Metalist's Brazilian Benny, Taison.With the news that Newcastle United will be facing Metalist Kharkiv over two legs in the the next round of our Europa League campaign, I thought it might be a good idea to probe this side from the north east of Ukraine.
Going on what Alan Pardew said when he was interviewed about the draw, he seems to know buggerall about them. When probed on how much he know about Metalist, he replied:
“Not much really”
So, Alan, you may find this helpful!
Currently fourth in the Ukrainian Premier Liga (behind Shakhtar Donetsk, Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk and Dynamo Kyiv), they finished third last season as they have for the last six seasons, always behind the big two Ukrainian giants, Dynamo Kyiv and Shaktar Donetsk.
Roughly, they are strong side who are more or less on the same kind of level as our toughest opponents in the group stage, Girondins de Bordeaux, who we beat 3-0 at home and lost to 2-0 at their place. (more…)
Silver Supremo scolds Bordeaux bairns.Speaking after Newcastle United’s 2-0 capitulation to Bordeaux in their last Europa League Group D game, Alan Pardew blamed the fact that the side had already qualified for the next round, Bordeaux’s pitch and some disappointing performances for the younger players he fielded for the defeat.
Pardew wailed:
“Yeah, I was a bit disappointed really. We both played mixed teams, we both obviously qualified which made it psychologically a difficult game I think. The pitch was difficult, it was heavy. They play Rugby on that pitch and it was heavy on the legs. I thought they coped better with the pitch and they were the better side. They deserved to win.”
He then moved on, pouring scorn on the young players who he felt didn’t take their chance to impress him. He also suggested that they may have blown their only chance to put themselves in his thoughts for future games this season as more “Purple” first team regulars return, continuing: (more…)
Can we go through this evening?Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle. Date: Thursday, 22nd November. Kick off: 8:05pm Referee: Danny Makkelie (Holland). UK TV: ESPN.
Hello, good evening and welcome to our “match banter” feture for this evening’s Europa League game against the Madeirans of C.S. Maritmo.
With Newcastle United topping Group D with eight points, a win this evening would definitely see us through into the next round, However, if second placed Bordeaux with seven points win too, we would have to take it to the last game to find out who will top the group in the final reckoning, which could affect the strength of opposition we face in the next round.
On the other side, Maritimo, bottom of the group with only two points are just hanging on by the skin of their teeth now, and meed to go all out for two wins in their final two group games to stand any chance, so it would be no surprise if the Portuguese Men-o-War come out on the attack, as merely playing for a draw will get them nowhere now. However, for some in depth background to this evening’s game, may I suggest you check out my extensive match preview, which should tell you everything you need to know about this evening’s oppostion, and if that isn’t enough, you can also find some further background to the game in the previous pieces I wrote for our two legged battle here and here, which should be more than enough for anybody! (more…)
