A must win game? It’s a bit too early to say that for me, but there would be a horrible feeling around the city if we’re all walking out of St James’ Park on the back of a fourth straight home defeat come quarter to five.
The big positive to take from the hard fought draw at Palace was how strong we stood at the back. But, news on Friday night confirmed that BOTH Federico Fernandez and Paul Dummett will now miss out, so with the unreliable Ciaran Clark and Javier Manquillo likely to take their place, I can’t say I’m too confident of a clean sheet.
If that’s the case, we’re going to need at least two goals at the other end to get that elusive first win of the season. Do I see that happening? Unless Perez and Kenedy can rediscover some form, my answer would be no unfortunately.
Leicester are a good side. They may have lost Mahrez and Kante in recent years, but in Vardy, Maddison, Ndidi, Maguire and Schmeichel, they have a very impressive spine.
That being said, they’ve been shipping goals. They’ve conceded seven goals in their three away games so far this season, shipping four at Bournemouth last time out, so this could give our toothless attack something to feed on.
Preferred XI
As ever, here’s the team I’d like to see, followed by the side I expect Rafa to go with:
Muto is yet to start a game in the Premier League as of yet (so I’m not holding my breath for this one), but he’s tended to offer more than Perez has when he’s come on from the bench.
Perez has been weak, cheap in possession and lacking in any sort of conviction, so it seems a risk free move to put in Muto on Ayoze’s current form – however I would be surprised to see Rafa drop a player he so often sticks with for such a big game.
In defence, we’ll see Manquillo in for Dummett unfortunately. Clark is not an option at left-back for me (remember how bad he looked at Forest!) and I don’t think I could trust Kenedy to play here in a four man defence.
At centre-back, Clark looks more than likely to partner Lascelles. Schar is still adapting to English football and putting him up against Vardy’s pace would be a big risk – especially when Clark and Lascelles are used to playing alongside each other.
If Murphy starts over Kenedy I couldn’t have too many qualms, but I see Rafa sticking with the Brazilian. He really needs to pull his socks up, having failed to show anything like the form we saw from him earlier in the year, however he can still be ‘the difference for us IF he turns up – and Rafa may be banking on that.
With Rondon out, Joselu will almost certainly lead the line. With two goals in three games at St James’ so far this season, let’s hope he can grab another here.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Dubravka – Yedlin, Lascelles, Clark, Manquillo – Diame, Shelvey – Ritchie, Perez, Kenedy – Joselu.
The Opposition
Here’s a few ‘ones to watch’ in the Leicester side:
James Maddison: I’ve been so impressed by him so far this season. He cost Leicester just over £20m in the summer, signing from Norwich, and is a player destined for a regular spot in the England squad. An attacking midfield with brilliant technique, superb set piece delivery and an eye for goal.
Jamie Vardy: An obvious one, but someone you can’t ignore. He’ll constantly make runs on the shoulder and rarely needs more than one chance to grab a goal. A devastating finisher; especially if we let him get in behind and one on one. Kelechi Iheanacho will also be a real danger man for them IF he starts.
Harry Maguire: As we saw at this summer’s World Cup, he’s an absolute monster in the air, meaning Jamaal Lascelles will need to watch him closely from set pieces. It’ll also be important that we don’t allow him to play out too easily from the back, with him having the ability to step out and start attacks.
Perreira and Chilwell: Leicester’s two full-backs. They love to get forward and will put in some dangerous deliveries if we give them too much freedom.
Predicted Leicester XI – (4-2-3-1) – Schmeichel – Perreira, Evans, Maguire, Chilwell – Mendy, Ndidi – Ghezzal, Maddison, Albrighton – Vardy.
Team news
We look set to be without at least THREE first team players, with Rondon, Fernandez and Dummett all ruled out – while Yedlin is set to face a late fitness test.
Demarai Gray is out for several weeks after spraining his ankle in Leicester’s Carabao Cup win at Wolves. Wes Morgan is available again after serving a one-match ban.
