Newcastle v. Leicester

[Gunner Phan]

Any predictions from the Toon Army on the starting lineup for saturday's match?

gp

[Howay the Lads]

I think it may go something like this:

Given

Hughes O Brien Woodgate Bernard

Dyer Jenas Speed Bowyer or Ambrose(although I would try Viana just for change of pace).

Shearer Bellamy or Bridges(not sure which Sir Bob will pick)

No matter the line up I am predicting 3-1 for the toon at home.

[Toon³]

Given

Bernard Woodgate O'Brien Hughes

Robert(if fit) or Viana Jenas Speed Ambrose

Shearer Dyer or Bellamy

Toon 4

Leicestestestershire 0

[Howay the Lads]

Originally posted by Toon_toon
Given

Bernard Woodgate O'Brien Hughes

Robert(if fit) or Viana Jenas Speed Ambrose

Shearer Dyer or Bellamy

Toon 4

Leicestestestershire 0

Do you think Sir Bob would give Viana a shot at playing left mid if Robert is not able to go? I wish he would, but something tells me that he won't. Any thoughts?

[Fat Dutchman]

Viana never has been nor ever will be a wide left midfielder. He was a central midfielder when Uncle Bobby bought him and he still is, even if SBR refuses to play him in the middle. I would like SBR to give him a shot to start a few games in the middle if for no other reason than to see if he can be a source of some creativity through the middle that we are really lacking. Viana will never find his best form on the left.

[Howay the Lads]

Viana will never find his best form on the left. [/B][/QUOTE]


Viana will never find his form period because SBR refuses to give him a shot except in the waning moments of a match. I just wish he would get a good run at things just to see if he is any good. 5 minutes here and there just isn't enough for somebody to find form. Why not give Jenas a rest and try Viana in the center of mid there? Just a thought as Jenas has done nothing this season.

[Howay the Lads]

Yes, 2-0 to the toon approaching HT

[Howay the Lads]

So 3-1 to the toon then. Any insights into the match from those who were able to see it as opposed to listening to audio on Newcastle World?How did Viana do today? I didn't hear much about him.

[Toon³]

Poor game good result.

Defence solid as always now.

Midfield lifeless.

Attack ok.

Newcastle played in 3rd gear all match apart from stops and starts which involved the goal. If we had played as well as we could it could have been a 93 repeat. Viana was nothing special apart from a few good passes did nothing to make me think that he deserves a place ahead of Robert.

[Howay the Lads]

Originally posted by Toon_toon
Poor game good result.

Defence solid as always now.

Midfield lifeless.

Attack ok.

Newcastle played in 3rd gear all match apart from stops and starts which involved the goal. If we had played as well as we could it could have been a 93 repeat. Viana was nothing special apart from a few good passes did nothing to make me think that he deserves a place ahead of Robert.


Thanks for the input. I listened to it, but wasn't able to gather too much. Were at the match or see it on the tv? I wouldn't start Viana ahead of Robert even if he had one good match.

[Wide Boy]

Originally posted by Toon_toon
Poor game good result.

Defence solid as always now.

Midfield lifeless.

Attack ok.

Newcastle played in 3rd gear all match apart from stops and starts which involved the goal. If we had played as well as we could it could have been a 93 repeat. Viana was nothing special apart from a few good passes did nothing to make me think that he deserves a place ahead of Robert.

I agree with this analysis 100%. Leicester couldn't play, and our team didn't see any need to play.

The playing surface and the weather didn't help. I reckon had we met them on a sunny day with a grassy pitch we could have beaten them by five or six.

Regarding Viana, I agree he was OK without looking really good, but I think we have to see him play a few successive games in central midfield to make our minds up about him. According to Bobby, this may have to wait until Speed retires.

I hope Hugo does get in the Portugues squad for the summer and can impress playing at a high level in his real position.