A response is needed after last weekend’s uninspiring display at Cardiff and I’m expecting one tomorrow – the question is, will we be good enough to get a result against Maurizio Sarri’s new-look Chelsea?
We trounced them 3-0 at St James’ Park just a few months ago, but that end of season affair against an unmotivated Chelsea side with one eye on the World Cup (with a manager who knew he was facing the sack) will be very different to this one I suspect.
Do I think we can get a result? Definitely. Chelsea may have won their opening two games, but they showed frailties at the back in their 3-2 win over Arsenal last Saturday and are still settling as a team – not forgetting the fact our side know they got one up on many of these players just a few months ago.
We’ll need to be MUCH better than we were at Cardiff, however – because you can almost guarantee that this Chelsea side will pose much more of a threat and show much more energy than they did when we played them here last.
Sarri’s side love to press and attack in numbers, so even if they are left open at the back at times, it’ll be a tough day for our defence.
We’ll need to be switched on at the back, win our battles in midfield (a big performance from Diame and Shelvey is essential) and show much more cutting edge in attack.
Whoever comes in for Kenedy (who’s ineligible against parent club) will need to perform, Perez must up his game and offer much more and there’s also a hope that Rondon (and/or Muto) can give us more than Joselu can in attack to ruffle a few feathers in this fragile Chelsea defence.
Preferred XI
Here’s the team I’d like to see, followed by the side I expect Rafa to go with:
Predicted NUFC XI – (4-2-3-1) – Dubravka– Yedlin, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett – Diame, Shelvey – Ritchie, Perez, Atsu – Rondon
The Opposition
Here’s a few ‘ones to watch’ in the Chelsea squad:
Eden Hazard – An obvious one who needs no introduction. Looks set to make his first start of the season and will be their main man to watch. A tough task for Yedlin awaits given how he struggled against Spurs last time out.
Ngolo Kante – Arguably the best holding midfielder on the planet, however he’s been given some license to get forward under Sarri, often finding himself in the box and joining attack. We’ll need to track him on Sunday, with him now adopting more of a box to box role.
Pedro – Has scored in each of his their first two league games and looks bang in form. Will be one to watch for Dummett.
Marcus Alonso – Loves to get forward from left-back and will be one of Chelsea’s biggest goal threats. Ritchie and Yedlin could have a real job on their hands containing him. A threat from free-kicks too.
David Luiz – He’s been reintroduced back into the Chelsea side since Sarri took over. A talented footballer but a centre-back who always has an error in him. Rondon could cause him problems if he’s given the nod.
Predicted Chelsea XI – (4-1-2-3) – Kepa – Azpilicueta, Luiz, Rudiger, Alonso – Jorginho – Kante, Barkley – Pedro, Morata, Hazard.
Team news
DeAndre Yedlin has been passed fit by Rafa after missing the Cardiff game, but Kenedy will miss out – being ineligible to play his parent club following a loan move (meaning Murphy or Atsu will come in for him).
Lejeune is ruled out as he continues to recover from his ACL injury. Rondon could make his first start
Cesc Fabregas and Michy Batshuayi have been ruled out for Chelsea, but Eden Hazard looks set to make his first start of the season after cameo roles in their opening two games.
Match Prediction
As explained earlier, this will be a MUCH tougher test then we faced last time we met Chelsea a few months ago in May.
If we turn up, show the energy, intensity and discipline required and win out battles from the off then anything can happen, but we must be more clinical than we were against Spurs to get all three points here.
If we can stay solid at the back then I don’t see why we can’t knick a point (their defence does not look too handy), but much will depend on the performances of our front two and Mo Diame in the middle – with Yedlin and Ritchie’s battle with Alonso and Hazard also being one we must keep under control if we’re to nullify their threats.
I think we’ll be much better and expect us to make a game of it, but with Kenedy missing and this new-look Chelsea side welcoming Hazard back, I worry they’ll have too much for us.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 Chelsea
Howay the lads!
