Another quiet week on Tyneside..
Takeover talk has intensified, we’ve got a valuable point away to Everton in a battling performance and the Magpie Group have since cancelled the boycott that was planned for this Sunday’s game on Sky.
All that side, this weekend’s clash with Wolves is another important one. We’ve put in some real good work recently to earn back to back home wins over Bournemouth and Watford and done brilliantly on the road to get 4 points from trips to Burnley and Everton, however last weekend’s 0-3 hammering when hosting West Ham was a reminder of what can happen when we’re a little below our best.
We’ve done a great job of steadying what, to some, looked like a sinking ship, however we are still just four points clear of the drop zone – and that’s not a big margin given we have some VERY tough fixtures coming our way after Christmas.
Wolves are a good side and will have a spring in their step after their huge midweek win over Chelsea at Molineux, however it is worth noting that they’d been struggling badly before that win – losing to Cardiff and Huddersfield in their two games before Chelsea on a run that included five defeats and one draw in six games.
If we get into them early and don’t allow them to build on their win on Wednesday we could quickly break their fragile confidence levels.
Preferred XI
As ever, here’s the team I’d like to see, followed by the side I expect Rafa to go with:
Either side of our 0-3 home hammering against West Ham, we’ve won pretty convincingly at Burnley and secured a great point at Everton – and in these two away games we’ve played three/five at the back in a system that seemed to suit us well at both ends.
There’s a good chance Rafa sticks to his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation (especially now Dummett could be set to return), however it feels like it’s worth sticking with a system that’s been working well – with us looking a bit one dimensional against West Ham.
The above system would also match Wolves’, with their attacking wing backs and illusive front three likely to be hard to contain if we go for a flat back four. Rafa knows better than me, but I think it’s time to give this formation a shot at St James’.
Whilst a return to 4-2-3-1 with Dummett back in at left-back looks likely, he’s shown in the past that he’s more than capable of playing as a centre-back in a three-man defence – and that is something Rafa may consider given Schar is suspended.
Ki and Diame have started several games in a row now and, although they’re doing well, I can see Shelvey coming in sooner rather than later, with Rafa likely to rotate given the festive fixture rush that we’re now entering.
Predicted NUFC team – (4-2-3-1) – Dubravka – Yedlin, Lascelles, Fernandez, Dummett – Shelvey, Diame – Ritchie, Perez, Kenedy – Rondon.
The Opposition
Here’s a few ‘ones to watch’ in this West Ham side:
Ruben Neves: The heartbeat of this Wolves side. Superb technically, devastating from free-kicks and a tenacious player who will get stuck in too. He missed their midweek game through suspension and could be at it after a much needed rest.
Matt Doherty: Probably the most attacking and most advanced wing-back I’ve seen in the league this season. He plays on the right-hand side of their five-man defence, but he looks more like a right-forward when you watch where he positions himself. He could leave gaps at the other end – and we must look to exploit this – but he’s a real threat going forward, with him weighing in with two goals and three assists already his season.
Willy Boly: Their best defender and an absolute unit who will give Rondon a real run for his money when it comes winning balls in the air. Rondon often outmuscles his man, but this will be a real physical test for him.
Adama Traore: There’s a chance he won’t start, but, if he does, he’ll be their main threat on the counter. His final ball and decision making is lacking at times, but he has frightening power and pace – being able to beat his man at will when he wants to.
Predicted Wolves XI – (3-4-3) – Rui Patricio – Boly, Coady, Bennett – Doherty, Moutinho, Neves, Vinagre – Traore, Jiminez, Jota.
Team news
Fabian Schar is ruled out through suspension (5 yellows), but Matt Ritchie is back after a one-match ban saw him miss the Everton game. Paul Dummett and Kenedy expected to be back involved IF they come through training unscathed on Saturday.
First choice left-wing back ‘Jonny’ will miss out once again, but star midfielder Ruben Neves is back after a one-match ban saw him miss their win over Chelsea in midweek.
Match Prediction
I think there might be a few goals in this one.
We both come into this with confidence after good results in midweek, which is unfortunate for us given they were seriously struggling prior to their 2-1 win over Chelsea a few days ago.
I genuinely haven’t a clue how this one will pan out, so it may come down to which side has recovered best after two big efforts in the week – especially when both managers don’t tend to rotate much.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-2 Wolves
Howay the lads!
Think it will be a struggle one Sunday. Wolves will have most of the ball and we will be defending and hitting on the break. Their confidence will be up so I just not sure I can see us winning this one.
Stuart79(Quote)
Me too Stu. I’d put this on par with Everton away with the style Wolves play and the quality of players they have. I think the lads will have to work as hard if we are to get anything from this one.
