The visitors on the other hand have some pressure on them and must win the match if they are to ensure that they pip their North London rivals to that final Champions League spot.
Going back to that opening paragraph, I say we only have pride to play for but that is a bit unfair. With final positions between 10th and 17th open for occupancy depending on results elsewhere there is a hefty amount of additional prize money left to play for. With each place worth an additional £750,000 the coffers of the club could be swelled by additional £4.5 million, so to say only pride is at stake is maybe a bit harsh.
Mind you the most important thing is being in the Premier League next season. That £4.5m will pale into insignificance when you consider how much the new Premier League TV deal will be worth to clubs next season. With the bottom club next season set to receive roughly the same as what the league winners have received this season it gives a rough impression of the kind of riches on offer. But that’s for next season, first let’s try and finish this one off in style.
Newcastle:
Tim Krul will be missing through injury whilst Rob Elliot misses out through suspension meaning that Steve Harper will get a chance to make a final appearance of his 20-year spell at United on home soil.
Sylvain Marveaux, Cheik Tiote and Steven Taylor are all available for selection although Moussa Sissoko, Massadio Haidara, Shola Ameobi and Davide Santon are unlikely to be involved. Ryan Taylor and Haris Vuckic remain on the long-term injury list although Sammy Ameobi and Shane Ferguson are available for selection after returning from loan spells at Middlesbrough and Birmingham respectively.
Arsenal:
Olivier Giroud is likely to return to the starting line up after serving his suspension although Mikel Arteta will miss the game after picking up a calf strain in the midweek win over Wigan.
Previously…
Earlier on in the season United saw themselves resoundingly beaten 7-3 at The Emirates so some amends needs to be made for that one.
However to do so United will have to overturn some dismal recent form against The Gunners. We haven’t beaten Arsenal at St James’ Park since 2005, even though the 4-4 draw a couple of seasons ago felt like a win!
There have been 80 games played between the two sides at St James’ Park. United have won 40, Arsenal 20 with the same amount as that ending up in a draw. Overall, in all competitions, home and away, there have been 164 meetings between the two teams with Arsenal just shading it by 65 wins to 62 for Newcastle with 37 draws making up the numbers.
Stats and facts:
Newcastle have won just one of the last 11 Premier League meetings between the two sides.
United have won only one game on the final day of a Premier League season in their previous 10 campaigns.
Alan Pardew’s side have won just three of the 19 games they have played against teams in the top half of the table.
Arsenal have the best away defensive record in the Premier League and have conceded just 14 league goals away from home this term.
The Gunners are looking for a fifth consecutive away league victory. The last time they managed such a feat was in 2004.
If only the second half of games counted, Arsene Wenger’s side would already have been crowned Premier League champions.
Final thought:
A lot has been made of Alan Pardew’s comments post-match last weekend where he said he wouldn’t care if we lost 4-0 tomorrow. Am I the only one who can see those comments as an expression of relief? Or has the tenure of the Silver one become so untenable that his comments are to be taken literally? Only when they can be used as a stick to beat him with seemingly as, if you recall, a lot of people say they can’t believe a word he says, so why treat this differently?
Newcastle must bow out with a good performance tomorrow even if a win could be beyond us. For the first time in weeks the pressure is off us and we can try and put on a show in front of our own fans and hopefully bury what has been a dismal season and put it behind us.
Another tepid performance though will just increase the pressure further and may tip the owner over the edge. Perhaps he might do something about Alan Pardew, although looking at pictures of him and Pardew at the training ground the other day it didn’t seem as though the manager had a ‘dead man walking’ look about him.
Bridges need to be built and whilst the manager is taking the bulk of the flak the players must also take some share of the blame and must respond accordingly. Collectively they got us over the line, just, and must show that things are going to change for the better.
Howay the lads!
Date: Sunday, 19th May, 2013
Time: 4pm – Live on Sky Sports 1
Venue: St James’ Park
Would be great to turn Arsenal over, surely the players will want to avenge the away result?
Robert(Quote)
Have we got the fight to go against the attack of Arsenal. I don’t think so and I am expecting another painful afternoon. Our back line won’t dare play a high line. Retreat to our penalty box and leave Cisse isolated yet again.
