Everton vs Newcastle United

, 17 September, 72comments  |  Jump to most recent
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The footballing gods can be cruel masters. They certainly seem intent on slapping down any rampant optimism among Evertonians lest we get ahead of ourselves.

An unexpectedly successful transfer window and back-to-back wins to start the 2012-13 season had success-starved Blues feeling like this could finally be the season where we break back into the top four — an echelon that has proven untouchable beyond the proverbial glass ceiling since David Moyes steered his unfancied team to the Champions League qualifers in 2005.

An inelegant stumble at The Hawthorns, the loss to injury of Darron Gibson, the refusal by FIFA to sanction the loan of Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe, and the premature horizon-gazing from Marouane Fellaini later, though, and a stiff dose of reality has been delivered forth to keep expectations in check at Goodison Park.

It provides yet more challenges for a manager still operating with one of the shallowest squads in the Premier League... but then Moyes has spent almost all of his 10½ years at Everton battling against adversity and overcoming the odds. These are just the latest in a line of setbacks and it's unlikely he will be fazed as he sets about dealing with them.

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In his favour, of course, is the fact that despite the frustration of the Ofoe situation and having to do without Gibson until the middle of October, Moyes still has the best squad he's had to date at his disposal. And in another televised Monday-night occasion under the lights at Goodison, he and his side have the opportunity to ratchet the optimism right back up again if they can beat Newcastle United.

Not only would a victory represent a nine-point haul from the first 12 available, it would catapult Everton into joint-second place in the table, back amongst the early pace-setters.

Thankfully, Gibson is Moyes's only injury concern ahead of the Blues' first game since 1st September — all of Everton's internationals returned unscatched from their duties abroad. And only Bryan Oviedo's ineligibility will keep him out of contention as the Costa Rican has only just finalised his visa.

That leaves central midfield as the manager's biggest conundrum. Does he opt for the less-than-dynamic Phil Neville in central midfield alongside Leon Osman — a partnership that looked suspect at West Brom. Or, as would seem more prudent given the fact that he made his name in England playing in the middle, does he pull Fellaini back in the centre and play either Kevin Mirallas, Steven Naismith or Victor Anichebe behind Nikica Jelavic?

Fellaini proved to an unmanageable handful in a more forward role against Manchester United on the opening day and was instrumental in the dismantling of Aston Villa the following week, but Moyes will have to weigh up his attacking threat against a weaker midfield.

Mirallas tore Leyton Orient to shreds on his home debut when he was half fit three weeks ago and he will be itching to show what he can do with the extra training and time to gel with his new teammates. And Anicheb, too, has plenty prove so it'll be interesting to see which way Moyes goes with his team selection.

After proving to be the surprise package of last season, Newcastle have made an iffy start to the new campaign and Alan Pardew will be without goalkeeper Tim Krul, his captain Fabricio Coloccini, Cheick Tiote, Danny Simpson, and Ryan Taylor.

With a really good record over the Magpies in recent seasons — indeed, they beat them handsomely in May on the last day of season season — and memories of that stirring win over United hopefully still fresh in the memory, the Blues will know that they have everything it takes to get three points and get their season back on the rails immediately after the defeat against WBA.

Lyndon Lloyd

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Reader Comments (72)

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Kunal Desai
1 Posted 17/09/2012 at 06:52:17
What makes you think we have a chance of breaking back into the top 4? we don't. Who are we going to finish above for that 4th place? Arsenal? Chelsea? sorry that won't happen. Need to be realistic, We have a strong first eleven but will inevitably pick up injuries and suspensions on the way. Top 6 is realistic, top 4 isn't
Mikhail Ridhuan
2 Posted 17/09/2012 at 07:01:01
Fellaini needs to be pulled back to a deeper midfield role, as much to accommodate Mirallas in an advanced midfield as a thwart to Ben Arfa, who will be the dangerman. Let Neville do his job at full back; never, never, never ever put him in midfield again Moyes!
Ged Simpson
3 Posted 17/09/2012 at 07:37:50
Dream Kunai. Dream
Peter Thistle
4 Posted 17/09/2012 at 07:23:30
No matter what happens I hope Moyes doesn't put Osman and Neville in the middle. Stating the obvious but they're too lightweight to boss a game.
Peter Jones
5 Posted 17/09/2012 at 07:26:09
Howard

