Newcastle travel to Burton today in what, on paper, looks like a game that they should win.
However, there has been much talk, during the week, regarding the tactical threat that Burton Albion could pose to Rafa Benitez’s side.
Burton play with wing-backs, which, in theory, should allow them to make the pitch big and retain possession of the ball.
However, with Burton struggling in the league and Newcastle flying at the top, it could work in reverse for the home side.
While playing with wingbacks does allow a side to play wide and retain the ball, it also means, by virtue of making the pitch big, that they are less compact and that there could be more space to exploit.
Mo Diame has been arguably Newcastle’s best player in recent weeks and his influence could be needed again, to make use of the extra space if he is selected.
As always with Rafa, who named an unchanged side for the first time this season against Wigan during the week, there is no guarantees that anyone will start.
So here is what we feel that the team should be:
GK- Karl Darlow
RB- Vurnon Anita
CB- Jamaal Lascelles (c)
CB- Ciaran Clark
LB- Paul Dummett
CM- Jonjo Shelvey
CM- Isaac Hayden
RW- Christian Atsu
Ten- Mo Diame
LW- Yoan Gouffran
ST- Dwight Gayle
However, as always, this just opinion. What do you guys make of this side? Would yours be different?
boro 3 swans 0.
I might have to reassess the fate of the swans.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
They came up last season didn’t they ?
Kimtoon(Quote)
Promoted twice in two years, right? Must be one of these ‘greater than the sum of their parts’ things with a lot of team work & unity from those battles. Wonder if they can sustain that, hang around in the Championship and continue growing.
Also, 3-0 for Boro. Swansea’s defense is awful. Bradley’s gotta sort that out…
Fans Should Own the Club(Quote)
Reading back in front,we need these points,Derby getting beat
icedog(Quote)
Sounds like we are ***** in the second half like.
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Always nervous when it’s just a 1 goal gap
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Look at the goal difference Ice. That says as much as points. We are going up man, so don’t worry.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
We have Rafa Benitez in the English second division after he was sacked for no reason from Real Madrid. I have no worries about NUFC in The Championship.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
We’re averaging more than two points per game and our goal differential is good… Good signs, but still a long way to go.
Fans Should Own the Club(Quote)
good on you mate 😉 😉
icedog(Quote)
Gayle chance again
Kimtoon(Quote)
Ice: we have to put things into perspective man.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Very typical of our away performances so far it would appear. Just hold on in there!
Stuart79(Quote)
Great Blackburn goal too for us!
Stuart79(Quote)
All they can do is take one game at a time and beat what’s in front of them. Fact is I suspect we will have the toughest tests of all the Championship teams given everyone sees us as a cup game and big scalp. Teams seem to raise their games that bit more when they face us.
Kimtoon(Quote)
I don’t really remember Rafa’s reputation at Liverpool and elsewhere, aside from the trophies and consistently high level finishes. Was he considered a very defensive manager?
Fans Should Own the Club(Quote)
2-2 at Fulham for Shteve
Fans Should Own the Club(Quote)
Fsotc: Apart from the trophies 🙂 In the most trophy starved club in the universe? Boro, Wigan, Brum and Sunderland have more trophies than us in the last 40 years.
Rafa has 2 La Liga’s a European Cup and countless others.
He can be as defensive as he wants.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I’m not criticizing, mind. I just don’t remember.
That said, our defense doesn’t seem to be our strong suit this season. Maybe I’m wrong there.
Fans Should Own the Club(Quote)
FSORC: never thought you were man.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Top of the league for chrimma.
Fans Should Own the Club(Quote)
Get in but bloody reqding with a last minute winner… 👿
Stuart79(Quote)
Well done lads
Kimtoon(Quote)
Well we made hard work of that but another 3 points in the bag. Onwards and upwards. Next… !
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Andy mag or Sham
I have a post match report and article who can post it for me ?
Kimtoon(Quote)
Kim sending through mate.
Shamrock(Quote)
On it’s way Sham
Kimtoon(Quote)
Top of the league.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sham , with you
Kimtoon(Quote)
Exactly where Sham said we would be !!!!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Ok ta mate. I’ll publish it in next hour.
Shamrock(Quote)
Watching Brighton now, anyone else?
Kimtoon(Quote)
Christ B/ham denied by the woodwork in first minute !
Kimtoon(Quote)
New thread >>>>>>>>
https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2016/12/17/ding-dong-merrily-on-high/
Shamrock(Quote)