vs So we go to Greece on Thursday, ahead of Saturday's match at Chelsea. Fun times.... It's widely known/guessed that we're going to send at the very best a combination of starters and reserves, if not a full team of youth and fringe players. I'm guessing the latter with a quick turnaround, hoping we can get an away goal to keep the tie alive. Ben Arfa is one player that will definitely not play, apparently. He was sent off in his last Uefa game for Marseille and is apparently suspended for his next three Uefa matches. I'm guessing we'll go 4-5-1/4-3-3, something along the lines of: Elliott; Raylor, Tavernier, Williamson, Good; Bigirimana, Gosling, Marveaux, Amalfitano, Vuckic; Campbell. If we can come back 1-1, 2-1 down, something like that, I think we're in good shape to win the tie at home next week. I haven't seen any TV listings but Twitter seems to think that Uefa.com will stream the match for free.
I agree with most of your starters there with the exception that there is an outside chance I've seen in a few places that Ferguson may be able to go and play at LB, if not yeah I think Good starts there. I think Harper is going to start over Elliott, and I think Campbell will play but don't think he starts. As crazy as this sounds I think Obertan and Vuckic are up top with Vuckic sitting under Obertan and Squidbilly looking for chances to press Atromitos' back line with his pace.
Is Anita eligible to play? Just thought he probably won't force his way into the starting line-up for Chelsea and this could be his chance for a start. Also is Shola injured? And when are we expecting Sammy back? It does seem that its going to be on TV in this country on a channel called "Premier Sports" which I didn't even know I had until I just went and looked.
Seems Ba, Tiote, Ferguson, Vuckic, and the Ameobi boys have all been ruled out with injuries for this one. I didn't think Ba and Tiote would play but the other 4 are all players who were likely to play on Thursday.
According to Ed's blog, here was the group that is on the plane to Athens: Romain Amalfitano, Vurnon Anita, Gael Bigirimana, Yohan Cabaye, Adam Campbell, Papiss Cisse, Dan Gosling, Jonas Gutierrez, Steve Harper, Tim Krul, Sylvain Marveaux, Gabriel Obertan, James Perch, Davide Santon, Danny Simpson, James Tavernier, Ryan Taylor, Steven Taylor, Mike Williamson. First thought is that's a pretty strong group, all things considered.
That would leave only Demba, HBA, and Tiote of those who started on Saturday to stay home. The other 8 can all fit on the bench with 11 new players to watch start their season. Obertan as lone striker?
I'm betting the "back 11" start and the other guys are there just if we need to keep the tie salvageable for the return leg.
starting lineup: Harper Williamson RTaylor Perch Tavernier Anita Obertan Marveaux Gosling Bigirimana Papiss Cisse Bench: Krul, STaylor, Santon, Jonas, Cabaye, Amalfitano, Campbell
Great shot into the upper corner from Taylor. After the Epstein goal, Newcastle finally seemed to get their heads in the game a bit more.
Another great chance for a goal, this time Amalfitano put it just a bit too far in front of his reach.
FT 1-1. Very good second half, very good result overall. Clean sheet in the home leg puts us through. Raylor was solid, as were Anita and Perch. Amalfitano looks like another great find.