I’m sure I speak for most in saying I’m currently devoid of any real hope or excitement as a Newcastle fan right now – and I’m not expecting that feeling to change ahead of what could be a very long afternoon at Chelsea.
As Rafa said in his presser, it’s time to forget about ‘takeovers’ and the transfer window (with us appearing to be no closer to any new signing or new owners 10 days into January), however matters on the pitch are just as worrying right now.
Our threadbare squad is now being seriously tested, with the absence of Shelvey (injury), Diame (injury) and Ki (international duty) meaning we have just ONE senior midfielder fit for tomorrow’s game – and that’s an out of sorts Isaac Hayden who wants out!
Not only that, we don’t have a natural left-back fit either, with Paul Dummett also ruled out. We know we lack quality, but the fact Benitez is now forced to put square pegs in round holes just sums up Ashley’s neglect at NUFC.
Chelsea have failed to score in their last two league games at home – losing 0-1 to Leicester and drawing 0-0 with Southampton more recently – but they’ve also conceded just ONE goal in their last 8 home games; a stat that hardly fills me with confidence given how toothless we’ve been in attack of late.
That said, their confidence levels are fragile at present so you just never know – but it’ll have to be a Benitez masterclass if we’re to get anything.
Preferred XI
Here’s the team I’d like to see, followed by the side I expect Rafa to go with:
With Shelvey out, Ki away at the Asian Cup and Diame a ‘major doubt’, we have just ONE senior central midfielder available – and that’s Isaac Hayden; a player who doesn’t even want to be here.
If Diame does miss out then Longstaff will almost certainly start – unless Rafa think the ball playing Fabian Schar could play in a holding midfield role.
With Dummett out I expect Ritchie to come in as a left-wing back (although he was murdered the last time he played in this role at Chelsea), while Atsu and Perez look likely to play either side of Rondon given Kenedy is ineligible.
Predicted NUFC XI – (5-2-2-1) – Dubravka– Yedlin, Schar, Lascelles, Fernandez, Ritchie – Longstaff, Hayden – Perez, Atsu – Rondon.
The Opposition
Aside from the obvious Eden Hazard, here’s a few ‘ones to watch’ in the Chelsea squad:
Ngolo Kante – He’s been given real license to get forward under Sarri, playing in a more advanced role and often finding himself in the box and joining attacks. I watched their League Cup defeat to Spurs a few days ago and he could’ve been mistaken as their striker as times!
Marcus Alonso – The tall Spaniard bombs forward from ‘left-back’ and will be one of Chelsea’s biggest goal threats. Yedlin will have his hands full with Hazard, but marking him so closely could leave space for Alonso to sneak in. Whoever is playing down the right of our midfield will need to help out.
David Luiz – He’s now a regular in Sarri’s side and a player capable of doing something sensational one minute and stupid just moments later. A talented footballer but someone who always has an error in him. Rondon could cause him problems.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – The 18-year old winger looks an incredible talent; so much so that Bayern Munich are bidding £35m to sign him. He may not start, but whoever is filling in at left-back is in for a tough night if he does. He’s direct, incredibly quick and has bundles of confidence and quality for a player of his age.
Predicted Chelsea XI – (4-1-2-3) – Kepa – Azpilicueta, Luiz, Rudiger, Alonso – Jorginho – Kante, Barkley – Willian, Morata, Hazard.
Team news
Shelvey and Dummett have been ruled out, with Diame rated a ‘major doubt’ – meaning Longstaff could be forced to play in midfield.
Kenedy is ineligible to play against his parent club and both Ki and Muto are away at the Asian Cup.
Morata is a doubt for Chelsea, while Loftus-Cheek – a player Benitez has tried to sign in the past – has been ruled out.
Match Prediction
It’s hard to see how we go about getting anything from this one. Chelsea may have scored just ONE goal in their last three home league games (and also blanked vs Spurs in midweek), but they’ve conceded just ONCE in their last 8 games at Stamford Bridge.
If we keep Hazard quiet and force a rare defensive lapse at the other end then we may be able to get a point, but I’m really struggling here given our injury issues.
We’re often much better on the road and a tough nut to crack away from St James’, but I still see Chelsea having too much for us here.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle
Howay the lads!
Hmm , another loss me thinks. 🙁
Hope i’m wrong though, even a point is welcome .
