Back in January we were treated to a fantastic 3-0 victory at St James’ Park courtesy of goals from Demba Ba, Yohan Cabaye and an own goal from Phil Jones which gave us our only win over the Red Devils in 19 attempts.
Prior to that match Alex Ferguson’s side had lost a home game with Blackburn Rovers 3-2. This time around they arrive in the North-East having suffered defeat by the same scoreline in their last league game before the European break, this time with Tottenham Hotspur being the victors at Old Trafford. It’s all just a little bit of history repeating…
Neither side have been at their best so far this season with defensive injuries causing problems for both managers. Of course some of the effect our injuries have had on us could have been negated if, well, you know, I won’t go into that one again just now, but a repeat of the match last season would see us leapfrog Manchester United into 6th place in the table and give the plastic United their worst start to a top flight season for 23 years.
Team news: Newcastle
Davide Santon, Demba Ba, Jonas Gutierrez and Hatem Ben Arfa will all be drafted back into the side after missing out the midweek victory over Bordeuax. Danny Simpson also completed 90 minutes and is available for selection whilst Fabricio Coloccini could feature as could Steven Taylor who suffered a calf strain against Reading last weekend although the Greenwich born defender has only a slim chance of making the team. Personally I think he’ll miss out so as not to aggravate his calf further.
The news isn’t so good for Rob Elliot who was withdrawn at half-time against Bordeaux with a groin injury. He probably wouldn’t have played today anyway but his place on the bench will have to be filled. Jak Alnwick is the likely lad looking to profit from injuries to Elliot and Tim Krul. Ryan Taylor remains out.
Team news: Manchester United
Johnny Evans has recovered from a dead leg and could start in the centre of defence. Meanwhile Chris Smalling could take a place on the bench for the first time since suffering a broken foot last season. He only started training a few days ago but needs must and Smalling may find himself primed as a reserve earlier than anticipated.
Nemanja Vidic is out for at least another six weeks after undergoing surgery on his knee. Antonio Valencia is also out with an ankle injury.
Team selection:
Again we are going to see our attacking big-hitters back on the pitch at St James’ Park. Demba Ba will be back in the team as will Hatem Ben Arfa with the only question being how we play the trio of Ba, Cisse and Ben Arfa.
Last season a 4-4-2 and a front pairing of Ba and Shola Ameobi was highly successful on the night although it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will work again. It’s worth a shot though as our attack can get at their defence if they are on song so I’d try to get both of our main strikers in the middle against a defence that has been less than impressive so far this season.
However the same can be said about Manchester United who have players in their ranks who seem to love playing against us. Wayne Rooney has scored against us nine times as a Manchester United player whilst Robin van Persie has found the back of the Newcastle net the last three times he has come up against us. Then there is Paul Scholes who has scored more goals against us than I care to remember.
It could be a case of which attack comes out on top at St James’ Park today.
Match stats and facts:
There have been 153 meetings between the two sides in all competitions. Newcastle have won just 40 of them. A win for Manchester United will see them move within three victories of doubling that tally.
Newcastle have the third best second-half record in the league. Manchester United have the best second-half record as things stand.
Shola Ameobi’s 16th minute strike against Bordeaux on Thursday was our quickest competitive goal of the season to date.
Manchester United have conceded the opening goal in five of their six Premier League games this season.
Final thought:
Playing Manchester United is always tough, however there are tentative signs of improvement within the Newcastle United ranks. Yohan Cabaye started to show some form against Bordeaux and showed some great passing, industry and a willingness to get forward while Cheik Tiote, whilst prone to the odd stray ball, also continued to improve. Papiss Cisse also showed he can score out of nothing and is at least working harder than he has been in the last few games.
In short we need all of our “blue chip” players to be on song this afternoon if we are to beat Manchester United. It’s something we’ve missed this season but if, or when, it happens, it can only be a good thing for us.
The Bordeaux game was the first match of the season where we looked comfortable and even though the result may not match up today I’m looking for the performance to be of a similar standard.
