We spoke to Newcastle fan Steve Gale from CTI about their chances on Saturday and life under new manager Steve McClaren. You can follow Steve on Twitter at @cybermag.
Fan View
Were you happy with your transfer business this summer?
After avoiding relegation by the skin of our teeth last season, our owner has learned some lessons and we’ve spent some money this summer. We’ve bought good players and strengthened in the areas we needed to. We still need more, because the lack of previous investment still shows.
What are your hopes for the season?
I want a solid season and a decent FA Cup run would be nice. Realistically, I think just a solid season to rebuild is about right.
If you could place one City player in the Newcastle team, who would it be?
City have a plethora of really good players and many of them could make a notable difference to our squad. Aguero and Bony are both fantastic players, but I think the biggest impact would come from a player in midfield. We’re lacking pace in midfield and also a bit of guile. I’d love to see Toure because I think he reads the game very well and gets more out of the players around him, but if I have to pick only one, I’d say Sterling because of his pace. It’s close though, as I’d love what Toure brings to the team.
If you could place a past Newcastle player (in his prime) in the current Newcastle team, who would it be?
Shearer is the obvious one, however, I have to say we’re lacking in midfield. My choice would have to be Peter Beardsley. Beardo was a phenomenal player in his own right; he was quick (enough) but incredibly skilful. He read the game so well and he made those around him better players. Andy Cole would never have been so prolific for us if it wasn’t for Beardo putting the ball in just the right spot for him 5-10 times a game.
Any rising stars in the Toon ranks we should keep an eye on?
One of our new signings - Florian Thauvin is definitely one to watch. He’s quick and has an eye for a pass. Kevin Mbabu is a young defender who is calm and assured above his years.
Who is your most important player?
Our Captain Coloccini is very important as he leads from the back and Jack Colback provides us with some strength in midfield. But we need to start winning some games so I’m going to go with another of our new signings - Georginio Wijnaldum. He’s creative and can score.
What will be the key battle in today’s game?
The obvious one would be for Colo to put Aguero in his pocket I suppose, but Colback on Toure is going to be key.
Predicted starting XI:
Krul, Janmaat, Coloccini, Mbemba, Mbabu, Sissoko, Colback, Anita, Wijnaldum, Pérez, Mitrovic
Score Prediction:
I hate predicting a loss, but I think 2-0 to City. If we can get a goal early to give us some confidence following the Chelsea game, then we could give you a game, but my head tells me we’ll get beaten.