Match Prediction
I had mixed thoughts about this one prior to news of Fernandez and Dummett’s injuries, but I can’t help but worry how we’ll do defensively now both are out – mainly due to my lack of faith in likely replacements Clark and Manquillo.
I now fancy them to score and, unfortunately, I’m not convinced we’ll score more than one ourselves.
If Kenedy and Perez turn up, our defence stands up to the test and Shelvey pulls the strings in midfield then we might just battle our way to a scruffy win, but I fancy another draw here if I’m being honest.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Leicester
Howay the lads!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45678196
Shamrock(Quote)
cheers Sham, well done BBC.
kimtoon(Quote)
Eric so you’re basically saying that any new owner that comes to Newcastle would have to agree to sports direct having free advertising around the stadium and a percentage of shirt sell’s. No premier league money because Ashley has repayed his loan. And pay 300 million and spend 50 to 100 million on players because we our relegation candidates. Plus improve the facilitys. I dont even think he wants to sell Newcastle just get out of improving things that cost money.
Stem(Quote)
Where did I say that? I think Ashley has laid the groundwork for possible relegation and Rafa leaving by cutting payroll and limiting spending. I think he will have one more roll of the dice in January.
If you are talking about me not wanting protests outside SJP on matchday I stick to that as I think the negativity could transfer to the stands and the pitch. By all means protest outside Tat Direct on Northumberland Street or after the match but not before.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
The buildup couldn’t have gone much worse. We really had pinned our hopes on Rondon without knowing much about him because the alternative is Joselu who we do know about 🙂 He has to surprise us and supposedly he hired a personal trainer and has gained confidence. We will see.
Then there is Dummett. What position was Rafa desperately trying to reinforce and didn’t?
Next. Lejeune was arguably our best player in 2018. Then Fernandez fit in well and our defense looked to be the strongest part of the team. Can we catch lightening in a bottle again with Schar? Or do we trust Clark against the vodka and skittles drinking whippet (Vardy)?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Poor lass – her face suggests thelad in front has done a full-on Newky Broon pump 😯 😮
Toontaff(Quote)
Shame they had to focus on ‘protesting fans’ wearing new Fun888 Shoite Direct tops 😈 🙄
Toontaff(Quote)
On recent displays I would pick Murphy over Kenedy. I have yet to see a decent display from Kenedy this season, effort has been lacking.
Groucho(Quote)
Lewis RitsonVerified account @lewis_ritson
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Disappointed in NUFC, been intouch with my manager telling them a need to take all nufc logos off merchandise/clothes but happy for me to wear the logo when am live on TV, a team I’ve supported all my life and held a season ticket for 7 years when younger! Mike Ashley Out
Just seen this 👿 it really is all about the pounds, shilling and pence with Jabbas SD isn’t it.
kimtoon(Quote)
Yet more bad injury news. If Dummett has another hamstring strain we’re fcked. He was out for months last season with one. Our new flavour of the month missing too. I had faint hopes of a first win . . . . 🙄
georgio(Quote)
Jose’s head will explode if Man U lose this one. I am almost wanting West Ham to win because I doubt they will be our relegation rivals.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
West ham never fail to disappoint me, c’mon Manure, can’t have this scoreline.
kimtoon(Quote)
See West Ham finding their feet. Think we can discount them from battling with us. Also don’t see Burnley being down there either. Huddersfield, us and…
Don’t see us winning today either. Leicester lightening quick on the break and could really damage us.
Stuart79(Quote)
https://news.sky.com/story/sky-sources-former-manchester-united-and-chelsea-chief-peter-kenyon-plots-newcastle-takeover-11512071
Whether this happens or not, Mark Kleinman is incredibly well briefed on City matters. I’d say there’s something in this from Keynan’s point of view. Whether he gets the money is another matter. Kenyon is also credible.
Stuart79(Quote)
Kenedy at left back?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Protests need to step up. These Kenyon leaks could be timed perfectly for Jabba’s Visit today. No coincidence.