Howay the lads!
Date: Sunday, 7th October, 2012
Time: 4pm – Live on Sky Sports 1
Venue: St James’ Park
P.S. I got a few e-mails after our Carling Cup tie at Old Trafford a couple of weeks ago asking why I referred to Manchester United as “the plastic United” and why I kept saying “United” in reference to Newcastle. Apparently it was confusing…
I can clear this up with simple maths.
Newcastle East End + Newcastle West End = Two teams from Newcastle Uniting, hence Newcastle United.
Newton Heath LYR Football Club + 0 = A team that changed it’s name to incorporate a United, hence not really a unity, nor a real United at all.
I hope this clears things up…
4-3 to the Toon 🙂 🙂 lots of goals today I reckon…can’t wait for the game.
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
Morning all 🙂
Would just like to say a huge thanks to everyone who contributed in keeping the site running whilst I was sunning (burning) myself is Spain this past week. I will dish out more than just a comment when I get around to it and we get away from the match.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who is very grateful for getting articles up and published over the last week .
Cheers guys 🙂
toonsy(Quote)
Toonsy mentioned it in the article. Anybody prepared to put Cisse and Benny on the bench and go with Ba and Shola up front with Jonas and Fergie on the right and left of midfield.
Tough call for Pardew.
Toby le Rhone(Quote)
wtf plastic united theres one UNITED and its red
red devil(Quote)
Full of **** ^^^
Brush up on history and don’t ignore the facts…
toonsy(Quote)
Off topic ( sorry but – not really) 🙂 Glory 1 v Roar 0 🙂 🙂 1 win down, one more to go 🙂
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
Manure fielding their strongest team today. Webb, Van Persie and Carrick. Webb will give give us the most problems.
Toby le Rhone(Quote)
Shola deserves to start with Ba, but is also a decent sub and will cause problems for Man u defenders if brought on.
Obertan and Fergy had some good chemistry too on Thurs, I’d be tempted to play them again.
2-2 for me
mark(Quote)
Mike Hooper
Anita / Willo / Perch / Fergy
Benny/ Cabaye / Tiote / Obertan
Shola / Ba
mark(Quote)
Toonsy – hope you had a good hol mate, and the little un had fun 😉
The Man U fixture is second only to Scumland for me like. I’m excited and nervous and the Bordeaux game has give me some hope that we can get something out of today. Personally I’d like us to go:
—————– Harper ————-
Simpson – Saylor – Colo – Santoon
——– Cabaye – Tiote – Anita ——
—————— Ben Arfa ————
————– Cisse —— Ba ———–
I’d stick Tiote on Rooney and if Benny was through the middle, he’d destroy Rio and Evans, who would also struggle with Ba and Cisses movement. My only fear would be their full backs bombing on. But I don’t see us getting anything playing defensively and Spurs showed last week that the Mancs don’t like teams attacking them, and even Clung got the better of their defence midweek.
At the very least I want a good performance today ahead of the derby game.
Sharpy17(Quote)
It has always annoyed me that reference to United. Looking forward to the game (after having done a deal with the gods about the Roar game – just hope the buggers keep their side of it).
brisvegas(Quote)
With Collo and Staylor in CD I’d feel a lot more confident against Manchester’s second best team. Don’t fancy the RVP / Williamson contest one bit… 👿
Munich Mag(Quote)
red devil @4. Sorry mate, it’s gonna be another long hard season for you struggling hard to keep up with Man City and Chelsea. A team in decline, who’ll really fall to pieces once SAF retires. No problems at all, Man United, a bunch of has-beens in the decline.
Munich Mag(Quote)
Just off topic and picking up from some of the comments last night about the sponsorship.
I thought Virgin was £10m over 2yrs rather than a season. I’m with the rest of you though, Wonga on the shirts isn’t great but having the stadium called ‘Wonga Arena’ or similar just doesn’t appeal to me like – not for any about of money.