I think Rafa will do his usual against the top 6. Play for a clean sheet and hope to nick one in the last 20mins. therefore 0-0. Would take that
PremAndUp(Quote)
Murphy, not Atsu. 😉
Muto, not Perez 💡 💡
5-1 to the Toon.
😯 😯 😯
Toontaff(Quote)
I’d move Perez out wide left and play Muto off Rondon. We might even score a goal.
georgio(Quote)
So would I.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sourness is calling Mourinho grumpy. He is correct but we have to get into discussions about pots and kettles or Roy Keanes and even more pots and kettles.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6096515/Souness-insists-Mourinhos-mood-blame-Uniteds-poor-start.html
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Has this website changed?
Anyway, Wolves bearings City! Just can’t see us finishing above them to be honest.
Stuart79(Quote)
Ilkay Gundolon has had a nose job. He was wearing a mask last week because he said he had a procedure for a deviated septum. No, he had a nose job. Who really cares but just say you did it and don’t make up stories.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Rafa says two or three players had offers to leave in the summer so have not got back to the level they were last season but they should settle down and get back to were they were,wonder who hes talking about??,he must be seeing something in training
icedog(Quote)
STU aye Wolves look a better team than us at the moment
icedog(Quote)
I’d go Murphy in place of Atsu. I think he showed last week that he can help cover the full back and I think he’s more disciplined than Atsu to track Chelsea’s fullbacks.
I’d also go Muto over Perez. He hasn’t done enough in the first 2 games and needs to get that he’s not a guaranteed starter.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Arsenal look lost. Cech needs to be dropped. Jack Wilshere is the worst player in the Premier League.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Pelligrini dropped Mark Noble and rightly so. But he will realise he should also have dropped Wilshere who just let the Arsenal player waltz by him to provide the assist.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
West Ham are in a bit of trouble. They play Everton, Chelsea and Man U next. Jack Wilshere is probably the 2nd worst midfielder in the history of the PL (Amdy Faye is the worst if you are interested) but his uncalled for reputation is such that he will probably play until Pelligrini realizes the Emperor has no clothes.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Bugalon’s tackle on Milner was much worse than Hayden;s last week. He gets yellow WTF.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Well the stats would suggest that Lpool destroyed Brighton – I didn’t see it that way. They were beaten by a better team no doubt, but they give it a go – as they did against Man Utd last week.
They didn’t fear either opponent, nor did Wolves against City today. I really hope we see a similar approach by NUFC tomorrow. We beat them last season, so I’ll be really disappointed to see us park the bus and go really defensive.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Wolves have recruited some quality players, but their work rate was what was so impressive today. They were in City’s faces giving them no time on the ball at all. They hassled them and made them make mistakes.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I can only hope Arsenals defence is still looking that loose when we play them, their saving grace is they have forwards who can score . West ham look poor up front for all their spending , though they could and should of gotten something yesterday.
kimtoon(Quote)
Sharpy, I’m loving that Neves who plays for Wolves, good player.
kimtoon(Quote)
I think I am going to go for a draw. 1-1. When we played them last year they had mostly the same players but they weren’t motivated. They had nothing to play for in the PL, the FA Cup was the following weekend and a lot of their players would have been thinking of the World Cup, especially Hazard who was anonymous when he came on.
We have to get a point because it is City next and we never get anything against them. We could try to play like Wolves but I still think we will lose.
Then it is an bloody international break. Can anybody tell me the point of playing glorified friendlies when there isn’t a tournament for 2 years? It is not qualifiers and its about 2 months since the World Cup. I know what it is about – MONEY. Southgate will probably pick my fave Wilshere who had an absolute shocker yesterday.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Actually, we had nothing to play for either as we were safe. We played without fear which is how Wolves and Brighton played. So maybe that should be the plan? I watched both games and they didn’t just give City and Liverpool the ball and say do your worst. They played further up the field as well and not the 2 banks of 4 in their own 3rd of the pitch. It was still mostly defense but not roll over and tickle my belly stuff.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
So Chelsea is up for sale for £2b. Why would you spend so much on a ready made football club? Surely the fun is in the investing, building and ultimately winning?
