Much has been written about Louis van Gaal’s side this term but they are at least away from any kind of danger at the bottom of the table. The same cannot be said however for Newcastle.
With both sides seemingly struggling to find the back of the net you may be forgiven for thinking that this game may have a look of a 0-0 about it but in reality that would be no use to Newcastle who need to start finishing off some of the chances they’ve been creating.
And that is essentially the crux of our problems. We not been bad at creating chances, our defence has tightened up and is nowhere near as leaky as it was earlier on in the season – it’s literally the end product that is hurting us and with back-to-back home games within a few days that simply has to change.
Newcastle:
Henri Saivet (at time of publishing) is yet to be named officially as a Newcastle player so if it happens between now and then he will be unable to make his debut in this fixture.
Fabricio Coloccini will undergo a fitness test while Florian Thauvin and Kevin Mbabu picked up knocks against Watford and are likely to miss out. Jack Colback has trained has trained and could return to the side.
Longer term we still have Tim Krul, Steven Taylor, Papiss Cisse, Massadio Haidara, Vurnon Anita and Gabriel Obertan sidelined while Rolando Aarons and Emmanuel Riviere are back in training but are not yet in contention for a recall to the matchday squad.
Manchester United:
Bastian Schweinsteiger is out after picking up a knee injury in the 1-0 win over Sheffield United at the weekend. Morgan Schneiderlin is doubtful while Ashley Young and Michael Carrick could return after missing out their FA Cup game.
Previously…
This is not a good fixture for United with victories few and far between. The 5-0 will obviously stick out as will others like the two 3-0’s and the 4-3 – all at St James’ Park – but we’ve also been on the end of a few hammerings in a fixture that tends to favour the Red Devils.
Newcastle have just shaded the figures at St James’ Park winning 31 of the 78 games played compared to 30 wins for Man Utd.
Overall is a very different story though as Manchester United have won over half of all encounters home and away notching up 80 victories from 159 games played compared to just 41 victories for Newcastle.
Stats and facts…
Manchester United have lost just two of their previous 26 league clashes with Newcastle, winning 18 of those.
Newcastle have lost more points from winning positions (12) this season than any other side.
The Magpies have not found the back of the net for 412 minutes and counting.
Manchester United have lost their last two away league fixtures. They have not lost three consecutive away league games since 1996.
Final thought…
Where do I start as a final thought? That doesn’t mean that I have a lot to say because I don’t. I guess the only thing I really can say is that we must get a result here. I don’t fancy us for a win, ut now the question is whether a draw is enough from this game or not?
Howay the lads!
Date: Tuesday, 12th January, 2016
Time: 7:45pm – Live on BT Sport
Venue: St James’ Park
Aussie – the mood is always reflective of the teams performances, well, for me and a few anyway. Definitely glad we’ve got a first team body in, and pleasantly surprised Jonjo seems to be on the way as well 😯 Place does seem to be getting worse, but hopefully things pick up once we sort the squad out in January and go on a storming run
Sharpy – you must be on dreamland mate, you’ve been calling for Shelvey for ages and it’s looking very much a done deal!
Newkie(Quote)
Newkie – he’s nee Paul Pogba, but I think he’s a quality player and the type of signing we should be making in every window IMO. It would appear that it will to replace Tiote, which I find a shame as for me it would be Anita first – but by the same token, I don’t think Tiote has been top of his game for some time now.
I’ve actually been calling for Townsend for ages as well, so this could be a very good window for me 😛
They probably need me on that transfer committee mate 😎
Sharpy17(Quote)
When he is wearing the shirt I’ll give him my full support until such time as he proves me wrong. He could be another Cabaye or better. He hasn’t kicked a ball yet. 😯
I saw we were also linked with Burnley striker who apparently is canny… anyone heard anything more on that… ?
