Newcastle Utd vs Swansea City - 16/04/16

[TJR]

Preview:
The games are running out, at least the past three or four games have been defined as 'must wins' before kick off. This one though really is a must win game. Lose and it's all over. Though it might already be all over before kick off. By far the most important game of Newcastle United's season to date is the early kickoff at Carrow Road. Norwich City host Sunderland. If the Canaries win the Magpies will head into their game against the Swans NINE points from safety. Even the most optimistic Toon fan must surely admit that would be it. Caput!

So then we are reliant on our 'friends' down the road to go to Carrow Road and come back with what we couldn't two weeks ago. One point for the Black Cats would be ideal. Three points and it would be advantage Sunderland though that would still be better than three points for Norwich as if we can beat Swansea we could still make things interesting.

If Sunderland do draw with Norwich then a win for us would take us level on points with Sunderland and four points behind Norwich. Although still a tough ask, overturning a four point deficit with so few games left and an inferior goal difference it is just about within the realms of realism. Nine points really would be all but mathematically impossible. If Sunderland do win and we also win then we remain two points behind the mackems but move to only three from safety. However as two of Newcastle, Norwich and Sunderland will go down, a draw in the early kick off is most probably the best result for us. Below is the bottom half of the Premier League table for your (dis)pleasure.

After today, Newcastle and Sunderland have just five games remaining and Norwich have only four. The run ins are as follows:

Norwich:
Arsenal (A)
Man Utd (H)
Watford (H)
Everton (A)

Sunderland:
Arsenal (H)
Stoke (A)
Chelsea (H)
Everton (H)
Watford (A)

Newcastle:
Man City (H)
Liverpool (A)
Crystal Palace (H)
Aston Villa (A)
Tottenham (H)

It's been a crazy season in the Premier League and it's almost impossible to predict with any sort of certainty how many points each team will collect during the run in. My best guess would be all three teams picking up six points from those fixtures. Which would of course see us relegated. Pull of a shock win against Man City, Liverpool or Spurs though as well as our on paper winnable games against Palace and Villa and survival could just about be possible. This is of course assuming we win today which is far from certain. Which leads nicely onto the paragraph about our visitors today.

Swansea City reached the magic 40 point mark last weekend with a victory against Chelsea. The South Wales outfit have been impressive since Francesco Guidolin took over. In and amongst the relegation battle when he took over the Italian has guided his side up the Premier League table to safety. Under the Italians guidance they have picked up wins away to Arsenal and Everton as well as leaving with a point at West Brom and Stoke. They've only lost twice on the road under Guidolin and that was to Spurs and Bournemouth. City fans will also take comfort from the fact they are unbeaten at St James' Park in the Premier League. Their four visits consisting of most recently three victories and a draw in their first visit to St James' Park in the Premier League. The last time the Magpies beat the Swans at St James' Park was the last time United were in the Championship, the game ended 3-0 that day with Marlon Harewood scoring a brace and Peter Lovenkrands getting the other.

Jonjo Shelvey, who will captain United in the continued absence of Coloccini, he will likely be keen to impress today as he comes up against his former club for the first time since departing. He left the Liberty Stadium on poor terms with the club and its supporters critical of Shelvey and Shelvey himself critical of the club.

The atmosphere at St James' Park will be electric (providing the early kick off goes well), we have to believe, we have to be positive and we have to get behind the team today. This really is our biggest game of the season and all three points are absolutely vital. Howay the lads, show desire, heart and a willingness to survive and maybe we might just do it. It has to start today though. It's not just St James' Park and the entire city who will be supporting Newcastle today, to end the preview on a positive note the below video is from a school in Tenerife sending their messages of support to Newcastle United and our Tenerife lad Ayoze Perez. A lovely gesture.

Team news:

Newcastle United:

Last weekends disaster at Southampton was quite possibly Steven Taylor's last game in a Newcastle United shirt. At last something to celebrate this season. The 30 year old was hauled off in disgrace at half time after an embarrassing display and has now picked up a muscular injury which is expected to keep him out until the end of the season. With his contract set to expire when the season ends, it doesn't look like he will be offered a new deal.

Fellow embarrassment Daryl Janmaat will also miss this game. After seemingly forgetting how to use his legs, the Dutch full back fell over trying to attempt what can only be assumed was some sort of half arsed attempt at an interception. He presumably couldn't be bothered to run back down the line and force his man wide like any sane defender would have done in that scenario and he seemingly couldn't be bothered to get up after his pathetic fall either coming off 'injured'. Or maybe he was just too embarrassed to get back up. He is also apparently suffering from two broken fingers, having punched the dressing room wall in anger after some of his teammates allegedly exchanged some harsh words with him. Why he can't play football with two broken fingers has me stumped, though the fact he won't be playing can only be a good thing. His expected replacement is Kevin Mbabu should he pass his fitness test and at least the young RB will show some fight and desire. The very minimum required to play for Newcastle United. If the doubtful Mbabu is not deemed fit enough Vurnon Anita will be the likely stand in RB.

