No.1: Joe Kinnear, Newcastle's pre-season and City's danger man
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| Josh has strong words on Kinnear |
By Aaron Leggott
Alongside "Blue Review," we will be bringing yet another new feature to our readers during the 2013/14 season as we put the spotlight on a fan from upcoming opposition. This week was the turn of Josh Pinchin, a keen follower of the Magpies...
A new season and a fresh start for both teams. Can you see Newcastle getting a positive result at the Etihad on Monday?
Josh: I can’t see Newcastle winning the game. City are too strong defensively and realistically we will have to score at least twice to win because there is no way we will keep a clean sheet at the Ethiad.
It's fair to say Newcastle endured a disappointing season after a brilliant one the year before. Do you think we'll see a Newcastle team from 11/12 or an underachieving side for the second successive season?
Josh: I think that Newcastle certainly have the capability of having a great season. On paper our team has potential to get in to the Europa league and is miles better than teams below where Everton finished last year.
I think our main problem is the management; in the 2011/12 season Alan Pardew had an incredibly lucky season with Demba Ba being in superb form until January before buying Papiss Cissé, who just couldn't seem to miss. Everyone was expecting the same again last season but something was different, Pardew was making subs which made no sense, not standing up for himself against the board and also letting players have too much time off the training pitch.
I think by the end of November if we are not in a position we should be in then we could see a change of manager.
What have you made of Newcastle's pre season?
Josh: Pre-season this year has been one hindrance after another, whether it be staff/ boardroom changes or transfer dealings. Our run of form has also been average although Pardew has been testing out a lot of different players and formations. We only went on a tour of Portugal before playing friendlies in this country which is beyond me as we need to broaden our horizons to gain fans in places like America and Asia, especially with the new financial rules.
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| Key man: Cisse will be set to make a big contribution at the Etihad Stadium on Monday night Photo: Official NUFC Facebook |
What are your views on the appointment of Joe Kinnear during the close season?
Josh: Absolutely outrageous! Appointed out of the blue, he forced out Derek Llambias who was excellent at his job regarding transfers. Kinnear has also promised us a new player about three times a week and so far we have only recruited Loïc Rémy as a serious first team player. It wouldn’t surprise me if the only reason Mike Ashley brought him in is because he wants to force Pardew to quit as manager instead of having to pay his lengthy contract off.
Who would you say is your key player on Monday and why?
Josh: Without a doubt it has to be Hatem Ben Arfa, he poses something different to our team and can change a game in an instant. Also, I feel Yohan Cabaye could provide vital passes to the front men and can often find himself on the score sheet against the top teams.
Predicted Newcastle line up?
Josh: I think "Pardiola" will play a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Krul; Santon, Taylor, Coloccini, Debuchy; Tioté, Cabaye; Ben Arfa, Sissoko, Gouffran; Cissé
Who would you say is City's danger man and why?
Josh: Yaya Touré always seems to have the games of his season against Newcastle. Every fan fears him when he gets the ball. I'm also nervous about the trouble Jesús Navas could cause our fullbacks with his pace.
How can you see City's season going? Do you think Manuel Pellegrini can win the title in his first season?
Josh: I think that this Premier League season is going to be a very interesting one. For the first time in a long while there are three teams that are just impossible to choose between for the title. Chelsea, City and United all have their strengths and weaknesses. I think that City’s problem is inexperience at the top level and I believe that the other two could finish above them.
However, I think a key factor could be that City and Pellegrini will be focusing on the Champions League and for that reasons you should get out of the Group stage and show everyone that the Premier League still offers fine football. There will be a good 10 point difference between the top three and the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham, so third or above should be assured.
And finally, your prediction for the game?
Josh: I think it will be a great encounter and hopefully Newcastle will grab a point from the game to make it 1-1.
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