I really hope Rafa sticks with the 3 CBs – in fact the exact 11 that Olly has listed above.
Sharpy17(Quote)
The only way Dummett starts is if we play a traditional 4 at the back.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Wolves play similar way to Bournemouth and I think we went with a back 4. I wouldn’t be surprised to see it again. I’m not sure we attack with as much vigour with 3 at the back for some reason.
Stuart79(Quote)
A thought wolves were decent until a watched Huddersfield beat them. Actually not that good of a team to be honest. 2-1 toon. Massive 3 games comin up wolves Huddersfield fulham. 6-7 points needed
Coutts(Quote)
I don’t think there is any way that Rafa drops Ki for this one either. I think Shelvey wil be a sub and maybe come in for the next game. Rafa’s been giving Perez a lot of love but I have a suspicion that Muto might start, especially after what happened against West Ham. Probably 4-2-3-1
Dubravka
Yedlin Lascelles Fernadez Dummett
Ki Diame
Ritchie Muto Kenedy
Rondon
Maybe Atsu instead of Kenedy?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
When we played the back 3 Dummett was with Wales and came back injured. We all know what a stickler Rafa is for practice and Dummett would not have been doing the back 3 drills. That’s why I think that if Dummett plays it will be a back 4, especially since he has hardly trained in a month.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Shame schar is suspended. Tough game this like, can see us losing tbh.
kimtoon(Quote)
Managed to get two tickets for Muse at Ashton gate in june 😎 😀
Eric, saw your post re Pete Shelley, very sad , only 63 too.
kimtoon(Quote)
Kimtoon: I bought a Muse album a few years ago – Absolution. Initially, I was mad that they seemed a straightforward rip-off of Radiohead then I listened to the songs and they were quite good. I couldn’t really figure out why I was mad as there has been a tradition of artists copying each other starting with Elvis, then The Beatles and even the Stone started out playing Chicago Style blues.
I think Muse have developed more of their own style since then.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Excellent article on Rafa. He seems a genuinely nice guy. It is the first time I have seen anybody agree with me that the so-called rant about Lord Ferg of Manchester when Rafa was listing “FACTS” was just manufactured tabloid rubbish. All of the “facts” he stated were true!
https://www.football365.com/news/manager-in-the-media-everyones-favourite-rafael-benitez
Eric Sykes(Quote)
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/if-benitez-leaves-newcastle-will-be-knackered-for-a-long-long-time-6pth25pls?shareToken=f026d879714d755f7fb106c9d05c693c
kimtoon(Quote)
I hope Rafa picks Murphy again. He deserves another go as he played well last week. But I suspect Kenedy and Ritchie will play. I also doubt Rafa will play Perez after his last home performance and the reaction from the crowd. Or maybe he thinks Perez keeps getting in the position so eventually he’ll score.
Stuart79(Quote)
Eric, I love Radiohead mate and get the comparison . It’s normally poor mans Radiohead you here people say but as you point out they have their own style now and have for some time.
This will be the first gig I’ve gone to for a very long time and I’m really looking forward to it, hopefully the lad isn’t ill that day.
kimtoon(Quote)
After reading the article on Rafa it struck me that he never really celebrates . The writer said you couldn’t tell if his team were winning are losing by his expression and took a dig at Jose saying you wouldn’t see Rafa kicking over waterbottles. The comments from fans and colleagues make it all the more bemusing that Ashley has treated him the way he has. There are comments saying he can be ruthless but nobody questions his integrity.
I have tried to work out the Fatman and find it impossible. The sooner he is gone the better so I won’t have to think of him ever again.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
and so say all of us Eric!
Tough game tomorrow. Attack and try to dominate and they’ll cut us open like West Ham did. I’d play 3 at the back again with Clark in there and Dummett at LB and invite them on to us. It’s the only way this squad of players can play.
Stuart I disagree with you about Murphy. Sure his one good thing was an assist but the rest of his game he wandered around like he was lost and never got near putting in a tackle. Even Atsu was much more involved.
georgio(Quote)
We’ve got 4 live PL games on today, one after the other then the MLS Cup where I will watch Almiron. I am not sure why as I cannot see Mikey spending 25 million on 1 player. Anyway, it is freezing outside (welcome to Chicago) so I think I will plonk myself on the couch all day and watch football.
Looking forward to a Mitro goal against Man U. I don’t think Fulham are going down and it will be fun to watch Mourinho’s manic paranoid schizophrenic antics especially if Paul Pogba continues with his impression of a comatosed baby giraffe.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
They have Shearer as the guest as well.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sunderland v Newcastle utd u21 in the check a trade trophy then
kimtoon(Quote)
How can The Chronic have so many reporters and accomplish so little? Just read an article by Andrew Musgrove, I had forgotten about him. Then there’s Ryder, Chris the Intern, Stuart Jamieson, Mark Douglas and Gibbo.