Hibbert Jags Distin Baines

Osman Fellaini

Mirallas Naismith Pienaar

Jelavic


For this particular game, seems like the most balanced lineup. I like Coleman at right back for the future just so we have more attacking options. We need a boss in midfield while Gibson is out and Fellaini is the only real candidate. If Neville ends up there, I'm gonna be annoyed. Plus Tiote is out I think so it should be up for grabs. Take it please. Naismith and Jelavic know how to partner up so that should be golden with Coloccini out. Pienaar and Baines overlap should be more effective with Simpson out. Mirallas out right where he fits perfectly on this team. Finally somebody that can run at people and cause problems. Without being overconfident, I like our chances given their injury concerns.

Sam Hoare
6 Posted 17/09/2012 at 07:43:21
I reckon Neville is nailed on to start. Moyes is loving playing fellaini behind jelavic.

Such a shame about ofoe as middle of the park is such a crucial position and the one area we have zero depth in. Not that he was setting the world alight but rodwell really should have been replaced.

Wherever they play, pienaar, fellaini and jelavic will have to improve on their west brom showings if we are to take 3 points.

Anthony Flack
7 Posted 17/09/2012 at 07:55:56
My birthday today, my first game was 17 September 1978 a 3 0 win over Norwich, anyone remember it?

So I have a few quid on the same score!

Peter 157 I agree with your side but doubt Moyes will go for that.....

Tom Bowers
8 Posted 17/09/2012 at 08:08:27
A perfect opportunity to prove if we are for real (or not) even without Gibson. A good win could put us in second place but the stutter against Albion may still be a sign that Moyes still hasn't got it right and that right flank is a concern.

As most would agree, Fellaini dropping back and Mirallas coming in might be the answer against a not so resilient Barcode defence.

It's times like this (after a defeat) that players stand up and be counted in the next game. Hopefully for once Everton bounce back and show they finally a team to be reckoned with.
James Morgan
9 Posted 17/09/2012 at 08:12:54
Peter, with the exception of Jags for Heitinga, that's the team I'd play.
If we see Neville in midfield, my early season optimism will die a slow and painful death.
Phil Sammon
10 Posted 17/09/2012 at 08:22:21
I can see Moyes not wanting to play Miralles. There's a lot of work to be done tonight and I can see graft being selected over quality.

Fellaini absolutely must drop into a deeper role. However I fully expect Moyes to keep Fellaini up top and bring in Heitinga. Neville probably to right-back.

I'm fond of Peter's team above...but I can't see us playing such an attacking side. Moyes knows Newcastle are a threat. He will try stifle them and hope to nick one.

I hope I'm wrong about everything and we wallop them 4-0.

Martin Mason
11 Posted 17/09/2012 at 09:18:53
For me it may not be that critical that Neville doesn't play in midfield. Where they really went to pieces against West Brom was when they switched to 4-4-2 we followed suit. Now whatever the characteristics of our midfield is we as a team are incapable of making 4-4-2 work
Ray Roche
12 Posted 17/09/2012 at 09:17:00
Anthony Flack @160

And on my birthday in 1968 we battered Leicester 7-1... but I remember us getting battered at home1-3 by Sunderland on my birthday some years later.... I don't want to piss on your chips but take nothing for granted! This IS Everton, after all.

Happy Birthday, anyway, let's hope you're scoreline is correct!

Martin Mason
13 Posted 17/09/2012 at 09:22:14
IMHO that is :-)
Eddie Tully
14 Posted 17/09/2012 at 09:19:12
This game really will define our season: If we win, it will give us fresh impetus and confidence to take into the next few games. If we lose, I fear we will go into a steady decline.

Pip will definitely play, let's just hope it's in the right back berth and not centre mid. Also, loeits have Naismith in behind Jelly please.

Fuck KITAP1.... COYB!