Toby le Rhone(Quote)
Thanks for the preview, Toonsy.
All I want is a clean sheet for Harper to bow out on. We can play 9-0-1 if that’s what it takes. 🙂
Wellington(Quote)
Toonsy good read and although before lastweeks game I couldn’t wait for the end of the season but know I dread not having any footie to take my mind of the Pards is **** debate that will no doubt carry on 😕
But for tomorrow I wouldnt be to surprised if we got atleast a point, but even if we dont there will be a small consolation in that Spuds wont get into the CL places 😀
Big Dave(Quote)
Welly I agree ,would love Harps to have a clean sheet to bow out on ,it would also be nice for us fans too after the previous thumping we got off them.
Toonsy ,nice preview and can I thank you for all your sterling efforts for the blog all season ,it’s been by and large a pleasure even if the footie often hasn’t been.;)
KIMTOON(Quote)
Dave, there’s always transfer speculation. 😉
Wellington(Quote)
5-0
Stuart79(Quote)
Sorry my mistake – 5-1
Stuart79(Quote)
Dave – I reckon that debate will go on a while longer to be honest mate as, to me anyway, it looks like Pardew is going nowhere.
I do however find it funny how weird our fans can be. A lot of people say they cant take anything Pardew says seriously yet took those 4-0 comments seriously.
A loy say Ashley doesnt listen to fans and doesn’t care what they say. Now they want him to listen and care when Pardew is wanted out.
So which is it? 😆
toonsy(Quote)
Dave @4 ,Don’t worry mate we’ll have transfer speculation about all our top players wanting away to keep us busy lol.
Seriously though ,it’s no secret I want him gone but it is in danger of overkill now tbf. I spent all day pretty much on my garden yesterday for fear of going over the same old arguments .I am now at the stage of either he goes or he stays and we get behind him, it’s exhausting fretting about it. I’m just sad that as Toon fans we have arrived at a stage where we are happy to hold on to an average manager for fear of who may replace him ,Red face ,rolls eyes.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Can’t see anything but a heavy loss. Though the last and first games of the season usually have a good surprise or two.
Just seen the Q&A session was cancelled yesterday anyone else not surprised by that 😀
Next season can’t come quick enough now.
Santii(Quote)
Toonsy just toss the coin 😆
Yeah I would echo Kims words thanks for all you do as with work and some of the results this season im sure it gets hard to keep going, so well done lad
Big Dave(Quote)
OK. Forget should he stay or should he go. The more sensible Pardew question is: should he grow a beard? 😯
Wellington(Quote)
Wellington – Or should he die his hair? Just for Men or Grecian 2000? 😆
toonsy(Quote)
Toonsy – or shave his head? I hear that imitating Guardiola makes managers better. 😉
Wellington(Quote)
Simpson definitely leaving 🙁
Would have been a quality squad player over the next few years. Despite all the idiot criticisers he’s always been a very competent right back.
SolanosTrumpet(Quote)
“Am I the only one who can see those comments as an expression of relief? Or has the tenure of the Silver one become so untenable that his comments are to be taken literally? Only when they can be used as a stick to beat him with seemingly as, if you recall, a lot of people say they can’t believe a word he says, so why treat this differently?”
Very well put. The way that innocent comment has been debated on many forums undelines that everytning that can be used against Pardew will be used against Pardew. Even the very basic explanations every manager gives after lost games are criticised when it`s Pardew. Personally I´ve always liked the way he often gives credit to other teams and admits if we didn`t have enough ourselves. Many better managers than Pardew are much worse in blaming bad luck or officials after lost games.
matias(Quote)
Press are all crying into their handkerchiefs over Beckham, Carragher, Ferguson but no mention for a true club great who could potentially be moving on after many years of club servitude, I speak of course of the great Shola “Mackem Slayer” Ameobi. His lumbering, lacidazical style was an inspiration to all aspiring footballers 🙁 . Just think, who will Pardew bring on at the end of a game now? Someone fast? Some who has penetration? 😯 It doesn’t bare thinking about 😥 .
