Game on! Newcastle v Chelsea

toonsy

Back on home turf
Hello, and welcome one and all to what is likely to be an emotional ‘Game on’ article that takes us through every twist and turn of Chelsea’s visit to St James’ Park.

It’s an early start so well done for getting out of your pit, but there is good reason to be doing so as fans of NUFC get the chance to pay their respect to a modern great of Newcastle United, Gary Speed, who tragically passed away last weekend.

As you will all be aware of, a day of tribute was planned by the club including the singing of the famous Welsh hymn ‘Bread of Heaven’ and the holding up of cards in the East Stand that will depict the number 11 followed by a minute of applause in recognition of a player who represented the Black and White cause a total of 284 times. The full tribute will now not go ahead at the request of Speed’s wife as she would like to be in attendance although the minute of applause will still be observed.

Moving back onto the game, it won’t be easy, but it’s a game that we could win, if that makes sense? Basically I’ve read the views of some who seem to think that three points against Chelsea is a given. I don’t happen to follow that train of thought and think some are vastly underrating Chelsea on the basis of, by their standards, a poor run of form.

I don’t expect a win, but I do think we are capable of pulling off a victory. However I’m also mindful that Chelsea have quality that can hurt us all over the pitch and that it’s only a matter of time before they click and get a result. We must guard against any complacency and ensure that it doesn’t happen against us today!

In terms of match previews, once again Shamrock has provided another excellent, detailed preview which you can read by clicking here and whilst your at it why not take a gander at Ben’s take on the match by clicking here.

With the match being on Sky there are sure to be plenty of internet streams although I always urge caution when predicting the availability of them, even when technically there should be plenty knocking about. Luckily I’m at the match today along with Marktoon and Jay Jay so I don’t need one, but the rest of you guys do so if anyone happens to stumble across a decent one then why not hoy a link to it in the ‘comments’ section below and share it with your fellow NUFC fans?

That just about sums this particular article up now and it’s over to you guys to get the banter flowing. Keep your eyes peeled for my match report which I’ll get on as soon as I get back as it’ll be written from being at the game first hand, again. Hopefully I can write about us getting three points in the bag, again.

Howay the lads!

Newcastle: Tim Krul; Danny Simpson, Steven Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini (c), Ryan Taylor; Gabriel Obertan, Yohan Cabaye, Danny Guthrie, Peter Lovenkrands; Hatem Ben Arfa; Demba Ba

Subs: Steve Harper, Davide Santon, James Perch, Dan Gosling, Sammy Ameobi, Leon Best, Shola Ameobi

Chelsea: Petr Cech; Branislav Ivanovic, David Luiz, John Terry (c), Ashley Cole; Ramires, Oriol Romeu, Frank Lampard; Daniel Sturridge, Didier Drogba, Juan Mata

Subs: Ross Turnbull, Jose Bosingwa, Ryan Bertrand, Raul Meireles, Florent Malouda, Salomon Kalou, Fernando Torres

About toonsy

A lifelong Newcastle fan and current webmaster of this very 'blog who has the sole aim of creating a place by Newcastle United fans, for Newcastle United fans.

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377 thoughts on “Game on! Newcastle v Chelsea”

  3. If Whumpie’s around I’d be up for the QPR trip you mentioned a couple of threads back, been a while since I’ve been along. Give me a shout back

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  6. Actually no offence to speed death,but if without his death,anyone remembers the so call certain protest will be made due to stadium name change?

    And somehow,the tribute is postponed,i wonder will we hear protest of some sort? 😕

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  7. I told you all it would be Lovenkrands and you all mocked me!!………………….Ok I never said any such thing, but you would have mocked me if I did 😉 😆

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  8. Only thing I can think that maybe McLovin might put in more of shift like Jonas and protect R raylor a bit better than Sammy. I dunno , just spitballing.

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  10. Loverman cant tackle though and he wants out in January, so dont really get his inclusion unless it is purely for aerial presence to help combat Chelsea when they win corners etc?

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  12. I think Lovenkrands provides the burst of sudden speed? 🙄

    and kinda like a poacher to me.

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  13. Sammy will be an impact sub to cause chelsea problems like he did in the 2-2 draw at the end of the season

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  14. Very happy with Lovenkrands and I don’t think anyone should doubt Pardew’s decisions anymore.

    As much as I love Sammy he did show his inexperience on occasion against Manure. I’m thinking particularly of the moment when he ran straight into Evra with the ball and ended up leaving Simmo with a 2 on 1 to deal with.

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  15. Richie – he has scored a few headers for us and although Sammi is tall, I dont recall him being an aerial powerhouse in the appearances he has made so far this season? Who knows – Looks like we are all baffled!

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  17. Shamrock….aye but he hasn’t played through the centre waiting for crosses coming in has he? 😉

    AP knows more than any of us(me apart 😉 ) so I’ll trust him 😀

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  21. surely he’s gone for Loven to help Raylor out with the Sturridge threat. Good move I reckon, I’m starting to fully judge Pardew’s judgment. Would have been more rock n roll to see sameobi/santon at rw, but I suspect this is the better move. Hopefully we’ll see one or both of those guys in the second half. Santon must be tearing his hair out wanting to get on!

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  22. Lovenkrands offers more experience than Sammy to cover Raylor. I just wonder whats happened to Ferguson? Is he injured or something? He was nailed on for the spot at one point.

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  23. Richie – Pardew does not know as much as me mate. I told him: ”UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES DO YOU START LOVERMAN”. He is obviousy being petulant. Dont worry, I’ll kick his **** into gear after the game.

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  26. @25

    I reckon that will have been their game plan anyway.

    Obertoons back so rat boy shouldn’t be able to attack so high. I just want Benny running at Terry in the box and see what happens a la Ferdinand. 🙂

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  27. Shamrock says:
    December 3, 2011 at 12:17
    Richie – Pardew does not know as much as me mate. I told him: ”UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES DO YOU START LOVERMAN”. He is obviousy being petulant. Dont worry, I’ll kick his **** into gear after the game.

    Quality 😆 😆 😆

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  28. OK, decision is made. He’s wearing our colours so I’m going to lay off and get behind him to do a sterling job. Come on Loverman, show ’em who’s boss! 😛

    I wont get to even watch the stream for most of this game, gutted. Looking forward to reading about a positive performance hopefully!

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  29. Hate to be the bearer of bad news but both Lawro and Merson have siad we will get soemthing out of this game 🙁

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  30. Loven has the speed to help cover Sturridge, otherwise Raylor would have a handful keeping up today. Loven will do us proud.

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  32. Toonsy don’t be drinking too much Lad 😉 and don’t worry we have enough to win this 😀
    I thought today was a normal 3 pm kick off 😆

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  38. Paul Merson – years of alcohol abusing the only 3 brain cells he has means he cant actually remember much beyond last season…. Talks absolute drivel.

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  42. Toon Chicken – That’s what wingers do, they run at the opposition. Sometimes they lose it, even George Best got tackled sometimes.

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  44. Stu – not when you’re in you’re own half, close to the 18 yard box, away at Manchester United and down to ten men you don’t. 😕

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  56. any links without sopcast? Just tried downloading it and could only find downloads for other **** through ads! 👿

    any help would be appreciated

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  66. See Pardew is not reactive. That Attack down Ryan Taylor’s side has been happening all game he has done nothing

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  69. The game is 27 mins old Michael , Im sure Pardew has gone into the game with a plan. Have some patience!

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