Shane Corcoran
15 Posted 17/09/2012 at 09:25:05
Phil Sammon, I think you've summarised it perfectly. Peter Jones' teams looks just delightful but if Moyes wrote it out on a piece of paper he's shit himself. It's Ossie and Pip in the middle I reckon.
Brian Harrison
16 Posted 17/09/2012 at 09:35:14
I don't think we have a lot of options in midfield, so I think it will be a straight choice between moving Fellaini back into midfield to partner Osman or leaving Neville in midfield. I know Fellaini played very well against United but I prefer him in midfield. I also think Mirallas needs to start, there is no substitute for pace and apart from him we don't have much pace in the side.
Paul David
17 Posted 17/09/2012 at 09:19:14
This is a massive game for us, anything other than a win turns a good start to the season into an average one. Plus most people would be expecting us and Newcastle to be battling for a similar league finish so tonights result could have a huge bearing come the end of the season.

I think tonights line up will tell us a lot about Moyes's philosophy this season, will he play to our strengths and play a attack minded team or has the West Brom game knocked his confidence and he plays a team to counter Newcastle's attacking ability?

I really he hopes he goes all out for the win and he has no excuse not to. We're the home side, Newcastle have a few injuries and their form has been patchy.

Fellaini has to be brought back into the midfield, its not like we don't have plenty of options to play in the hole while we're short further back in Gibson's absence. If I see Neville in midfield I will cry my eyes out and Ben Arfa will tear him apart.

I think its time Moyes dropped his trusty 4-5-1 formation, it does not suit the players we have no more. 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 will bring the best out of the players we have, especially for home games.

Howard
Hibbert Jagielka Heitinga Baines
Osman Fellaini Pienaar
Naismith Jelavic Mirallas

Or

Howard
Hibbert Jagielka Heitinga Baines
Osman Fellaini
Mirallas Naismith Pienaar
Jelavic

Eric Myles
18 Posted 17/09/2012 at 09:45:50
Eddie, it's a mistake to pin all your hopes / disillusions on one game so early in the season and use it to predict how we'll fare. It's a marathon, not a sprint, remember the last few seasons when we've been the best team in the league after Christmas.
Eddie Tully
19 Posted 17/09/2012 at 09:50:25
Eric, in my opinion the arse will fall out of us if we lose this game.

One Swallow does not a summer make, but confidence is key and winning tonight can only improve that!
Steve Smith
20 Posted 17/09/2012 at 10:10:34
3-1, Peanuts first goal 100/1, if it comes in, Mr Mortgage and me will be very happy.
Kevin Tully
21 Posted 17/09/2012 at 10:13:37
Spot on Paul #176

This Newcaslte team will probably start with 2 strikers, and that will leave gaps in midfield - so there is no requirement to play a 5 man midfield tonight.

Even if Moyes plays Fellaini as a defensive mid, we should have plenty of cover in that area.

If we start with 4-5-1 and Neville in midfield, it will be a defensive line up and Moyes will have gone back into his shell after that West Brom defeat.

4-3-3 with Pienaar & Mirallas on the wings, they both work hard so can track back. 2-0 will do with us third & the R.S. third from bottom !!!!

Phil Walling
22 Posted 17/09/2012 at 10:26:45
Like your team, Peter, but too much to hope `The Careful One` will not opt for Neville in midfield in spite of the evidence that Dear Pip is past it!
Brian Waring
23 Posted 17/09/2012 at 10:50:13
Thats my worry Kevin, that Moyes will be weary of what Newcastle could do to us and will go back to keeping it tight and hope to nick one, I hope not though. Apart from the West Brom Game, we've looked good and played some sweet football.
Martin Mason
24 Posted 17/09/2012 at 11:00:40
To be fair Newcastle can still see a banana skin and we will have to be on the top of our game to ensure that we take the points. If we struggle tonight because we can't make up for the loss of Gibson then we are in desperate trouble.
Suresh Gill
25 Posted 17/09/2012 at 10:42:51
The good news, Newcastle have a few players injured, hopefully we can produce the Monday magic like we did against Man Utd even without our lucky mascot Gibson.