Andymag(Quote)
Solano – do you know where the lad’s off to? I think we’ll be OK without him, but I hope he finds a good club. (Are Norwich in the market?)
Wellington(Quote)
Toonsy – The 4 – 0 comments were stupidity. They have gone down like a bag of **** and created a lot of unnecessary angst for other clubs and negative publicity for ours. It was another typical foot in mouth job that adds to an unbelievably long list. It’s no wonder people can’t take him seriously. There’s nothing weird about it. It’s all entirely consistent.
Blackley & Brownlie(Quote)
Matias, Andy – be nice, we’re having a chilled out thread. 🙂
Instead, let’s remember some golden Shola moments. Like reporting a break-in at his house when he’d gotten behind on his housework. Or his match-winner in this season’s home match against QPR. 😯
Wellington(Quote)
—————- Harper —————
Debuchy – Saylor – Colo – M’Bwia
—– Cabaye — Tiote — Marv —–
—- Benny — Cisse — Gouffran —-
That’s our strongest 11 for tomorrow IMO and swap Tiote for Sissoko and that would be my strongest toon 11 of our current squad.
For some reason, part of me thinks we are going to turn the gunners over tomorrow and help Spurs into the CL spot.
I just think there’s a bitter irony waiting for the toon army that they have had to wait til the last game of the season to see a good win. Plus our players can relax now were safe.
I’m probably miles off the money like but I honestly reckon 2-0 the toon tomorrow
Sharpy17(Quote)
Well I’m sad to see Simmo go ,he may not get forward like Debbie but he defends just as well imo but what do I know.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Sharpy ,I have the same feeling mate ,oh the irony .rolls eyes.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Bloody emoticons 🙁
KIMTOON(Quote)
Sharpy – I think that lineup would turn into 4-2-2-2, with Marv coming forward and HBA dropping deeper. Makes me remember Villareal’s swashbuckling system, before their recent implosion. 🙁
(Though I’m not sure our forwards have the right qualities to play that way.)
Wellington(Quote)
I’ve got mixed feelings about this one, on the one hand I don’t particularly want to see Spurs get the champs league money and be able to keep Bale as I think it is the difference between them pulling further away from us or having a major setback. On the other hand I want us to beat Arsenal and show them that we are not a pushover, we are playing for pride and another home trouncing would give me even more doubts about Parsnip.
DJG(Quote)
Wellington – yes mate, that formation would certainly allow for that but I also believe that Cabs and Marv passing ability can play through balls for the front 3. It would also allow Cab, Marv or both to push forward when were on the attack. But with those 3 infront of the defence I also think it provides good defensive cover. It would also mean that instead of the defensive hoofball they instead could pass it 15-20yrds to Cab or Marv who in turn can find one of the front 3.
It’s by far and away my preferred formation if played right and with the right players.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy
No Jonas. Must be a typo error
Toby le Rhone(Quote)
@Wellington
I’m thinking Norwich or West Ham, though Everton could also have a cheeky swoop, he’s better than Hibbert/Coleman, so unless they have money to spend he could fit the bill for them perfectly.
SolanosTrumpet(Quote)
@DJG
I was thinking exactly that this morning.
SolanosTrumpet(Quote)
As a Gooner myself I’m hoping for a nice comfortable win (due to obvious reasons offcourse). I hate the spuds and their arrogant fans. Regardless may the best team win. COYG!!!
P.S I think Bergkamp did mean it 😉
chris(Quote)
Who knows whether Ashley listens to the fans. But thinking you can second guess him is hubris, and basing your declared wants on that second guessing is folly.
If Ashley doesn’t do what fans truly want him to do because they have not stated what they truly want because he won’t listen anyway, or they have based their declared wants on second guessing what he will do, they’ve only got themselves to blame if he doesn’t do what they truly want.
Blackley & Brownlie(Quote)
Team I would like to see tomorrow:
4-4-2 (diamond)
————–Harper————
Debs-Saylor–Colo-M’biwa
—————Anita————-
——–Cabaye–Marv——–
————-Ben Arfa———-
——-Cisse—-Gouffran—-
Team I expect tomorrow:
4-3-3
————–Harper————-
Debs–Saylor–Colo–M’biwa
———-Tiote–Jonas———-
————–Cabaye————-
Ben Arfa—Cisse—Gouffran
Oblong(Quote)
Solano @ 30 – West Ham would be good for Simpson. I wouldn’t advise him to go to Everton if there were other options – it’s too hard to say what’s happening there.