The stories around Bendtner fill me with dread! 😯 👿 😕
Dubai-Toon(Quote)
Aussie to be fair I have seen very few comments (if any) saying Saivet is rubbish. The fact is though nobody has ever heard of him and nobody as any idea what position he plays or what his qualities are. Given our track record of cheap foreigners, it’s only right that fans will be pessimistic about the signing. Like I said though, the proof is in the pudding. Judgement is reserved until we have seen him play a few times. All fair enough in my book and most here agree that booing players and manager is misguided and wrong. I think most posters here are just normal, level headed people that say it as they see it. Just because they are not happy clappers ala wolfie, does not make them miserable. Come back mate and join in. Help people see the positives if you can identify them. 8 long years later and most people’s spirits have been ground down, which is understandable…
Shamrock(Quote)
Sharpy@75 lets hope so mate. Just need a quality forward now really, even if it’s a loan with view to buy. Feeling a wee bit more positive now, I really thought they wouldn’t get anyone with PL experience so it’s a nice surprise.
kimtoon(Quote)
Sharpy – yeah he’s definitely not that good 😆 (who coincidentally I recommended we signed, along with half the football world when fergie released him 😆 ) I don’t really like the lad, but maybe that’s bindipper legacy on him. I do think he’s a good player, and assuming he does the business that’s all I’m concerned about. Hopefully Schteve can manage whatever problems he might have. Like you say townsend too, but I’m definitely not convinced by him…I went to an England Montenegro match and he was brilliant, but I haven’t been impressed from what I’ve seen at him at Spurs. Still, an actual winger on the wing, we really can’t be too picky can we! I would rather we sign a proper striker though. I’d much rather we secured Remy than say bought in Shelvey, Townsend…. and Bendtner.. 😆
Newkie(Quote)
Apparently Mbabu was good against Watford, and he did look great against City, but isn’t he more a right back than left back? Still I’ve been a bit disappointed in Dummett this season really, perhaps time to try him long term at CB once Colo is gone.
Newkie(Quote)
Are my eyes deceiving me? Is it true people are seeing through Graham Carr’s ***** now? I’ve only been saying it for over two years and been told he is a super scout repeatedly.
Turns out he just has a pal at an agent’s office and he looks at Football Manager wonderkids. What an eye for talent he has….
funkyjesus(Quote)
my comment was referring to Saivet btw – reading back I guess it was not clear
Dubai-Toon(Quote)
sounds like Shelvey deal is close… In Toon for medical after fee agreed… 12 Mil 😯
Dubai-Toon(Quote)
Newkie – I feel sorry for Townsend at Spurs to be honest coz no matter how well he’s played he’s never really been given a chance in the first team. As **** as Lamela was when he first arrived, Sherwood used Townsend then – but I think that cost Sherwood his Spurs job. Levy seemed determined for those ‘Bale money signings’ to work out and swapped managers to get the best out of them. It was a case of – sorry Townsend, I’m not bothered how good you might be, I’ve spent £30m on the other kid & he HAS to come good.
Townsend should have left last season in my opinion, but timing could work in our favour with him now.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Very pleased with the interest in Shelvey. Although it says medical and talks. Talks is the key word i think. I did read though that he wants to play for McClaren as he’s a top coach! God knows what kind of contracts/deals we’re doing to get these guys in.
For me I’d pass on Townshend, the master of flattering to deceive. He gets the occasional shot off but otherwise on par with Obertan.
Now, if we can get Remy on loan . . . I’d be content with January.
georgio(Quote)
I read the other day that we have left an £18m bid on the table for Berahino.
I wonder if, as the window goes on and if Spurs look elsewhere, maybe WBA might want rid of Saido and could take that money to try and strengthen their squad – it’s probably going to be money up front but would Berahino want to come?!
Sharpy17(Quote)
Georgio – Townsend is head and shoulders better than Obertan mate.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Newkie @ 76 and Sham @ 79. I agree that the blog is a reflection of how the team is going but there comes a time to continue to sink………. or swim. I hate where we are at the moment, I just can’t stand being reminded of it ever time I pop on here for a read… even when we were **** a few years back, there was always a balanced view on things and plenty of light hearted banter… some crew have forgotten how to laugh in the face of adversary..
