Preview: Newcastle United vs Swansea City; Kick off; January 13, 15:00; Venue; St James’ Park; Referee; Graham Scott
Most of the time, the mood surrounding Newcastle United is as black and white as the shirts they wear; the atmosphere around the city can be like a yoyo, going up if the team wins and down after a string of defeats. In that sense, it is no different to any other football club in the country; but because it is an isolated institution, the contrast takes on a new level.
Right now, though, there is something of a mixed, grey feeling on Tyneside. After a run of nine games without a win came to an end against West Ham over Christmas, the Magpies went on to pick up a point at home to Brighton and add another victory over Stoke. Their improved form has lifted them to 13th in the Premier League, two points above the drop zone, and the FA Cup win over Luton Town last week was their first at St James’ Park since late October.
But a familiar feeling of frustration in the transfer market, both for the fans and Rafa Benitez, and stagnation in the deal that should see Mike Ashley sell the club to prospective new owner Amanda Staveley, has taken the tone down. Swansea City come to town on Saturday with hope of exploiting the growing worry that an already weak Newcastle squad will not be receiving the major surgery needed to avoid a nervy second half of the season.
The Swans, currently bottom of the Premier League, have already made a big change in their battle to maintain top-flight status. Carlos Carvahal replaced Paul Clement just a week after he himself was sacked by Sheffield Wednesday; the Portuguese won his first game in charge at Watford, before a narrow defeat to Tottenham at the Liberty Stadium and a draw with Wolves in the FA Cup.
Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles has grown into their most integral figure this season; his absence has been more than noticeable both in terms of the team’s defensive resilience and leadership. Although they have looked much better on the road of late, Newcastle always hope to make St James’ Park a fortress; victory on Saturday will mean securing their third double of the season, after West Ham and Stoke. Lascelles’ header settled the last meeting between these two at the Liberty Stadium in September, but a goal-line clearance from Tammy Abraham in the second half showed his quality and unwavering commitment to the cause.
Three points will not add clarity to the issues surrounding the takeover and transfers, but it will give that little bit more breathing space between Newcastle and danger. For Swansea, it would go a long way to fuelling their hopes of a great escape.
Newcastle face three in-form sides after this, including Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium next week, before Crystal Palace and Burnley; a trip to Chelsea in the FA Cup will be sandwiched in between, provided they beat Norwich City in their replay. Swansea, meanwhile, face Liverpool at home, Arsenal away and Burnley at home following their trip to the North East, as well as a replay with Wolves.
Team News
Newcastle could welcome back Rob Elliot in goal after he returned to training this week, though Karl Darlow arguably deserves to keep his place after a particularly impressive display in the win at Stoke. Aleksandar Mitrovic has returned to fitness after missing the festive fixtures, but he is unlikely to feature due to his desire to depart the club and find regular first team football elsewhere.
Another man linked with a move away, Chancel Mbemba, missed the win over Luton last week and is unlikely to return for this one. Florian Lejeune is still absent, too.
Carvahal has a number of players who are doubtful for the trip to Newcastle, including Tammy Abraham, a Magpies target in the summer, Ki-sung Yeoung, Renato Sanches and experienced pair Angel Rangel and Leon Britton. Leroy Fer saw his red card at Wolves rescinded and he will be available
Expected line-ups
Newcastle: Darlow, Dummett, Lascelles, Clark, Yedlin, Merino, Shelvey, Ritchie, Atsu, Gayle, Joselu
Swansea: Fabianski, Olsson, Mawson, Fernandez, Naughton, Fer, Carroll, Mesa, Narsingh, Ayew, Bony
Did you know?
Carlos Carvahal knows how to beat Newcastle having already done it three times in two seasons with Wednesday. He masterminded a League Cup victory on Tyneside against Steve McClaren’s side in September 2016, before doing the double over Benitez’s eventual Championship winners last season. Swansea, though, represent the best possible opportunity for Newcastle to get another big three points on the board, given they have only won four games in all this term and look doomed with only 16 points to their name.
Prediction
Newcastle have not been overwhelming favourites to win a game many times this season, but despite that home record they are desperate to improve, they find themselves in that position on Saturday. Carvahal has a great record against them, and has improved Swansea’s performance levels, but the Magpies really need to win this one and they should do. Score Prediction: Newcastle United 2-0 Swansea City
