Following last weekend’s 2-2 draw at home to Southampton, Newcastle now face a trip to the Liberty Stadium to take on Swansea City. The Welsh outfit picked up a point against Chelsea on the opening day and are hoping to replicate last season’s eighth place finish.
Ahead of the game, I caught up with Read Swansea editor and Swansea fan Declan Terry for his insight into the fixture.
Swansea enjoyed a successful campaign last season. Has their pre-season preparation filled you with the hope that it’ll happen again?
It’s hard to say really. Last season we had a pretty poor pre-season in terms of results, but then we went on to have a truly remarkable season, finishing in a record-breaking eighth place. This pre-season we went on tour to Germany and drew 1-1 with an impressive Borussia Monchengladbach side, then we beat 1860 Munich 2-1. We drew against Reading and Nottingham Forest 1-1 in July and then there was another draw again against La Liga side Deportivo La Coruna a week before the Premier League started. So it hasn’t been a bad pre-season as we’re undefeated, but after last week’s draw against Chelsea, I’m sure that if we continue that calibre of performance we can achieve another top half finish.
What new arrivals should Newcastle be wary of?
Andre Ayew is probably the stand out name. The Ghanaian was outstanding against Chelsea last week and even grabbed a debut goal at Stamford Bridge. He will be some threat, not to just Newcastle, but for every team in the league this season. New left-back Franck Tabanou has been immense in pre-season and if he plays, his pace and great crossing ability can trouble the Magpies. Then there’s new striker Eder, who looks quite sharp in the box. Don’t mistake him for Bafetimbi Gomis though, as they look nearly identical on the pitch.
What do you make of Newcastle’s summer business so far?
I’m very impressed with Newcastle’s signings, I’ve got to say. Georginio Wijnaldum is a player I’ve admired for a few years now, and when Newcastle signed him I was actually happy – I love top-class players coming into the Premier League. Wijnaldum is exactly the type of player that you need, a real all-round midfielder. You pipped us in signing Aleksandar Mitrovic from Anderlecht, but again he’s another great player joining Newcastle. Mitrovic is a proper goal scorer, something you’ve been missing since the Papiss Cisse of 2012 I think. Chancel Mbemba seems to be another decent centre-back, and I already love him just for wearing a tux to last week’s game! Ivan Toney is a player that I don’t know too much about, but I hear he’s got good potential.
What is your take on Newcastle’s managerial appointment? Is Steve McClaren good enough for the Premier League?
I have my doubts to be honest. McClaren is a good manager there’s no doubt about that, but can he handle the pressure at Newcastle? In previous years, with Derby in particular, once the pressure’s on, McClaren’s teams seem to crumble – take the 2014 play-off final and last season’s promotion race for a perfect example. He can get the best out of players though, and I think he will definitely keep Newcastle up this campaign. But is he the man to take Newcastle back into an established top-half club? I don’t think so.
Which Newcastle player(s), if any, would you take at Swansea?
I’d have Georginio Wijnaldum and Moussa Sissoko definitely. Both effective and hardworking midfielders that could give Garry Monk a bit of versatility. I also wouldn’t mind Jamaal Lascelles as well. When I’ve seen him play he’s looked like a strong and capable centre-back, and he’s young too. He’ll be a great centre-back in a few years, I’m sure.
Who will the Swans fear in black and white shirt?
Moussa Sissoko always causes us trouble with his power in midfield. Wijnaldum looked great against Southampton, and he won’t let off against Swansea on Saturday. Papiss Cisse seems to love playing at the Liberty Stadium, after netting a brace there last October, so we’ll keep a close eye on him too.
Lastly, your predicted Swansea line-up and score prediction.
Fabianski, Naughton, Fernandez, Williams, Taylor, Cork, Shelvey, Sigurdsson, Ayew, Montero, Gomis.
I’m going for a 2-0 Swansea win, to keep up our brilliant record against Newcastle.
