Ahead of tomorrow night’s match-up with City, we were quizzed by a few university sports journalism students on our thoughts on Newcastle and their chances.
After being asked a series of questions regarding Tuesday night, we figured we may as well place our answers here for you all to enjoy.
So here we go…
How are you feeling ahead of tomorrow’s game?
More confident than I thought I’d be. Our 3-0 win against Swansea certainly gives us some hope but we know it won’t be easy after the way the Citizens took apart Chelsea at the weekend.
After a much needed victory over Swansea City, how much confidence does this give the players ahead of tomorrow?
It will be huge. It’s our first win under Rafa and you got the feeling things were really starting to come together for the lads at St James’ Park. Without sounding hyberbolic, last week’s win could be the catalyst for something good.
How will the Magpies line-up? Who will play and in what formation?
I imagine it will be pretty similar to last Saturday. Rafa will stick with two holding midfielders to give the back four extra protection (Colback and Tiote maybe?) and after starting Mitrovic on the bench at the weekend, I imagine he will probably get a start on Tuesday night.
You haven’t beat Manchester City at home since 2005, why do you think it stretches back this far?
The money of Sheikh Mansour and incompetence of Mike Ashley. Next.
How do you think Newcastle should approach this?
Although we kept a clean sheet against Swansea, I still don’t have too much faith in our back four. We should start cautiously for the first 20 minutes then take the game to them – we have no other option!
Where will the key battles take place? Who should both sides be wary of?
The Man City back four looked very solid against PSG last week and I imagine Mitro will have his work cut out tomorrow night. And whilst I’ve been suitably impressed by youngster Jamaal Lascelles recently, marking Sergio Aguero will certainly be a good litmus test of how far he’s come should Benitez start him at centre back.
What are your score predictions?
As ever the optimistic Magpies, I’m going go for a 1-1 draw.
Where do you think both teams will finish this season? Do you think avoiding relegation is still possible, despite still having to play Liverpool and Spurs?
If I had a gun to my head, I’d still say we’re going down but of course hope I’m proved wrong. City will likely finish third.
1-1
Stuart79(Quote)
Watch out lads, don’t be doing an Ed where you hardly have a chance to get done with one thread before the next one is up. In fact, Ed puts up about 5 in the middle of the night. He lives on the east coast of the US and a lot of his stuff is put up at 2 and 3 in the morning. I think he must be one of these retired guys who go to bed at 8pm and wake up in the middle of the night.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
BTW: I agree with everything you said. We have 3 recent bogey teams because we have done OK against Man U lately. We were slaughtered by Southampton, had a good result against Swansea and I hope we can get a draw against Citeh.
De Bruyne and Aguero are great players but even they have off days. We deserve some bloody luck as we really haven’t had any all season.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
—————- Darlow ————–
Anita – Mbemba – Lascelles – Dumbo
———– Tiote —- Colback ————-
————— Shelvey ————–
Townsend ————- Sissoko
—————- Cisse ——————
Would be my starting 11 to try and stifle their midfield and give Mbemba & Lascelles extra protection.
I know City will have half an eye on Madrid, but they are still battling to secure top 3 to guarantee CL next season and they will see 3 points against us as a real possibility.
Norwich kind of parked the bus against them to get a point at Carrow Road, I’d have no problem with us looking to do the same if it meant getting something from this game.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’d keep the same team apart from De Jong for Gini as De Jong has done well twice against City in the CL so will have good memories and also Mitro for Cisse. We will need to hold the ball up better than on Saturday and he can do it better than Cisse. Other than that I liked the way the centre midfielders protected and communicated with the defence.
Stuart79(Quote)
Leicester better not bottle this bleeding league!
Spurs winning and could be only 5 points clear with 5 to go. Spurs got a pretty easy run in too.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – aye and it looks like Vardys suspension may be extended by another game or 2. Could go down to the wire at both ends of the league this season.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Perfect scenario is that Leicester have won the league and Tottenham can only finish in 2nd. I reckon it would then be similar to the West Ham game. I don’t see Tottenham as a team who would be hell bent on relegating us but I could be wrong. Mackems and Norwich are both away from him on the final day also. Villa will want to relegate us though, no doubt about it but hopefully we will have too much for them. I’m not expecting a win tomorrow. At the moment I’d say we have 20% chance, Norwich 30%, Sunderland 50%. We never beat City though!!