KIMTOON(Quote)
I think we will see Lejeune because Chelsea have been playing Hazard as a false 9 and no-one in their right mind would put Lascelles/Yedlin up against him.
Then it is a choice between Fernandez and Lascelles. I would choose Fernandez in current form but it will probably be Lascelles.
The rest of the team looks about right as we have no other choice.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I know the rule is to take it one game at a time, but who says we have to? There are no rule police out there, it is just another football cliché. So, who the hell do we play against Blackburn? We might have to save Longstaff and Hayden for Cardiff, so who. Joselu, that’s who.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I see Roofe has scored again for Leeds. You know, the player The Chronic said we were after from Leeds who are top of The Championship. You know, that Championship that getting promoted from is supposed to be the biggest payday in Sports and worth 150 million plus. Where selling your best player when you are top of the league might not be a good idea. But that doesn’t stop The Chronic.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
You see, what The Chronic does is repeat a stupid story from somewhere like The Sun but then try to absolve themselves of all responsibility for it by saying it was The Sun wot did it. Quite often, they write a story retracting their erroneous story that goes like “Lee Ryder has been informed that there s no truth to the rumour that NUFC are interested in …”. So what is the point apart from ckicks. But Mark Douglas says The Chronic don’t do clickbait.
In this transfer window, I would say 90% of what The Chronic has done is clickbait. And not just the transfer stories but the takeover stories. This is probably the most frustrating January yet because we are also playing **** and there is no immediate sign of it getting any better.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I think somebody worked it out and promotion to the PL is worth about 200 million. First, you get the guaranteed TV money of at least 100 million, but then another 100 million or so in parachute payments if you get relegated. For a club like Huddersfield that is probably more money than they have seen in the entire history of the club combined.
And what is the Fatman doing. Fiddling whilst NUFC burns.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I’m watching the Leeds v Derby game and both play better football than us – or more enjoyable football to watch. Is that better players? Poorer competition? Or managers with a different philosophy to how the game should be played?.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy, i would say it’s two evenly matched teams player wise but we are playing a lot of teams who have strengthened this season whilst we are static in recruitment . Therefor we are not on a level playing field in the PL , only really toe to toe with Cardiff , Huddersfield and possibly brighton but even they score more than us .
Leeds and Derby would likely beat us if we were in the championship with them as we have no fire power and are prone to brain farts defensively this season.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Kim – looking at how Villa are struggling in the Championship, and Stoke – if we go down, we stay down this time I reckon.
I agree with you, in that Leeds couldn’t play that way against the likes of the top 6-8 in the PL and get away with it. But I think both would be finishing above us if they were in the PL.
I don’t know how long Leeds have been out of the top flight, but if we swap places with them in the summer, I reckon our absence would go on to be a similar length of time.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Agree Sharpy, it’s frightening how far behind we have fallen. Never known the club and fan base so toxic either , very sad.
KIMTOON(Quote)
little song i remembered and i thought of jabba 😉
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l703w84lNys
KIMTOON(Quote)
Leeds have been out of the PL for 15 years and almost went bust. I am sure you know that they also went down to the 3rd tier. It is a cautionary tale and they are arguably a bigger club than us and Yorkshire is crying out for a team to support.
The Fatman better worry because when a downward spiral starts it is difficult to halt. Look at the Mackems. They are not out of the woods yet for all their crowing. If they do not get promoted this year there will be a reckoning as Ellis Short wants the parachute payments as part of the deal with the new Chancer owners.
Then there’s Bolton, Coventry, Portsmouth and Blackpool. If Fatman thinks he can bleed the club dry and still have it be viable he has another think coming. And so do us supporters because it looks like he is paying back his loans and letting the chips fall where they may. By the time this year’s PL payments are made, I reckon there must be at least 100 million extra in the coffers and he won’t want to pay tax on that and the easiest way to avoid it is to repay the loan.
I hope I am wrong and at least we spend something in this window. If we do survive then next year he will be able to pay back all of the loan and we will be even more of a zombie/shell of a club than we are now.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
BTW The Mackems play Luton tomorrow who are 2nd and the Mackems are 3rd. They may have lucked out as Stoke poached Luton’s manager this week.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Whilst in the same division as Derby and Leeds are now we scored a hell of a lot of goals playing good football. Basically with the same players as we have today. The difference being that in that league we got more chances so we scored the goals. Also less chances are taken in the Championship so you can commit a bit more going forward.