I read afew people suggesting the fans should protest, and whilst I’m not saying we should just accept it, but all this protesting and spray painting the ground is probably putting off the kind of sponsors we’d like to see in.
I don’t like SDA, but I hate the idea of us doing business with a company who exploits people who are having financial difficulties. It just doesn’t sit well with me like.
Sharpy17(Quote)
We’ve always referred to Newcastle United as “United” – and we have every right to do so, it’s our name.
The Leazes End always used to sing “There’s only one United” – because to us there is only one.
Where things have become confused is the national media picking up a local Manchester trait of referring to “United” and “City”. That’s perfectly acceptable in Manchester as it’s an easy way to differentiate between their local clubs.
However it’s totally wrong to do it nationally – where there are lots of “City” and “United” teams.
I was listening to Five live one night – a match between us and Manyoo and the commentator said “The match kicks off and United have the ball” – now THAT is confusing. And no doubt on Sky this afternoon the commentators will incorrectly keep referring to the team from Salford as “United” – even though there are 2 Uniteds on the pitch.
Maybe it’s time our United blogs organised some kind of campaign about the incorrect terminology used by the national media?.
UTD111(Quote)
Its a game I always go into thinkin we won’t get anything out of because its man u, but we have the players to cause them trouble. But the very same can be said of them.
Munich agree Man utd be in trouble when fergie leaves but would never rule them out while red nose is there.
Johno Toon(Quote)
MM – re Willo v RVP – that’s why I’d go for a possibly not fully fit pairing of Colo and Saylor over a Willo and Perch partnership. I’d fancy Willo or Perch to see red against RVP, particularly the way Willo likes to climb all over players.
Sharpy17(Quote)
UTD111 – Do you think it would work though? I don’t…
I mean the media would just twist it into us being deluded or having another protest against something. They are far too powerful in this country, but only because the vast majority of people lap up what they dish out.
Like this Wonga thing that makes no sense and has no real concrete evidence behind it aside from what the press have printed. Suddenly it’s gospel though 😯
Mind you, if it was good news the press would just be twisting/stirring/making it up no doubt 😆
toonsy(Quote)
Toonsy – I just can’t believe for one moment that the press make up stories…
How could you even suggest it 😉 ❗
On the “United” thing…..today we’ll be referred to as “Newcarsel” by some southern media commentator and the Manc lot will be referred to as “United” – but why should that be?
We have just as much right to be referred to as “United” and them as “Manchester”
That only sounds strange because of the way the media have been allowed to get away with it up to now.
Thank god I’ll be in my seat in the East Stand and won’t have a commentary that spoils the game for me!
UTD111(Quote)
RVP worries me ,he’s their life saver as he was at Arsenal .As long as they have him they can win no matter how **** their defence is ,you could say the same for Rooney, though oddly I’m less concerned about him 😉 . I really can’t call this one ,logic says a Man utd win ,especially in view of our slow / poor start to first halfs but we often turn it on for the big teams so who knows . What the hell I’m going for a 2.1 win with Cisse and Benny on the sheet. 😀
Toonsy ,nice to have you back ,hope you had a good holiday and Moreno and Aussie and co have done you proud but your back in time to pen an article on that shower Wonga 😉 May I suggest a working title of A shower called Wonga! like A fish called Wanda 😉 .As you can see I’m still angry over last nights possible sponsor change. 👿
KIMTOON(Quote)
Kim, get angry if Wonga do sign on, no point winding yourself up over something that might not happen 🙂 glad to see the half full glass is out in regards to the result 🙂 🙂
And thanks to Vegas for selling the Roar out to the devil 🙂
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
Aussie ,aye I’ll keep my anger in check for now ,I’m actually saving it up for Webb later when no doubt he’ll gift Man U a pen / sending offor whatever 🙄 😉
KIMTOON(Quote)
We will still win tho Kim 🙂 🙂
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
Aussie ,hope so 😀
KIMTOON(Quote)
UTD111 – hit the nail on the head mate, I think with Man Us success the media are so used to writing about them as United now that it’s just second nature.
