The question now is whether United can build on their midweek success by toppling a team who, thanks to having no issues with transfer windows, are one of the top sides in the Premier League.
It’s going to be a tough game but we usually manage to raise our game when the top sides come to St James’ Park, and with fresh hope and renewed impetus brought about by events of the past week or so I wouldn’t be counting on the three points if I was a fan of the West London club either.
Of course we have the extra motivation of facing our former striker and still our top scorer as Demba Ba makes a swift return to the club he spent 18 months at before moving to Chelsea at the start of last month. Personally I’m over that. He’s gone and it’s become clear that was part of the plan all along. He’s got what he wanted but also served us well in the process.
Newcastle:
Sylvain Marveaux’s foot injury is not as bad as first feared and the Frenchman resumed training yesterday. Ryan Taylor and Dan Gosling are also in training although neither are anywhere near match fit. Hatem Ben Arfa and Haris Vuckic are both still sidelined through injury. Cheik Tiote is away with Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations.
Chelsea:
Eden Hazard is suspended for this one following the ball boy incident at Swansea. John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses are away at the ACoN, Petr Cech and David Luiz are both doubtful as is Juan Mata who picked up an ankle injury in midweek against Reading.
Previously…
Chelsea beat us at Stamford Bridge earlier on in the season, and they won on their last visit to St James’ Park. I was at that game and although they won 3-0 they had an awful lot of help from the referee who failed to send off David Luiz in the third minute of the game.
At home we have had the upper hand over Chelsea through the years. Of 73 games contested between the two at St James’ Park, Newcastle have won 35, Chelsea have won 25 times with the other 18 ending in a draw.
Overall, home and away and in all competitions, our record isn’t great against Chelsea. There have been 152 meetings between the two clubs with Chelsea winning 64 times, Newcastle 49 times with 39 draws making up the numbers.
Stats and facts:
Newcastle now hold the record for the amount of French players fielded by a side in any one season. The previous record was seven but we’ve now fielded eight Franch players, and that could be nine if Massadio Haidara makes an appearance before the end of the season.
It’s been 27 months since United last came from behind to win a game. The last time we managed to do just that was October 2010 at West Ham.
Chelsea have not lost in their last five visits to Tyneside and have only conceded one goal in those games to boot.
Tim Krul is likely to make his 100th appearance for Newcastle, and Mike Williamson will follow him if he makes an appearance.
Chelsea have picked up more points away from home than what they have at Stamford bridge this season.
Rafael Benitez has two fewer points than Roberto Di Matteo managed in the same amount of games at the start of his tenure.
Final thought…
The win against Aston Villa was much needed but it hasn’t soled all of our problems. We’re still too close to the relegation spots for comfort and the only way to claw our way away from it is by winning football matches. To get to 40 points we need to grab 1.1 points per game but getting three each time is obviously the quickest.
The point being that a draw tomorrow would not be the end of the world but we should be looking to give Chelsea a game and grab three points. Don’t get me wrong, Chelsea are full of attacking threat but they also have a defence that can be got at and if we can do that and our new signings continue to impress then why not talk about winning the game?
Allez la lads!
Date: Saturday, 2nd February, 2013
Time: 3pm
Venue: St James’ Park
Promoted: Fancy a flutter on the match? Then why not head over to FREEbets.org.uk and check out their promotions and special deals that could be available to you. Good luck!
I’m very interested to see the home formation we field. It probably will be simiilar to last game. I hope to see Marveaux if he is fit. If Perch plays no Jonas please. I think he is getting back into shape but needs a game off. Cabaye and Debuchy both got kicked around last game so I hope they are all right with only 3 days between matches. Howay the lads!
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Santii – Nobby’s line up just above, and folks’ reaction to it, is one example of people saying what a fantastic team we have on paper. Other people were delighted with the strength of the bench. As far as I recall, I have never slammed other people’s opinions so give me an example.
Everything I say is not negative. You say you haven’t seen me mention anything abiout how good our signings are. Open your eyes. I’ve said it here and elsewhere after I saw them against Villa.
