How Newcastle United Will Line Up Against Cardiff City
Monday’s 3-2 defeat at Everton underlined some serious concerns surrounding Newcastle United’s defence, and manager Alan Pardew is expected to make changes for the trip to Cardiff City this weekend.
After conceding three goals without reply in the opening 45 minutes at Goodison Park, questions were rightly asked of the Magpies’ shape and organisation at the back as the Toffees ran riot.
And though a semblance of pride was restored after the break, the Toon boss knows a similar display in the Welsh capital could have disastrous consequences in terms of his future.
So with all eyes on Newcastle’s response to their first-half horror show on Merseyside, we look at how Pardew’s men could line up against the Bluebirds on Saturday.
Goalkeeper: Tim Krul
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Tim Krul will have been disappointed at the way the ball squirmed beneath him for Romelu Lukaku’s opener for Everton on Monday, and he was also left in no man’s land for the Belgian’s second.
The 25-year-old will certainly keep his place in the starting XI, and though his mistakes at Goodison Park were uncharacteristic, the Dutch goalkeeper will be hoping for a quieter game at Cardiff City.
Krul’s wish, however, will be determined by how Newcastle United’s much-maligned defence perform on the day.
Full-Backs: Mathieu Debuchy and Paul Dummett
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Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has done little to hide his admiration of young left-back Paul Dummett this season, and given Davide Santon’s unreliable form of late, the 22-year-old could get the nod at Cardiff City.
Santon had another game to forget at Goodison Park, and though Massadio Haidara has returned to full training, his lack of match fitness could see Dummett given the go ahead after impressing against Leeds United in the League Cup last week.
On the other flank, despite some erratic form of his own, Mathieu Debuchy is expected to keep his place merely out of a lack of competition.
As the Toon’s only recognised right-back, the Frenchman appears to have the position all to himself despite some questionable performances in a black and white shirt this term.
Centre-Backs: Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson
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With Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa taken off at half-time against Everton, it would be no surprise to see the French defender miss out this weekend in favour of Mike Williamson.
The former Watford and Wycombe Wanderers man had an immediate effect at Goodison Park and Newcastle looked a far stronger unit at the back following the 29-year-old’s introduction.
As question marks continue to surround the fitness of Steven Taylor, Williamson looks certain to play a part in South Wales.
Though captain Fabricio Coloccini didn’t cover himself in glory on Merseyside either, Alan Pardew should keep faith in the Argentinian and offer his skipper the chance to right a few wrongs.
Central Midfielders: Vurnon Anita and Cheick Tiote
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Despite their ragged display in the first half at Everton, Vurnon Anita was one of Newcastle United’s best players on the night and should rightfully keep his place in Alan Pardew’s team.
Alongside him in the Toon’s engine room, Cheick Tiote could well continue his run in the side at the expense of Moussa Sissoko, who struggled to make any real impact at Goodison Park.
Attacking Midfielder: Yohan Cabaye
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After coming off the bench and scoring a wonder goal at Everton, Yohan Cabaye has been described as an "absolute banker" to start against Cardiff City at the Weekend.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew described the French playmaker as a class act and will name the former Lille star in his starting XI in the hope that he can inspire his teammates as he did on Monday.
Wide Forwards: Hatem Ben Arfa and Yoan Gouffran
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After his much-vaunted head-to-head with Leighton Baines failed to materialise on Monday, Hatem Ben Arfa must go back to the drawing board having been substituted at half-time at Everton.
There have been suggestions on Tyneside this week that the enigmatic Frenchman would be better suited to a more central role, and he could well be moved inside at Cardiff City if his threat from the flanks is nullified once more.
On the opposite side, the work rate and attitude of Yoan Gouffran could see the former Bordeaux star keep his place in Alan Pardew’s starting XI.
The 27-year-old hasn’t let anyone down this season and is a constant threat from out wide as well as in and around the penalty area.
Centre-Forward: Loic Remy
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Though he was starved of service in the first half against Everton, Loic Remy benefited from Newcastle United’s reshuffle at the break and netted his third goal in two games.
In a more central role, the on-loan forward could be the main beneficiary in the Toon’s front three, and his form could see Papiss Cisse named on the bench for the second time in a week at Cardiff City.
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