Stuart79(Quote)
Shearer’s on NBC over here at a London pub. Hopefully we don’t get slaughtered. Say’s Man U were “hopeless from start to finish”. Thinks Jose will be sacked soon.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
God I hope I am wrong but I don’t like that line up at all. Kenedy I believe has played left back for Chelsea. I think he is not good at defending. Atsu has been terrible and surely Pérez deserves to be dropped. Difficult to decide who to play given present circumstances but the three I have mentioned wouldn’t make my starting eleven. Luckily I’m not a manager.
Groucho(Quote)
I thought they were in Washington DC?
Stuart79(Quote)
Actually, Shearer is not in London he is in DC. Visiting the Rooneys?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Just noticed.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Shearer is in DC to interview Rooney.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
ffs,
kimtoon(Quote)
don’t believe any take over talk, they may or may not be interested but mike will find a way to screw it up.
HE DOESN’T WANT TO SELL.
kimtoon(Quote)
Mike Ashley’s ownership is now seriously a negative influence on the team and not just the club.
Stuart79(Quote)
Well that first half was rubbish… same ****, different day… enjoy, fat ****…
Longstaff on the bench, I hope he gets on…
Dubai Toon(Quote)
So no pen for us then, there’s a surprise 🙄
kimtoon(Quote)
And that’s that
kimtoon(Quote)
Don’t worry, lads and lasses. We have a better squad than last season. 😀
Stuart79(Quote)
How bad is it? I didn’t make a score prediction. I don’t when I think we will lose.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
So it is definitely between:
NUFC
Brighton
S’ton
Huddersfield
Cardiff
Hopefully in that order.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Yet another dreadful performance. This time all round. Can’t see us digging a way out of this hole. No saves for Schmeicel. Relegation looms and it will be no surprise to anybody who has watched us this season. 😈
georgio(Quote)
Only one place this team is going… DOWN… f.ucking useless.
Dubai Toon(Quote)
This is what you get when year after year there is no investment in the team.. you pay peanuts and you get monkeys. I think we will be getting derby matches with the scum sooner than we think, as we will both be in the championship next year…????????
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Is there anyone here who’s bothered whether we’re in the PL or not whilst Jabba owns us? We’re only heading one way. Anybody who thinks another manager could do better and still thinks we have a better squad than last season I think are mad.
Stuart79(Quote)
Why did we let Gayle and Armstrong go or Mbemba? Not saying they were exceptional but surely better than some who are playing regularly. At least they would have provided a change from some of the same old faces .
Groucho(Quote)
Why did we let Gayle and Armstrong go or Mbemba? Not saying they were exceptional but surely better than some who are playing regularly. At least they would have provided a change from some of the same old faces . Is Rafa putting pressure on Ashley?
Groucho(Quote)
Depressing. May as well skip the football stories and scroll down on The Chronicle website where they have the other uplifting stuff of violent and sexual attacks and car crashes. Do The Chronic get all of their “other news” from Newcastle Crown Court and transit police radio? It seems that way.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Groucho – Gayle scored 6 Goals last season! It’s not the players we let go that’s the problem. It’s the players we didn’t buy.
Stuart79(Quote)
????
I’m currently at my first US wedding. It’s different – very different! The result really doesn’t alter my mood these days so I am just getting pissed.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stuart: I know you have been to the States before but do not watch the TV. The ads will drive you mad.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
NEW THREAD
https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2018/09/29/newcastle-0-2-leicester-the-crowd-turn-on-ashley-during-another-dismal-display-at-sjp/
Post match thoughts..
Another tough watch.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Stuart. Still more than Joselu will score. But didn’t he miss quite a few games through injury? It would seem, and I stress seem, that Rafa favours the Spanish players in the squad or do you think they are picked on merit? I think Rafa is an excellent coach and a bloke I really like but whether he is as good in judging the ability of players leaves me with a nagging doubt unfortunately. Carr did a better job.
Groucho(Quote)