We start at home this season against a Southampton side who were amongst one of the surprise packages of last season. Ronald Koeman, in his first full Premier League campaign guided the Saints to an impressive 7th placed finish which has seen them participate in the qualifying rounds for the Europa League – a feat even more impressive when you look at the changes in personnel that took place last summer at St Mary’s Stadium.
While Saints fans will be looking to replicate a memorable and unexpected season, United fans will be less than willing to replicate the events of last season which saw us escape relegation by the skin of our teeth on the final day of the season following a rather timely 2-0 victory over West Ham United at St James’ Park.
It was the opinion that we required investment at the end of last term, and to a degree we’ve had that. In have come Georginio Wijnaldum, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Chancel Mbemba while, as yet anyway, none of our first-team players have been sold. We also have a new Head Coach/Manager/Director or whatever in the form of Steve McClaren who will be taking charge of a Premier League side for the first time since departing Middlesbrough for the England team in 2006.
Newcastle:
Fabricio Coloccini has recently signed a new deal with United and so, as Captain, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t start although I’d be equally surprised if he lasted the full 90 minutes after sitting out all of pre-season. Who partners him is the question?
Chancel Mbemba could be in line to make a debut pending receipt of a work permit, or it could be Steven Taylor or Mike Williamson and there’s a case for each of them to be honest. While Mbemba looks to be the long term option it’s perhaps expecting too much for him to slot into the Premier League at the age of 20 (or 24, or 34) with roughly 30 minutes of pre-season under his belt. Steven Taylor is arguably more solid than Mike Williamson although choosing between the pair as a defensive partner is a bit like choosing a favourite ********.
While Williamson is not the greatest and has, ahem limitations, I do feel the barracking he has been on the end of is harsh. It’s not his fault he is not at the level required – it’s the clubs for allowing it to happen and at least he gives his all. Steven Taylor can be a solid defender on his day but there’s always a clanger in his locker and he’s prone to long term injuries.
Moving into midfield now and Cheik Tiote is back in training but is unlikely to feature unless it’s from the bench. Siem de Jong will probably play second fiddle to Georginio Wijnaldum with Vurnon Anota and Jack Colback playing deeper roles. Arguably the player of pre-season – Rolando Aarons may start in the left leaving Moussa Sissoko out on the right.
Up front the choice is simple – Papiss Cisse or Aleksandar Mitrovic although I’d like to see the pair of them play together.
Southampton:
Fraser Forster remains sidelined through injury with Gaston Ramirez, Ryan Bertrand and Florin Gardos also out through injury. Shane Long and Jordy Clasie are doubtful but have not been ruled out. Another of the Saints contingent missing out will be Manager Ronald Koeman who has undergone surgery on his Achilles and will not travel to Tyneside.
Sounthampton warmed up for the trip to Tyneside by beating Vitesse Arnhem 2-0 in Holland on Thursday sealing a 5-0 aggregate victory in their Europa League qualifier.
Previously…
Southampton did the double over us last season beating us 4-0 at St Mary’s and winning the return fixture at St James’ Park by a score of 2-1. In fact you need to go back to February 2013 to find our last victory against the Saints with our winless run extending to four games since that 4-2 victory.
However as fixtures go this is one that has very much been dominated by the home side over the years. As we’re at home I’ll look at our record, naturally. Of the 40 games played on Tyneside it is United who come out on winning on 29 occasions, Southampton have won on five occasions with six draws making up the numbers.
Overall it’s United who shade the head-to-head having won 34 of the 80 matches contested between the sides. Southampton have won 29 times with 17 draws.
Stats and facts:
Premier League openers are not generally great days for Southampton as they’ve win just twice in 16 opening day attempts. It’s not much better for United who have won seven in 21 attempts.
Newcastle have failed to score on four of the last five opening matches of a Premier League season.
United do however have a chance to record back-to-back wins since November 2014.
