Newcastle United take on Swansea City this weekend in the Premier League as they look to bounce back from the 0-1 defeat against West Ham last week.
The Magpies were without captain and defender Fabricio Coloccini, who has been handed a three-game suspension following the reckless and dangerous tackle on Luis Suarez two weeks ago.
The tackled was judged to be malicious and deliberate; hence the Argentinian was punished accordingly. Newcastle were also without midfield enforcer Cheick Tiote, who had been sent off in the Wear-Tyne derby last month.
The player probably has the worst disciplinary record in the league, averaging a yellow card every other game. Manager http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alan-c4244 Pardew had warned the player to work on his discipline and composure, or else risk threatening his career.
The player had himself vowed to improve his disciplinary record, but insisted that he will not be able to change his aggressive playing style. Tiote’s absence in the game against the Hammers was felt as the visitors dominated the hosts, and made their physical
presence felt.
West Ham’s Mohamed Diame had bossed the Newcastle’s players in midfield and had been impressive for the travelling side.
Tiote will be welcomed to the first team with open arms after completing his three-match ban, and will provide a major boost for Newcastle as they look to improve their shaky form.
The Magpies are currently targeting a Champions League spot, with manager Alan Pardew confident that his side will be able to finish in the top four. However, they currently lie in 10th spot; one point above Swansea City.
Tiote’s return will relieve Pardew, who watches as his team struggle to replicate last season’s impressive form. The manager said:
“Cheick will be back for Swansea, and he’s important to us. We miss him in these physical games.”
“Diame’s power was there to see. He kept running with the ball and kept it well. He wouldn’t have been able to do that against Cheick for sure.”
Pardew has refused to blame Europa League hangovers for his team’s lackadaisical form and the defeat against West Ham. He added:
“It has nothing to do with Europe. We made so many changes it’s not an excuse. We just didn’t start the game and were lacking imagination and the verve to unlock West Ham.”
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