Hatem Ben Arfa: what we can learn from Chelsea

As he stepped towards the white line the crowd gave a roar, they had waited a year for this moment. Hatem Ben Arfa was now returning to the stage after a difficult first season in English football.

Over the past twelve months Newcastle fans have consoled themselves with Youtube clips and regaling the stories of ‘that day at Goodison park’. Time gives good memories a nostalgic gloss that is often hard to wipe away. Many still see the mercurial Frenchman glide across the turf leaving  Everton players in his wake. The ultimate highlight of that day was without question his goal, and it was hard not to get lost in the potential player the club had just acquired.

Little were fans to know that less than a month later Ben Arfa would be clutching an oxygen mask after a somewhat reckless challenge by Nigel De Jong. Over 12 months on Ben Arfa has returned, but so much has changed since he first appeared in black and white. The team, the tactics, even the manager has changed. Admittedly the new surroundings all seem better suited to his talents.

As a fan it is difficult to stay objective with a player like Ben Arfa. He excites with his play and evokes memories of former gallic wingers like Laurent Robert and David Ginola, if for his passport more than playing style. Given the number 10 by Alan Pardew, the assignment gave connotations that Ben Arfa was to operate between the midfield and attack. He is seen as the link man who would be given the space to drive at defenders.

His first few outings have been mixed, the skill is still there but the fluency is lacking as you may  expect with such a long term injury. It’s at this point I’m inclined to regress to that day at Goodison Park. Chris Hughton was somewhat rigid in his tactics, meaning Ben Arfa was played out wide, a role that actually seemed to benefit him.

We look back to our recent fixture at home to Chelsea and observe our then opponents to see that a modern wide man does not necessarily stay wide…

The drifter
Juan Manuel Mata was a large part of Chelsea’s attack that day, embarrassing Danny Simpson at one point, his touches and awareness as well as his ability to play the pitch horizontally was a constant problem for Newcastle. On the traditional chalk board he operates on the left wing, but in truth he rarely stays there.

In years gone by Mata may have been lambasted for drifting inside, his forrays into the middle of the pitch may have been construed as a players lacking in discpline. However as fans witnessed first hand, for a team such as Newcastle that does not (at this moment in time) operate with a defensive midfielder, the drifting wide man can cause havoc in the pockets of space between midfield and defence (akin to David Silva at Manchester City).

Ben Arfa out wide
This is where I introduce Ben Arfa to the frame. Adopting him in a wide position he is essentially the antithesis of the opposing wing and Jonas Gutierrez. Not as hard working as the Argentine, he is more skillful and far more likely to create chances for Demba Ba or Leon Best.

Analyzing Mata’s chalkboard from the fixture in early December* (something we touched on in the match analysis at the time) we see that much of his passing is done down the left flank. He does however drift inside to the centre of the pitch and to the edge of Newcastle’s box.

We can draw similar conclusions from the chalkboard of the Newcastle-Everton game last season**. Whilst not a carbon copy of Mata’s game Ben Arfa was more prominent on the flank and on the edge of the box.

Pushing the concept further with particular reference to the Manchester United game this season***. Ben Arfa’s passing suggests a natural leaning to the right side of the pitch. Ergo in theory deploying him on the left should make him far more inclined to drift.

Fighting for space
It’s difficult to decide whether Chelsea came prepared for Ben Arfa, or if their natural formation is of detriment to an attacking midfielder. Either way their summer signing from Barcelona Oriel Romeu proved once again why he’s earning such rave reviews. Inhabiting the area between midfield and the back four he left little space for Ben Arfa to operate. On the rare occasion he did pick up the ball he was greeted by at least two or three blue shirts.

Formation change
In the wider context of the starting eleven this move could also see a change of formation. If the game against Chelsea denoted one thing, it’s that Alan Pardew is not afraid of modify or tinker tactically. While I struggle to agree with his deployment of 4-3-3 against Chelsea given the players available, with a fully fit squad it may actually be the best tactical formation for Newcastle.

