Time to get over the disappointment of Tuesday night’s defeat to PSG.
If we play like we did against the French champions, we should have too much for the Barcodes… assuming we can actually find the back of the net.
Trent is the only injury doubt and, with Bradley still on the sidelines, it looks as though Quansah might have to resume at right back. Otherwise, it’ll be Arne’s usual “first team”, one would imagine:
Ali
Quansah Ibou Virg Robbo
Mac Grav
Mo Dom Lucho
Jota
I would actually start Darwin here, as Jota looked lifeless on Tuesday, but I’m probably in a minority there.
Our opponents arrive in mediocre form, having won three and lost three of their last six games in all competitions. Of course, that includes a comprehensive 2-0 defeat at Anfield; again, we should be beating this lot comfortably but our inability to find the back of the net against PSG has to be of at least some concern.
The match officials have been confirmed as the following:
Referee: John Brooks
Assistant Referees: Eddie Smart and Nick Greenhalgh
This assumes that Konate will be fit. It looked like sheer exhaustion on Tuesday so I am guessing that he will be. We will probably get some evidence of training for today.
If he doesn’t make it, would it make sense to play Quansah at CB and Endo at RB or, possibly, the other way around? Is there a midfield option that would be suited as a wing back?
Tough call. I’ve always liked Jota coming off the bench as i think he is great as an impact sub. Although that may be bias by me only remembering the times he scores from doing so.
I wonder if Gakpo is fit whether Arne will go back to using Duaz in the centre ( i doubt it but i cant remember if Diaz played the 9 when Jota was fit and its a shame that they are probably better players than Jota and Darwin for us but we may be only able to fit one of them in the team at a time)?
I dont think Arne has used Gakpo as the central forward has he. I’m a bit surprised at that given he had experience of that role under Jurgen?
Will be interesting to see how Newcastle approach this game. Whether the try to play high energy attacking game from the off or go defensive from the start and try to tire us out first.
I am a little bit nervous that the lads played 90 minutes on Tuesday and the word tired does appear to be cropping up in both interviews by the coach and players - although i dont know if thats at the behest of journalist’s questions.
Our biggest test was going down 0-1 to Southampton. We’ve passed all the other tough tests besides PSG. The only thing against us on Sunday will be fatigue.
I’m with you on that, wanted him to start midweek as well. Jotas been off the pace for a while and coming off the bench against tired legs would probably suit him better
1 goal in the last 4 finals and from a set-piece. Last goal in a final from open play was Bobby’s against Flamengo. Last goal from open play within 90mins was Mane against Chelsea.