Alan Pardew annoys me with his arrogance and behaviour so we need to put him in his place with a win. The game starts at 5am here in Australia, really hoping for a win to kick start my morning. COYB
James Martin
26 Posted 17/09/2012 at 11:19:44
No one in the league has a perfect record. Every other manager apart from Moyes must have cocked up at some point, so sop pretending he's some sort of football buffoon just because he soemtimes plays Neville in midfield.

We have a great home record thanks to Moyes's selections indeed the home game against Newcastle last season when we so emphatically beat them featured Neville in midfield, as did the Man Utd away game, as did the Man Utd game this season. I wouldn't mind seeing him there alongside Fellaini or Osman with either of those igven a license to get forward.

I do't feel comfortable with Fellaini in the holding role and he only started to look good last season once Gibson released him from his defensive duties. Everything looks in our favour for a win tonight and what a start it would be if we could get it.
Amit Vithlani
27 Posted 17/09/2012 at 11:31:06
As the Man U game proved, whether Neville's in midfield or not is not always a deciding factor in how we perform. Its also about our big players performing, and against West Brom none of the quality players were good enough.

We have match winners in Felli, Jelly and Peanuts and if one of them comes good we will do well tonight.

Goodison under lights usually fires up the crowd so hoping that the players react to what should be an intimidating atmosphere for the bar codes.

Steve Guy
28 Posted 17/09/2012 at 11:50:19
Would we were in a position to bench Felliani. Tea and buns with DM and then straight back in the starting line up after saying he expects to be off sooner rather than later ? Just seems wrong, but that's the way it is. So hope he has a good game and hope his calculated outburst doesn't adversely affect the rest of the team.
Dave White
29 Posted 17/09/2012 at 11:59:49
@ Kunai 152 Whilst I don't think we will end up finishing in the top 4 I'm not going to stop believing that we have a chance, FFS I'll keep believing we can win the league until it's mathematically impossible.

Nil Satis Nisi Optimum!

Tony J Williams
30 Posted 17/09/2012 at 10:19:04
Eddie, how will our second game at home, fourth in total define our season?

We have lost games before and "the arse" didn't "fall out of us" then.

It will be a tough game and hopefully we can keep Ben Arfa and Cisse quiet, do that and I feel we have a chance for the three points, but I won't going all Private Frazer if we don't......"We're doomed"....

Tony J Williams
31 Posted 17/09/2012 at 12:14:51
Suresh, I have never forgotten Pardew when he beat us 2-1 with West Ham, with an own goal by Weir and a deflected goal. We battered them and the soft sod came out and said he has given us a "footballing lesson", I repeat it back every time we have beaten his teams since.
Shane Corcoran
32 Posted 17/09/2012 at 12:20:17
I see Artur Boruc is currently having a trial for us after leaving Fiorentina. Good keeper a few years ago and is only 32. Could a be a good signing. Would rather him than Mucha but then his wages for a back-up keeper could be a problem. Also strange that he didn't even make the Polish squad for the Euro's. Maybe he's lost his way. Was always a little nuts at Celtic.
Ciarán McGlone
33 Posted 17/09/2012 at 12:16:56
They have a better midfield than us... and I fear that is where this game will be won and lost. Cisse hasn't delivered in a while...

I hope we go for it though... if we play the Moyes 'dropping back' defensive game, they have the players to take us to the cleaners.

James Martin
34 Posted 17/09/2012 at 12:35:56
Paul, Kevin, please tell me the difference between 4-5-1, 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3, how is one of them defensive and Moyes's prefered ystem whilst the other two aren't?

As far as I can see, we've been playing 4-2-3-1 all season with Gibson and Osman/Neville behind a 3 of Pienaar Fellaini and Naismith. Surely the only difference between this and a 4-5-1 is how advanced the two wide players are. Considering they're not out-and-out wingers and are regularly darting in and around the penalty area, surely they are more on a level with Fellaini rather than with Gibson and Osman.

Formations are so fluid anyway that lots of these players are constantly changing their positions on the field, indeed Baines is often more advanced than Pienaar is. How can you say then that if Moyes goes with his 4-5-1 we'll lose?

