A miserable November has seen United perched worryingly close to the relegation zone, and with a tough run of fixtures to come over the festive period the time is now to start getting positive results.
Currently we sit in 14th position in the table and a win tonight won’t improve that, unless we win by seven clear goals which is unlikely. A win would however give us some breathing space and move us five points clear of the drop zone whilst a loss would see us drop one place allowing Wigan to leapfrog us. A nervy night at St James’ Park awaits.
Newcastle:
Newcastle are once again without a whole host of players for the visit of Wigan. Yohan Cabaye, Shola Ameobi (both groin), Steven Taylor, Hatem Ben Arfa (both hamstring) and Gabriel Obertan (toe) are perhaps the most notable absentees. They will be joined by long-term absentees Ryan Taylor, Dan Gosling and Haris Vuckic on the sidelines.
James Perch will also miss the game tonight after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Stoke. A similar fate will await Cheik Tiote or Jonas Gutierrez should they be cautioned this evening as both have picked up four yellow cards already this term.
Wigan:
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is not without his own injury problems though. Gary Caldwell and David Jones have been rated at “50-50” to feature tonight after picking up knocks recently but the Spaniard will definitely be without the services of Antolin Alcaraz, Albert Crusat, Ivan Ramis and Ben Watson.
Previously…
It has to be pointed out that there isn’t exactly a lot of history between the two sides. There have been just 15 meetings between the two clubs in all competitions, most of them recently, with six wins each and three draws ensuring an even split of results.
However you can pretty much call this a “home” fixture as United have the upper hand at St James’ Park (seven games, four wins, three draws) whilst Wigan have the upper hand (eight games, six wins, two losses) at their ground. The corresponding fixture last season ended 1-0 to Newcastle with Yohan Cabaye scoring the winner.
Stats and facts:
As pointed out above, Wigan have never won at St James’ Park. Let’s hope tonight is not a first for them.
Roberto Martinez has a winning percentage of 27.78% during his time in charge at Wigan. Pardew’s United winning record stands at 38.64% currently.
Only Southampton and QPR have lost more games than Wigan this season whilst they (jointly with Aston Villa) have scored the least away goals in the entire league.
Three of Wigan’s four victories have come against promoted clubs. In contrast Newcastle have failed to win any of their three games against sides promoted last season.
Final thought…
Any fans expecting a flowing, attacking performance from United I dare say need to tone down their expectations. A win at all costs, no matter how scrappy, is what is important tonight. Confidence is low and the manner of the defeat at Stoke will have done nothing to help that so we need all hands to the pumps.
Wigan are most definitely a bogey side though. Perennial strugglers who always seem to up their game for us they will make it hard for us tonight. Do we have enough to beat them? Of course we do, but the same could have been said for other matches in recent weeks in which we’ve underperformed miserably.
I can’t call this one either way…
Howay the lads!
Date: Monday, 3rd December, 2012
Time: 8pm – Live on Sky
Venue: St James’ Park
As usual a good article Toonsy. Thanks for all the work you put in. If we go out not to lose we will. We need to be positive and if we go one up we should not sit back to defend it, but go for two up and from there go for three up. Then we might avoid the nervous mistake ridden last 15 minutes which we seem to suffer every game.
Groucho(Quote)
Good review Toonsy imo we have to win to give us a bit of belief that we can scrape our way outta the **** we’re in, a loss and the confidenve will lower even more and the pressure will increase
Big Dave(Quote)
Toonsy ,good preview and I agree any type of win is welcomed tonight. We now find ourself in a position where even a win won’t move us up as so often happens when you don’t pick up points early doors and those around you do. I hate it when you win and don’t progress up the table ,it’s like you are running to stand still. 👿 Wigan is one of those teams I hate along with Stoke and most recently Villa for obvious reasons. Reckon Jabba would like a win if only cause of the Whelan factor 😉 but we do seem to find it tough against them for some reason . Ah well ,here’s hopeing we get a good win and restore some much needed confidence aswell HWTL 😀
KIMTOON(Quote)
This really is a game we must not lose. I think we will win , 2-1 or 2-0. I think Cisse will be on the score sheet tonight
Johno Toon(Quote)
We’ll lose……
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Aussie thats give me more hope 😆
Big Dave(Quote)
Aussie ,Bloody hell what’s happened to your glass 🙄 😆
KIMTOON(Quote)
Kim never worry Aussie hasn’t got 1 prediction right this season 😉
Big Dave(Quote)
Dave ,let’s hope it continues then 😉
KIMTOON(Quote)
Right off to slap more paint about cya 😉
KIMTOON(Quote)
Couldnt help but notice that the reserves and academy teams have been struggling as much as the seniors…
here’s our record as a club in all competitions since Oct 29th (day after Cisse scored with his ****) –
Academy – W0 D1 L4 F3 A17 (last win Oct 20th)
Reserves – W0 D1 L4 F5 A17 (last win Oct 22nd)
Senior – W0 D3 L4 F6 A11 (last win Oct 28th)
Total – W0 D5 L12 F13 A45
M(Quote)
Good read Toonsy, Despite our lack of form and recent results for some reason I fancy us tonight.