Tim Krul, Rob Elliot, Curtis Good, Massadio Haidara and Ivan Toney remain on the long term injury list and therefore won't have any involvement. Rafa Benitez confirmed in his Friday press conference that Fabricio Coloccini is unavailable once again. Coloccini felt his calf in training during the week is the official club line. Not up for the fight and bottling it is probably closer to the truth. Benitez also confirmed Paul Dummett is fit and available for selection. At least someone wants to play.

Professional fouler Jack Colback is available having served his latest suspension. Giving how awful he is normally I'd hope he was nowhere near the side. However due to the performances of most of his teammates he is probably the best choice of a really really really bad bunch.

Swansea City:

Leon Britton is expected to return from a back injury meaning Swansea have a fully fit squad to choose from.

Possible lineups:
Newcastle Utd:

<darlow>
<mbabu> <mbemba> <lascelles> <dummett>
<ober> <shelvey> <colback> <townsend>
<mitrovic> <perez>

Closer to what I'd like to see rather than expect to see. I suspect Vurnon Anita will start at right back. Invisible man Gini Wijnaldum will likely start and do nothing. Heartless Frenchman Moussa Sissoko will probably make it onto the pitch and put minimal effort in once again as well.

I'd probably go with that side though. Get back to basics, 4-4-2, two out and out wingers going down the line and putting crosses on Mitrovic's head. Maybe give Saivet a chance over Colback and possibly start de Jong ahead of Perez, using him as an impact sub. Whatever the lineup though the only one thing that matters is all eleven players in black and white giving absolutely everything they've got.

Swansea City:

Fabianski
Rangel Fernandez Williams Taylor
Cork Fer
Ayew Sigurdsson Montero
Paloschi

A word from the gaffers:

Rafael Benítez:

No, I have no regrets over joining Newcastle. I want to stay here for a while, so I’m really pleased to have this challenge. For me it is a challenge. I am the Newcastle manager and I want to be the Newcastle manager next year.

Swansea have confidence. They are organised. They aren't at risk of relegation so they will play football.

Dummett is coming back. Taylor, Janmaat and Coloccini are not available. We have to manage with the players we have. Coloccini has had a reaction in training and has suffered a setback.

When you are fighting to stay up, you feel the pressure for sure. I am asking the team to give everything and finish without regret. In training sessions, the team is doing well. Now is the time to show it and play as a team on the pitch. Now is time to show that quality and character on the pitch.

We can’t impact on Norwich v Sunderland. I am confident we can get the points to stay up. Fans can make the difference. It’s really important we have these four games at home. The only thing I am asking the players is to give everything & the fans have to know they will give their all. I don’t see any fear in the players. I just know they’re upset and disappointed. But they’ll fight until end and give everything.

I was really pleased with Lascelles, because he was saying what everybody is thinking outside. We know that we have to give everything. We know we have to do better and we know that we have to show character. Maybe in some games we are not doing what everybody is expecting. Also it is not just to say these things because the key is on the pitch. He is sent to do his best, and he is not scared of the challenge or what he has to do. I think he is really good, really positive. What we are expecting from them is to tell the right things and the right things on the pitch. We need characters – people telling others what to do and after going on the pitch, saying: ‘Listen. Follow me. Do that’.

Francesco Guidolin:

I have seen many things in my job over 41 years and nothing could surprise me any more. Newcastle are a big club and they have good players. I do not know what has happened there, but it is not a surprise because football is difficult. But I know Rafa and I consider him a good manager. I hope for him that Newcastle stay up, but Saturday is an important match for us too and I hope to see my team play like we did last weekend.

I don't know Shelvey and why he left, but I can say it is difficult in the January window for players to choose the best option. I think his choice was to play at a big club, but it's not easy when the season is already started.

Nothing is decided. We spoke about the team, the players, many things, but not about the takeover. I don't know what [impact] it will have. I confirmed to him I would prefer to stay here if possible. Now I'm waiting for his decision, but I'm happy. This is not my job. It is difficult for me to say something about this situation. This is an important club for me. I like the kindness of the people, the Premier League; my wife and family is happy. But I don't know if my future is here or another part of the world. I don't know anything about the agreements.

Referee:

Lee Mason:

Bolton Wanderers fan Lee Mason takes charge of this fixture. He's been a member of the select group of referees since 2006. This will be Masons fourth United game of the season. His previous three all finished 1-0. The most recent being the last time we won a game, against West Brom at St James' Park in February. He also took charge of Evertons win at Gallowgate in December and our win at Bournemouth in November.