The Saints have not won away in the Premier League in the last seven attempts. Six of those matches ended in defeat.
Their last away victory came at QPR back in February.
Final thought…
We’ve invested a fair amount in three players but it’s important not to expect too much from them immediately. Remember they are all new to the Premier League and may not adjust immediately so if they don’t score a hat-trick on their debut it doesn’t mean they should be written off. Likewise should they have a good game it doesn’t mean that they should be awarded an elevated status with higher expectations.
A lot of people have judged us on pre-season results and performances. Personally I’ve not really batted an eyelid – remember last season we had a decent pre-season and look how that shaped the campaign! The time for looking at things properly is now and that starts against Southampton.
Mike Ashley’s words mean little to me but to be fair we’ve got a recognised Manager in and have spent some considerable cash (by Ashley’s standards) on some highly-rated players so I’m prepared to see how it turns out. Do we need more? The answer from me will always be yes, but lets gauge where the current influx of new blood has take us first.
Howay the lads!
Date: Sunday, 9th August, 2015
Time: 13:30
Venue: St James’ Park
If it is an issue of Krul not having the confidence to command the situation, is McClaren a coach that would drop him in favour of Darlow or Elliott though?. I think he probably is, but I’m not sure that either of those 2 are good enough either.
The good news is that we have a new goalkeeping coach, so hopefully it is something that is picked up on and worked on in training.
Sharpy17(Quote)
On a different note, did I read yesterday that the Marsielle manager has quit?!. I wonder if that has an impact on our pursuit of Thauvin.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy, seeing that near on all our attacking play was generated from wide areas, I can see why the club may be still interested in signing another wide man.. not sure the French lad is the answer tho..
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
did not see any penalty meself i would not of given any of them
TOONARNYELITE(Quote)
and trust if the ref missed a pen i would be having a good gripe about it 😆
TOONARNYELITE(Quote)
Aussie@603 me neither mate, looks like a bag of trouble that one. 🙄
kimtoon(Quote)
Aussie – not when Shakira was in the stands at Stoke! – I know which id prefer
Sharpy17(Quote)
Kim, looks more like a bag of feathers to me.. we already have Cabella getting blown over too easily, no need to add another!
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/florian-thauvin/profil/spieler/184892#ath
According to this, he’s left footed with a preferred position of RW – so a bit like Benny wanting to cut in and shoot with his left.
I favour balance in a side with right footers on the right and lefties left – crossing the ball in and if the opportunity is there, they can switch during a game.
Watching yesterday, Sissoko was creating chances from the right, but Obertan wasn’t getting any crosses in from the left. Aarons is a leftie but is he ready and would he stay fit?. Perez could do it I think, but is he more a forward than a wise man?. Is Obertan a good enough back up to Sissoko on the right?.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy, I said yesterday, Shaqiri going to Stoke is a waste.
Aussie 😆
kimtoon(Quote)
To be honest, whether Krul comes for crosses or not, that shouldn’t impact the defenders ability to mark players and win a ball. Keepers can’t and don’t come for every cross so there needs to be more communication between our defence. But to be honest, I’m not 100% sure how good our defenders are at actually defending.
Stuart79(Quote)
Only saw 2nd half, but thought Obertan had a decent enough game on the left to suggest we have worse back ups in other positions to prioritise.
I do wonder if they’re keeping Aarons quiet till the window closes to try and avert any bidders.
You Yew(Quote)
no real crosses come in from the left cause overtan aint left foot and dos not want to put a cross in with his left foot
TOONARNYELITE(Quote)
You – he had a decent 1st half as well, but because he’s not a natural left footed he wasn’t as creative. I’m not knocking the lad coz he did do well. But width & pace was a big asset for us yesterday, and I just want to see real quality out there. I’m convinced on Gini, Sissoko and Cisses quality up there – it’s that left side still up for grabs I reckon – Perez or Aarons would be my choice.