I’d love a 2-0 or 3-0 comprehensive win tonight, but to be honest, I’d be equally satisfied with a scrappy, **** boring 1-0 win.
We have some seriously tough fixtures coming up and it would be great to head into those with the confidence of a good performance and win tonight.
Normally I’d post my line up, but I’m not gonna bother today, Pardew will most likely select the same starting 11 he went with against Stoke. If he does, I don’t see too many chances being created but I do think that Wigan will be easier to break down so let’s hope that Ba and Cisse are on form tonight.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Big Dave & Kim, 🙂 🙂 I have been beaten into submission 🙂 🙂
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Aussie,
So what happened to that top test ranking mate? 😉 Still working on it?
JJ(Quote)
If we don’t win tonight we can kiss a top half finish goodbye. Lose tonight and its a relegation battle for the rest of the season.
Win tonight and we aren’t in the clear but we can push for top eight.
JJ(Quote)
Top eight JJ? Have you been watching us lately? I’d snap your hand off for 17th at the moment. January may see a turn around but I have no confidence there.
georgio(Quote)
Spent a couple of days at the test match JJ, well played to your boys. I notice you have only replied to me once you had won the test.. 🙂
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Groucho,
I’d top eighth is the best we can hope for this season.
I would concentrate on the league and Europa. The FA Cup will only be a distraction we’ll never win.
JJ(Quote)
Why would I reply otherwise Aussie? 😉
In all honesty, a lot of people in South Africa have gone off cricket. Myself included. Mainly because everybody dislikes Greame Smith and because we are always number one until the world cups and then we are useless. 😆
But I do still enjoy test cricket. This T20 nonsense is rubbish to me.
JJ(Quote)
I got strong feeling tonight will be the start of 10 matches unbeaten run. 😈 😈
And my feelings are as close as 100% accurate. 👿
AngelOfDeath(Quote)
JJ, Agree mate, T20 is ****… I am a traditionalist when it comes to cricket. Why does every one hate Smith over your way?
We can still make top 6. You see it nearly every season, a team will start poorly and then put a good run together. Spurs did it a few years ago and the gunners did it last season.. there is still hope 🙂
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
………………………………… Krul……………………………..
Simpson……..Williamson….Collocini……….Santon
……………..Bigi…………….Tiote………..Jonas………..
……………………..Anita…………….Ba…………………….
………………………………..Cisse……………………………
i’d even be tempted to put marvaux in place of Ba and let him think about his money on the bench, get rid and get someone who can supply Cisse. Cant be doing with greedy beggers, off to PSG with him I say.
kev(Quote)
Aussie,
Because Smith is a very common word used in Australia which starts with a “c” and ends with an “nt”.
He started his career like superstar against England but then his head got big and his average has been on the decline ever since.
He is a good player but he isn’t very well liked.
JJ(Quote)
bloody bad time for the news of ba knocking back new contract offer to come out,bite the bullet and ship him oot its causeing unrest in camp imo
icedog(Quote)
JJ 🙂 🙂 pretty much what I think of him as well… Kallis, now there is a champion cricketer….legend.
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Trying to come up with my own formation, but I just can’t get one with the players left…
We really are short in quality in the wide areas. 😥
JJ(Quote)
Anita – Tiote – Jonas
Marv- Cisse- Ba
I guess that’s what I’d do. The pressure is just too much for Sammy and Fergie at the moment and really there’s still doubts about them making it.
Is Shola fit? I’d also have Tav in at the back, don’t care which of the idiots makes way.
georgio(Quote)
We better bloody win tonight! I’m on the train right now from Somerset! Its taking aaaaaaaaages! My **** is numb so I best not be on my own stood up singing in the Gallowgate this eve! 😉
@WhyCabayeMan(Quote)
(THIS IS A GOVERNMENT HEALTH WARNING. THIS POSTER IS LIABLE TO DISAGREE WITH YOUR POINT OF VIEW. ONLY ENGAGE IF YOU AREN’T SENSITIVE AND DON’T TAKE HISSY FITS)
Anyone in the Union Rooms before the game tonight?
Troy Stavers(Quote)
WhyCabaye….that’s what you get when you talk to strangers on the train 😯 😉
Troy…I’d hazard a wild guess and say yes, someone will be there 😉 😆
richietoon(Quote)
………………………………… Krul……………………………..
Santoon……..Williamson….Collocini……….Jonas
……………..Bigi…………….Tiote………..Anita
……………………..Marveux/Sameobi……….Ba…………………….
………………………………..Cisse……………………………
Hello cherubs, I would go for this. I think we need to send Simmo a message that he just isnt good enough. I think we can get the win we need, but if its ugly then lets go ugly.
