Newcastle: Time to Earn Our Spurs

Article by e-Newcastle Correspondent Adam Vass

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The last two performances have left a sour taste in my mouth, with the team not performing to the standard we know they are capable of. Is Pardew to blame? Is it the sale of a core player in our team? Or is it simply losing the third derby in a row? Whether it is just one of these factors or a culmination of them all, the next few games can determine the rest of our season.

A few weeks ago, the fixture against Tottenham Hotspur could have been classed as a 6 pointer, but with the unforeseen downturn in Newcastle’s form, it is now looking like a case of damage limitation.

Team News

Mathieu Debuchy has been ruled out with a calf injury, hopefully he will return for the following game. Coloccini remains side-lined, leaving Pardew likely to keep Steven Taylor in the starting line-up after Yanga-Mbiwa’s embarrassing foul on Eto’o, resulting in a penalty for Eden Hazard to complete his hat-trick.

Papiss Cisse is set to return to the squad after a few weeks on the sidelines through injury, whether he is involved in the game is another question. I believe Cisse could prove a key player in the remaining games of the season, he is a proven premier league goal scorer and can bring experience to the side, as well as a different style to the way we have been playing (as long as he stays onside).

The Opposition

Tottenham have been in good form recently with only one slip up against Man City due to Danny Rose being sent off. Adebayor has been a key figure in the spurs revival since AVB left and has scored 6 in 9 games. Spurs are without a premier league win at Newcastle since 2004 but they couldn’t ask for a better time to try and change that.

Last year this fixture was on the opening day of the season as Demba Ba and Hatem Ben Arfa secured the victory despite Defoe’s 76th minute equaliser. Some of you will also remember Alan Pardew pushing the linesman, resulting in a touchline ban and some amusement for the home fans (well, I found it funny anyway).

Can the team surprise us and get a result against Spurs? The skies are looking dark and gloomy at the minute but a good performance can change that in an instant. Howay the lads!

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