DJG(Quote)
DJG – Villa’s fans might want to relegate us but I reckon the player don’t give two flying ***** what the hells going on during games. As for Spurs, if they’ve not won the league by the last game of the season, they’ll be very deflated and their players will just want to not get injured for the Euro’s and go have a little break. I’ve got that game down as a win for us – providing Leicester win their next two games. Both winnable for me too!
Stuart79(Quote)
It is not hard to envisage our last game meaning either the League for Spurs or relegation for us.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Stoke a bag of the preverbial… Sunderland have to go there too. Nowt to play for = lose!
Must say, Spurs excellent though. Really putting pressure on Leicester. Still think 5 points is a lot with 5 games to go. I just hope there’s not everything riding on our last game of the season for both sides.
Stuart79(Quote)
Spuds 4-0 up now – they look bloody good as well!!!.
I don’t see them choking in the run in either personally.
God we could be giving them the guard of honour before a game in which we have to beat them to stay up 😕
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy, if we’re giving them a guard of honour that means they’ve already won it. I’d take that too. I just wouldn’t want to play them with them needing to win the game.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – I know mate, but if they’ve won it they’ll want to sign off with a victory I reckon.
Best case is that Leicester win it before the last game & I think Spuds then switch off a little bit.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Only 4 games Stu for Leicester and Spurs. Leicester have quite a difficult run in but you have to wonder which Chelsea and Man U teams will turn up? They are the current Jeckyll and Hyde teams. Chelsea, last game of the season with Chelsea at home but thinking about their holidays before the Euros.
Leicester still favourites? Let’s get it won before Spurs come to SJP.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
If Spurs win all 4 then a loss and a draw by Leicester would see Spurs win it on goal difference. I think Spurs really have to win out though to give them a chance.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I see Leicester beating Swansea and Everton at home. So I think in reality it’s going to go to the last game of the season.
Not to worry, we’ll be on 37 points by then… 😀 😳
Stuart79(Quote)
STUART love your faith mate,hope the players have the same.
3 wins and Leicester cannot be caught,refs are trying hard to see it doesn’t happen
Icedog(Quote)
huge game tonight. will passion be on show ? and will passion and fight be enough for a point? all 3?
nah! 0-3 to City…
not convinced after beating Swansea. we beat Norwich 6-2 then got stuffed off Sunderland 3-0 😈
Gashley(Quote)
Well I just done my predictor through the Ronny Gill and had us finish on 36 pts with Norwich & Sunderland both on 32 pts.
That was predicting a draw tonight so even without that pt we could still be ok.
It was also giving both Scum & Norwich draws against Everton – I think that one could go either way.
It’s going to be nervy, but Rafa is ice cool & I think the players are slowly starting to respond to that calmness & belief. Lacselles & Townsend talking with a lot of belief this week.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Just want tonights game over with now tbh.
kimtoon(Quote)
I think it will go down to the last game, unless we win our next two games… 😯
Stuart79(Quote)
Notice Aston Villa have reduced the price of the club to £75m now! Who said relegatation doesn’t make owners want to just cut their losses!
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – Ashley is a very different beast to Randy Lerner though mate.
Sharpy17(Quote)
How do we know that, Sharpy? They’re both businessmen who invested alot of money in football, stuck to their guns financially after an initial financial outlay, tried to sell up twice and ended up relegated. I don’t see much difference but just ask Villa fans if Lerner’s thought any better there than Ashley is here.
Stuart79(Quote)
Bloody hell Arab Royal family bid 700 mil for Liverpool they could buy the toon for less than half that,there is money out there for some
Icedog(Quote)
Stu – well for a start Lerner wasn’t on Sky afew weeks ago saying he’s stuck with Villa & Villa are stuck with him.
I also don’t see Ashley being prepared to take such a loss in his sale of Newcastle.
They may both be hated but I reckon Ashley is the more stubborn of the 2. He couldn’t care less.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Ice – it wouldn’t surprise me if its down to Ashley either wanting too much for the club, or putting some stupid clause in the sale whereby SD still remain the main sponsor – or if there is any stadium renaming SD get first refusal.