I think its also fairly obvious we need players in the window, and hopefully cabayes injury means he wont be sacrificed. I think Ba will be away but I also think we will cash in on a big name, and as I have mentioned a while ago, last time I was on probably, I think it will be Tiote as his loss will be big but not as big as some others. I would love us to try and use him to get Sturridge from Chelski and he can slot into the left hand side of the 3, with cisse middle and HBA right hand side. Santoon is playing very well and we need a new full back, left or right as Santoon can switch over easily.
Raffo(Quote)
Raffo…Was Tiote a Toon player last time you were on? 😉 …ain’t seen you on here for ages 🙂 …. and nowt wrong wi going ugly, many a good night out finishes that way 😆
richietoon(Quote)
Aussie/JJ – cricket on a bloody match day?! 🙄
Ice – I’ve taken that more as expected news rather than bad news. I fully expect him to leave, however the Chronicle are suggesting any prospective buyer would have a hefty price to pay. It may turn out like the summer, abit of a circus for a couple of weeks then he stays anyway. The uncertainty must be doing Pards head in!.
Would anyone offer him to Villa for Bent and cash?
Sharpy17(Quote)
SHARPY would do swap for remey like 😀
icedog(Quote)
Boyce and Piscu aren’t big lads, so playing direct is going to be easier. (And we don’t play any other way at the moment.)
I’d feel better if Shola was fit. 😕
Wellington(Quote)
Richie – Aye I think he had just signed!! New job so not got the spare time I once had!
I would take Bent for £5million to be honest, he would complement what we have as he is different. HBA and Cabaye threading balls through for him (ooeer) would be just what he needs. I think its a good shout.
Raffo(Quote)
My prediction for tonight:
The lads will go out on the pitch, pass the ball around a bit, play some defense, play offense, there may be a few saves from the goalkeepers… should make for an interesting match!
OHurley(Quote)
Villa still owe the scum a canny wedge so wouldn’t be happy giving them feckers cash, also he’ll be on bigger wages than we pay I reckon £65k-£70k pw they reckon and nae sell on value, oh and I can’t stand the fecker, so a no from me 👿
Raffo…Ah, welcome back then, still a bunch of tw@ts on here like 😉
richietoon(Quote)
**** me, speaking of tw@ts, alreet OH 😆
richietoon(Quote)
* ignore the “I reckon” @38 😳
richietoon(Quote)
Richie,
I’m well, mate! And yerself? I decided that our dip in form is quite obviously due to my lack of involvement in the blog (for which I am heartily sorry), and thus I figured that as soon as I get back to bloggin’, the team would start winning again. Here’s to hoping I’m right
OHurley(Quote)
OH, fine mate, ya not been sacked from ya new-ish job yet? 😆
I hope ya right like and ya change wor luck…although being a Celt you are the devils spawn so not sure how that’ll work out 😉 😆
richietoon(Quote)
“thus”?? has someone hit ya owa the heed with a Shakespeare play? 😆
richietoon(Quote)
Ice – aye Remy would be a canny call like. I like Bent and he knows the league already but Ritchie makes good points about his wage and we’d kinda be lining the scums pockets. Aye Remy would be a good option up front.
Alternatively we could take advantage of his love of PSG and see if they fancied a swap with either Sakho or Sissoko, then spend big money on Bas replacement.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Feeling fairly nervous about this one. I hope Pardew has the lads up for it. I liked the attitude of the Norwich players on the weekend. Chris has them flying high and enjoying their football. We should be able to do the same. Put some enjoyment back in the game. I think a win here might begin to do that. Howay the lads !!!
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Wellington what do you reckon our chances are? I’m in 2 minds to be honest. The form of the team has me very worried so I hope the supporters can lift them right from the start. Nothing fancy here, and Pards will use the most veteran players available. This is not a game for the youngsters. I agree it would be handy to have Shola (and Ben Arfa) fit for this one but we’ll have to make do.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
I think it will be too tight to predict a score.
I dont see us winning 3 or 3 nowt. Nee way.
My money is going on a 0-0 bore draw. 😕
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Geordie – Norwich beating Man Utd the other week was a huge result for them coz its gave them a believe that they can compete and beat anyone now.
I scrappy win tonight will go along way to get us back on track, but I think a comprehensive win and good performance would give the confidence to say, we could have beat anyone tonight!. We’re long overdue a game like that like.
The most important thing is 3 points though.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Spot on Sharpy mate. I’ll take any kind of a win right now. I don’t care if the winning goal goes in off Colo’s plums as long as we score more than them. We need a good performance from the lads at home. I hope we score first as it will take some of the nerves off the match.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
The fans can make the difference but patience will be needed imo. I’ll take a scrappy but well fought 1-0
Newkie(Quote)
I’ll sign on to that Newkie. Hope we can celebrate this one. Time for the Toon Army to rise!!!
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Oh where have you been lad that paper run must be getting big now 😀
So I see one of the clubs PR men is saying Ba turned down a new contract offer ❓
Big Dave(Quote)
I’ll right away clutch your rss feed as I can not to find
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Do you’ve any? Please let me recognize so that I may subscribe.
Thanks.
Maxwell(Quote)