Stuart79(Quote)
Well I suppose the international break gives Rafa the chance to work on stuff with our new signings more. Something he should of been able to do had they been brought in when he wanted.
kimtoon(Quote)
Why are people spending fortunes on clubs that need new stadiums? Chelsea need a new ground and they pretty much know how much it will cost because Spurs just spent 1 billion on theirs. Everton are talking about 500 million for their new ground.
I understand the appeal of London, but the Northwest? Chester is nice but Manchester? Its OK but not much different to Newcastle. The papers always say Newcastle is isolated but its only about an hours more drive from London than Manchester or Liverpool. Its not Shetland FFS.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
club have said ita a lie the club is not for sale
icedog(Quote)
What a tw@t. Michael Owen admits he was stealing a living. Said he was desperate to retire then why didn’t he instead of stealing a living? Needed a few more horses? I am not sure why he has job as a pundit either as he is dull, dull, dull.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6099343/I-wait-retire-Michael-Owen-says-hated-playing-seven-years-career.html
Eric Sykes(Quote)
My observations of the early season looks like we will struggle to finish above Palace, Bournemouth, Brighton, Wolves and Watford. Our season will be competing in the table with Huddersfield, Cardiff, Fulham and unless thy pick up West Ham.
Stuart79(Quote)
tend to agree with that Stu, the 5 former teams you mention all seem to have better fire power than us.
kimtoon(Quote)
Not hopeful of getting anything today given how well Chelsea have looked but it would be very Newcastle to get a surprise point or 3, when we are all pessimistic after last weeks poor show.
kimtoon(Quote)
I can’t really see us getting anything today. Chelsea will just get better and better.
Absolutely disgusted by those Michael Owen quotes. Not only did the fcker not want to come here, he didn’t even want to playing football anymore. Disgraceful little ****.
georgio(Quote)
The team news is a bit of a bombshell. Two best players missing. Shelvey must not be over that thigh strain – they’re notoriously slow to heal. Still I expected nowt and we’ll get nowt. HTL!
georgio(Quote)
Rafa has dropped Lascelles because they had a falling out in training over playing 3 at the back. Well done Rafa.
Stuart79(Quote)
That team news is a shock… no Lascelles, no Shelvey… not even on the bench… Shar Fernandez Ki and Rondon all start… we will get a pasting I think…
Is Rafa trying to make a point here that our squad depth is *****? Well, let’s see what the new boys are made of… ?
Dubai Toon(Quote)
How do you know that Stuart?
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Was told before the game in the box by someone we know and it’s been said again by Craig Hope from Mail.
Shelvey will be the bigger loss today. Who is going to create anything?
Stuart79(Quote)
Not happy about that Laselles stuff if true. He’s so important for us, I thought him and Rafa got on really well too.
This is a game we need his leadership, can’t believe he’s dropped him .
kimtoon(Quote)
We are screwed today for sure, will be amazed if we get anything.
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim, there needs to be absolute authority from the manager.
Stuart79(Quote)
Yeah Kim, I think we will get a pasting today. Just a matter of how many goals… I hope I’m wrong… Keys and Grey are loving the rumours. ??
Dubai Toon(Quote)
One saving grace on Bein is no weasel face Wise or Fat Sam…
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Looks like a 5-4-1. I hope we do not play as defensively as that suggests.
Worried that Kovacic and Fabinho start. My guess would be about 30% possession for us.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I bet mate.
kimtoon(Quote)
Sad to say but I think it will be 4-0 to Chelsea today. (And praying I’m as wrong as pudding head normally is) ?
Dubai Toon(Quote)
talk is Lascelles wanted to be central but Rafa wanted him on the right. Next training session he drops him.
