Newcastle United got their season off to a great start on Saturday as they beat Tottenham 2-1 at St. James’ Park and tonight the Magpies begin their Europa League campaign away to Greek side Atromitos. In 2010, Fulham made it all the way to the final of the competition so we ask, after a text from the ‘special one’, can Newcastle be inspired to do the same this time around?
Alan Pardew is set to rest a number of his key players for tonight’s game with captain Fabricio Coloccini, the club’s top goal-scorer from last season Demba Ba and midfield engine man Cheick Tiote are all suffering with knocks. Striker Shola Ameobi and youngsters Sammy Ameobi, Shane Ferguson and Haris Vuckic have also been left on Tyneside whilst Hatem Ben Arfa serves his first of a three-match ban dating back to his time at French club Marseilles.
You cannot blame Pardew for resting so many of his regular players, seeing as they have to visit Chelsea at Stamford Bridge less than 48 hours after tonight’s tie at the Peristeri Stadium but even without the likes of these players though, Newcastle will feel they have enough in the tank to take a winning-margin into next weeks second leg. Vurnon Anita, who signed for the club from Ajax last week and played the last 20 minutes against Spurs at the weekend is expected to feature tonight as are other new signings Romain Amalfitano and Gael Bigirimana.
At the age of 17, striker Adam Campbell could become the club’s youngest ever player to make his European debut if he gets his chance tonight and with the likes of fellow strikers Ba and both Ameobis staying at home this really is a possibility. If Campbell does get the nod to partner Papiss Cisse then he would break former (and possibly returning) striker Andy Carroll’s record of 17 years and 300 days. The young striker also had a good time against Tottenham at the weekend – he scored a hat-trick for the development team.
Another player who is keen to play a part in the club’s first European fixture for more than five years, is James Perch. The defender, who started and played the full 90 minutes in his side’s Premier League opener on Saturday evening is hoping he will not be rested in the Greek capital and says to play in Europe would be a massive achievement for him. One man who will definitely start is goalkeeper Steve Harper as number one, Tim Krul will be rested – Harper will make his first start for 16 months after fears that his career with the Geordies was over.
So what about their opponents? Atromitos finished fourth in the Greek Super League last season and finished as runners-up in the Greek Cup. They also finished as runners-up in the cup the season before last and have notably won all of their last five games in all competitions. Newcastle manager Pardew, has described his side’s Greek opposition as an organised, very hard-working team.
How far can the Magpies go? Steve McClaren’s Middlesbrough got to the UEFA Cup Final in 2006 after finishing 7th in the Premier League the previous season, a final which they lost 4-0 to Sevilla. How they would love to go one better than their North-East rivals. Then Fulham under Roy Hodgson, also fell short to a Spanish team in 2010, eventually losing 2-1 after extra-time to Atletico Madrid in the final of the newly named Europa League – the West London club, like ‘Boro, had qualified for the competition after finishing 7th the season before.
Unquestionably, after finishing 5th last year, Newcastle have a better squad than either ‘Boro or Fulham did and therefore there is no reason why they cannot make the final to be held at the Amsterdam Arena on May 15th but go one better than these two teams managed.
Pardew and Newcastle got a big boost before tonight’s game when Jose Mourinho sent his fellow manager a text telling him and his side to enjoy the occasion and realise that they are being recognised all across Europe. The Magpies have definitely earned their path back into European football after winning their place through their league position last term and without doubt have the blend of class, experience and youth to go far in this competition.
Newcastle fans, what do you think?
image: © nyaa birdies perch
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