Newcastle who are without captain Fabricio Coloccini through suspension, Gutierrez, Perch , midfield ‘metronome’, Yohan Cabaye through injury and there is still a doubt over Pappis Cisse.
The last time the sides Cisse scored a brace, one of which was a delightful chip over Michel Vorm. However this time around, Newcastle are waiting for FIFA clearance to allow Cisse to play. The Guardian reported that Cisse failed to travel to Senegal’s game in Niger due to a back injury.
Preview
If Cisse doesn’t start there could be a chance Newcastle will go back to their 4-4-3 which brought them so many points from the back end of last season but are likely to continue with 4-4-2.
As for this season Swansea will offer an even tougher challenge than last year. Laudrup’s side are likely to continue their fluid 4-3-3.
Incredibly no Swansea player is in the top 5 passers so far this season in the BPL, which can help explain
Michu will come in for Danny Graham and play a false 9 role with Dyer or Routledge and Hernandez offering wide support. Graham has been fairly disappointing so far this season, scoring just 3 goals in 12 games.
With Vorm out until December, German ‘keeper, Gerhard Tremmel to take the gloves. This could be a deciding factor in the game as more often than not Vorm has kept Swansea in the game to the annoyance of opposition strikers but he’s not just a shot stopper, Vorm actually starts every attacking movement for Swansea because he’s so good with his feet.
Prediction
I can see this game being tough for Newcastle as they won’t see much of the ball however with Anita and Tiote both in the center of midfield they could help break play up and frustrate Swansea.
The biggest weapon for Newcastle is patience and having someone has hot-headed as Cheick Tiote that could be easier said than done. The second biggest factor is going to be how clinical Newcastle are in front of goal. If Ba,Cisse and Ben Arfa play like everyone knows they can play; Swansea could be in some real trouble. As for Swansea they just need to rinse and repeat with their fluid, passing football but I feel if Michu starts up front there could be no focal point for all the passes.
My prediction is 2-1 to Newcastle.
I think Newcastle will be much more direct and even if they don’t have 50+% of the possession, when they do get the ball in the final third they have the players who’ll finish.
Throw into this the fact Swansea haven’t beaten Newcastle in the past season meetings and have failed to score in their past six away games this all points towards 3 points for the home side.
About the Author
Another mug who underestimated the mighty Swans! The pundits’ haven’t been doing so well with their predictions in recent weeks.
Another mug who underestimated the mighty Swans! The pundits\’ haven\’t been doing so well with their predictions in recent weeks.