Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2011 11:37:07 GMT 1
With the two week break for internationals over The Toon return to Premier League duty away at the Etihad Stadium home of Abu Dhabi Citeh.
This game against the mega rich Club was always going to be tough. What with the assembled rich list of players available to manager Mancini when compared to the meagre offerings for APee to select from in the Newcastle squad. It is that aspect which for me will be cruicial. Both sides are unbeaten, however the capability that Citeh can call upon to replace injured or suspended first teamers is truly awesome. It's extremely unlikely The Mags will be able to field the side they would wish to this weekend. Tiote and Marveaux have already according to the official NUFC site been ruled out and there is still a major doubt over Obertan. Although on the positive side Cabaye looks to have recovered and will play.
One thing for sure this is not going to be a full strength Toon team.
If that was not bad enough Citeh have proved to be worthy challengers for the title this season and are sitting at the top of the table. They have also just dropped two points, scored an incredible 39 goals, conceded only 10 and clobbered both nearest rival United 6 - 1 and Spurs 5 - 1 away from home all of which is no fluke.
No doubt in my mind this will be a battle between The Toons resolute defence and Citehs attacking prowess. The thought of Aguero, Balotelli and Dzeko with Silva pulling the strings in midfield alongside power house Yaya Toure is daunting to say the least.
That said this season has been one full of surprises for Magpie supporters so I see no reason to completely lose faith. The Lads have proved many times collectively they are capable of exceeding individual weaknesses and grind out an unexpected result.
Will this one go as every pundit in the land expects or can Newcastle again upset the form book and finally recognised as a serious contender?
What do you think?
CWL
This game against the mega rich Club was always going to be tough. What with the assembled rich list of players available to manager Mancini when compared to the meagre offerings for APee to select from in the Newcastle squad. It is that aspect which for me will be cruicial. Both sides are unbeaten, however the capability that Citeh can call upon to replace injured or suspended first teamers is truly awesome. It's extremely unlikely The Mags will be able to field the side they would wish to this weekend. Tiote and Marveaux have already according to the official NUFC site been ruled out and there is still a major doubt over Obertan. Although on the positive side Cabaye looks to have recovered and will play.
One thing for sure this is not going to be a full strength Toon team.
If that was not bad enough Citeh have proved to be worthy challengers for the title this season and are sitting at the top of the table. They have also just dropped two points, scored an incredible 39 goals, conceded only 10 and clobbered both nearest rival United 6 - 1 and Spurs 5 - 1 away from home all of which is no fluke.
No doubt in my mind this will be a battle between The Toons resolute defence and Citehs attacking prowess. The thought of Aguero, Balotelli and Dzeko with Silva pulling the strings in midfield alongside power house Yaya Toure is daunting to say the least.
That said this season has been one full of surprises for Magpie supporters so I see no reason to completely lose faith. The Lads have proved many times collectively they are capable of exceeding individual weaknesses and grind out an unexpected result.
Will this one go as every pundit in the land expects or can Newcastle again upset the form book and finally recognised as a serious contender?
What do you think?
CWL
I've seen Newcastle United win silverware!
It would have been a draw but for those penalties, so we did very well. There is no disgrace at all losing to a team who buys success. Anyone could do what they are doing, if they had their sort of money!