Sharpy17(Quote)
he needs to take a gamble and just try and knock it across goal with his left foot, instead of stoping wasteing the space hes got to cross it, by trying to turn back on to his right foot
TOONARNYELITE(Quote)
Just realised that our bench did not include Cabella or Riviere and to a lesser extent Gouff and Willo…. Theres definitely no space for Austin IMO
Liam Southern Toon(Quote)
Toon are trying to hijact Stoke big for Shaqiri by offering 1.5 mil more think its to.late mesel,it their own fault they had weeks to sort it when Shaqiri knocked Stoke back the first time
icedog(Quote)
http://whatculture.com/sport/newcastle-bid-13-5m-in-attempt-to-hijack-stokes-move-for-world-cup-hat-trick-hero.php
kimtoon(Quote)
Ice, Snap 😆
kimtoon(Quote)
I didn’t really see the point in playing Obertan on the left to be honest. Pretty much the only think he did in the game of any note was his cross for the goal and that came from the right. If you’re going to play him I suppose you need to give him a chance.
Stuart79(Quote)
It worked when QPR nabbed Remie and Shaqiti obviously doesn’t want to go to Stoke. It’s obviously the end game of the Shaqiri price war. Not sure he is big enough, though, to be a decent CB, he is quick mind!
Lionel Speed(Quote)
Is he even a defender? But I doubt the stories are true to be honest.
Stuart79(Quote)
He is a 5’6″ winger!
Lionel Speed(Quote)
LS that’s true,its only Milan need him off the wage bill along with one other,and seeing he does not get on with the Manager he’s the one to go,still think we have left it to late in the day
icedog(Quote)
I know it’s too late now but Andre Ayew was the one to get for me. An attacking 3 behind Cisse of Ayew/Gini/Sissoko would have been very exciting
Sharpy17(Quote)
If the offer is true it is a decent offer, and Hughes did say yesterday, Icedog, that nothing at all had been finalized with Shaqiri, I think he knows he doesn’t really want to go there. Let’s see.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
We need a c/b without a doubt,pay the money and get the Celtic c/b about8mil should get him
icedog(Quote)
Glad I’m not the only one who thinks it’s time Krul started coming for crosses around the 6 yard box. Most PL keepers would have come for that cross for their second. They’ve been doing it for years to us. With two defenders who are iffy in the air he needs to come out more.
Wonder what the score is with Aarons. Just like last year he trained all summer to get fit. Out for an outrageously long time with a hamstring he comes back but has to go off in a friendly with CRAMP FFS. 19 years old, trained all summer and he gets pulled for cramp. Something about him not right cos otherwise he’s brilliant.
How long was De Jong on for? Did he touch the ball? Everything I’ve seen of the guy says he’s no good for the PL. The games just pass him by.
Very encouraging performance though. Enjoyed it.
georgio(Quote)
Ice – I reckon he could be got as well. I see him going to Everton if Stones is sold. If they could get him, then we should get in before them.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Well SSN says Shakira having medical at Stoke, so if we are nipping in we best be quick!!.
Also saying Everton are more likely to get Jonny Evans if Stones goes, so Could be the Celtic lad isn’t available or they aren’t interested in him and prefer Evans for his experience – that’s in keeping with Evertons transfer policy to be fair like.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Oh, well, Sharpy, shame.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
SHARPY I know the lad is having medical but we may still have a chance because its not just Milan,B/M have a vested interest in him some sell on value in his contract
icedog(Quote)
Ice – aye, I just meant that the Stoke move has legs – he might fail it … Ba failed a Stoke medical I seem to remember 😆 and didn’t we put Remy thru a medical before QPR stole in.