Shelvey will be a good signing..if he can keep Colback out of the team then happy days….
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Costa carrying an injury at Chelsea so Remy could be highly unlikely unfortunately. We will see though.
Sharpy17(Quote)
The Mag which can be found on News Now has a video connection showing Saivet in action. Make your own mind up. Seen Colback play at left back on one occasion. He looked completely lost in that position. Mbabu for me.
Groucho(Quote)
Sharpy – I don’t know, I don’t think Sherwood was a big enough name for Levy and I don’t think he did much at all to endear himself to the fans, making his sacking pretty simple. He played Townsend for sure, but Townsend was poor in the league, I don’t know many Spurs fans but those I do grew tired of his constant shooting from 25 yards which never resulted in goals. Lamella has been ridiculed for his big fee, and for being too flashy in a similar vein, but he’s a better player than Townsend imo.
Then again we hardly score any goals from outside the box anymore (I guess those people who complained we scored too many from outside the box and not enough tap ins are more happy now that we just don’t score 😆 ) so maybe Townsend will fix that eh..
Newkie(Quote)
Aussie – how you doing these days? Are we all pissing you off ? You’ve always liked a good moan yourself. 😆
georgio(Quote)
Newkie – Spurs didn’t have Kane at the time & I think Townsend was just trying to make things happen. That’s how I saw it anyway – bit like Benny cutting in from the right for us and taking the shot. I don’t know mate, I just see him as a good rightsided forward.
I think he Janmaat and Sissoko could link up well down that right side. But it’s all opinion at the moment coz we haven’t went in for the lad yet.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Someone on Ed’s blog posted a stat saying that since Obertan signed for us, he has more assists in a less amount of games than Townsend has for Spurs.
Wikipedia says Obertan has 2 goals since he signed while Townsend has 3 goals since 2009 – two years more. He somehow got an England call up for being worse than Obertan. Either Townsend is poor or you all rate Obertan worse than he actually is.
Townsend is coming because he is English and a home grown registered player. Nothing more.
funkyjesus(Quote)
I’m fine Georgio, thanks for asking….. you?
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
I’m pleased to see Aussie back on personally. A lot of good & regular posters have disappeared recently.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Aussie – just be glad you’re not going round the bars on match day then if this seems bad 😆 I know what you mean though. The other way of looking at it is that I can still remember when we were flying in the season we finished fifth, people were still moaning about a hell of a lot – even moaning that we should have finished 4th ffs 😆 . 2015 was horrific though, despite the fact people got their Christmas wish with Pardew going. 2016 is a new year, we’ve seemingly started it well in terms of purchasing players, lets hope it continues and Schteve works out a way to get us winning matches again…
Newkie(Quote)
Sharpy – Agreed mate. We need Solano back if you ask me, if only for the fantasy football. Nobody else is even a challenge for me these days, and Bris’ flukey run will end at some point like. I don’t want to have the title wrapped up by March 😉
Newkie(Quote)
Nice to see AMF back on imo all types are welcome on the blog except those who abuse other bloggers,Aussie has wrote some good threads for this site (quickly forgot by some) I have have only one thing against him and that is stop buying Richietoon grog and let him come home 😆 😆
icedog(Quote)
Cannot understand Swansea fans being glad that he’s going he did well for them,he seems to have taken the huff there for some reason,he has a good passing range and if only tampon (Aarons) could stay fit I can see some good attacks with pace down that left side unless SM has ear marked the left side for the new signing
icedog(Quote)
I know a striker would be nice but I still worry that Collo is past it the m/f are covering far to much for him,we need a c/b quick sharp imo
icedog(Quote)
so it looks like the fascination with midfielders is continuing…
1 nee body has heard of signed up & 1 with issues about to sign up.