A midfield trio of Guthrie, Cabaye and Tiote should be able to dominate the middle of the park and offer the right blend of power and control. Supplement this with the strong work ethic of Jonas out right and Ben Arfa on the left the formation essentially mirrors that of Chelsea’s both in layout and the type of players used.

Cabaye remembers
It should also be considered that the formation holds further benefit for another Frenchman, Yohan Cabaye. His title winning side at Lille operated in an almost identical fashion to the one proposed. In that side Gervinho and Eden Hazard were the compliments to Moussa Sow up front with Rio Mavuba operating in the role assigned to Tiote.

Of course the same could be achieved in a traditional 4-4-2. The concern there however, is the lack of cover for Danny Simpson. Tracking back is not a word readily associated with Ben Arfa meaning Simpson could be left exposed. This problem is rectified by having a defined three man midfield with Tiote moving across to cover.

With lesser defensive responsibilities Ben Arfa is allowed the freedom to create and occupy the opposition fullback. As many witnessed first hand on Saturday with Mata, this can have devastating consequences.

Conclusion
To slightly digress from statistics and cite a personal opinion, I believe that Ben Arfa out wide would be far more beneficial, especially when the opposition deploys a defensive midfielder.

To conclude, I believe patience will be key with Ben Arfa. Four games into his career when injury struck, he was still adapting to English football which much like a leg break has no definitive time frame of completion. Without question he is a talent, but I believe his true worth will not be seen until Alan Pardew is able to utilize him correctly.

Tactical analysis: Bolton 0 Newcastle 2 in 5 key points

26.12.11 – Monday 3pm
The Reebok Stadium
Barclays Premier League

Bolton 0

Newcastle 2
Ben Arfa 69
Ba 71

Newcastle returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over struggling Bolton at The Reebok Stadium; ending a 6 game spell without a win and picking up their first on Boxing Day since 1988.

1. Team selection and tactics

Newcastle made 3 changes to the side that lost 3-2 at home to West Brom on Wednesday night. Mike Williamson returned from injury to replace James Perch in central defence, Yohan Cabaye was available after suspension and took the place of Haris Vuckic in central midfield, while Ryan Taylor started at left back with Davide Santon ruled out through injury. Bolton manager Owen ‘Barclays Premier League’ Coyle made 2 changes to the side that had won 2-1 at Blackburn in their last outing; full backs Dedryk Boyata and Paul Robinson replacing Gretar Steinsson and Marcos Alonso.

Alan Pardew kept faith with his preferred 4-4-2 formation, which he used for the fourth game in a row, and looked for his side to create opportunities on the wings and through the sheer endeavour of his strike partnership; Demba Ba and Leon Best. Bolton also lined up in a 4-4-2 formation and, with Mark Davies typically cutting inside from his right midfield berth, they often looked to the pace of left winger Martin Petrov as their main outlet and creator.

2. Williamson returns to shore up the defence

Williamson's 12 clearances

Having conceded 7 goals in 3 games since losing Steven Taylor to injury, the return of Mike Williamson alongside Fabricio Coloccini was a welcome one for Newcastle. Although James Perch, to his credit, has performed admirably when filling in at centre back, at 5″11 and of a slight frame he has struggled aerially when facing taller and stronger defenders, none more notably than Norwich’s Grant Holt/Steve Morison, and the return of 6″4 Williamson helped to boost Newcastle’s aerial strength in defence.

Williamson made 12 clearances, more than any other player for either side. He also won each of the 3 tackles that he challenged for on the ground and was composed in possession with 81% of his passes finding a teammate; showing that he is capable with his feet as he is in the air. It was an assured return to first team action for Williamson, albeit against a poor Bolton side, who helped his side record their 6th clean sheet of the season. Providing that he can stay fit for a prolonged period, Williamson’s presence in Newcastle’s defence will help to fill the void left by the injured Steven Taylor.

3. Raylor attacks from left back

Taylor's successful passes. Most took place in Bolton's half

With the attack-minded Davide Santon ruled out through injury, the ever reliant Ryan Taylor was brought in at left back. The change brought with it questions as to whether it would negate Newcastle’s left sided attacking threat, as it has done earlier in the season when Gutierrez has dropped deeper to support his slightly more vulnerable and out of position colleague, however Taylor put paid to this with an encouraging attacking display from left back.