I have to be honest and say it doesn’t bother me too much. I mean, as long as we know our history and the young fans know why were called United, that matters more to me.
Otherwise where do you stop, strip them of being called United?, then what about teams West Ham United or Carlisle United?
Do we stop Bolton being Wanderers on the grounds they don’t Wanderer enough? … and what about Arsenal 😯 there’s more firearms in the Chelsea changing room than in their club I’d think 😛
Sharpy17(Quote)
Dave, saw your authors description of Aussie on last thread 😆
…sorry Aussie 😛
Moreno(Quote)
Johno Toon@16, just putting that makkem wum @4 in his place mate…. 😉
I reckon Pardew will spring Collo on Man Utd today…. and he’ll put RVP in his back pocket… 😉
Howay the lads, let’s get mucked into them… 👿 👿
Munich Mag(Quote)
Toonsy welcome back old bean.
Moreno I thought it described him well 😉 .
I have to admit I was wrong about aussie he is a galah but he pens a decent thread 😉
See Aussie I gave you my word I would give you credit for penning it, I just feel guilty for your lass after all that writing 😀
Big Dave(Quote)
Moreno 🙂 it was pretty accurate apart from the -me wanting to be Big Dave’s wing man’ part. 🙂 🙂
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
Big Dave, 🙂 thanks 🙂 you are the master of the back handed compliment 🙂 🙂
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
Has anyone heard owt about Krul ??
Big Dave(Quote)
AMF dave was always good at back-handers,well so the cops say 😀 😀
icedog(Quote)
Ice 🙂 where you been hiding mate? Don’t tell me those conifers are still in need trimming 🙂 🙂
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
* In need of*
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
AMF i struggle to get on the laptop mate the mrs and those bloody games does my heed in,but shes off to Malta on tues i might get it back for a couple of weeks.i do still read all the comments but its normally gone midnight 🙁
icedog(Quote)
AMF i havent been slacking mind ive build a couple of bird feeding areas in the garden 😀
icedog(Quote)
Ice…Is your lass not allowed to eat in the house like? 😯 😉
richietoon(Quote)
Off the back of Aussies article yesterday, out of interest and in boredom I’ve just had a look on that transfermarkt.co.uk. When people talk of ‘paying over the odds’ – they have Debuchy valued at £13m!! 😯 – wonder if Lille use that site as a guide.
They also have Redmond (Bham) and Matt Phillips (Bpool) valued at £2.2m – I can’t imagine that bring accurate either.
Sharpy17(Quote)
We all know who wears the troosers in Ice’s house…. 😉
Munich Mag(Quote)
RICHIE/DAVE saw your comments/links yous posted y/day,thanks FK T*ATS 👿
icedog(Quote)
Nice one Ice, good to see you are in charge mate 🙂 🙂
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
Ice, Don’t trust Richie and Dave mate.. they come across all friendly but they aren’t nice blokes like us 🙂 🙂
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
Dave, when Krul first got injured I thought it was his elbow… but last weekend in two different reports I heard it was his ankle. What’s up with that :-/
Susan(Quote)
AMF aye mate they speak with forked-tongue 😉
icedog(Quote)
Susan@43, it’s cos he’s negotiating with Barcelona…. 😉
Munich Mag(Quote)
Toonsy, where’d you go in Spain? I have some friends there and we traveled around down south a bit. Did you go to the beach & Roman ruins at Bolonia? You can see Africa from the beach. Really cool. Good times.
Fans Should Own The Club(Quote)
Hey, when is Colo back in action? Perch & Willo are honest players & hard workers, but obviously not our best…
Fans Should Own The Club(Quote)
Speaking of crazy talk: I read yesterday that Atletico Madrid’s Falcao used to worship Tino Asprilla as a kid. How about trying to get him here? What’s that? The men in the white coats are here for me? Okay.