Look above @ 28. I say in response to Nobby’s team, “Nobby – Looks good apart from santon who’s not a left back for me. He looks like he might be able to play centre back, and seems more suited to right or left midfield than full back.” That’s highly positive. I’m also a big supporter of the club and what it is doing in terms of giving Pardew the right tools. How is that negative? All I want is for Pardew to do his bit because he has contributed nothing so far. I judge a manager on whether he gets the whole to be more than the sum of the parts. So far, Pardew has failed. I agree with Charlie Prince above about going into ther fetal position except that I thought we did it at Villa too where Pardew brought Shola on and he was playing as an additional centre back.
So answer that and show me the evidence. I’ve noticed a bit of the pack mentality going on on here sometimes Santii.
Blackley & Brownlie(Quote)
First off, Toonsy, it’s:
“Allez LES lads” 😉
Second, I think it sucks that we’re without Tiote and Ben Arfa, BUT, they’re without Mikel and Mata, so that would theoretically put us on equal terms with them. So let’s go kick *** and take names! Very much looking forward to seeing Sissoko tomorrow…
HWTL
OHurley(Quote)
Santii – As for the team you SUPPORT, I don’t know whether you’re a season ticket holder, but I am and I’m already paid up for next season. We have three season tickets in our family, and I had my four sons and my partner at the last home match SUPPORTING the team. You seem to presume a lot about me but have nothing to back it up fella.
Blackley & Brownlie(Quote)
more appropriately though, it would be translated, “Allez les fils”. Pronounced “ahlay lay fees”. Literally means, howay the lads.
OHurley(Quote)
Mbwia can also play defensive midfield, think its time to jettison the likes of Perch,Shola and Jonas and start again.
Saw Sissoko close up yesterday, giant of a man and can see him dominating our midfield.
Robert(Quote)
If, for the entire match against Chelsea, we try to keep the ball and play with spirit as displayed in the first half against Villa we have a fighting chance of getting at least a point.
If we revert to our usual incoherent second half substitutions and capitulation of possession we will get come away with nothing.
Its time for Pardew to earn his corn. No more excuses about a weakened squad to pick from. Don’t send out players out of form like Jonas and don’t make innefective substitutions that leave us camped in our own penalty area.
Pootle(Quote)
Pootle @82, completely agree. In fact if someone could lock him him out of the dressing room at half time, bound and gag him for the second time, think the lads will do just fine.
Geordie Deb(Quote)
second half, not second time 😳
Geordie Deb(Quote)
Deb, you distract him at half time and I’ll tie him to a chair and stuff a pair of my football socks in his gob.
It’ll result in our best second half display this season.
Pootle(Quote)
B+B well it looks like your getting a bit of stick today Fella 😀
I think I can remember you saying that he would be away by the end of Jan 😉
But I will just leave it as it looks like your already fighting on all fronts 😆
Big Dave(Quote)
BD – It helps in the fight if you’ve got a pug nose so please bring it on too. 😆
Dave, “I think I can remember …” 😆 😆 😆
You and your master accused me of calling for Pardew to be sacked back in November but, when challenged, you could find no words to that effect. Now you would have folk believe I was saying Pardew would be away by the end of January when I said no such thing. I simply “predicted” in November he would be sacked in the foreseeable future based on a number of things, including the average duration of a manager. 😕
I hope, by the time I’ve posted this, Welly and Santii have come good with the evidence to justify jumping on me. 😯
Blackley & Brownlie(Quote)
Pootle – you’re on 😆
Geordie Deb(Quote)
Totally off topic but it’s Friday and I have still 2 hours to kill at work. So I’m starting the weekend now enjoying some great goals from my favorite French player to have played for NUFC. Robert may have not been as talented as Ginola and he never defended but I always loved watching him play.
