A third home game within the space of a week will see our attention turn towards the league campaign again after yet another disappointing and premature exit from a cup competition.
The problems is that this isn’t exactly the game you want when your team s low on confidence and seemingly devoid of ideas. Having said that, neither were Sheffield Wednesday in the end but with the greatest respect to the Owls – who fully deserved to beat us by the way – our next opponents are on a different level
The eternal optimist (yes, he is still there just) in me looks at arguably our best performances to date this season and notes that they’ve been against the top sides in the league so perhaps there could be a scope for an upset. The realist in me can unfortunately see nothing other than a defeat against Chelsea leaving us heading into our game against Manchester City (I know, the fun just goes on doesn’t it…) in a rather perilous state.
Newcastle:
Aleksandar Mitrovic has completed his three game suspension so will be available for selection. Daryl Janmaat, arguably our best player recently, has recovered from the illness which seen him withdrawn against Sheffield Wednesday but Papiss Cisse is out along with Steven Taylor, Paul Dummett, Cheik Tiote and Emanuel Riviere while Massadio Haidara, Jack Colback and Rolando Aarons are doubtful after failing to feature in midweek.
Chelsea:
Diego Costa is the only absentee for Jose Mourinho after being found guilty of an FA charge relating to his behaviour in the Arsenal game last weekend which means he will be banned for three games. Willian, Oscar and Pedro are all available after recent injuries.
Previously…
As you can imagine, this is a favour that generally hasn’t gone our way and indeed the head-to-head record is tipped fairly heavily in Chelsea’s direction although there is also a tendency for this to be a fixture that leans towards the home side (see stats below) in recent times.
Some 74 games have been played at St James’ Park with Newcastle winning 38 of those compared to only 18 wins for Chelsea. However the fact that we’ve been woeful at Stamford Bridge, like forever, means that in the 150 games to date in all competitions it is Chelsea who have won the most notching up 62 victories with United totting up 50 wins.
Stats and facts…
Newcastle have won the last three home fixtures against Chelsea. In fact the result has gone with the home side on each of the last six league matches.
If Newcastle fail to win it will match the seven game winless streak suffered at the start of last season.
Steve McClaren is currently in his worst run as a Premier League manager having failed to win in his last ten league outings (four with Middlesbrough and six with us).
Should Chelsea lose it would equal the clubs lowest ever Premier League points total after seven games. It would also be a fourth loss in seven league games which would equal the run of the 1978-79 where they were eventually relegated.
Jose Mourinho is yet to win at St James’ Park in five attempts.
Final thought…
These types of games are often thought of as scratch games – give it a go, expect nothing and maybe you might end up pleasantly surprised.
I can’t see that tomorrow however and think things are going to get worse before they get better. If they get better…
Howay the lads!
Date: Saturday, 26th September, 2015
Time: 17:30
Venue: St James’ Park
I hope I didn’t offend anybody with that last post. I don’t even hate Mackems, I just find their choice of names weird. I asked my 72 year old Mam when I was back in Newcastle earlier this year if she had ever been to Sunderland and she said just for the Pantomime. I can only assume it was Roker Park and not the Sunderland Empire. It is quite funny that she lives 15 miles away and has been to Shields and Tynemouth many times, but never to Sunderland.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Carrying on with my bored theme. Do you know that Bob Monkhouse was known as the Million Joke Man. It is a pity that none of them were any good.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I used to like Bob Monkhouse
kimtoon(Quote)
Brisk where is your fantasy football report fella? Or do you skip the weeks when the opposition absolutely hammer you?
newkie(Quote)
ERIC SYKES
whats bob monkhouse got to do with footie bud 😆
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
<<<<<<<<<<<< will come back tomorrow and i bet erics still haveing a gripe about something 😆 😆 😆 😆
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Eric – so you’ve listened to a million Bob Monkhouse jokes? Who is he? Is he that deaf comedian who played with Hattie Jaques?
georgio(Quote)
GEORGIO
nar his name was ERIC SYKES bud 😯
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
TAE: I was just bored mate. That’s why I was looking up the history of The SOL and Black Cats. Then had a flashback to the ’70s when Monkhouse would be on TV. That’s all. I will get back to football.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
All this talk of a return to 442 makes me smile. I didn’t notice it apart from a few minutes when Obertan went to the left wing. There was run down the left from Gini but apart from that it looked very much 4231 to me with Perez and Gini swapping a lot. Did I miss something?
georgio(Quote)
To me it does not matter what system they decide to play if the players do not graft and put a committed effort in “every” game they are Donald Ducked no matter who we play,the young Serb showed the way all the players should take a leaf from his book
icedog(Quote)
Ice: don’t forget Perez, he always puts a shift in even when he has little support. I thought he was our best player against Man U and then he was dropped. I can understand why because Steve had to look at Thauvin. I think Thauvin should have to earn his place back ahead of Sissoko and Obertan. That shouldn’t be that hard on current form.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
2015 has been a tough year to be a NUFC fan. The only saving grace was avoiding relegation. Here are some stats to show just how bad it has been.
http://www.themag.co.uk/2015/09/the-losing-culture-throughout-newcastle-united-shocking-statistics/?