Fans Should Own The Club(Quote)
lets not sit too deep today, want to see our midfield pushing up and feeding the forwards, Ben arfa could be a massive player for us today. Hoping for a win but will take a 2-2 draw
bazza(Quote)
Thanks to those who kept the site up the last week- whomever you are….
HWTL!
MDS(Quote)
Susan thats why I asked as I too thought it was just an elbow but heard different thinks, as usual you don’t get much info from the club.
Ice don’t worry lad i’ll always watch your back 😉
Big Dave(Quote)
get this …. my sunderland mate has just said haha haha wong wonga wonga …@sda @sda @sda!!!! sheesh!
stevo(Quote)
Susan & BIG DAVE its his elbow it was suffered in training with the Dutch national team and they sent him home from the training camp . I saw the video of him walking away from the training holding his elbow like you would if you took a nasty bang on it .
Axel(Quote)
unbelievable just read on the bbc that M Owen is not even on the bench for Stoke today because he has an injury 🙄 somethins never change 😆 but stoke do have Crouch and Adam playing against their former team . Another defeat for Brendans boys today .
Axel(Quote)
Axel, Well at least the poor blokes getting another big payday ,after all that’s all that matters 🙄
KIMTOON(Quote)
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Surely Ashley won’t change the stadium name to incorporate Wonga! 😯
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Fancy a 2 – 2 result today.
TonyGreenSupreme(Quote)
Troy @56, Come on .you really think he wouldn’t stoop that low if a buck is to be made 😉
KIMTOON(Quote)
wonga it will be my friends……………stevo
stevo(Quote)
The wonga that Wonga pay will go into Ashley and the Chocolate Factory’s deep pockets…. 🙁 A new centre half…? Howay man….give ower….
Great timing on the eve of the Man Utd match… a cunning ploy from SAF ?.. 😆
Munich Mag(Quote)
Reet…off to the Irish pub to watch the match. Anyone lucky enough to be going to the match today at SJP … give it large… and raise the roof for the lads !
Howay the lads…. !!!
Munich Mag(Quote)
Hava beer for me Eminem 🙂
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
Aussie, hang on in there big man. I know you and Brisvegas are stopping up late, but hopefully it’ll be well worth it mate !
It’s the last day of the Oktoberfest, we’ll have a pint or three for you … 😉 😉
Munich Mag(Quote)
Axel – I don’t know if you saw or read the link Big Dave put up yesterday about all the investment Cisse is putting back into his community.
I reading a similar article on Owen the other day, how he has 50 people working for him! 😯
Not bad for someone who has hardly played a competitive game of football in 2-3 seasons like.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Good man Eminem, i’ll be up watching mate, no fear of me missing the game 🙂
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
I don’t think Jose is even on the bench fo Liverpool… We should put in a cheeky bid for him in January.. how would most of you on here feel about Jose coming back?
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
Aussie have you started on a new thread yet so that you get your name up in lights 😉
Big Dave(Quote)
Aussie I would take him back because I agree with what he said about the club, as I feel roughly the same, but it’ll never happen
Big Dave(Quote)
Na mate, the wingman bit has me concerned 🙂 I’m happy for my name to be on the bottom of the article to be honest, like you said most crew on here know who I am….
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
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It wouldn’t surprise me if the club started the rumours about Wonga.
Once the new stadium name is announced, whatever it is, it won’t sound as bad as Wonga.
Bit of psychologically from The Regime.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
AMF i dont even think he would get back in our first team ,i rate Santon as good if not beter than him and Santon has the capacity to improve .
Axel(Quote)
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@Aussie
Which thread did you write?
Troy Stavers(Quote)
I’d have him(Jose) back as well. He can still have something to offer the team. I wasn’t real happy with his play before he left tho..
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
Troy I said that last night, after a while thinking about wonga lots of fans will then think that SDA sounds better.
Aussie I would take you on as a trainee wingman but you have to stop all the Jabba love in stuff, because while your like that theres no help for ye 😉
Big Dave(Quote)
Last one Troy and one about 3 back..
aussie magpie fan(Quote)