That 2002-3 vintage NUFC team was bloody brilliant. They were so exciting and everyone in the country wanted to watch them. Do yourself a favour open a beer and watch this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGw-EU4puTQ&feature=player_embedded
SJP14(Quote)
B+B if I had nowt to do I would find it for you but I don’t really have the get up and go to look and I don’t want to make you feel bad, as you have already admitted that you said you predicted that he would be away before the end of Jan 😉 which is what I said you said but you already know that.
so its maybe better that I leave you alone as im sure your pug nose is sore enough with continually smacking it on the monitor in a rage 😡
Big Dave(Quote)
SJP14
Here’s one for you then https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2011/05/17/ex-star-spotlight-laurent-robert/
Moreno(Quote)
BD – Okay Dave, you take it easy son. Nice to know, as ever in these situations, you’re only thinking about me. 😆
“im sure your pug nose is sore enough with continually smacking it on the monitor in a rage” Nice one, but I’ve warned you Dave, you’re turning into your master almost by the day. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. 😆
Blackley & Brownlie(Quote)
B+B I let you off with it anyway lad as I feel a bit sorry for you with the abuse your getting 😆
So what do you think of the new signings and where do you think we’ll end the season ❓
Big Dave(Quote)
That’s more like it Dave, a sensible conversation. 😆 The abuse has stopped when I’ve asked for evidence so I’m okay for the minute. 😯 I’m in the middle of frying my fillet steak and will come back to you in about 20. 😉
Blackley & Brownlie(Quote)
Toonsy!! Close the window!! There’s a cold draught in the room! 😛
Everyone debating with the cold draught will sharp realise that you will all end up with no hair and pug noses, as you pull it out and bang your heads against the wall with frustration.
Dave, we must get some child locks on the windows to stop the cold breeze. 😛
Troy Stavers(Quote)
The cold draught did state back in December;
Is it so crazy to ditch a manager these days when, these days, the manager seems to have little or no input scouting and selecting the personnel, something that was the main part of a manager’s job in the past?
So does the Cold Draught believe Pardew is responsible for the players brought in or not? 😛
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Troy yeah it is a bit drafty, surly you must feel a bit for him after the way he has been torn to shreds by Wellington and Santii 😆 😆
But then I handed out the olive branch and what does he do makes it out as if I was backing down because he asked for evidence, so sorry to say the olive branch has been put away 😉
Big Dave(Quote)
I now put a reward out to anyone who can get an admission that he is ever wrong about anything or even harder, not to get frustrated with him when you debate something with him. 😛
The winner will be given my settee for nowt but they must collect. 😛
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Troy you will never get rid of the settee now
Big Dave(Quote)
Just back in.
“All I want is for Pardew to do his bit because he has contributed nothing so far.”
If you think that then you are a complete moron.
I don’t need to go look for “evidence” I’m sure most people know what a negative troll you are.
Every comment in this thread about the team and players has a negative spin to them.
So was last season a fluke?
Oh and i see you have picked another fight. No surprise really. You said “Pack mentality” not really you just talk a load of bullshit.
Santii(Quote)
Just seen this on Newnow.
http://www.themag.co.uk/video-replay/video-special-shearer-v-chelsea/
Wouldn’t mind another like that for tomorrow.
Santii(Quote)
Santii – “I don’t need to go look for “evidence” I’m sure most people know what a negative troll you are.” Classic reposte when you’ve got nowt. Ask Dave whose changed his tune now that his master’s appeared. So can’t provide your own evidence, and can’t respond to mine? So are you a season ticket holder Santii? 😆
Blackley & Brownlie(Quote)
Jeez, it’s minus 5 in here now. 😕
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Well I’m hoping to get splattered with blood in the stand tomorrow when the time bomb in Ba’s knee finally goes off in the pre match warm up!!!
Oblong(Quote)
No Im from N.Ireland its a bit in-practical. I do try to get over when i can though.
Why does that mean i don’t have a right to support Newcastle or something.
Did i not just point you too a fraction of your bullshit negative posts ^^. Also on the Villa match thread you didnt mention one good thing about the team. Saying Pardew (Manager of the year) has contributed nothing so far. Its hardly positive is it?
Again was last season a fluke?
Santii(Quote)
Why didn’t i take this quote seriously 😯
“Don’t argue with idiots. They’ll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience” 😆
Santii(Quote)
Attacking team please, Alain.
