems a bit harsh. Do I still need to pay?
Ibizatoon
Sep 30, 2013 at 6:50 PM
Comment #78Jesper…The red corner? Sounds horrific đ
John Tudor
Sep 30, 2013 at 6:53 PM
Comment #79is that a naughty corner
ToonDarnSarf
Sep 30, 2013 at 6:54 PM
Comment #80Ibiza
It’s not an argument from me to be honest. And it’s certainly not an argument against wanting more for our club.
I just think people need some realism of what our club actually is. We’re miles away from the Man Utds and Liverpools of this world in terms of global stature, fans, money etc.
What we are is a community club that has grown with the game to sit at the table with big boys like those clubs. We (I say we, I mean what I think the true fans really want) is a sense of that community back, where they feel a real connection between club and fans. It’s that connection that I feel has been eroded since KK was pushed out by Ashley and some fans issued death threats.
I really can’t be bothered getting into an Ashley debate but I really wanted to focus on our club, where it came from and what is great about it.