As we approach Saturday’s game, we spoke to Read Newcastle editor, Thomas Bore to find out how Newcastle fans are feeling ahead of the game. Thomas speaks about McClaren, Mourinho and gives his predictions.
Newcastle have not enjoyed a great start to the season? What has gone wrong so far this season?
I don’t think we are as bad as the pundits are making out. Our performance against West Ham was dire, but the four games leading up to the game in East London were pretty impressive. A lack of confidence seems to be our biggest problem, especially in front of goal. No one has taken it upon themselves to end our goalscoring crisis with Mitrovic suspended. The most obvious option, Papiss Cisse has been woeful so far this season.
There have been changes on the pitch and in the dugout, how has Steve McClaren changed the side?
McClaren has encouraged the players to retain possession and build from the back – something we haven’t done in years – so it’s understandable that it will take time for our players to adapt. McClaren does admit that he doesn’t currently know his best eleven or formation, so that could be a cause for concern, especially as we are in desperate need for him to find the formula.
Is he in danger of losing his job and could Saturday be the deciding factor?
Not at all. Just look at Pardew and Carver as examples, our board will not act hastily. Even when we lost the magic eight games in a row under Carver, he was still retained. The year before, we had a streak of seven defeats in a row and Pardew was retained. McClaren will be given time.
What is the feeling amongst Newcastle fans?
While there’s the typical ‘ultra-fan’ who has been calling for McClaren’s head since day one, the majority are willing to be patient. Flash backs of last season, and the year before, are obviously unnerving, but we were in a similar state at the beginning of last season (it took us eight games to pick up our first win) and we were fifth by November.
Newcastle have proved a tricky side for Chelsea over the years, how do you see this game panning out?
I would like to think we will give you a good game and play well like we did against Manchester United and Arsenal. There are some of our players (mainly Moussa Sissoko) who play well against you, in what looks like an attempt to impress Mourinho and get their move to a bigger club. If you get the chance, watch Sissoko against Chelsea over the past two years and compare it to his performances every other week, it’s shocking.
How do you see Chelsea finishing this season?
Can anyone really say anything other than first or second? I think City have finally got their team of superstars working together, so I reckon the title is theirs, but second place for Chelsea isn’t all bad – right?
Who is likely to cause Chelsea problems on Saturday night?
If we play like we did against Watford, you’ll be playing against Daryl Janmaat, Chancel Mbemba and nine spectators. The pair have been our best players so far and, even though it’s still pretty poor, our defence has seen a significant improvement with them on the right (RCB & RB).
Can we get your score and goal scorers ’ prediction?
Newcastle 1-2 Chelsea (Mitrovic; Hazard, Pedro)