Cabaye, Sissoko, Guaffran, Cisse, Marvauex.
4-0
Stuart79(Quote)
Thanks Moreno. That was a fun read.
SJP14(Quote)
Santii from over there in Northern Ireland cheering the lads on, you should get over a bit more often to SUPPORT your team. It’s still enjoyable when you do it reguarly. Can they hear you?
On the Villa match thread, I mentioned that I was impressed with Gouffran and Sissoko so stop making things up.
Are you a one dimensional character who always SUPPORTS? Or do you criticise a player or the manager or Ashley or Llambias?
There must be a few idiots and morons on here fella. 😆
Blackley & Brownlie(Quote)
As this blog is turning puerile again tonight with certain alpha male egos turning up, I’m off. 🙁
Blackley & Brownlie(Quote)
Oh i must have missed the one good thing you said on that whole thread.
“one dimensional” lol you have a cheek to call anyone that.
again was last season a fluke?
Santii(Quote)
B+B I changed my tune not when anyone else came on but when you came of with this > “The abuse has stopped when I’ve asked for evidence”
So that just proved to me that I was wasting my time with you, because you still had the self righteous head on where you will always try to argue your way out of being wrong and looking bad 😳
But when I do have a bit of time to find it I will but then you’ll try arguing your way out of it like normal 😉 or maybe you’ll get your 2 mates on to help you NOMSTER321 and NCJ_SUPERSTAR 😳 😳 😳
😆 😉
Big Dave(Quote)
I see toon have submitted there list of 25 players,there’s only 24 on the list
icedog(Quote)
Ice I seen that and couldn’t really work out why theres only 24 maybe they’re leaving a spot incase they get a another top striker from somewhere 😆
Big Dave(Quote)
I think the Pardew arguments are going to go on and on partly because he is only an average manager. Whether or not our new incoming will interest a high quality manager enough to come in with Ash/Llam only time will tell. Pardew should now be able to keep us out of relegation territory but whether we will climb the table to any extent remains to be seen.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Ice- that’s because Sissoko is so good you have to count him twice 😉
MDS(Quote)
MDS lol,maybe owlheed has forget how to count he only does red and black,and 21 in blackjack
icedog(Quote)
Ice @ 113…Could it be they’re bringing Xisco back in on lower wages? 😀
NorCal Toonfan(Quote)
Or Nacho Gonzalez in on loan perhaps? 😉
MDS(Quote)
We had a fantastic season last year, but I think both Pardew and the team as a whole overachieved. Of all our wins last year, are there really that many where we completely bossed games? There definitely a few, but there were a number that were won on an individual moment of brilliance (Ben Arfa v. Bolton, Ba multiple times in the first half of the season). Likewise, I don’t think Pardew or the team are as bad as the results in this current season. But I have been consistently disappointed in Pardew’s substitutions and lack of tactical adjustments. And does anyone remember West Brom on the the last day of the season two years ago, or the Fulham game last year? Crumbling in the second half hasn’t only started cropping up now.
Charlie Prince(Quote)
MDS @ 119, Oh yeah, forgot about him. Who you pulling for in the SuperBowl? 49ers here…but that’s a given as I live 40 miles north of the city.
NorCal Toonfan(Quote)
Well I’ve got no dog in the fight but I’m pulling for the Ravens….not strongly by any means though. just hoping for a good game.
MDS(Quote)
DAVE what is your shout for sat,you got it right tues
icedog(Quote)
ICE I can see a 2.2 scoreline tommorow ,Ba will put one passed us and Lamps too .
KIMTOON(Quote)
I have a feeling we will sneak a 2-1 win tomorrow ,think Pards will pick Marveaux ahead of Jonas . Would love too see a 352 formation but know the silver supremo will not even think about that formation . Reckon he will go 442
Axel(Quote)
Axel, I said last season I would like to see 3 at the back with 5 in front to try and protect the defence a little but he won’t ever try it.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Just read that Pardew plans to leave the team “pretty much as is”.
If he does I am going to be ****ing furious!