Wellington(Quote)
B&b , sorry mate ,but Ashley does NOT listen to fans . If he did Lambias would be long gone for we been hollering for him to be gone for yonks now. He may not read blogs or tweets but his kids certainly do ,that’s been reported more than once I believe. Given he’s not living in a bubble he’ll be more than aware a lot want Pards gone and even more want Lambias out.
KIMTOON(Quote)
We’ll cop a flogging tomorrow. I have a feeling the lads will be on holidays 90 minutes before the end of the season…
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Welly ,I agree West Ham would suit him and he gets to be near N-dubz too .;)
KIMTOON(Quote)
Aussie ,They been on holiday since the start of the season mate , what’s so different about tommorow. I suppose Jabba might of offered a bonus for the win so he don’t look a total chump for sticking with Pards and gets a bit more coin for the better league position.
KIMTOON(Quote)
What the heck.
I think the right formation is 4-3-3 too, but I’d sit Cabaye deepest in the triangle to oppose Rosicky/Cazorla between the lines, while Jonas and Tiote (or Anita, if Mr. T’s not fully fit) take on Wilshere and Ramsey. That should give Cabaye the space to pick his passes, while he’s good enough defensively to break up Arsenal’s play through the middle.
I’d expect our right to be a key zone, because Ben Arfa and Cazorla both tend to drift inside. Debuchy and Gibbs could contesting the length of the pitch.
Wellington(Quote)
Chris – maybe you cross paths with more spuds fans than I do but the ones I know have already accepted that they have fallen short of Arsenal again this season. Hardly as arrogant as posting on an oppositions site that you’re hoping for a comfortable win is it?! – arrogant people in glass houses…
As for Bergkamp – I was at that game and saw that goal. Neither I nor anyone I was sat next to doubted his intentions. It was a brilliant piece of skill for an excellent CF.
But I wouldn’t concern yourself with that goal mate – not at all. If I were a gunner, I’d be more worried about which of our star players will be leaving this season?! – especially if you don’t make that 4th spot. Lets be honest, other than Wilshire (who England seem hellbend on keeping injured) there aren’t many star players left down there now is there?!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Chris @32 Yes I think he did too for what it’s worth,made a mug of Nikos . All the same hope we beat you tommorow ,we need to salvage some pride. HWTL
KIMTOON(Quote)
ST/Welly – I reckon that Simpson will end up at QPR to be honest lads. I know it’s a drop but he’ll get good wages down there, work with ‘Arry and will get first team football with Bosingwa unlikely to remain there.
Sharpy17(Quote)
True Kim.. the effort from our ‘****’ and ‘non ****’ players has sorely been lacking this season..
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Wellington
Just a spot of fun 😉 . I was at that QPR game (one of the couple I went to), god was it boring and really cold, we would’ve been in the **** if Shola hadn’t shimmied his way past their defence and curled one round Caesar/Green. If he could do stuff like that on a consistent basis then he wouldn’t split opinion so much.
Andymag(Quote)
Sharpy I don’t think Simmo will be at QPR I think some Prem team will snap him up, He is a decent player and IMO a lot better than some on here credit him with.
The guy for me is a true pro, he has stepped in well when needed lately even though he doesn’t really need to give it his all as he knows that the minute Debuchy is back he will be dropped from the squad alltogether
Big Dave(Quote)
Andy
🙂 I don’t think he splits opinion, really. Nobody thinks he’s brilliant, most folks don’t mind the idea of him being a backup (fourth choice striker). It’s been frustrating to have him higher up the pecking order, but the guy has done us some good – especially in the Europa League, with 3 goals in 10 appearances.
The difference is really down to how angry people are about the general situation.