It can only get better, right?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Georgio@385, Agree I thought the same, couldn’t see we were 442 for the life of me. Also the pundits had us as 1 up front again on the day.
kimtoon(Quote)
ERIC @387 i agree on Perez,also the Swiss kid did his share of graft,its all right picking on the odd ones the team in general need to follow their example but they don’t week in week out
icedog(Quote)
After the cream is skimmed the scum floats to the top.
Alestars take advantage of an administrative faux pas to beat my Roary boys and hit top spot. But it’s so close at the top that the lead is destined to change a number of times in the next few weeks
1 Alestars 16 (369)
2 Macas Pony and Trap 16 (285)
3 Dubai Toon United 15 (332)
4 He’s called WYNALDUM 15 (320)
5 Newbriscastle Roar 15 (313)
6 Natalie Sawyer Fan 15 (312)
7 Born Winner FC 15 (281)
8 Puff Puff Pass 15 (262)
And at the bottom – who cares?
brisvegas(Quote)
Nice one Bris, nothing like taking a whipping on the chin. I think living in Aus has had a serious effect on your ego fella 🙂 Is administrative faux pas code for not choosing the same side as me this week mate?
Agree completely with your last point – it’s only ever Richie or Aussie anyway 😕
Newkie(Quote)
The admin faux pas was making 2 changes when I thought I’d only made one. I didn’t realise I’d replaced Sanchez. I had thought about it but decided on replacing Gomis instead, and Sanchez did rather well.
Lest they think we really don’t care…
16 Aussie Mags 6
17 Nik Nak Utd 6
18 Shteves Shcitty 3
19 Inter Yasista 3
20 CC FC 0
brisvegas(Quote)
Face it, even his 20 points wouldn’t have saved you from my tactical brilliance Bris.
What, Aussie has two wins? How did that happen?
Newkie(Quote)
If it is this quiet in the week between playing the Champions and the title favourites I wonder if there will be anybody on during the international break?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I knew I shouldn’t have brought up Bob Monkhouse.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
That’s what did it Eric! Could be the preview nature of the article though. Not many clicks there.
georgio(Quote)
Eric – Where are you based?
Stuart79(Quote)
Eric – not as much to twist about after the Chelsea game, that’s the trouble mate 😆
What you expecting or hoping for from City?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Getting to more important things, when are we going to win the World Club Football title? I’m sure it’s coming for us with the tremendous Ashley buildup we’re undergoing!!! 19th place already!!! Huzzah!!!!
GeordieTwo(Quote)
A lot of you have been asking “G2, why are we still ****?” Very good question mates! Could it be because we haven’t built a decent defense or attack? Possibly it has something to do with overspending on midfielders and underspending on everything else? Just a thought. It couldn’t possibly be the reason, as we have the 2 geniuses Ashley and Charnley in charge!! 😯
GeordieTwo(Quote)
I strongly believe in the current club motto: “Build through weakness!” That’s the ticket Mike. You football genius you!!!
GeordieTwo(Quote)
And the other club motto: “Strength through lack of depth!” Beautiful…..
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Does anybody else have any club mottoes they would like to put forward?
Mike Ashley’s favourite football motto: “Ignorance is bliss!” Beautiful Mike.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Stuart: Chicago. Left the Geordie Mothership 30 years ago and have been here for 25.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
How is Chicago to live in Eric mate? I’ve been through there a few times but never stopped over to have a look around.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Sharpy: I am going to watch the match in a pub at 9am and don’t expect much. I will just order a few more beers if it is like the last few PL games against them. I expect to be drunk by lunchtime 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Also I don’t like the Blackhawks Eric. They keep beating my team, the Canucks….
GeordieTwo(Quote)
G2: Chicago is a great City, a bit of a cultural oasis in the Midwest. You need to plan to get away for a couple of weeks in Jan or Feb as the winters are brutal and will sap your energy. Chicago Cubs are in the playoffs. They haven’t won the World Series in 107 years. I am beginning to think I am cursed supporting them and NUFC.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
“Three months have passed since Mike Ashley made a staged-managed appearance in front of a television camera to awkwardly take responsibility for Newcastle United’s third relegation battle in the space of six antagonistic years as the club’s owner.”
