Moussa Sissoko had a decent game in the 1-0 home win against Aston Villa over the weekend, and we like him playing in central midfield, where his power makes a big difference for Newcastle.
Moussa Sissoko in action on Saturday
Moussa has been off form of late, but he put in a good performance on Saturday, and it was also good to see Fabricio Coloccini have a strong game at the back in the 1-0 win.
Now the lads will be going after a second successive home win tomorrow night against Manchester United, but that will not be easy.
This is what Moussa has told the Chronicle today:
“We lost that game against Man City but I think we have shown – as a team – we do have good character.” “We know our crowd want us to win every game but sometimes we can’t.”
“Against Aston Villa the team won so the players and the fans were happy.” “Now we have to be ready for the game with Manchester United. We have two games together at home.”
“We’ve won the first one and now we have to do our best to get the three points against Man United.” “In the Premier League you have a lot of big teams like Man United, Arsenal, and Tottenham.”
“You have to enjoy yourselves and try to do the best you can.” “This crowd is fantastic, but we have to show a good performance from the team first.”
“At home we can beat anybody. We have to play like we did on Saturday and if we do we can win again.”
Newcastle hammered the Red Devils 3-0 in this fixture three years ago, when we finally finished in 5th place under Alan Pardew.
But last season we suffered one of out biggest homes losses against United in a 4-0 scoreline.
We have no chance of finishing in 5th place this season and currently we are also running with a threadbare squad.
But we do still have a chance to finish mid-table and even in 10th place – which is deemed to be success these days under Mike Ashley.
A top ten finish and huge profits equals great success in Mike Ashley’s eyes.
🙁
But we are 5 points adrift of the top half of the table at moment, when you consider our poor goal difference.
A win tomorrow night is what we need, but a defeat will see us struggling to meet the annual requirements every season on Tyneside – a top ten finish.
More ambitious clubs like Stoke, Swansea, West Ham and Southampton are currently above is in the league table.
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66 comments so far
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Mar 3, 2015 at 9:39 AM
Comment #1Get the crowd going-
Go for it Carver and play Riviere, Perez and Cisse up front along with Sammi.
Lets have a go and run at their defence
Three quick speedy players and Cisse the goal poacher could cause them problems. defenders don’t like quick speedy players running at them along with sissoko running from deep.
My team: 4-3-3
Krul
Janmaat, Colo, Williamson, Hiadara (Taylor)
Abeid, Sissoko, Sammi
Perez, Cisse, Riviere
Or go 3-4-3
Janmaat, , Williamson, Colo
Abeid, Sissoko, Taylor, Sammi
Perez, Cisse, Riviere
Be brave carver
We are safe now so lets go out and enjoy it – give the crowd something to shout about – win loose or draw
Tsunki
Mar 3, 2015 at 9:48 AM
Comment #2Anybody JC?
Are we talking like Barcelona, or 13 year old ball boys? Must be talking Barcelona, Yohan left us for PSG.
Lindisfarne
Mar 3, 2015 at 9:51 AM
Comment #3Based on my observations of the last match both wingers did not get to the by-line and cross, the full backs were more effective. The forward line of 4 players did not win any of the goal kicks, either directly or indirectly and very little was played over the top for a striker to run on to. In the second half there were a few counter attacks that did not lead to a goal for the lack of a quality finish.
Against ManU I would therefore recommend that we go without wingers and boost the midfield, width can be provided by either one of the two strikers pulling out to the flanks and creating more room for a midfielder to burst through the central channel. The result should be a better chance of winning keepers kicks from the secondary ball and cutting out the strong central strength of the opposition. Any two from Cisse/Riviere/Perez/Sami could play up front but for continuity the same two should be used. Also with Ryan in the Pirlo position using his ability to provide through passes or dink the ball.
4-3-1-2 (or 442 diamond)
——–Riviere——Cisse
—————Sissoko
Anita——R.Taylor——-Abeid
Haidara—Collo—Willo—Janmaat
—————–Krul
John Tudor
Mar 3, 2015 at 9:56 AM
Comment #4Never thought these were more ambitious clubs, like Stoke, Swansea, West Ham and Southampton are currently above is in the league table.
John Tudor
Mar 3, 2015 at 9:57 AM
Comment #5put out 11 misfits and capitulate
Ron Knee
Mar 3, 2015 at 9:58 AM
Comment #6Lindisfarne
Let’s hope Raylor gets a start. He brings much-needed composure.
toon kk
Mar 3, 2015 at 10:28 AM
Comment #7Our squad needs a serious revamp, its not good enough for the premier league.
martoon
Mar 3, 2015 at 10:32 AM
Comment #8Sorry Ed I have to disagree – I thought Sissoko, by his standards, had a poor game against Villa. He kept losing the ball everytime he tried to surge forward. Also if we play the same way as we did on Saturday we will get another hiding. However we seem to raise our game against the better teams (except City) so I’m hopeful we can get a result.
geordie157
Mar 3, 2015 at 10:46 AM
Comment #9Some might disagree but I think the crowd over recent seasons has become very quiet during games. Ashley has killed the atmosphere and our home games are similar to those at villa park, where the atmosphere is nervy and it takes a bad challenge or a bit of skill to liven it up. Although must add unlike villa we still fill our stadium.