And that’s before you even get to their guest writers like Micky The Legend, SuperMac and Rob Lee.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Are we allowed to play some first teamers? I know it would be hard on the kids but it is the Mackems after all. I would like to see Clark, Lejuene, Murphy and Darlow given a runout. If we win then we could revert back to the kids.
I know it wont happen 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Black cloud @Blackcloud1603
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Tweeting this with cautious optimism but I have been told to expect positive news in the next 7 days
This lad is supposed to be good with itk stuff.
Believe what you will, I’m still doubtful .
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – of the people linked with a takeover, it was Kenyon I was most hopeful would come good, cozof those mentioned he obviously has the experience at 2 of the biggest clubs in English football.
But I’m with you, I remain doubtful until the deal is done.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I know US accountants have been at SJP this week. Don’t know if it’s Kenyons lot but they were definitely there. Doesn’t guarantee a takeover but there is at least one party with serious enough interest to go through due diligence.
Stuart79(Quote)
All hail Mo, what a great goal and player
kimtoon(Quote)
Doesn’t look like a one season wonder, does he!
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Sharpy. There were two amendments at companies house yesterday, have read that the last time that type of entry was put in was back when the club last changed hands.
Make of that what you will, healthy pinch of salt probably needed with that info.
kimtoon(Quote)
I suppose the toon could make room for him 😉
kimtoon(Quote)
Could do with Brighton equalising.
Stuart79(Quote)
Bad results so far.
Stuart79(Quote)
As things stand, a win tomorrow and we will be 6 points clear. 😮
Stuart79(Quote)
Kim – that’s interesting, but again I won’t get carried away because regardless how serious or credible our potential suitors are … they still have to deal with Ashley!!. That gimp could wake up any given day and throw a spanner in the works just for $hits and giggles ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Mike “look at me” Dean is Ref. I expect a penalty.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I might be stating the obvious, but this is going down to the wire isn’t it. The only hope for it not to is to cut the bottom 3 adrift. 2 of them have new managers so who knows what will happen. However, I disagree that Southampton have such a good team and should be higher. All the pundits and journos say it but I just don’t see it.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric, we have to assume Cardiff will fall off as their squad is pretty average. But its looking like Fulham are the strugglers. I still expect Burnley to get clear but it might take a while. For us though, we have a great chance to get effectively 7 points clear of the relegation zone. That’s a lot down the bottom.
Stuart79(Quote)
Maybe this isn’t going to be the procession that all of the pundits assured us it would be. There are 4 other very good teams that could beat City and then there is Man U and who knows what can happen in a derby.
It is quite funny seeing the looks of disbelief on some of the City fans’ faces like it is their right to win every game. They mustn’t have watched the Lyon games and it does look like high press teams like Chelsea and Liverpool can give them trouble.
They will probably still win the league but this shows how dangerous it can be to anoint them in November.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Not NUFC but football related:
1. Saw the Citeh Chelsea game referred to as “El Plastico” which is quite clever but I am not sure if you can really get into the plastic fans debate without including Man U.
2. I hope Spurs get knocked out of The Champions League, mainly because they have no chance of winning it but they would have a good chance of winning the Europa League. That may cause Man U fans to STFU about Spurs not winning anything and assuming Poch (and everybody else) would walk over glass to manage them.
3. Who have they had since Lord Ferg? Moyes and Van Gaal – dire boring football. Same with Jose where the bloom went off his rose before they got him. He is certainly not committed to them having lived in a hotel for 3 years. He probably spends more time with the doorman than with Pogba.
4. I like to see Man U failing (relatively) because their fans are so smug. Who do they get next? Zidane? Would he want it with Pep down the road with a superior squad and equal resources? Ancelotti? That’s about it.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Black cloud @Blackcloud1603 · 31m31 minutes ago
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Fat mike wants shot asap. He has his eyes firmly set on a London club. I don’t think he is finished in football
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NUFC4EVA @RafasTheMan · 27m27 minutes ago
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Do you know who would be the better of the 2 mate?
If I was a fan of a London club I’d be shitting it reading that!
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Black cloud @Blackcloud1603 · 26m26 minutes ago
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Palace . Already been sounded out
😆 if that’s true
kimtoon(Quote)
Who do they reckon Kimtoon? Palace or Watford?
Bring one up from a lower division. Orient, Millwall. Charlton? These would seem most likely and fit his profile of buy something on the cheap and try to renew it. Their fans would be much more likely to accept project players and do trading by buying and trying to sell on at a profit.