Clubs says he has an ankle knock, hmm, lets see how future teams pan out.
kimtoon(Quote)
It’s a brave move by Rafa, albeit very defensive looking.
kimtoon(Quote)
So Owen knew he was in trouble at Madrid? He mentions McManamen (Macca) and I think they were at Real Madrid together. It would have been better if he had just kept his mouth shut. He says he wasn’t right for the last 6 or 7 years and that will make a lot of people unhappy.
When he was fit I thought he did OK for us. He had lost his pace but his reactions were still fast and he scored a few goals. The problem was that as soon as he got match fit he would get injured again.
I would really like to hear Souness’ and Roy Keane’s opinions.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Anynews about Shelvey then?
funrafa(Quote)
What the hell have NUFC ever done to Keys and Gray to make them so biased?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Thigh problem ongoing, been playing in pain apparently mate.
kimtoon(Quote)
mute the sound mate
kimtoon(Quote)
Coz they’ve at SJP getting ready to take over from Rafa mate ??♂️
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’ve no problem with the captain challenging the managers tactics – if it’s done in private away from the squad. But Rafa is stubborn and it wouldn’t go down well with him.
But if it’s been as petty as I want to be central and you’re putting me on the right – no chance – you play where you’re put for the betterment of the team – full stop.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Thanks mate.
funrafa(Quote)
Murphy has made a couple of sloppy passes, needs to be more clever
kimtoon(Quote)
Ritchie having a moan at team mates for the third game in a row. Is there some problems this season that were not there last ?
This is a pretty sterile display by us so far.
kimtoon(Quote)
10 at the back then, Rondon cutting a lonely figure.
kimtoon(Quote)
Richard KeysVerified account @richardajkeys
Follow Follow @richardajkeys
More
If Big Sam sent a team out to play like this he’d get hammered. This isn’t Newcastle. Toon fans I know would rather lose 5-4 than win 1-0 like this.
He doesn’t let up does he the ****
kimtoon(Quote)
Kimtoon: I don’t get the BeIN match coverage. It is always Brits. Peter Drury and Jim Beglin today who are usually OK.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
82% possession to Chelsea
222 passes completed to our 30
kimtoon(Quote)
bad luck Rondon, good effort
kimtoon(Quote)
good save Dubs
kimtoon(Quote)
Mitro just scored again
kimtoon(Quote)
Mitro with another goal 3.1 to Fulham now
kimtoon(Quote)
Fulham 3. 2 Burnley
kimtoon(Quote)
Chelsea have 3 holding midfielders on the pitch – Jorjinho, Kante and Kovacic.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Excellent defensive displays so far
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – to be fair, is he wrong?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Mitrovic off the mark with a brace, and was unlucky in previous games.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Well who’d of thunk… 0-0 at half time.. my Paul ‘balloon heed ‘ Merton tactic is working… ????
A **** first half but I’ll take it… solid so far. Mitro scoring 2 so far… a mistake by Rafa there I think, but hey ho… it’s done.
Dubai Toon(Quote)
If it was just this game that would be different but it all of the time with those two and their Pals. They even got their facts completely wrong and defending Ashley’s record with Rafa is stretching it. What other PL team has a zero net spend with all of this TV money sloshing around? And they don’t even mention that withholding money seems to be out of spite because Rafa hasn’t signed a new contract or that it is damaging his own bloody interests. It is just so biased coverage and I have no idea why.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
For me yeah, well with this squad anyway. Yes it’s boring but we are not on a level playing field and if it gets us a point nearer survival i’ll take it.
kimtoon(Quote)
DT: you are tempting fate mate.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Chelsea’s plan seems to be to have Hazard dribble through the whole team.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
The absolute folly of our pathetic transfer window laid bare. No Shelvey = no creativity.
Stuart79(Quote)
Kim – I know, I guess what I meant was that Fat Sam would get stick – but their point is mute coz so will Rafa – he did last season after the City game.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Keys hates Rafa, always has Eric.
He defends Ashley yet moans about the owners of the club he supports for running it like Ashley does. The bloke talks utter bollocks, he’s a dinosaur .
kimtoon(Quote)