Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Aston Villa v Newcastle Utd
By Tyne-Talk September 16 2011
Newcastle United travel to Villa Park for tomorrow afternoon’s game against Aston Villa, with both teams going into the game on the back of 0-0 draws. Both teams also go into the game on the back of three wins, two draws and one defeat from their last six games in all competitions and four places separate the two sides. Neither club has lost a game in the Premier League so far this season.
Alex McLeish will be without Emilie Heskey (hamstring) and Jermaine Jenas (thigh), whilst Darren Bent returns to the starting line-up. Former Newcastle United keeper Shay Given will start in goal for Villa.
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is without Davide Santon (knee) who is yet to make his senior debut at the club, as he awaits minor surgery, whilst Hatem Ben Arfa (ankle), despite being back in training will not feature. Haris Vuckic (wrist), Mike Williamson (foot) and Mehdi Abeid (knee) all remain sidelined.
Fact: Newcastle Utd have one just 1 of the last 7 away trips at a Midlands club, whilst Villa have won their last 4 games at home against Newcastle.
Fact: Newcastle have begun a top flight season with back to back clean sheets away from home, the first time in 110 years.
Aston Villa
Newcastle Utd
4
Played
4
6
Points
8
1
Won
2
3
Drawn
2
0
Lost
0
5
Goals Scored
3
3
Goals Conceded
1
Match Preview/Stats/Thread: Aston Villa v Newcastle Utd
Posted by: TyneTalk (IP Logged)
Date: 16/09/2011 18:03
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Is Vuckic's wrist really what's keeping him off the field? I mean, I'm not trying to call him out but if Nasri can get a cast and play I'm guessing Vuckic's injury is worse? What's the deal?
Anyway, yes, also very worried about our matchup with Villa's wingers. Our wingers will be helping out all day. I'm going with another 0-0 draw.
I think it could be a open game, Bent is a big worry along with Zog, Given looks like he is back to his best so I reckon it could be a tricky one, but going for a 2-1 win
Why are you the only person I can think of who follows this club who thinks 4-4-2 is the right formation for this squad and do you feel your position has been vindicated by what you've seen on the pitch?
Ba has been poor. Bring on another midfielder and push Cabaye up the field. His passing has been flawless and he looks like he's got a goal or two in him.
Tiote looking better this game. Obertan has been poor (change with Marveaux please), Ryan Taylor's crossing needs to be deeper (get past Collins)... we need more pace up front...where is Sammy...also thought Ben Arfa would have made bench.
BEST GOAL! 1-1 Good cross from Tiote, which you don't get to say much often. Best should have done better the first and second attempt, but all goals count the same.
What a shot by Cabaye that hit the bar a few second before though.
Yep, a good point and a good performance. Very encouraging. We've got to work on taking chances but then again, between Given and the crossbar, we wuz kinda robbed of a 3-1 win.
Bad: Tiote had two wayward passes that should have led to goals but he set up Best's equalizer so I won't complain. Tayls saved his own mistake on the Bent chip. Ba went missing for far too long, and Marveaux's introduction came far too late (great lobbed ball into Cabaye at the end as well as some nice balls into space for Gutierrez).
Good: Cabaye was absolutely sensational, and against any keeper of lesser quality than Given (of which there are more than a dozen in this league) he would have scored. Best once again showed that he is a poacher. High marks to the full backs as Raylor and Jonas contained Zog far better than I expected, and Simpson let nothing down the right side.
Even better: 5 games unbeaten to start the season with 9 points. We've already gone to Villa and Albania, neither of which are easy points. December is going to hurt, but we are starting strong and it looks like Cabaye is getting stronger and stronger each game.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:09:17:17:04:37 by waffles.
Good analysis. Only thing I'd add is I did think Tiote's performance was an improvement. He moved the ball more quickly than he has been. Also, he bailed out Cabaye on a wayward pass that led to a break-that's the Cheick I know.