Hopefully one day we’ll get the place rocking again.
Lindisfarne
Mar 3, 2015 at 10:48 AM
Comment #10Ron Knee
The way Abeid punts the ball too long he could probably be put in the defensive role with Ryan on the left and Anita on the right. But I am not sure how much running up and down the pitch the 30+ year old can do.
Lindisfarne
Mar 3, 2015 at 10:55 AM
Comment #11IMO the Villa game was the opportunity to bed in a system to take the squad through to the end of the season, whatever the performance we were likely to win and would need to improve on. I think 442 offered the chance to gain composure and stability, but I can not see that formation successfully being used for the remaining matches.
If JC plays 2 CF 2 wingers and 2 in midfield, ManU will cut through us. So other than building confidence against a poor team that we were likely to beat, what was the point of playing a flat 442?
Ron Knee
Mar 3, 2015 at 10:58 AM
Comment #12Lindisfarne
Just shows how much this team needs an overhaul. Little likelihood of that!
martoon
Mar 3, 2015 at 11:02 AM
Comment #13Lindisfarne @11 – Damned if you do and damned if you don’t. If Carver had done what you suggest there would have been many on here screaming blue murder about why so defensive against a poor Villa team at home and I think I would tend to agree – if we can’t play two strikers agains Villa at home then when can we? Against Man U then I would agree that maybe 4 4 2 is not the best way to play them.
Lindisfarne
Mar 3, 2015 at 11:08 AM
Comment #14Charlie in the Gallowgate @1
Looking at what you have suggested has reminded me that Sammy does actually have a better defensive ability than Sissoko and with Abeid that would be a physically dominating midfield. Both flank partnerships have proven to be successful in attacking and defending capability. With Sissoko in the middle to mop up loose balss, apply pressure and launch attacks.
4-3-1-2 (or 442 diamond)
——–Riviere——Cisse
—————Sissoko
Sammy——-Abeid——R.Taylor
Haidara—Collo—Willo—Janmaat
—————–Krul
Ron Knee
Mar 3, 2015 at 11:11 AM
Comment #15Lindisfarne
No Cabella?
Lindisfarne
Mar 3, 2015 at 11:13 AM
Comment #16martoon
Agree, taking the positive side it did allow a strike partnership to develop that can be utilised in the following matches and showed the fallibility of playing Obertan (that is positive right??) R.Taylor showed his worth, Abeid got a full 90 minutes and Sissoko didn’t go missing, so perhaps a small return to form.
Lindisfarne
Mar 3, 2015 at 11:19 AM
Comment #17remy cabella is still oot
Ron Knee
Mar 3, 2015 at 11:20 AM
Comment #18Lindisfarne
You’re right! I just saw this: http://www.themag.co.uk/2015/03/newcastle-star-rules-manchester-united-match/
Lindisfarne
Mar 3, 2015 at 11:34 AM
Comment #19(Boy)wonder Remy Cabella
(Ella ella, eh eh eh)
Rem-me Cab-ella
(Ella ella, eh eh eh, ehhh eh-eh)
(boy) = quick
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Mar 3, 2015 at 11:37 AM
Comment #20Lindisfarne
We have got nowt to lose – so why not go for it – should be exciting – might get the crowd behind them and make some noise.
Cabella – according to physioroom.com – cabella out until Everton game 14th March
Lindisfarne
Mar 3, 2015 at 11:39 AM
Comment #21I hope Lee Charnley is working on a reasonably good deal to get Tiote out and bring some one like this in:
http://news.ladbrokes.com/football/premier-league/good-bad-brilliant-newcastles-potential-tiote-replacement_227676.html?
John Tudor
Mar 3, 2015 at 11:45 AM
Comment #2221 not a cat in hells chance to sign him
Lindisfarne
Mar 3, 2015 at 11:51 AM
Comment #23Charlie in the Gallowgate
It would be good to see them play with a bit more quality and there were the odd ‘pass and move’ interplays that could be seen in the Villa game. But still too much trying to force the play and over loading the final third, which against better opposition gets punished. Also Riviere got a (slightly off) goal bound header from a corner kick, things are looking up!
Ketsbaia9
Mar 3, 2015 at 11:52 AM
Comment #24Should go for him and Virgin Van Dijk/Alderweireld.
Coloccini and Lacelles would be back up.
Santon needs to stay, otherwise, we’ll need another left back.
We have Raylor, Janmaat and Anita for right back, which is fine.
We need 2 wingers (Konoplyanka and Nathan Redmond/Sulejmani)
We also need 2 strikers (Benteke and Mitrovic/Ings)
Lindisfarne
Mar 3, 2015 at 11:53 AM
Comment #25@22 – is that because it is reported in the Daily Mail?
