Today, in the lead up to Newcastle’s massive home clash with Swansea on Saturday, I visited Newcastle’s Benton base in the north of the city. Unfortunately, I was not granted access to the ground itself, but whilst standing at the entrance I was able to speak to players as they left the training ground in their cars.
Newcastle captain Fabricio Coloccini revealed to me that he would not be in contention to face Swansea tomorrow. When asked about how soon he would be returning, the Argentine was unable to give any kind of definite date.
The man taking the armband in Coloccini’s place, Jonjo Shelvey, was one of the first few to depart at around 12:00pm. Disappointingly the Englishman didn’t stop for the 7 of us that were waiting by the gates hoping for a photo or autograph. Rather poor from Shelvey considering he’s the current captain at the moment and the fact that there were so few people waiting for the ex-Swansea midfielder.
The rest of the squad appeared from the main building in dribs and drabs after the session had finished. The majority of the first team squad were happy to stop for the fans, signing shirts and doing photos.
A couple, however, weren’t bothered to even make minimal effort for fans that had been waiting for a couple of hours. Notably, local lad Steven Taylor sped off. However, we weren’t that bothered or surprised that the man who looked like an immobile Sunday league centre back at Southampton.
Finally, the man that we’d all been waiting for, Rafa Benitez, appeared from the complex at around 2:20pm. The Spaniard had just finished his pre-match press conference with the local media ahead of the visit of Swansea. He was in the passenger seat alongside one of his assistant coaches as they left the training ground. Rafa wasn’t in the mood for photos, though, and pointed down at his phone as the black Mercedes drove on without stopping.
So to the main event, tomorrow’s must win against Swansea.
Date: Saturday 16th April
Venue: St James’ Park
Kick Off: 3:00pm
Team News:
Newcastle
- Newcastle will be without Daryl Janmaat who suffered a groin injury against Southampton and also broke two fingers punching a wall in the dressing room at St Mary’s.
- As mentioned earlier Fabricio Coloccini is out, but midfielder Jack Colback returns from suspension.
Swansea
- Swansea midfielder Leon Britton has recovered from the back and foot injuries which ruled him out last week.
- Head coach Francesco Guidolin has a full-strength squad and could name the same side which beat Chelsea.
Since their struggle for form earlier in the season, the Swans have really knuckled down and strung some good results together in recent months. The revival led by the relatively unknown Francesco Guidolin has gone slightly under the radar as fans and pundits alike have had their heads turned towards the race for the title and the relegation scrap at the bottom. Notable victories included their 2-1 win at the Emirates and the 1-0 win over Chelsea last weekend. Icelandic international Glyfi Sigurdsson has impressed and now has a decent tally of 11 goals for the season so far.
On the head to head record, the Welsh side have dominated the encounter in recent times. Swansea are unbeaten in their four Premier League visits to St James’ Park, winning the last three in a row. The Swans have won six of their last seven league meetings with Newcastle, drawing the other.
Could Senegalese striker Papiss Cisse rekindle fond memories from facing up against the Swans, albeit 4 seasons ago?
Here’s hoping…