It’s basically the fact Rafahas decided the best way of staying up will be by being defensive and trying to stay in games and nick points. I can’t blame him. We are toothless in attack.
Stuart79(Quote)
So you think Derby and Leeds could play against West Ham, Bournemouth, Everton and Wolves and get away with it?
It’s a fallacy that we don’t try and attack against the teams in the bottom half. I’ve seen most games and we do attack, but the players lack of quality are either responsible for a poor final ball whilst in a good position or poor finishing. That’s not a lack of ambition – it’s a lack of quality.
Stuart79(Quote)
Ashley really has his hands full with his Department Stores which is probably another reason that he is ignoring NUFC. He also knows that Tat Direct is not safe either. His Sports Direct highstreet stores are not safe from the internet and I am not sure if the brand is big enough to stand alone against Amazon etc. Things move so quickly in internet retail.
I still maintain that buying the department stores is a pure property play. The companies go bankrupt which voids the rental agreements. Ashley swoops in and offers a fraction of the rent which the landlords have to accept and then he bullies the councils for a deal on reduced rates. All of this is to set up multi-use units in city centres that the current owners could not afford alone and the banks will not give loans to landlords with no tenant.
It might indeed save the highstreet but it will be mainly high end rental with some offices and a few stores and bars and restaurants – probably the big chains where he can do a multi-deal. Maybe some student accommodation. If I am right that will actually be better than a failing department store as most of them are empty anyway. It might even help save his beloved Sports Direct as I am sure there will be one in every new development, along with a jewelers and a Flannels.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Ashley can’t be stupid enough not to know that Sports retail is a very difficult business and that yesterdays highstreet giants are tomorrows bankruptcies. He has picked up plenty of brands this way so he has to know the score. I am not saying it will happen but none of the sports stores from the 70′ and 80’s are around now and I am guessing the same fate will befall Sports Direct eventually. The problem is that the internet has caused the life cycle to speed up.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Odds:
Chelsea Win 1/5
Newcastle Win 15/1
Draw 5/1
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Stu – I do mate. I watched Leeds and their style was similar to how Brighton play and they are doing just fine. I’m not saying they wouldn’t take a hammering now and again, but I think they would accrue enough points without threatening the top 8, but without worrying about relegation.
Sharpy17(Quote)
All of our relegation rivals play before us today (none tomorrow) so we will know where we stand before our game.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Brighton have spent over £100m! On top of that, Leeds would be one of the first teams in history to go up and be comfortable without spending a penny. Unlikely imo.
Stuart79(Quote)
It’s worth noting that Fulham played similar exciting football as Leeds do and look where they are. They have bvetter players than Leeds too.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – not defensively mate. Leeds are solid at the back which has been a big part of their success. I’m not suggesting they wouldn’t still make improvements – I’m certain they would and their manager alone shows the ambition of the club. But I think they would still play the same style whilst upgrading one or two players.
Sharpy17(Quote)
now theres a guy that knows footy
icedog(Quote)
? that’s not a pop at me Ice is it? ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy: it is all very respectful of here since Troy Stavers left. Have a look at Ed’s if you want to see sniping and bickering 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
theres no way i would have a go at you mate,dont think that for a minute,you know me if i have a pop at anyone i let them know in no uncertain terms (its rare i do) certain people are not on now,i think you know who 😆
icedog(Quote)
Great start to the matches eh…
Stuart79(Quote)
oh dear Fulham and S/hamton both winning 🙄
icedog(Quote)
It’s almost like you think the Championship is a similar level to the bottom 14 of the PL. it isn’t. We strolled the Championship with Brighton and we both struggled last season until March. Fulham ripped it up last season after being bottom at Christmas.
If you think Leeds will be comfortable next season I’m really not sure you’ve been watching football for the last twenty years. With all due respect that is… 😀
Stuart79(Quote)
Fulham winning
KIMTOON(Quote)
Saints leading
KIMTOON(Quote)
Fulham level now
KIMTOON(Quote)
Ice – I know mate, that’s why I went with double laugh emoji. I know well enough you’re a straight speaker ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Bl oody hell Burnley lead Fulham by 2 og’s !
That’s some tough ***** to take
KIMTOON(Quote)
tthere are some really good players on the market but jabba the fat swine just will not spend ohwell he will have to spend a lot more when we go down,if he sells he will take the PL money with him thats for sure
icedog(Quote)
Currently in the bottom three. Don’t worry though. The club will be delighted they aren’t being ripped off in the transfer market. That’s how they measure success.