Knowing Ashley, there would have to be some property play in there as well.
He could even be reunited with Pards 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/12/08/rafael-benitez-speaks-passionately-newcastle-ideal-premier-league/
Rafa talking sense as usual
Stuart79(Quote)
Brentford or Reading could be options?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Leeds would be my bet for Jabba. But if he wanted a London club Palace or Watford. He’s from Hertfordshire
Stuart79(Quote)
Interesting that Mitro was subbed at half time, Sharpy. Are you willing to bet that we finish above Fulham with Mitro this season?
Stuart79(Quote)
Pardew in USA for interview for the Atlanta job as the coach is leaving,oh my god i feel sorry for them
icedog(Quote)
Eric, Apparently he’s sounded out Palace and he is mates with ex owner Jordan but that may be a lazy link.
Interestingly , That Blackcloud1603 guy told Luke Edwards that if the takeover was completed he would delete his account and guess what…………..
https://twitter.com/blackcloud1603?lang=en
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – he’s a *****. Ignore him.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – Fulham were awful yesterday mate. No team has made Man Utd look that good all season – what the hell did they spend all that money on??? Not their defence that’s for sure.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I watched the Atlanta game last night. Almiron and Martinez are definitely PL quality imo – and won’t be bought for £15m as some reporters have suggested.
Sharpy17(Quote)
looks like it mate, he’s been around a while and had a few exclusives I understand but obviously likes attention the saddo.
kimtoon(Quote)
A saddo
kimtoon(Quote)
If this is true, hopefully it doesn’t hold up the sale of NUFC while he’s negotiating with this other club.
I did hear a rumour it might be QPR. Sir Les is leaving for a job with the FA and Tony Fernandez has had enough.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Worth noting that he’s on 4 yellow cards – so is one from a suspension.
They play West Ham at home next weekend to Ranieri will have one eye on that.
BUT, get booked in that one and he would miss our game..
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Not a new thread, but here’s this week’s ‘opposition opinion’ piece.
Some interesting stuff from this Wolves fan. Worth a read!
https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2018/12/09/the-opposition-opinion-wolves-h-he-always-plays-well-whenever-i-watch-you-on-tv/
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Almiron gets no time on the ball and the other teams seems to have a hack on sight rule for him. That should make him used to the high pressing of the PL. He was still influential and his speciality is picking a through ball. Their right back Escobar has looked good every time I have seen him.
Not saying we should buy their whole team but Almiron is worth a punt. He plays as number 10 but sometimes drifts to the right wing which is exactly what we need. He’s skinny but doesn’t get pushed off the ball easily and even puts himself about when needed.
I’ve watched Atlanta 3 times and he has been the best player on the pitch each time. Including when they played Rooney. Martinez has been good as well but I think he already played in Europe.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It will be an interesting match tonight and not a given by any means. I’m hoping for 2-0 win to us. ??
Dubai Toon(Quote)
So, 3 at the back with Clark coming in. Sadly Perez starts… Longstaff on the bench again… I’d like to see him get some minutes.
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Looks like 3cbs again with Ritchie LWB and Atsu and Perez off Rondon
No Shelvey though, not even the bench?!
Sharpy17(Quote)
HWTL
kimtoon(Quote)
Why are we the only PL game?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Have to watch these long throws. NUFC worst in the league for goals let in from set pieces – 10.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
FFS
kimtoon(Quote)
poor defending by Yed and Lascelles there
kimtoon(Quote)
Wolves are playing with so much more energy and urgency.
We get the ball and pass it across the back 3 – they get it and immediately look to play it forward and get at us
Sharpy17(Quote)
What a free kick from Rondon!!!
Then a lovely ball in for Perez ??
Right come on then!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
Perezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
kimtoon(Quote)
This is better, more urgency.
Nee good Perez & Atsu putting their fingers in their lugs.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Should criticize Perez every week because he then comes up with a great header. Same as his last goal but from the other side.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Not a bad game though. Quite often this year we have been very hard to watch.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Worldwide audience so better for the neutral.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Rondon seems to have his energy back. No more trips to Japan and Doha please.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
jesus ref are you not looking at Rondon being manhandled there like 👿
kimtoon(Quote)
poor corner
kimtoon(Quote)
Always said Perez was a £50 million striker… ?????
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Rondon is working too hard with all this chasing down imo. I’d far sooner see Perez and Atsu do more of that running so Rondon could see out 90mins. He’s too much of a threat to be running himself into the ground like this.
Heaps better after our goal though. We started so laid back it was only a matter of time Wolves scored.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Very poor defending for their goal, but give Rondon and Perez their due, they did amazingly for our goal. More of the same in second half…
Dubai Toon(Quote)