1. Give us your assessment of Newcastle’s season so far.
Despite the summer revamp that saw seven fresh faces arrive at the club’s Benton base, Newcastle’s season has fairly anti-climatic. Injuries to a number of key players, coupled with others struggling to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, has seen the Magpies struggle to maintain the fine form from October through to early December [7 wins from 9 games – including the scalps of Spurs, City, Liverpool and Chelsea].
Even though the departure of Alan Pardew was met by an overriding feeling of joyousness, that was quickly brushed aside by the feeling of despair when it hit us that his right-hand man would be the man to guide us the rest of the way, despite some reputable names like Frank de Boer and Remi Garde being linked to the job.
2. How is John Carver getting on? Is he likely to get the job permanently in the summer? If not, who would the fans like to see appointed?
Having recorded just two wins under Carver’s management, Newcastle have fallen to 11th place – four points behind West Ham in 10th, but five above Palace in 12th. Despite the poor form, a number of players, who the fans deemed as ‘Pardewed’, have been given a new lease of life under Carver, including French playmaker Remy Cabella and fellow compatriot Yoan Gouffran.
3. How do you view Everton and what do you make our season so far?
To be honest, Everton remind me of Newcastle two seasons ago. A thin squad, riddled with injuries, and the burden of Europa League football – a deadly combination.
Much like the Geordie faithful with Pardew, the loyal home crowd at Goodison Park have pointed the finger at Roberto Martinez for the Toffee’s shortcomings this campaign.
4. How highly do you rate Roberto Martinez?
I think some of the criticism towards Roberto has been unfair. He’s a good manager, working with a thin squad with the added burden of the Europa League. Give him another season, without the Thursday-Sunday combination, and see how he fairs.
5. Which 3 Everton players would you take to Tyneside given the chance?
Having failed to live up to the hype surrounding him prior to his arrival on Tyneside, it seems unlikely that Newcastle will activate the £6million buy-clause in Facundo Ferreyra’s loan deal, so my first signing would be Romelu Lukaku.
Secondly, Ross Barkley to cover for injury prone Siem De Jong, who’s ruled out for the remainder of the season having suffered a collapsed lung.
Last, but not least, John Stones. This one is pretty self explanatory. Our centre-backs are Coloccini, Taylor and Williamson. Need I say more?
6. Which Newcastle players should Everton be wary of on Sunday?
If he’s fit, Remy Cabella will be the one to watch. Since Alan Pardew’s departure at the turn of the year, Cabella has been freed from the shackles and has transformed into our brightest spark. His vision, pace and fancy footwork has seen Cabella run defenders ragged under Carver’s management. Daryl Janmaat’s overlapping runs will also be key to the Frenchman’s success down the right-hand side.
7. And who will Magpies fans fear in a blue shirt?
Well, Williamson and Coloccini will have their work cut out trying to contain Romelu Lukaku. Both our full-backs will be wary of the threat down the wings, with Baines and Coleman overlapping too. Janmaat & Taylor will be expecting their wide-midfielders to work a lot harder defensively than they’re used to. As a result, I can see Carver starting Ameobi ahead of Gouffran, who possess a high defensive work-rate.
8. Likely Newcastle team and score prediction?
My predicted line-up is as follows: Newcastle (4-4-2) Krul, Janmaat, Williamson, Coloccini, R.Taylor, Cabella, Colback, Sissoko, Ameobi, Riviere, Perez.
Haidara is 50/50 – he will start if fit.
Prediction: 2-2