Sharpy17(Quote)
No, Lerner has been doing interviews for the past 5 years saying how comitted he is to Villa, not just once. The simple fact is that when a club continues to be more of a drain on the billionaire than fun it becomes like any other asset – distressed and ready to be sold to actually save that billionaire more millions down the drain.
Stuart79(Quote)
The whole dynamic has changed for Ashley now. Sports Direct don’t want exposure, they’ve had too much of that recently. He’s losing millions everyday and his associate with NUFC is not helping him or them now, especially if we go down. He has been to about 2 games all season, doesn’t have anything to do with the day to day running of the club and the football club is a complete drain on him.
He won’t be here long. He might want to give it a season in the Championship to get us back up and then sell us but if we don’t get up first time it would make no sense at all to continue to hold an asset that is depriecating by the week.
Stuart79(Quote)
The club must surely be worried that huge games like this against the top teams aren’t even selling out. Tickets still on sale. The attendances in the Fizzy will be a real eye opener for Jabba. Another reason why he will be off.
Stuart79(Quote)
Townsend to score and NUFC to win is 14/1. I am having some of that!
Stuart79(Quote)
Your right mate,I know of a deal two yrs ago there was guy wanted to buy the toon,jabba wanted some advertising rights and 10% of the club,the guy turned it down
Icedog(Quote)
Stu – he’s not loosing millions with NUFC though. Whatever he has put in he’s added to his loan amount which he will recoup on selling the club.
He won’t forgo that loan and that’s more than likely one of the main reasons why the club hasn’t sold yet. Any pontential suitor will not only have to meet the asking price of the club, but will also have to cover that loan money – and that’s the sticking point.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Ice – That will have been when Ashley could only see the club increasing in value due to the TV deals. Does he have the appetite to invest a load more money into the club? Does he have the appetite for the undoubted protests that will follow relegation, fast reducing crowds and no guarantee of promotion? It’s a whole load of hassle for someone who has more important things on his mind.
Stuart79(Quote)
That’s the whole point, Sharpy. See my above comment. It’s just throwing good money after bad if we are relegated. He’s not stupid. He’s even admitted he hasn’t been able to make owning a football work. He knows he’s no good at it and he will be already thinking about how he can get out without it costing even more money. Like I said, he might give it a season to get us back up but he certainly won’t risk relegation again.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – I hope you’re right mate, I’d be as pleased as everyone to see the back of the fat shithouse.
All of what you say makes perfect sense, but sense has rarely been applied by Ashley.
Sharpy17(Quote)
http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/2/826408147?-11058:809:t
I know this is from Eds blog, but I like that Rafa is building Townsend up. I was buzzing when we signed him, but knew his confidence would be dented from his time at Spurs.
But since he signed he has scored goals & created – he’s made a good contribution despite our predicament.
I think a confident Townsend with the trust of the manager & love of the fans can be a very dangerous player.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Shelvey doesn’t get a starting place for me. One change Mitro Man replaces Cisse Offside.
Toby le Rhone(Quote)
STUART your what I call a real footy fan,you make a lot of sense at times,pity.there wasn’t more like it
Icedog(Quote)
Stuart
I’m going 2-1 tonight, a win would just be massive and yeah I think Townsend will score, seems to be most creative and so much fight in him, tracking back as well. I was over the moon when we signed him.
If I’m right with the score, still keep us in bottom 3 as think we need to win by 2 goals to get out with our goal difference, but just think how the feel good factor would be there. Think I’d be at 80-90% if we can do it tonight
Simon(Quote)
Ice – You are right! 🙂
Simon, I think we just need to win as if our GD is level it goes on goals scored. So I was told anyway.
Stuart79(Quote)
No matter how hard I try I can’t see a win tonight or at Liverpool. In fact I think we’re relegated already. We blew our chance which was to beat Norwich and the mackems. If we had we’d be 4 points clear by now. I watched the Swansea game with a tinge of sadness. Nice win but won’t save us. Aguero and De Bryne will take us apart at some point and there’s no way we’ll beat Spurs.
It is possible but it’ll take a real miracle.