Although it’s clear we should be attacking teams with our talentless attack and leaving gaps all over the place.
When you spend no money you struggle. Still not Sure why people think we should be doing any better…
Stuart79(Quote)
imo we have five PL players the rest well ime sorry are a poor ccc class
icedog(Quote)
ime watching the L/pool game,the toon game follows it sorry be i cannot handle watching it ime slowly getting sick of jabba and company killing the club
icedog(Quote)
Stu – when I say comfortable, I don’t mean 40pts by Christmas mate. I know they will be in the bottom half and in amongst a relegation battle, but I think they would be more with the likes of Palace and WH – as in down there but not really at risk.
Sharpy17(Quote)
KIMTOON(Quote)
saints 2 .0 up now, what’s up with Leicester lately.
KIMTOON(Quote)
aye and they are down to ten men
icedog(Quote)
By the end of today, we will be in the bottom 3 by the looks of it. ☹️☹️ Hope the fat B.astard enjoys that… value heading further down the toilet.
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Another pen for Salah
KIMTOON(Quote)
Need leicester to score again and possibly win it and Fulham to equalise and Cardiff to probably stay the same
Stuart79(Quote)
Jabbas at the bridge today according to mark douglas.
KIMTOON(Quote)
longstaff starts and lejuene too
KIMTOON(Quote)
Jabba arrived with Keith Bishop in tow.
KIMTOON(Quote)
On regular TV here so the whole country can watch.
Not going to the pub but might have a pint or 2 at home. Too many Chelsea fans at the pub and I am not too confident with a midfield of Longstaff and Hayden. Prove me wrong!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Good luck to longstaff today, what a game to get a start in and ***** circumstances too .
Fulham get one back
KIMTOON(Quote)
Weakest bench in the Premier League?
Woodman
Murphy
Manquillo
Joselu
Sterry
Schar
Fernandez
Eric Sykes(Quote)
If one of Hayden or Longstaff have a stinker i would chuck Schar into the mf tbh, can’t do any worse and has a good pass on him .
KIMTOON(Quote)
1-1
Sharpy17(Quote)
Burnley have won without even having a shot on target!
Only saving grace is that it looks more and more likely that it’s one from 4 now. We just have to hope that Cardiff have a worse second half of the season than we do.
I see Jabba is at Chelsea today. Why? Just why?
Stuart79(Quote)
As I though, we are in the bottom 3 now. Longstaff gets his first start in the premiership… I hope he has a good one.
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Isn’t he a chelsea fan stu ? if so he’s there to watch his team 🙄
KIMTOON(Quote)
Or maybe he gets off on seeing the Chelsea fans boo Rafa, the ungrateful t wats
KIMTOON(Quote)
Thought he was supposed to be a Spurs fan.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Rio, you are a utter t wat mate. No i won’t thank that cancerous leech who owns us for spending £50m in the championship, it’s his fault we got there in the first place you twonk.
KIMTOON(Quote)
is he ? what ever, he’s no toon fan anyways.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Stu – don’t you know?!, he’s there to negotiate terms for the purchase of Lotus-Cheek and Batshuai … Carlsberg don’t do transfer windows ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Rio has a face you want to punch
KIMTOON(Quote)
Rio Ferdinand is a complete *****. He’s gone on tv and spoke about something without any facts. He got a bit rattled though…
Stuart79(Quote)
Chelsea playin 2 false 9s! Pedro and Hazard.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Hahaha. Fat cockney ******* song heard loud and clear on tv 😆
Stuart79(Quote)
Here we go , ffs long afternoon
KIMTOON(Quote)
Standard.
Stuart79(Quote)
When you’re forced to play a winger at left wing back…
Stuart79(Quote)
15 goals in 21 games for NUFC.
When we concede 1st we lose. 11 times so far this season.
Not that I am being doo and gloom here 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric, what does that stat tell you about our attacking players?
Stuart79(Quote)
Have Chelsea been spying on our training? They’ve sussed our main weakness – playing football.
Stuart79(Quote)
Lejuene looking class mind
KIMTOON(Quote)
Rafa is fuming
KIMTOON(Quote)
Hells bells Ayoze, you HAD to bury that man
KIMTOON(Quote)