We have a Champions League player in Yanga M’Biwa on the bench, why? So Steven Taylor can play? Stupid.
We will probably have Jonas on the pitch and Marveaux on the bench, despite the former giving the ball away with almost every touch? Why? Stupid.
The Kid(Quote)
THE KID i honestly think that will be the one change ,Pardew actually came out last week and said he felt sorry for Marveaux after he got injured and dont forget the french connection . Marv has experience of the prem and can communicate with Gouffru and sissko in French Jonas cant
Axel(Quote)
KIMTOON the shame of it is we now have the players too play that system ,too very attacking pacey full backs and pace and power in sissoko and MBIWA and enough creativity with Marv , Cabs ,Goofy, sissko (he has every thing ) and a goal scorer in Cisse
Axel(Quote)
I’m not a huge fan of Saylor, but I didn’t think he did much wrong at Villa. Is Pardew just waiting for a blunder to drop him?
Or is he trying to get Saylor back into the rhythm and playing regularly because he knows it’s going to be Saylor and Mbiwa next year season?
Either way, not sure that reasoning is solid. Personally, I think we still need a CB & a striker.
Fans Should Own The Club(Quote)
Pretty funny that Bony’s agent was talking up a move and nothing happened… unless I missed something.
Fans Should Own The Club(Quote)
FSOTC
“I’m not a huge fan of Saylor, but I didn’t think he did much wrong at Villa. Is Pardew just waiting for a blunder to drop him?”
Watch the 2nd half again, mate. He wasn’t awful, but made some silly mistakes that could have cost us goals.
e.g. Allowing Weimann to get the better of him and get a shot off, which Krul had to parry at close range. Trying to block Benteke off when a ball was floated in and failing miserably when he should have just nodded the ball behind for a corner.
He is just not an intelligent defender. He hasn’t learnt and will forever get caught under the ball and chasing lost causes. He’s a lesser version of Michael Dawson.
The Kid(Quote)
Ice I am going to go for a 1-1 or a 3-1 win 😀
Big Dave(Quote)
FSOTC I will stick my neck and say in the summer if we stay up,we
will sign dDouglas and Carroll I will get some stick for it,but that’s my thoughts on it
icedog(Quote)
Yeah, Kid, I know what you mean and I agree that he’s not the sharpest knife in the drawer but he didn’t have one of his “Almost Bramble Blunders”, which I seem to remember him producing on occasion. There’s the old saw about not changing a winning team and I wonder if Pardew’s cleaving to that or if he’s waiting for a convincingly bad game to yank him.
Fans Should Own The Club(Quote)
ICEDOG you could be right on Douglas but i reckon the CF will be Remy when QPR are relegated .Just hope he has a 7 million buy out clause ,now that would be funny 😆
Axel(Quote)
The Douglas talk’s been in the air forever and I wonder why we didn’t finally go for it this window if we’re really interested. Ice, do you know if his club were willing to part with him or any extenuating circumstances?
Carroll popped into my head again today and I wondered if we’d go after him or somebody who’s actually putting goals in, like Bony, Altidore or Rip Van Wolfswinkel.
It’s weird–from Pardew’s comments today, it seemed Remy was really his high priority. Is Remy really the best we could do for that kind of money? I guess we’ll see at QPR, but I kind of thought there’s better out there, and maybe cheaper.
Fans Should Own The Club(Quote)
That would be pretty **** ticklish, Axel. But would we want him after his bait and switch antics?
Fans Should Own The Club(Quote)
FSOTC
Doubt it will be Remy as he would have to drop his wage demands circa 50%. Also, not sure if the club will be doing any more business with that particular agent.
Maybe Aubameyang is more likely? He showed he wasn’t a mercenary by sticking with his club to play in the France cup final.
The Kid(Quote)
Looks like Douglas is under contract till June, so maybe we’re just waiting for the summer to get him on a free deal?
Fans Should Own The Club(Quote)
Dave @ 112 That was like being savaged by a sheep. 😆 😆
Santii @ 111 Was last season a fluke? I think we over-achieved last season despite Pardew’s ineptitude, as alluded to by Charlie Prince @120.