Lindisfarne
Mar 3, 2015 at 11:59 AM
Comment #26Ketsbaia9
Serious business is required, LC looks like a wet blanket but hopefully his reported liking of getting the job done will actually bare fruit.
John Tudor
Mar 3, 2015 at 12:10 PM
Comment #27no because we are owned by an asshole
beermonkey
Mar 3, 2015 at 12:10 PM
Comment #28kets
after the season alderwield has had onloan do you not think a top6 is his destination if Southampton don’t buy him or maybe his parent club will him
either way that ship has well and truly passed
John Tudor
Mar 3, 2015 at 12:13 PM
Comment #29and the only fruit will be over ripe jackfruit
John Tudor
Mar 3, 2015 at 12:16 PM
Comment #30durian even
Lindisfarne
Mar 3, 2015 at 12:17 PM
Comment #31Ketsbaia9
Not thinking about new players coming in and only those in the current squad, plus those out on loan, which would you want to take forward into next season? 24 players, two in each position; GK, LB, CB, CB, RB, DM, CM, AM, LW, RW, CF, CF.
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Mar 3, 2015 at 12:18 PM
Comment #32Lindisfarne
I quite like Riviere got good movement, good on the ball, links up well with Perez just needs a goal.
The overrated Frenchman
Mar 3, 2015 at 12:18 PM
Comment #33Abeid and Sissoko in midfield won’t cut it against the mancs. Neither of them have the vision or the range and quality in their passing to hurt them. Not that we have any better options to be fair. With the headless chickens in Obertan and Ameobi out wide it might just be the weakest midfield I’ve seen in a Premier League team if I’m honest. But, as I say, I don’t think we can pick a better side. Ashley, Charnley and Carr have seen to that.
Lindisfarne
Mar 3, 2015 at 12:20 PM
Comment #34Ketsbaia9
Almost forgot, leave a space for positions that need filling.
I am interested in your point of view but also any one who is concerned about the amount of transfer business that is required to make NUFC a team that can challenge in more than just the League.
beermonkey
Mar 3, 2015 at 12:28 PM
Comment #35lindisfarne
I think the days of us havin 2 players per position are long gone
look at the defence this season 3 cb and dummet who will cover both lb and cb I think that sort of thing is going to happen all over
look at the strikers we have bought in riviere and perez both can play out wide
IrishGeordie9
Mar 3, 2015 at 12:31 PM
Comment #36Havent posted in a while like but the discussions at the minute look worthy to contribute to… So, lindisfarne… I really like the look of that team(first one). Its probably the best team we can use right now due to current injuries and Colbacks suspension. To be honest I am glad in a way that we have been hit with these injuries. I mean, it has given the likes of Armstrong, perez, sammy, aarons, abeid, dummett valuable game time which is needed for there development. Although it has probably left poor Alnwick in a bit of a mess. I would be bothered about these injuries IF we were an ambitious team, but the reality of that is that were not. Does it really matter if we get injuries? We have still proved that we can compfortably finish mid table with an injury crises so at least we can see what our young-guns are about. Im not happy our players are getting injured because it is obviously bad for that person but that does seem tge only way our young players will get a chance…
cyprus
Mar 3, 2015 at 12:34 PM
Comment #37I know theu have many good players but tyhe key is Rooney. Put someone like Colback on him fulltime, so we can get that unlikely win. Alsp play Sammi, he should smoke whoever plays on their right. Cisse should get his usual goal along with Sissoko. Hope two goals will suffice.
Lindisfarne
Mar 3, 2015 at 12:37 PM
Comment #38Beermonkey
Good point, under our austere regime we are probably looking at, 16 players and 8 un-named U21 reserves:
GK, GK, LB, CB, CB, CB, RB, R/LB, DM, CM, CM, AM, LW, RW, CF, CF.
geordie157
Mar 3, 2015 at 12:39 PM
Comment #39as signings are being mentioned, i’d like to think with some money spent we could at least be in for the likes of
CB’s Mbemba, Van Dijk
RB/RM Byram
Midfield – ?? would love to say Wijnaldum as he can play all across the midfield with the exception of being a DM. My DM targets would be Tielemans, Geis or Clasie.
ST Mitrovic, Ings, Austin
Lewis Cook of Leeds is also one that will soon been attracking a lot of interest.
IrishGeordie9
Mar 3, 2015 at 12:40 PM
Comment #40We must be one of the most pathetic teams in the league… Only existing in this league because of the money recieved at the end of it. That I not what this sport is about which is why I find it incredibly strange that we- as fans- are content with it and reluctant to do anything about it… Where are the times when passion and fight was witnessed in every game? Where fans weren’t in the dark over everything that happens in the club ? When there used to be a soul and more importantly a heart to this once proud club? What is the point in supporting a club that doesnt care about its fans or winning anything? Mike ashley has basically murdered our team and we just dont do anything…. Ee get what we deserve….