Wellington(Quote)
Sharpy17- when I said comfortable win I didn’t say that we are actually going to win easily, just I’m hoping we do. I expect a tough game from the Toon with some players returning from injury for you guys while we’ve got arteta (who’s our equivalent of cabaye) out. And I fear with your team having the pressure of them while our players have still got quite a bit, the unthinkable could happen 🙁 . That’d why I said I’m HOPING for a comfortable win, not that we’ll get one. And yes I’m not happy with where we are, we’re the fourth most richest club in the world and one of the most successful in the UK so competing for just fourth year in year out isn’t good enough, especially with the richest man in the UK partly owning us. And I blame a lot of this on Wenger (and his annoying coat) , some of his tactics are truly baffling at times as well as the things he says. And as for the spurs fans I know, they all say the same thing and have done for the last few years, that that they’ve overtaken us, so to pip them to 4th spot once again will be sweet
, Balemania has got their heads in the clouds. Anyway like I said, may the best team win tomorrow.
chris(Quote)
Aussie I feel a lot better now after your predictions 🙂
I hope you don’t let that Newkie one grind you down lad
Big Dave(Quote)
Wellington
Very true mate, I’ve been a big fan of Shola for many years but this season he’s just p1553d me off, he is good backup but shouldn’t be in the position were he comes on 70 min into every game as you say.
If Shola goes does that mean we need 3 new strikers or just 2 with Campbell as 4th choice?
PEA
Cissé
Carroll
Campbell
Seems pretty awesome to me. Gouffran could also be a striker I guess but I still see him as a winger who can come in centrally if need be.
Andymag(Quote)
Big Dave 🙂 I did predict we would win last week…. 🙂
Newkie is a good lad, a negative ******* but a good lad 🙂 🙂 🙂
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Chris – if you think you’ve got problems with Wengers tactics you’re welcome in this site whenever you’re feeling glum mate. Trust me, some of the **** Pardew pulls will cheer you right up!
Do you think it’s down to Wenger or the board then mate?.
Dave – I’m one of Simpsons fans mate. I wasn’t suggesting he’ll go to QPR coz I think he’s a championship player. All I meant was if he’s looking for a move to London, then QPR would probably best suit him. I definately think he’s good enough for a WH or Stoke or similar type club. I just think, if QPR went for him he’d prefer to work with ‘Arry who would probably assure him first team football IMO.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Aussie @ 51 well i’m happy for you that you have called it right atleast once this season 😉
Big Dave(Quote)
I think I made that win call out of desperate hope more than anything 🙂 🙂 such a relief that win…
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Sharpy @ 52 I knew you wern’t downing Simmo mate, while QPR wouldn’t be the worst move for him I still think he’ll get offers from the prem
Big Dave(Quote)
Andy,
Even if we got Aubameyang and Carroll I’d still want Shola for one more season. Cisse, PEA and Campbell are all of a type. Ameobi and AC are different, but they’re useful in the same situation – Plan B. Even if we could get someone a bit better than Shola to play the same game for similar money, it’s not worth the hassle of bringing in a guy who might not get on with the other lads.
Wellington(Quote)
PEA and Campbell are similar and I think Campbell would learn a lot from them, as a rapid striker who will power the ball past the keeper. Cissé is an instinctive finisher, a very different style from the former two. Carroll would be another option as a target man, the role Shola’s been employed to do, with limited to no success. So I’d be content to see Shola go if we can get them in but other wide convince him to stay for one more year.
Andymag(Quote)
Them – him
Andymag(Quote)
I should add that Aubameyang has been linked to Real, Inter, PSG, and Arsenal. Not confident that he’ll be arriving by helicopter. 🙁
Wellington(Quote)
Wellington
He’s said that first team football is his priority, not something that he’s likely to get at Real. Italian football is on the down and Inter are probably as bad as I’ve ever seen them. PSG and Arsenal are our biggest competitors for him I believe. I reckon he’ll want to come to England, Arsenals main target is Jovetivic, who is awesome by the way, and if they get him then we have a good chance.
Andymag(Quote)
Think Simmo will get himself another premiership team would not surprise me if it is the winners of the playoff final 2 london clubs . The 1 that comes up will need strengthened too survive and Simmo has a lot of premiership experience . Just hope too god our summer has only incoming Purples and no out going Purples with the exception of Jonas and Obertan .
