Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2013 19:36:48 GMT 1
The fixture list for Boxing Day has provided something of a rare beast for the Toon Army to get their teeth into as for only the second time in twelve seasons they get a home game, against Stoke. With the team sitting sixth in the league and performing as well as any supporter could wish for the atmosphere should also be a bit party like to say the least. Although Mark Hughes side will be attempting to kill that stone dead given half a chance.
APee has no fresh injury concerns among the squad and only the suspension of Mr T enforces a change in what I believe would have otherwise been the same side as won at Palace last time out. Which obviously raises the question of who will The Toon's manager select for this one with the teams main ball winner out? For me I would think positive and not worry too much about the need to play a ball winner as recently the sides pressing game has been sufficient to cause problems for the opposition while actual retention of the ball has been immense. On that basis alone I would do nothing more than allow Sissoko to drop a little deeper along side Anita when required and bring Hatem Ben Arfa in from the start. One other more surprising option would be to bring Jonas back in and play him in the missing defensive midfield role with Anita. For all Jonas appears not have much end product these days, he does however have plenty of stamina and wouldn't struggle to get around the pitch when Newcastle press to get the ball back. All in all though I hope APee sticks with the five man midfield with Remy up front. Rather than go 4 4 2 with Stroller as the main target man and Remy playing off him. I just believe the flexibility and work rate from our players using this approach delivers better returns, as the sides run of results has clearly proven.
From an opposition point of view it will be interesting to see how Mark Hughes and his players also approach this game. Like The Toon, Stoke have surprised one or two sides this season, although fair to say mostly while at home in The Britannia, they are also draw specialists. The visitors also bring Stephen Ireland back to SJP, where he is again out on loan from Villa.
Newcastle's Boxing Day record over the years makes pretty dismal reading to be honest, not helped much by playing most of the buggers away mind. One stat worth noting is should that trend be reversed come this 26th it will be The Toon's 200th Premier League victory at Home. Makes me wonder would it be worth taking the draw and make number 200 a win against The Gooners?
What do you think?
Lights Oot!
APee has no fresh injury concerns among the squad and only the suspension of Mr T enforces a change in what I believe would have otherwise been the same side as won at Palace last time out. Which obviously raises the question of who will The Toon's manager select for this one with the teams main ball winner out? For me I would think positive and not worry too much about the need to play a ball winner as recently the sides pressing game has been sufficient to cause problems for the opposition while actual retention of the ball has been immense. On that basis alone I would do nothing more than allow Sissoko to drop a little deeper along side Anita when required and bring Hatem Ben Arfa in from the start. One other more surprising option would be to bring Jonas back in and play him in the missing defensive midfield role with Anita. For all Jonas appears not have much end product these days, he does however have plenty of stamina and wouldn't struggle to get around the pitch when Newcastle press to get the ball back. All in all though I hope APee sticks with the five man midfield with Remy up front. Rather than go 4 4 2 with Stroller as the main target man and Remy playing off him. I just believe the flexibility and work rate from our players using this approach delivers better returns, as the sides run of results has clearly proven.
From an opposition point of view it will be interesting to see how Mark Hughes and his players also approach this game. Like The Toon, Stoke have surprised one or two sides this season, although fair to say mostly while at home in The Britannia, they are also draw specialists. The visitors also bring Stephen Ireland back to SJP, where he is again out on loan from Villa.
Newcastle's Boxing Day record over the years makes pretty dismal reading to be honest, not helped much by playing most of the buggers away mind. One stat worth noting is should that trend be reversed come this 26th it will be The Toon's 200th Premier League victory at Home. Makes me wonder would it be worth taking the draw and make number 200 a win against The Gooners?
What do you think?
Lights Oot!