Luke Edwards comments. Beautiful work Luke.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
What time of year is best for a visit Eric mate? I fancy late spring or early fall?
GeordieTwo(Quote)
“Mumbling something about bolting the cart to the horse, Ashley indicated the vast profits collected during his age of austerity would allow them to sign higher calibre players this summer. He also insisted managing director Lee Charnley would no longer stubbornly stick to the “cups are not a priority” mantra that had robbed supporters of almost all excitement and hope.”
That’s more Luke Edwards. Excellent comments Mike! Is our current standing indicative of what you have planned for us???
GeordieTwo(Quote)
G2: you are correct. But we had another good summer.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Once we’ve built the Ashley war chest up to about 1 pound 50 we strike!!! First we bring back Leon Julian Brendan Best!!! Then we bring back Shefki Kuqi and do the Hoochi Kuqi!!!!
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Eric – I notice they have a few players out tonight. I don’t know if that’s resting them or injury – and whether those injuries will keep them out at the weekend. Facing a City without Kompany & Toure for example has to be a better prospect.
I don’t expect a result personally, but I want to see the effort we saw against Chelsea. If we can start seeing that level consistently, then i will have more hope against the likes of Norwich & the Scum.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’m in An Irish Bar in New York City. Pop in and I’ll buy you a pint. They have Broon ale on draught!
Get Uber…
Stuart79(Quote)
Ta Eric mate. We had a decent summer as well. Although the 3 1/2 month drought was a bit much. I felt a bit like Lawrence of Arabia standing in the garden….. 😆
GeordieTwo(Quote)
For me Mitro is a bulldozer. But he needs the right lads around him. Perez has the best touch on the ball, but after that we lack any other clinical finisher. I’m not sure how many Mitro will score. He might only be a 10 to 12 goal a season scorer but he also softens up the opposition defenses. Very worthwhile if he can stay on the pitch.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
I really enjoy our management group. Except for the pleading, the weeping, the excuse making, the hand wringing, and the empty promises that is……
GeordieTwo(Quote)
If I had to make a final decision I think it is the empty promises that hurt the most but the excuse making can get very wearing as well….. Parsnip was so good at it: “The grass is cut badly” or “I don’t like the colours the other club is wearing” or “I’m a bit constipated so standing on the sidelines for 90 minutes is a bit much”…..etc etc.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
I thought the Sheffield Wednesday performance was worst, followed by Watford, Swansea, and West Ham in that order. Of course we haven’t peaked yet…. 😯
GeordieTwo(Quote)
The silence is deafening. Where is everybody? Best performance of the season and everyone disappears . . .
georgio(Quote)
I watch the City game last night and BMG really should have beat them. Hart was class & their finishing was poor. The boy Kruse was excellent for BMG. I hope Kompany is still missing at the weekend, coz defensively they look so much weaker without him.
Sharpy17(Quote)
They took Silva off too. Maybe a precaution (as of course they’ll need him on Saturday) but if Toure , Kompany and Silva are all missing then we’ll still lose! A draw is possible but for us to play like we did against Chelsea – it’s long odds.
georgio(Quote)
Georgio – you’re probably right, but I watched them against Spurs as well and they weren’t great there either mate. If we play like we did against Watford we will get destroyed, but play like we did against Chelsea and with a little luck on our side, who knows.
Sharpy17(Quote)
you’re the eternal gloom fixer Sharpy! Keep it up mate 😉
georgio(Quote)
Georgio – dare to believe mate :lol:. I prefer to be cautiously optimistic, despite being ready to throw the towel in after the Watford game. I do believe we have good players, we just lack experience and leadership. I’ve always been sure that we can perform as we did against Chelsea, we just have no consistency about our performances at all. It made a big difference having 2 up front, and Mitrovic & Perez look good together. Have we turned the corner?, I fecking hope so.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sissoko has been picked again for France. I really haven’t seen much of them apart from highlights but I know he is usually picked. Where does he play and does he play better than he does for us? In all of 2015 I can think of him having one decent game (West Ham). Stats don’t tell the whole story but I bet his goals and assists are very few.
People have been questioning his place in the team on here for ages and finally others are too. The problem is who do we have to replace him?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
SJP looks really nice now,all the SD signs have been taken down ready for the Rugby,must have cost a bob or two to do that,would love to think they will stay down but I know they wont
icedog(Quote)
And Dele Alli (sp?) is picked for England after 7 or 8 games for Spurs. Isn’t that the lad that we were looking at and Spurs snapped up? Not sure if it was due to Charnley’s dithering but I wouldn’t be surprised.