Expert opinion:

Lawro:

Newcastle's performance in their defeat by Southampton was just embarrassing. I think the white flag came out about a minute before kick-off. Magpies boss Rafael Benitez said after that game "we have got four home games left", but the problem is they have not won many home games all season - four out of 15. Swansea are clear of the relegation zone after last week's win over Chelsea, and the pressure is off them now. They might relax a tiny bit on Saturday, which might help Newcastle a little, although it might also mean Swansea play with more freedom and put in a better display. It is hard to predict what we will see from the Welsh side but I am going for a Newcastle win. While they can still stay up, every single game will be their biggest of the season. Newcastle United 2-1 Swansea City.

Prediction:
I'm going with Lawro and Idris Elba today, Newcastle United 2-1 Swansea City.

Hope.

Coverage:
St James' Park:
A limited number of tickets for this fixture are still available and can be purchased from the matchday box office. Prices start at £30 for adults and £15 for concessions.
UK TV:
The game is a traditional Saturday 3pm kick off meaning no live TV coverage in the UK.
Overseas TV:
beIN Sports 2 HD (Indonesia)
Canal+ Sport Online (Poland)
CNTV Sports (China)
CTH Stadium 4 HD
Fox Sports 3 Australia
GO Sports 6
mio Stadium 104 HD
NBC Sports Live Extra
PremierLeaguePass (NZ)
SBS ESPN Korea
Sky HD (Mexico)
Sky Sport Plus HD (Italy)
SportKlub HD (Bos/Cro/Serb/Slov)
SuperSport MaXimo 1
TSN3/4 (Canada)
Viasat Sport +HD (Sweden)
(Overseas TV coverage from nufc.com)
UK Radio:
BBC Radio 5 Live Sport
Local Radio:
BBC Newcastle (Locals can tune in on their radio. Those outside the region can listen via this link http://tunein.com/radio/BBC-Newcastle-954-s18219/)
Highlights:
MOTD - BBC 1 - 22:25

HOWAY THE LADS!

[Colly]

Ignoring the psychological boost for them surely a Sunderland win is the best possible result for us?

[Heisen]

Glad I'm at work.

[Micky Quim]

Im out in town, not looking forward to hearing all the groans

[Chappy]

Won't be watching. It'll be an awful game of football. I expect to see us concede on the stroke of half time and then bottle it.

[Ramone]

Not watching either, I'll go to the gym or do something else productive instead.

[Diego21]

Not watching either. I will working... But I try to download the match in internet when I come back...

[MulticulturalMag]

May watch it but it depends on the Norwich-Sunderland score

[TJR]

Ignoring the psychological boost for them surely a Sunderland win is the best possible result for us?

If only one if the three of us were going down I'd agree. But two of the three of us are.

So if we can win today and we draw, we gain 2 points over both of them. If Sunderland win we gain 3 points over Norwich but 0 over Sunderland. To stay up we have to finish above both of them not just one of them.

Also the psychological boost shouldn't be ignored.

[biggeordiedave]

This will be too depressing to watch so I don't think I'll bother. Fully expect Sunderland to win today which ordinarily would be good for us, but we won't be catching either of them. We're finishing 19th

[TBC]

Very RTG of me but I'm purely hoping for the scum to join us in the Championship next year. I accepted relegation weeks ago.

Hoping Norwich win and Rafa gets his first win on his birthday.

[TJR]

I've been dreading this all week but yesterday an out of character sudden wave of optimism hit me. I'm actually looking forward to going to St James' Park today. We'll win.

[Colly]

Ignoring the psychological boost for them surely a Sunderland win is the best possible result for us?

If only one if the three of us were going down I'd agree. But two of the three of us are.

So if we can win today and we draw, we gain 2 points over both of them. If Sunderland win we gain 3 points over Norwich but 0 over Sunderland. To stay up we have to finish above both of them not just one of them.

Also the psychological boost shouldn't be ignored.

The maths side of that makes no sense, if we have to finish above both the last thing we want is Norwich going 4 or 6 points clear (if we win). If Sunderland win the gap to safety is still 3 points and we could theoretically (lol) be out of the relegation zone on Tuesday.

[Sime11]

We'll concede first again and make no attempt to Change the result, don't bother watching the first half, we seem to let the opposition dominate us in the first half. Hell don't even bother watching....

[Duke]

If it stays 1-0 to Sunderland we'll be 6 points behind Norwich with 2 games in hand and 5 points behind Sunderland with 1 game in hand. Sunderland's three remaining home games are Arsenal, Chelsea and Everton and they have to go to Stoke and Watford. Norwich's 4 remaining games are away to Arsenal and Everton and at home to Man Utd and Watford.

If we weren't so s*** I would be somewhat optimistic about our chances. Unfortunately our 5 games after today are Liverpool and Villa away, and Pardew, Spurs and City at home.

[Chappy]

Mackems will stay up. Us n Norwich down.

[Minty Fresh]

That video is incredible. Pre-match team talk sorted.

[biggeordiedave]

Mackems will stay up. Us n Norwich down.

This .

[originallad]

Shelvey dropped. Mitro on the bench again.

[Heisen]

No Mitrovic? Colback and Tiote in midfield?

He's set us up for a 0-0.