Axel(Quote)
Dave – I wish he was staying with us to be honest. He’s proven his worth in the absence of Debuchy lately and would be a very useful player. That’s kinda what puzzles me to be honest, Pardew saying he needs strength in depth yet they’re prepared to let Simmo go for the sake of £10k or whatever it would be.
Andy – PEA and Carroll would be good additions mate, but there’s afew good young uns out there who I think would be worth a crack like Vossen or Abel Hernandez from Palmero.
Personally I want to see some decent wide players coming in as well though mate. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t/couldn’t start signing players now – Man Utd (Zaha), Norwich (RVW) and Arsenal (Sanogo) all have.
Instead of a fleeting visit from Ashley yesterday, why not sit down and discuss it then, why wait til after the Arsenal game?!
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy
I had Abel Hernandes in my FIFA team like 3/4 years ago 😆 , blast to the past, recall him being rapid mind. I assume its the lad I’m thinking of, Palermo play in pink don’t they?
Andymag(Quote)
“Shola scored 76 goals in 368 appearances for Newcastle, a record most midfielders would be proud of. Messi scored 73 last season, but he unlike Shola, has never scored against Barcelona.”
Brilliant 😆
Andymag(Quote)
Shola Ameobi is the only player in world football who has NEVER missed a penalty AND can pull off a bow tie 😎
Andymag(Quote)
Andy – Time will tell on Aubameyang. But I wouldn’t count the Italians out. 😉
Wellington(Quote)
@Andy
Ha, that’s brilliant. Isn’t Shola’s record like 1 goal in every 3 starts or something?!
SolanosTrumpet(Quote)
Andy – aye mate, he’s only 22 and a Uruguay international. Lightening quick and 6.1ft so decent in the air as well. He’s untested but reckon we could get him for less than £7m.
I have similar concerns as Welly regarding PEA to be honest, I think he’ll want CL football and could easily get first team football for a club who qualify for CL.
I also think that if we genuinely want Carroll then we should throw our hat in the ring early, or at least let Carroll’s agent know were interested coz if SSN is anything to go by WHU are making their intentions know with regards to wanting to sign him.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Andy – I wouldn’t be crushed if we went for Bony either to be honest, his scoring rate is superb albeit in Holland like. Only off putter would be ACoNs again.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Enjoy.. The two against Spurs oooft
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfyty0_9Iyo
SolanosTrumpet(Quote)
SHARPY17 Bony would be a brilliant signing but i think their will be the likes of Liverpool ,Spurs and Chelsea going after him this summer , a good forward playing in Holland would be Finnbogason from Heerenveen . The lad is young and will only improve but has been banging in the goals every week in the eredivisie . I reckon we would get him for a round 6 or 7million .
Axel(Quote)
Any idea who Pardew wants to sign to add experience to the squad? Essien? 😯
Wellington(Quote)
ST
Something like that, that would’ve included championship though and when he was younger and seemed like a super sub.
Sharpy
I would be ok with Hernandez, Aubemeyang has attracted so much attention over the last few months I’ve begun to feel our chance of signing him is less and less, which is unfortunate as I think we would be value for money and would definitely get the fans excited. I’m not keen on Bony as I don’t feel he would suit the PL, he’d score a few goals but wouldn’t be prolific and would encourage route 1, also I hear he might be off to Russia 🙄 . ACN wouldn’t be so much of a problem though as its next in 2015 and I think they’re contemplating having it in the summer. Don’t know anything about Vossen but hear he’s got a good record in a team that isn’t necessarily one of the best in the Erdevise.
Is there any news on Guidetti? Has he moved on from City? Is he on loan? If so how’s he doing (goal scoring)?
Andymag(Quote)
Axel – aye you’ve mentioned the lad before and I’ve kept half an eye on him as well. He’s not really had a dip in form either has he. I saw Sunderland were linked with him not so long ago as well. I think he’d be a good addition too mate.
We’ve came up with a canny list in a very short time so there are quality strikers that we could afford – no excuses from our board or manager. Pardew has recently said himself that we need 2 strikers in this summer so I expect to see it happen.
Sharpy17(Quote)
SHARPY whats with the new avatar??
icedog(Quote)