with £70 million now spent it’s – do or die – for mac.
roy cropper(Quote)
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2016/01/12/andy-townsend-says-players-go-backwards-after-signing-for-newcas/
kimtoon(Quote)
Here’s my view for what it’s worth. Hope the new kid is good as we all do, let’s just give him a chance. Think Shelve (spelling) will be a good signing and would jump at chance for Townsend, better than what we have. Hope we get Austin as proved and Reme on loan tho doubt both. Think we need better defence but got to remember have the Mbabu kid, play him left back and dummet centre back, means colo could do defensive mid or sweeper and mbember can cover right back if needed. Can then get quality centre half in summer
Simon(Quote)
http://www.teamtalk.com/news/newcastle-fans-have-ruined-thauvin-mcclaren
kimtoon(Quote)
KIM I agree with more so when Pardew was at the club we knew players got Pardewed
In other reports he said he does not want to join WNBA but wants to come to the toon??
icedog(Quote)
Colo not fit tonight so put Dummett at CB where he’s meant to be and see how he does.
kimtoon(Quote)
ice@108, are you getting your Townsends confused 😉
Was ex pro Andy who said players go backwards.
kimtoon(Quote)
He’s ex Villa anyway so his opinion don’t count really. 😀
kimtoon(Quote)
KIM your right what a **** head I am,my heads all over the place ime running all over the place looking for one of those fur-real ride on pony for icepups little as he’s comming home Sat for hop,my heeds battered lol
icedog(Quote)
Girl
icedog(Quote)
Saivet says he’s been purchased a s a CM. Apparently he’s a box to box type player.
With Shelvey coming in as a CM too it must mean we are going 4-5-1 or similar.
Shamrock(Quote)
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/henri-saivet-scouting-report-football-7164243
Good article here explaining what Saivet brings. Sounds promising now. Combative and a leader with attacking ability. Concerning Injury history though…
Shamrock(Quote)
Does this mean we sell Cisse and turn De Jong into a full striker or is De Jong on the way out then?
Shelvey and Saivet and possibly Townsend mean De Jong is really screwed at present.
funkyjesus(Quote)
I think once Marv, Gouffy, Obertan, Fergie, Vukic and one from Tiote or Anita leaves – we will Ne able to accommodate Colback, Saivet, Shelvey, Sissy, Gini, De Jong, Aaron’s and one from Anita, Tiote with hopefully Townsend. It gives us quality and depth in midfield with the ability to change formations etc when required.
Shamrock(Quote)
Andy Townsend is a prat. And the reason players go backwards is because of our lack of spending on decent coaching staff, and a decent number of them.
Newkie(Quote)
Not convinced we will sign a striker unless Cisse goes.
Shamrock(Quote)
Perez too will add to the aulaity in depth either as an advanced winger or striker.
Shamrock(Quote)
For one I’d be happy with the midfielfr. Just need to replace Cisse now and get a quality CB and LB in, probably in the summer.
Shamrock(Quote)
Shamrock,
That is a lot of midfielders to keep happy with no depth in defense or striking. We need to convert one to striker.
I have no faith in Mitro, Perez and Cisse getting goals.
funkyjesus(Quote)
Ice@112 😆 Easy done mate, Andy/Andros, especially when your multi tasking, should see the balls up I do on a regular basis. Be nice to see the family again, how long are they over for? And what on earth is a Fur-real ride on pony?
kimtoon(Quote)
We do have a thing for Midfielders don’t we, just desperate to see a striker though.
kimtoon(Quote)
wow, beautiful, he’d love this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TncxHFmDEyM
kimtoon(Quote)
FJ injuries and bans along with a 5 man midfield means most of them will see plenty of game time. I’m not Gona complain about having depth in one area at long last. We just need to ensure we have depth everywhere else during the summer. If we can replace Cisse during this window then great. Townsend and Austin now would be a good window.
Shamrock(Quote)
I guess depth is a rarity for us.