Sharpy17(Quote)
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/08/10/newcastle-fans-react-on-twitter-to-fabricio-coloccinis-performan/
not just me unimpressed with his pityfull efforts lol
TOONARNYELITE(Quote)
SSN. Joey Barton having medical at West Ham
kimtoon(Quote)
KIM they can have him mate
icedog(Quote)
Thing that worry me SM thought c/b pairing did well and said it looked like they had played together for a long time,wonder if I was watching a different game 😕
icedog(Quote)
I wonder if the FA will take any action against Jamie Vardy for his racist language
Sharpy17(Quote)
toonbarmyelite @ 634
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>this dude over here reckons i must have taken you quite a while to open all them twitter accounts.
lol
roy c(Quote)
Another unbelievable example of the FA being inept!! – M’Vila gets sent off for HEADBUTTING someone in a Scum U21 game …. But it’s ok, he can still play for the 1st team as that ban only applies to U21 games 😯
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’m a bit surprised that Barton looks set for WHU to be honest. Only PL clubs I saw him at was one of the newbies or Villa with them loosing Delph & Cleverley. i don’t see him playing much at Spam at all personally.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Anybody know anything about this Diego Rolan that Ed’s blog keeps mentioning – keeps coming up so may be something in this one? Striker/ winger they say, a description that would be quite suitable, but i know nothing about him, although, at least Uruguayan’s usually are tougher than the French contingent – if I may generalize! 😀
Lionel Speed(Quote)
PSV’s left back Williems was at SJP yesterday.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – he would be a good buy, and if we got him that would suggest to me that Mc sees Dummett more as a CB maybe?!
Sharpy17(Quote)
He’s got a great first name: ‘Jetro’
Looks decent.
If we continue to buy players now, next January and next summer in this quality range, we are going to be doing alright.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
I was just thinking that, Sharpy.
He may just be mates with Gini and came to support him!! 😉
Lionel Speed(Quote)
I think Mitrovic will be come good quickly for us. The Wij goal was a thing of beauty. Best cross I’ve ever seen Obertan make.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Lionel – yeah you’re right mate. Nee stories linking him with us and Stus post was the first I’ve seen of him being at SJP.
I can live in hope though. He may have been there supporting but been so impressed he’s got on to his agent and handed a transfer request in 😛
In all seriousness though, he’d be great for our left side. The lad has a sweet left foot and puts some brilliant crosses in – he got 15 assists last season. Impressive for a LB I reckon.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Yeah, i was just reading about him – he would be great!
You could be right, too, came just to support Gini but loved it so much he’s just not going back. 😆
Lionel Speed(Quote)
Lionel – just found this about it on Newsnow – bit of a cryptic tweet there. Where would we be without social media?! 😆
http://mobile.newsnow.co.uk/A/786921312?-11058:809
Sharpy17(Quote)
The 2 year contract extension for Colo is puzzling to me. Are we really going to use him for another 3 seasons? Madness. At best he should be our Hair Maintenance Supervisor once we get another good CB in.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
And there’s nothing more accurate to judge what’s going to happen than cryptic tweets Sharpy. 😆 Just kidding but it’s daft to think he’s coming to us on the basis of a tweet. He was just there to support his mate.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
What we need is a very good CB to partner with Mbemba and straight away please. We’re still shocking at the back. Two very poor goals allowed already.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Willems would be a decent signing, Haidaras been prone to injury & Dummetts better at CB so another left back wouldn’t go amiss
Yesterday was ok, I Thought we played some good stuff. Squad looks stronger with Taylor, Tiote, Aarons, De Jong, Perez, Mitrovic on the bench & Dummett, Cabella, Marveaux, Lascelles, Elliot not in the 18
We need a couple more in but it’s a start
CC(Quote)
Or we could just bring in Willem Defoe and frighten other clubs to death….
GeordieTwo(Quote)
The WBA signing of Rondon just shows how difficult a job we have to move forward and ahead of other clubs. The club and in particular have made a big point of the competition around for players of 8 figures. WIth the new TV deal in place 8 figure fees aren’t out of reach even for the likes of West Brom these days.
Won’t be an easy job to get top 8 I don’t think.