Cisse, Ba, Cabaye and Benny got us some extraordinary points last season with sheer brilliance of the kind that you just can’t expect them to repeat. To my mind the squad is a top half squad but now worryingly light in the most vital area, namely up front. Even Pardew seems to be conceding that. It wouldn’t be a problem if we were sitting mid table and wanted to see it out until the summer. But I think it’s a gamble. Welly obviously expects Gouffers to hit the ground running and bag the goals. He’s abit touchy about anyone who is not wholly convinced about his goalscoring prowess. We’ll see. It’s just a pity Pards has sung Shola’s praises for so long and not replaced him because we are going to have to rely on Gouffers.
I reckon “if” we spent another £30 million wisely, we could be top four contenders with the right manager. What is for sure, we should never be flirting with relegation this season. The excuses of the Europa League and injuries don’t stack up. We’ve had no more injuries than you’re average team I’d wager, although I’m sure Welly will put me right on that. When there was no europa football, and we had plenty of rest, we performed just as badly.
So Santii – Are you a one dimensional character who always SUPPORTS? Or do you criticise a player or the manager or Ashley or Llambias?
For the record, I have supported all of the above this season except Pardew, Jonas, Perch, and Shola. I’ve mentioned the back four still looks suspect, but we’ll see what Mbiwa brings.
If I think someone’s not good enough or looking suspect, why should you misrepresent or ignore everything else I’ve said, especially when you don’t even go to SJP to show your obvious love for Pardew and your support for your team where it counts?
You have every right to support your team, and I never suggested otherwise. But when you criticised me for not showing my SUPPORT, I thought it was fair to ask whether you exercised your right to show yours where it counts, namely SJP, as I do. I’ll be taking time off work tomorrow to go. Will I see you there? 😕
Blackley & Brownlie(Quote)
Yeah, didn’t even think of Remy’s wages. How the **** are QPR going to survive, financially? Samba’s bringing down mega money too, isn’t he? If they don’t stay up, they’re ****** six ways to Sunday.
Fans Should Own The Club(Quote)
the reason I go for Carroll is he is the type of player cissie can feed off from crosses corners and flick on anyway that is just my thoughts
icedog(Quote)
icedog
February 1, 2013 at 22:42
FSOTC I will stick my neck and say in the summer if we stay up,we
will sign dDouglas and Carroll I will get some stick for it,but that’s my thoughts on it
—————————-
I wouldn’t bet against either of those happening. Carr must rate Douglass since we’ve been linked for so long, and you know Ashley tried to get Carroll back once already. The price is right too- Douglass on a free and Carroll could be had for 8M at this point I would think
MDS(Quote)
Yeah, Ice, I was thinking that about Carroll too–the target man aspect. And Pardew ain’t ashamed of going for the long ball when needed.
Fans Should Own The Club(Quote)
Have we been linked with Alessandrini at Rennes? He’s got 10 goals for them this season and he’s only 23.
http://int.soccerway.com/players/romain-alessandrini/72337/
Wait, he’s a midfielder. I thought he was a striker with numbers like that. Anybody know him? I know sweet FA about him.
Fans Should Own The Club(Quote)
FSOTC aye mate you can only go by what you see on the pitch with pardew
icedog(Quote)
Hey, what about a Charlie Austin at Burnley? The kid’s 23, has scored 19 this season, 16 last season and obviously knows English football style.
There’s good evidence that players from the lower leagues can hack it up in the Prem–Rickl Lambert and Lefondre as examples. Are these guys the exception to the rule, or is the Prem overestimating itself?
Fans Should Own The Club(Quote)
Andy (if you’re out there!) I’ve just finished downloading the new squad update on FIFA. I decided to have a look at our ‘form’ rating on the live matchday thingamabob.
Newcastles player form rating is currently -33!!!
Each player in the first 11 seems to be individually on a -3 or -4!!!!
Lol. This has to be a record surely!!
Pootle(Quote)
Actually according to FIFA we have the joint worst form in the world. We are tied with Man City, no one else comes close.
Pootle(Quote)