Contrary to popular belief, Moyes has not played the same formation for the last ten years. In his early days he used to play a 4-1-4-1 with Carsley in between two banks of four. It wasn't until 2007-ish that Carsley and Neville played as a holding two with Cahill behind the striker in a definite 4-4-1-1. Now we definitely seem to line up in a 4-2-3-1.

Ultimately it all depends on how the players interpret the system but I don't think there is definitely a 'Moyes formation' that is inherently negative and has been the norm for the last ten years, absolutely not.

Dave Lynch
35 Posted 17/09/2012 at 12:46:41
If Moyes plays the same tactics and fomation as he did against the Mancs we will batter them tonight.
If he goes all conservative then expect a game. They had their decent run last season and in no way will they repeat that this season.

Ps. Pardew is a deluded gobby wanker. Didn't he say last season they where on a different planet to us, or something like that and we went out and battered them 3-1.

Tenner on 3-0 for me.

Eddie Tully
36 Posted 17/09/2012 at 12:46:49
Tony. In my opinion, if we lose tonight's game we will also lose momentum and confidence. Obviously this is just my opinion.

On the other hand, if we get the 3 points, we will hopefully have the belief to win our next game vs Swansea.

"Don't Panic!"

Kevin Tully
37 Posted 17/09/2012 at 12:58:17
James #208.

Are you joking ? Are you saying playing Neville in front of Hibbert is not a 5 man midfield ?

If you play Naismith / Mirallas / Pienaar in midfield - that is an attacking 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, depending upon instructions.

Neville is a good leader - but as an attacking midfielder he is toatlly out of his depth.

Phil Walling
38 Posted 17/09/2012 at 13:05:42
Fuck the Barcodes — let them worry about what we have in our armoury rather than the other way round. Moyes should have learned from our result against the Mighty Mancs and not be `setting his stall out` as is his true nature.

I just pray that we`ve seen the back of KITAHTN1 but I somehow doubt it!
Paul David
39 Posted 17/09/2012 at 13:10:41
James

I didn't say would would get beat if we played 4-5-1. In a 4-5-1 formation which I believe we play the wide men do as much defending as attacking. I want us to do any with that at home and deploy the wide men further up the field, they still work hard by pressing high up the pitch rather than constantly dropping deep when the other team has the ball.

Phil Sammon
40 Posted 17/09/2012 at 13:14:39
Kevin Tully

When has Neville ever played ahead of Hibbo?

I agree with James Martin.

Formations are largely meaningless. It's the interpretations that count.

Jay Harris
41 Posted 17/09/2012 at 13:12:31
No wonder the players get nervous at home.

So many posters(not just Toffeeweb) are panicking and fearing a banana skin.

We have to believe that the team is so much better than Newcastle who have some serious injuries of their own, that we are not a one man team based on Darren Gibson and that West Brom (where the whole team was flat) was a one off.

Monday night floodlights,Goodison buzzing it could be 4-0.

Eddie Tully
42 Posted 17/09/2012 at 13:20:43
Phil Sammon/James Martin.....leave our kid alone! ;-)
Kevin Tully
43 Posted 17/09/2012 at 13:23:16
So are we saying that Mirallas and Pienaar / Naismith is the same attacking formation as playing Neville & Osman?

Behave fellas, for 90% of the time Moyes has played 1 striker with Cahill supporting, but Cahill had to defend for large portions of the game.

4-5-1 in anyone's book. Now we have the ammunition, let's use it !!!

Mike Green
44 Posted 17/09/2012 at 13:50:32
A mate's told me Pip's tweeted that he's not starting tonight.....? His brother picked up on it apparently and Pip's backed off saying he was just bluffing.....?

I'd be amazed if he doesn't start – if he isn't could we really be starting 4-4-2 with Pienaar / Fellaini / Osman / Naismith / Mirallas / Jelavic as the front 6...?

Swoon......

Eddie Tully
45 Posted 17/09/2012 at 14:05:10
Easy now Mike!
Mike Green
46 Posted 17/09/2012 at 14:20:23
Eddie - whisper it quietly, we might be going 4-3-3................?