Stuart79(Quote)
Do not sign Rolan Nufc, he is similar to Gouffran but more talented. But not only we dont need a striker at this time as we have to find space for Ayoze de Jong and Armstrong in the future and already have Cissé and Mitro, but Ayoze is better than Rolan
Cholo A. Sall(Quote)
I want us to sign a Cb in Lewis Dunk to play with Mbemba and go with Coloccini Dm. At worse Id play Saylor with Mbemba hopeful that Lascelles will be ready to step up. And fair play Obertan, but Id let Ayoze or Aarons to start on left wing
Cholo A. Sall(Quote)
Id have start with Colback Abeid and Wijnaldum as 3 man midfield
Cholo A. Sall(Quote)
And we have to find a way to put de Jong behind the striker with Gini playing deeper instead of Anita.
Cholo A. Sall(Quote)
G2 – no mate, I’m not saying that tweet suggests anything. Just saying he would be a good addition to our left side if they did go for him. It would mean that our preference would have defo swayed from French to Dutch as well I suppose
Sharpy17(Quote)
And one more thing, if Man United signs Lucas Biglia, then Id would be time to sign Michael Carrick. Carrick-Colback would be a great partnership.
Cholo A. Sall(Quote)
That tweet certainly is intriguing isn’t it 😕
kimtoon(Quote)
krul could not come for them crosses the cbs have to deal with them
TOONARNYELITE(Quote)
KIM@663 maybe just the fee to be agreed 😉
icedog(Quote)
icedog shakiri would be a brilliant signing. he couldn’t make a place his own at fc bayern because he couldnt get past robben, ribery and mandzukic, which i suppose is fair enough. hes fast as flock and has a brilliant left foot. just watch him go mate…hell set the league alight..
Munich Mag(Quote)
MM aye I know mate,I wanted him or Ayew,I saw him win a game or two for the Swiss on his own,would love him at toon
icedog(Quote)
Well what a boring, one sided game Man City vs. West Brom is. Liverpool vs Stoke, I can see why they picked that for TV after the 5-1 at the end of last season but that was another boring game tho time. Of those 2 televised game, without being arrogant I think our game would have been much better to have on telly. Man City vs West Brom! Total one sided bore fest!
DJG(Quote)
DJG, I said the same yesterday, but sky were always gonna put Liverpool and Arsenal games on over ours, 😈 serves em right getting two **** games.
kimtoon(Quote)
Had no idea Shane Ferguson had gone out on loan to Millwall.
Shamrock(Quote)
For those wanting us too sign Willems , i would ask have yous ever seen him play?i have and the only thing hè has is pace , he cant defend and is definatly not Premiership class.
Axel(Quote)
G2 I am also disappointed about Colocini getting a new contract mate. We leaked goals terribly last season. Lucky not to be relegated! He wanted to go back to Argentina and play out his days over there so why isn’t he ? He also recommended Chucky and what a great help he was to us last season. I just hope he doesn’t become our future manager. Oh but his better than Williamson so be positive 🙂
Stem(Quote)
However I am surprised Ashey has opened his chequebook and signed some players at long last. It’s about bloody time if you ask me but why have we got to be close to the relegation zone before he does anything about it ?
Stem(Quote)
It’s killing me to see Alan Pardew doing so well at Palace. Is Troy actually right that was a good manager ? I know I wanted him sacked and complained about him countless times. Like Eric and Carver so to speak.
Stem(Quote)
I don’t think Krul was at fault for the goals. It was defenders not being commanding enough. Cisse was dropping back and getting involved in build up play, which is nice. His chipped pass to set Obertan off for the first goal was class. Colback looked solid and made a vital block in the penalty area at 2-2.
As for Parses, did you see Palace’s goal from a corner? Cross the penalty area, header wide of post (deliberately) for another palace player to sweep it in because all Norwich players thought the header was a c@ck up . That says Pardew can train his players to deal with set pieces – so etc happened at Newcastle? Was it just Carver all along?!
Shamrock(Quote)