Post by Butch on Aug 26, 2018 9:24:10 GMT
A game I want us to win almost too much-thanks to an old Geordie mate of mine.
We need to build on a decent start under Sarri against a Newcastle side who we have failed to beat at St James's Park since 2011-since when they have beaten us 4 times and drawn once.
This year Newcastle have so far drawn with Cardiff away and lost unluckily at home against Spurs-it seems all is not well in their camp, but history shows we cannot take them for granted.
I shall be watching the match from the relative luxury of my home-so the unofficials should be out shortly after the game.
Anticipated line up:
Kepa
Azpi, Luiz, Rudiger,Alonso
Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic
Hazard, Pedro
Morata
I think this team matches the genreal concensus of opinion-so expect a full on sulk from Willian. The subs are likely to be from the match day 18 last week, although it does seem we have one too many right backs on there-personally I'd bring in either Emerson or Loftus-Cheek for better balance and options.
A big week for Kepa after his nervous effort last week and hopefully we will see the defence from the second half against Arsenal rather than the first. Will be great to see Hazard and Kovacic start and hopefully Morata will feed off the confidence of scoring last week...with a foot!
Summary of unofficial stats
Star Man Awards: Caballero 1, Hazard 1, Luiz 1
Highest Average: Hazard 8, Kante 7, Kovacic 7, Rudiger 6.33, Pedro 6.33
Lowest Average: Four players on 5, Drinkwater 4, Abraham 4, Fabregas 3
Goal Scorers 2018/19: Pedro 2, Morata 1, Kante 1, Jorginho 1, Alonso 1.