Matron! : )

James Morgan
47 Posted 17/09/2012 at 14:31:29
This could be tasty tonight. 13 red cards in this fixture, second only to the derby.
Maybe worth a punt on a red.
As well, Jelavic to score and win is 11/4.
Can't wait for the match. COYB!
Ernie Baywood
48 Posted 17/09/2012 at 14:39:09
Put up whatever formation you want... we'll be playing with two attacking wide players and an advanced midfielder supporting Jelly.

If we win people will call it 4-3-3 or 4-4-2, if we draw or lose it will be 4-5-1.

James Martin
49 Posted 17/09/2012 at 14:33:42
Kevin

Neville, Osman, Mirallas, Pienaar and Naismith could all quite easily play in the same midfield. Neville has never played wide, he has only played as the holding mid (every team needs one), so I don't see the point you're trying to make. Moyes has never picked Neville over a player like Mirallas or Naismith, they operate in completely different areas of the pitch. If we played without any holding mids, we'd ship goals all over the place.

How much the wide players defend depends on how they perform in the game, monopolise possession like we have been doing, and they'll stay further up the pitch. Nothing wrong with getting back in formation once we lose the ball, the majority of teams apart from Barcelona do this, this is what gives us the third best defensive record in the league last year.

Pienaar is probably the best defensive winger in the league yet that doesn't discount from his attacking play, he's just disciplined enough to do his job both ways, it is a two-way sport. No point having team of Royston Drenthes leaving defensive holes all over the place, attacking as that would be.

This season we've seen Pienaar and Naismith out wide, Fellaini advanced and Osman and Gibson as the first choice midfield pairing; in no way is this a defensive team. Neville is only a cover player in midifeld for Gibson's injury or when faced with superior opposition (as seen by his good performance v Man Utd).

I really can't see people's problems with Moyes's formations this season. The teams of 7 or 8 defenders seem to be consigned to the past for now.
Ernie Baywood
50 Posted 17/09/2012 at 14:42:01
For what it's worth, with the defensive injury problems Newcastle have, I expect to see Fellaini in the attacking role with Neville in defensive midfield.

And, provided we keep Ben Arfa quiet, I think we'll have a big win.

3-0 Fella, Jelavic (2)

John Ford
51 Posted 17/09/2012 at 15:07:53
Back on the saddle please.....and an under the lights goodison racket to help nail the barcodes
Mike Green
52 Posted 17/09/2012 at 14:51:50
James #232 - Paddy Power are doing their money back special on 1st Goalscorer, correct score and scorecasts if there's a red card tonight. A red card at any point is 4/1. I cant see any of our lot getting reds, not too sure about them.

If we're going big Jelavic is 25/1 for a hat-trick.......

Nick Entwistle
53 Posted 17/09/2012 at 15:21:09
James Martin, Neville never played wide? Are you 16? Because I remember that being the default right flank many a time. Not recently, but many a time.
Tony Cheek
54 Posted 17/09/2012 at 15:10:35
0nly 3 games in and already a huge fixture. 3 points takes us right up to third place with the big boys, with the pro-Moyes mob giving it " I told you he`d come good". Defeat and its mid table mediocrity and the anti- Moyes lads crying " See, I told you its not going to get any better".
So, DM, get it right, lets play OUR game and let Pardew worry about us.
I am going for 2-0, great team Peter Jones #157, but Mirallas wont start, thats how Moyes is......COYB!
Kevin Tully
55 Posted 17/09/2012 at 15:28:31
You're bang on the money there James #235.

This season has seen different tactics, let's put our fingers in our ears and sing at the top of our voice so we can forget about the last nine seasons playing 4-5-1.

I must have been hallucinating when I have been shouting at Neville all these years - "DON'T PLAY THAT FLOATER DOWN THE RIGHT LINE AGAIN FFS !"