I saw somewhere that of the whole premier league there were only about 50 odd eligible for England. Maybe Shola will give up his Nigerian eligibility and have a trial for England?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – there’s been times this year when I would have welcomed Shola back! On Sissoko – can’t figure the guy out. He looks like he should be a top PL player and on a few occasions he has been, but the rest of the time he’s really frustrating and seems to lack heart and goes through the motions. When you consider the way Mbabu chased Hazard across the pitch and won the ball against some of Sissoko’s attempts (free kick, free kick) you’ve got to wonder what’s between his ears.
georgio(Quote)
Thauvin’s the obvious replacement
georgio(Quote)
Icedog: didn’t they have a SD sign of the roof? Why did they take it down? And they took that “St. James’ Park @SportsDirect.com” one down as well. I can’t remember why they did that either as Ashley hasn’t shown much to appease fans at other times.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Imagine if they were still up along with the permanent SD signs. I am watching on TV and mostly on the electronic ones around the ground they have ads for 90% off at Sports Direct and Wonga. No wonder there is no advertising revenue.
If they had kept the other signs it would have been a bit of a joke and the most gaudy ground in the world 🙂 Or is it anyway?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Here’s something for Messrs. Carr and Charnley to ponder:
(From Football 365) “On Monday came news of Franco Baldini’s separation with Tottenham. The much-maligned technical director oversaw that memorable Spurs summer of 2013, with Lamela (30m) the headline act. A club-record signing in among the purchases of Roberto Soldado (£26m), Paulinho (£17m), Christian Eriksen (£11m), Etienne Capoue (£8.6m), Vlad Chiriches (£7.5m) and Nacer Chadli (£7m), Lamela was the man earmarked to replace the outgoing Gareth Bale. Instead, the Argentinean had threatened to become the expensive face of a yet more expensive summer of failure.”
I don’t know how our latest lot will turn out but so far Baldini’s have been an unmitigated disaster and still they are much better than us 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – if I was Mark Noble I’d be a bit ****** off that Ali has an England call up ahead of him.
As for Baldini, if we had those players it would more be a case that our manager was ***** for not being able to get them playing. I’m amazed Poch has got as much rope when you consider how ruthless they were with AVB and Sherwood.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Munich – Have you seen much of Stuggart this season mate?. They seem to be having a stinker of a start this season – wonder if it would be worth going after Harnik or Werner?.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I think Timo Werner would be a cracking signing for us. Him & Mitrovic would work really well together. He’s still a young lad, so not the experience we maybe need, but he’d well with Mit I reckon.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I favour looking past the Man City game. Mainly because it will probably be another loss. Can we beat Norwich? Norwich is 12th with 9 points. We surely have to be competitive with them if we’re to avoid relegation? They’ve scored 11 and allowed 12 and have a win and 2 draws most recently. Score for the match? I see a 2-2 draw.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
What about Sunderland away? Can we beat them? I certainly hope so if we plan to stay in the Prem. The season would slide into disaster if we lost to Norwich and Sunderland.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Munich – I’d take a German spine of Matip, Holtby and Werner – what do you reckon mate?.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Strange we play m/c on sat as they played in CL on wed normally they would play on sun,all they better for us like we need all the help we can get.
That Ryder is a waste of space hes done a write up saying we need to play well at city and try and get three points and need Mis to score,is this guy for real,he’s keeping a good reporter out of a job
icedog(Quote)
Waste of space Ice – he can type and that’s about it.
georgio(Quote)
More importantly – is the blog dying a slow death? No new threads, very few comments. Not sure why in a week between City and Chelsea.
georgio(Quote)
GEORGIO I was wondering myself where everyone had gone,cannot see most toon fans keeping off the blog because of the rugby at SJP but I can see the the turf being Donald Ducked for the rest of the season after the rugby guys are finished with it,but its a excuse for SM to use when we get beat 😆
icedog(Quote)
Why does McClaren continue to select Sissoko? Has he had a half decent game yet this season?
Stuart79(Quote)
Stuart, according to one article I read recently he has been our most creative player this season.
http://www.shoot.co.uk/newcastles-most-creative-player-after-7-premier-league-games/
It’s on the internet it must be true
Premandup(Quote)
Prem – our most creative player with 1 assist 😆 says it all really doesn’t it?! 🙄
Sharpy17(Quote)
What a lovely stat Prem. Even Ayoze has a goal and an assist. There’s talk of Tiote coming back in. Hope not and even though he was woeful against Sheff W we can’t give up on the young lad Thauvin yet. City’s defence don’t like players running at them.
Can’t predict anything but a loss on this one though.
georgio(Quote)
Georgio – they may not like players running at them, but they’ll happily live with someone giving the ball away. Of 9 passes in the Wed game – 8 were given away!! – hence him coming off.
I’ll be annoyed if Mc changes the team that started against Chelsea personally. I think they all earned the right to start again against City.
Sharpy17(Quote)