I just wish we even hinted at other positions. I feel like we’re trying to copy Barca with 9 midfielders on the pitch playing out of position.
Just not anywhere near as good.
funkyjesus(Quote)
Wonder if McClaren is thinking of playing Gini in no 10 and not have to get a striker in?
Stuart79(Quote)
A central midfielder who enjoys getting forward and providing a goal threat? A player who can score from long distance? We haven’t had one of those since Cabaye and we need one. So Shelvey would be good.
Saivet? Who knows…
Happy we’re signing some more players. Maybe more goal threat from midfield will create some more space. But we still need a striker who is confident to put the ball in the net!
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Kim – if they did that every week I’d maybe go every Sunday & not just Christmas 😆
I’m not a huge fan of Bowie music, but acknowledge the impact he had as an artist and do like that song & heroes.
Still a horrible battle with cancer & he’s at peace now. Can’t believe his witch of an ex wife has decided to stay in the big brother house like!! – didn’t they have kids together?
Sharpy17(Quote)
The most recent memory i had of Henri Saviet was his close range free kick goal against Liverpool in Europa League. Wonder is he really good in taking free kicks for us. 😆
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk6csdF0gZ8
AngelOfDeath(Quote)
Aussie @ 97 – good mate. Desperate to start a new year after a poor personal 2015 and an even worse one for the Toon. Just need the rain to **** off and the sun to shine. A few wins would be just right!
georgio(Quote)
News of around £12m for Jonjo Shelvey is actually not that expensive considering he signed a new contract with Swansea in July 2015 and his young age of 23.
Pretty sure he can continue improve on and score double figures goals.
AngelOfDeath(Quote)
AOD – & if we get £8m for Tiote it’s a net spend of £4m. £4-5m for Saviet would suggest there is still plenty money left for more signings.
Sharpy17(Quote)
KIM@123 he’s only here for a week,just in I got that that pony its a interactive toy bloody four foot high and four foot long what a job getting in.the car
icedog(Quote)
ICE, I have a mental picture of you struggling with it now 😆 She’ll be made up I’ll bet. Super grandad 😀
kimtoon(Quote)
AOD@133, spot on mate, was thinking the exact same thing. Will be amazed if we don’t re-coup some of the outlay.
kimtoon(Quote)
Sharpy@130 They had Duncan (zowie) but she has been estranged from him since he was 13.
kimtoon(Quote)
Instead of criticising people who try to keep things ticking over the ire from down under might be better directed at those who desert because we had a bad year or 8?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I think the fans should applaud Thauvin next time he steps on the field. You can’t be taking all of the frustration out on a kid who has hardly played. De Jong has had an easy ride in comparison, although I still don’t think he is fully fit. All fans are fickle. It is funny but I remember going to games there would always be someone who took a massive hate to a particular player and nothing they could do would be good enough and they were always the loudest. I always felt like turning around and say STFU but never did.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Any reputable sources about Tiote going for £8m?
As for Thauvin, he’s a young French lad come over to play for us for pretty big money and been thrown into the cauldron that is SJP. Giving him **** is just going to make him more nervous when he needs confidence. He’s not underperforming because he’s ****, he’s underperforming because he’s not mentally right.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Steve McClaren can go and **** himself!!!. Cheeky get trying to blame the fans for Thauvins tenderness!!.
No I don’t agree with fans booing the lad either. But how much of an effect has McClarens treatment of him had?. How many games has he been allowed to start?. How many games has he used him as a sub where he can actually get into the game?.
Agreed the booing was wrong, but his treatment from Mc has hardly been supportive either like has it?!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy
McClaren can only start Thauvin if he’s physically and mentally right. It takes time for a young French lad to adapt to playing in the PL sometimes and throwing him in at the deep end could destroy him if he didn’t perform.
Expectation on our players these days is huge because we’re so desperate for success. Another reason that we need experienced heads at the club to help guide these youngsters and ensure they aren’t being relied on for bringing success.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)