James Martin
56 Posted 17/09/2012 at 15:34:04
Nick when has Neville ever played right flank on a consistent basis? Osman has been a mainstay there from the start of Moyes's tenure, Arteta had a fair stint there as well. Then you can pick any out of a number of failures including Simon Davies, VDM, Bily, Drenthe. Neville's played RB yes but I can't remember him playng right mid except a few times during an injury crisis. He has certainly never been a favoured pick of Moyes for the right wing as part of some overtly negative tactical formation, it has just never happened.
James Martin
57 Posted 17/09/2012 at 15:39:26
Kevin, I have never denied that Neville has played RB. I've seen billions of his floaters down the line, but he's barely ever played ahead of a RB. Who else do you want at RB? Naismith and Mirallas? I think you're getting a bit confused over who plays where on the football field. Playing Neville at Right Back does not contribute to a defensive formation, he's a defender playing in a defensive position.
Paul David
58 Posted 17/09/2012 at 15:40:39
I have to be honest and say I don't remember Neville playing wide right but maybe its been burned from my memory as its too painfull to think about.
Kevin Tully
59 Posted 17/09/2012 at 15:43:55
You may be right guys - but there is no denying we want to see an attacking line-up tonight - so play Fellaini holding, and 4 attacking mids ;

Mirallas - Osman - Naismith - Pienaar and Jelavic the focal point.

See, no need for any floaters !

Brian Garside
60 Posted 17/09/2012 at 15:30:36
I would also play Fela CM beside Osman but would, considering the Toons injuries play Vellios up front thereby keeping a similar shape and therfore gameplan as against Utd. I fail to understand all the fuss about Naismith and would start with Mirrallas. Junior, Coleman and Gueye as tactical subs and Big Vic if we need a steam roller.
Andrew Oxton
61 Posted 17/09/2012 at 15:53:07
I wish I was as confident as Betfair! 16/5 for the draw and 6-1 for a Newcastle win.
Nick Entwistle
62 Posted 17/09/2012 at 16:28:18
He has James, Hibbert bashing hit its all time high about 5 or 6 seasons back when the better RB Neville played ahead of him when there were better players for the right mid spot than Neville. I can see why it's a period you've forgotten! But it did happen, believe me!
Eddie Tully
63 Posted 17/09/2012 at 17:39:10
James,I think you'll find Bily was played at left mid......

Anyhow,lets hope the big mercenary Felli puts in a better shift than he did at west brom. If he does and Bainaar play well,we'll be in 3rd tonight!

Mike Green
64 Posted 17/09/2012 at 18:05:00
I'm with you Nick, I'm pretty sure he's been played in front of Hibbo in the past.
Phil Sammon
65 Posted 17/09/2012 at 18:51:09
I have absolutely zero recollection of Neville playing right mid...thank god!
Peter Thistle
66 Posted 17/09/2012 at 19:05:27
It seems Moyes has chosen Oz and Neville in midfield with Mirallas on the right and Pienaar on the left. Felli up behind Jelly again.

Predictable but let's hope it works....

Paul David
67 Posted 17/09/2012 at 19:09:07
Peter

Is this you guessing or has the team been announced?

Pat Finegan
68 Posted 17/09/2012 at 19:05:24
I think Neville played left mid last pre-season against DC United towards the end of the match. I think he even did a step-over that match but it might have been from full-back.
Pat Finegan
69 Posted 17/09/2012 at 19:12:44
Line-up is on the OS now.
Paul David
70 Posted 17/09/2012 at 19:15:50
FFS
Trevor Lynes
71 Posted 17/09/2012 at 19:14:52
I do not agree that our squad is the best we have had. It's too small and to expect a top 4 finish without injuries is wanting a miracle. We still loan out far too many players and our squad is only 19 including Oviedo.

DM tends to get by with playing men out of position, eg, Distin for Baines when the old man is really not equipped for the extra pace and stamina that is needed. Distin is a fine centre-back and that is where he must play.

If the board is failing to provide real cover for Baines then a top 4 is a pipe dream. I do not expect much more than a top half finish with the present squad because it is too small!!
Ciarán McGlone
72 Posted 17/09/2012 at 19:24:29
Neville has played right mid on more than one occasion... it was horrible. It think both occasions were Moyes tactical changes during the game.

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