Georgio(Quote)
Hope you’re right Stuart
I’m just keeping the faith while we can still do it
Simon(Quote)
Still don’t really understand why people want Mitro on the bench? Do two games prove he is now a bench option? Despite the fact he was our best player in the derby and started from the off – and was still battering their defenders well into the dying minutes when he got smashed in the head – and even then showed more fight than most of our boys?
He should start for me. If we’re going to use him from the bench then start Perez up top and use him as a false 9 so that we can try and maintain possession and then bring in our goal threats like Gini and Townsend. They get no service from Cisse, and Cisse hasn’t really looked sharp himself and I’m not sure City is a game where we can afford to carry him in the hope of a wonder goal?
Newkie(Quote)
Since his first half season Cisse has been a one trick pony. His one trick is to be caught offside.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I agree with Newkie that Mitro should start. At least he provides an outlet and we know we will be under pressure for a lot of the match. If he can get a bit of support from Townsend and Sissoko he can provide the layoffs. With Cisse the ball just seems to bounce off him a lot of the time and go straight back to the opposition. His work rate is good but his close control isn’t.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
ERIC Cissie couldn’t trap a bag of cement mate
Icedog(Quote)
Well Aguero is looking to get his 100th PL goal tonight and I’m sure we’ll oblige him.
kimtoon(Quote)
Oh KIM you naughty girl
Icedog(Quote)
Well at least we beat Spurs previously. Otherwise they would be right in the title race.
DJG(Quote)
Cant’t see us getting owt but you never know! 😛
richietoon(Quote)
Shelvey on bench. Cisee starts. Gini dropped. Perez in.
Shamrock(Quote)
more changes then, interesting
kimtoon(Quote)
any links
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Newcastle United starting XI: Darlow; Anita, Mbemba, Lascelles, Dummett; Tiote, Colback; Townsend, Sissoko, Perez; Cisse
Subs: Woodman, Saivet, Shelvey, Wijnaldum, Aarons, De Jong, Mitrovic 😛
Shamrock(Quote)
oops, got the time difference wrong, Shanghai is another hour to go … 3.45 am start… I think I will have to miss it
Dubai Toon(Quote)
No dwpth at the back at all. 1 injury and we are in serious trouble. I like the brave decision making though. Nice to have a manager with a back bone.
Shamrock(Quote)
Kompany back. No Sterling.
Shamrock(Quote)
He is on the bench. Think we will be very lucky to get anything. De Bruyne and Aguero in form, Sterling off the bench- us with no defensive options… A draw would be marvelous.
Shamrock(Quote)
Interesting that Gini has been dropped. Would have made the call myself, but would have aired on the side of De Jong as Perez hasn’t been great recently.
We have a decent looking bench though.
The good news about their team – Mangala plays!
Stuart79(Quote)
By the way, what the hell is Rafa telling Graham Carr? All the big signings bar Townsend on the bench!
Stuart79(Quote)
Amazing Mitrovic doesn’t start! I reckon Rafa sees him as a wildcard who will come on and terrify tired defenders. Has worked well so far!
Anyone in Holland know what channel I could watch this on?
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
This Lascelles interview is sensational. He gives no ***** abiut friends. He wants to win.
Make him captain.
funkyjesus(Quote)
Apparently Lascelles bombed Shelvey in the program notes too saying he loses his head and is the worst trainer at the club.
Dude is burning everyone, lol.
funkyjesus(Quote)
I don’t think it was a particular criticism to be honest. I assume it was one of them question and answer segments. Worst dresser, best singer worst trainer ect…
Stuart79(Quote)
Probably but he is on fire at the moment.
Making a play for captain in the Championship next year.
funkyjesus(Quote)
any links guys?
Dubai Toon(Quote)
We need to make sure we don’t concede first and we definitely need to make sure we don’t concede early! If we start fast which we should we have to score and then that gives us something to hold on to.
Stuart79(Quote)
C’mon then, save yourselves HWTL
kimtoon(Quote)
Their looking threatening already 🙄
kimtoon(Quote)
So this isn’t the start we wanted but bleeding hell that ball looked out twice!
Stuart79(Quote)
More marking like that please City…
Stuart79(Quote)
PLEASE??? Any links? No google here in Shanghai so I cannot search…
Dubai-Toon(Quote)
close there
Big Dave(Quote)