Marveaux did come on too late. He's got a quality final ball and I'd like to see him and Jonas tried on the wings to start a game. Marv also seems to have a good understanding with Cabaye.
Tiote was definitely improved, but he needs to be more careful when he's got possession at the 18 yard box, in the center circle I don't worry about him. He also made a great block when Zog finally got the better of Raylor at the end of the match.
Great start to the season, and would have taken that if we were offered it at the start. Once we get Ben Arfa back then hopefully AP will drop this 2 big men up front cr@p, as I like us to stop the other teams midfield playing which means we should have 5 men in there.
Very pleased with the result. Best produces results, and would love to see him over shola. Did anyone else think that sameobi should have been subbed on earlier? The kid always impresses me.
I agree gaucho-I would have put Sameobi on for Ba at the half.
Best is winning me over. He has a bit of the same thing AC did where he makes up for technical skill with a lot of grit and effort. His goal encapsulates that. He should have scored first time but didn't give up on it. Here's hoping he continues to do the business!
Blackburn's lining up to be an interesting match...
tunyc
Best is winning me over. He has a bit of the same thing AC did where he makes up for technical skill with a lot of grit and effort. His goal encapsulates that. He should have scored first time but didn't give up on it. Here's hoping he continues to do the business!
The scary part was his first touch was poor today. His ball control is usually superb, but today the ball got away from him. I agree that he scores more through effort than ability, but he's steadily heading for an eye-opening season (9 goals in the calendar year). Hopefully the knock that took him off after his goal doesn't spoil his run like it did last season.
I've seen plenty of bad first touches and scuffed, dragged or otherwise imperfectly taken chances from Leon. Again, he's not among the most gifted footballers in the PL but he's always following up on his own mistakes. I hope his work ethic rubs off...not least on Ba and, at times, Obertan.
DaraghL Marveaux and Cabaye will be tasty alongside HBA aswell.
Making the trip over to Newcastle for the Blackburn game got tickets in block T of the Gallowgate. Haven't been since 98 I think I cannot wait!!!
p.s any tips on where is best to head out sat/sun nights will be much appreciated.
with Marveaux, Cabaye, Ben Arfa and even at times Sammi it makes us quite a attacking team, which I think could do damage to any team outside the top 6.
Bet you can't wait for the game now, my last game was the big one against the Mackems which was quality, may try and get tickets for the Spurs match as I should be back home
Suppose it depends on what you like for pub wise, haven't been in ages but think the big market has died, Quayside probaly best option on a Saturday night, but it is a little bit more per pint, and they will certainly not let you in a toon top
Nice 1 TTID ye I'm absolutely buzzing. As a kid I hardly remember much although I know there was a streaker! Now this time I feel I can really appreciate it.
Prices for this trip really don't bother me at all I'll worry about the costs when I get home, allowing no excuses trips going to be insane.
Lets just hope I get to see Cabayes first winning goal for the toon.
Daragh, before and after the match is good around the bars at central station. There is two Weatherspoons, Town Wall, Centurion. Also the Haymarket is always busy for match days (slightly older crowd like myself there though).
On the night times I think Quay side has died a death to be honest. The bars I have mentioned will be busy on Sat but slightly further along from Central there are revolution, Madame Koo's, Florita's and Purdu. Usually decent sized queues but there are canny.
Havnt been out on a Sunday in years and it used to be busy down the Bigmarket that night. No doubt changed now so maybe stick with the above bars. If you are doing an all day session on Sunday then possibly start in Jesmond (couple of stops on the Metro) then head into town.
Biffins Bridge Daragh, before and after the match is good around the bars at central station. There is two Weatherspoons, Town Wall, Centurion. Also the Haymarket is always busy for match days (slightly older crowd like myself there though).
You should join the old man in the pub over in the Haymarket, for a couple of cheeky ones before the game
I would take Biffins advice though, as I haven't been out in ages in the toon
The good old days, not like that now, suppose it don't help being fat, full of @#$%& and old enough to nearly be there dad's, I am amazed the birds don't fall for it
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