Newcastle United vs Cardiff City
Date: 19/01/2019
K/O: 15:00
Venue: St James’ Park
Referee: Stuart Attwell
Two sides flirting with the relegation zone will face off on Saturday as Newcastle United entertain a Cardiff side who are just one point above them in the battle for survival.
Newcastle’s league form has been woeful as of late but they picked up a much-needed boost midweek. Rafa Benitez’s side claimed a dramatic victory over Blackburn in the FA Cup replay in a 4-2 victory which went all the way to extra time at Ewood Park. The Magpies last win in the league though came six games ago, a close win over Huddersfield and at the time they were clear of the relegation zone, but have since slipped into it after clubs surrounding them have picked up much-needed results.
Cardiff are one position above Newcastle in 17th, just one point above the bottom three. Last time out, they picked up a point against Huddersfield, another relegation contender, in a rather unentertaining 0-0 draw. That game was at home, where they have been relatively good this season. It’s on the road where they have faced problems yet Newcastle are no slouches on their home patch either.
Both sides have just one win in their last five games, so there are no obvious winners on recent form. The Bluebirds have not won a single league match against Newcastle in their history which will not fill Warnock with confidence. Expect the game to be a physical battle with attacking returns likely to be limited; what will not be lacking is commitment and passion though which are bound to be in great supply.
Team news
Newcastle United: Unfortunately for Benitez, the list of absentees for Newcastle is a lengthy one. Kenedy is suffering from a foot problem, a rare issue regarding his nails, yet the winger is expected to make a return after missing out against parent club Chelsea last time out. Ciaran Clark is struggling with a knee problem and he is in doubt due to inflammation in that area.
Fellow defender Jamaal Lascelles is in doubt as well, courtesy of a thigh problem with Yoshinori Muto absent on national duty at the Asian Cup. Paul Dummett will also be ruled out due to a long-term hamstring injury.
Three midfielders, namely Jonjo Shelvey, Mohamed Diame and Ki Sung-Yeung are all doubts. Ki is still a while from a return, though the other two could possibly feature. Benitez said that the Blackburn game would come too soon for them, but the Cardiff one was a possible return.
Cardiff City: Spaniard Victor Camarasa hobbled off injured for the second successive Premier League game as he was unable to continue against Huddersfield due to a muscle strain. Warnock said that his status is doubtful and Joe Ralls may have to deputise in midfield in replace of the man on loan from Real Betis.
Another important player, Callum Paterson, suffered a muscle problem against the Terriers and he will also undergo a late fitness check. Fellow attackers Kadeem Harris and Kenneth Zohore are also sidelined, and they have very few chances of featuring on Saturday.
Danny Ward has a head injury to deal with, and he could well take Paterson’s place if he fails to recover. Aside from that the rest of the lineup looks to be fairly secure. Josh Murphy will be hopeful of a start in the wide position and he will be partnered by one of Nathaniel Mendez-Laing or Junior Hoilett.
Predicted Starting XIs
Newcastle United (5-4-1): Dubravka; Ritchie, Schar, Clark, Lejeune, Yedlin; Kenedy, Diame, Hayden, Perez; Rondon
Cardiff City (4-1-4-1): Etheridge; Bennett, Morrison, Bamba, Ecuele Manga; Gunnarsson; Murphy, Ralls, Arter, Hoilett; Paterson
Score Prediction: Newcastle United 1 Cardiff City 0
The home side have not scored two goals in a league match since November with the visitors only managing two goals in their last five outings in the league, goals will be hard to come by in this one. Yet Newcastle are shrewd at home and a result in this one could be pivotal in their quest for survival.