Taylor had more touches of the ball (64) than any other outfield player for Newcastle and regularly looked to get forward to provide an option for Newcastle in the final third. He linked up well with Gutierrez, often making himself an option, overlapping, and creating space in attacking areas. Unlucky not to score with a free kick earlier in the game, Taylor capped off a fine offensive performance from full back with an accurately measured pass from the by-line for Newcastle’s opener.

4. Newcastle’s right side focus

With Marcos Alonso missing out through injury, veteran left back Paul Robinson was drafted in to mark Gabriel Obertan. This individual battle favoured the younger, quicker and taller Obertan and, as highlighted in our preview, gave the young Frenchman a real opportunity to take advantage and use his pace to get in behind Robinson to provide crosses for Ba and Best. This opportunity was identified by Newcastle who played 41% of their football down Obertan’s right, compared to only 26% on the left.

Newcastle's right side focus

Obertan was unable to get in behind Robinson, who backed off and showed him inside, as much as he would like, but crucially on one of the few occasions that he did, he provided an assist with a low cross to Demba Ba for Newcastle’s second goal. There’s still plenty of work to be done in relation to Obertan’s development, but it was pleasing to see his contribution against Bolton recognised by the travelling support who applauded him off the pitch when substituted – certainly far more productive for his confidence than the jeers which have greeted him by some sections of the crowd in recent home games.

5. Ben Arfa beats Bolton

Nomadic: Ben Arfa passing heat map

On the hour mark, and with neither side looking like scoring the game’s opening goal, Newcastle manager Alan Pardew made the first of his substitutions and brought on Hatem Ben Arfa for Leon Best. And in the same way that the introduction of Ben Arfa changed Newcastle’s attacking play in their last game against West Brom, it did so again against Bolton. Newcastle changed to a more fluent 4-4-1-1 with Ben Arfa playing off lone striker Demba Ba, although the formation could have also been interpreted as a 4-2-3-1 such were the high positions that wingers Gutierrez and Obertan took up as Newcastle increased their attacking emphasis.

Ben Arfa rarely stuck to his position, cleverly dropping deep and drifting to the right wing to find space and link the play. With Ben Arfa playing in between the midfield and attacking lines, Bolton seemed unsure whether to hand man marking duties to a midfielder (natural choice Fabrice Muamba subbed off shortly after Ben Arfa came on) or for one of the central defenders to pick him up when he moved into the final third, and instead did neither. This tactical uncertainty was evident in Newcastle’s opening goal when Ben Arfa arrived into the box unmarked to coolly convert Ryan Taylor’s left win cross; his introduction ultimately proving to be the catalyst for Newcastle’s victory.

At the end of the day…

It perhaps wasn’t the most elegant of attacking performances that we will see from Newcastle this season, but they were patient and clinical with the opportunities that they created and were deserved of the win.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle spoke of his disappointment post-match at his team’s inability to win the game, but, in truth, they rarely threatened and were second best in most areas and certainly in terms of chances created with only 1 shot on target to Newcastle’s 5.

The victory was crucial for Newcastle, to end a barren run of 6 games without a win and to inject some confidence and self-belief ahead of consecutive difficult fixtures against Liverpool and Man Utd.

The first of those games, and the last game of 2011, comes on Friday night against Liverpool at Anfield, 7:45pm kick off.

Following the Boxing Day results, 7th placed Newcastle now sit just a point behind 6th placed Liverpool which makes Friday night’s fixture an intriguing one. With Liverpool failing to beat Sunderland, Norwich, Swansea and Blackburn at Anfield this season, it’s not inconceivable that a rejuvenated Newcastle side could take something from the game, providing that they set up correctly and nullify the opposition.

Here’s hoping they can end an excellent 2011 on a high.

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Bolton vs Newcastle: Tactical Preview

26.12.2011 – Boxing Day 3:00pm

Location:  The Reebok Stadium

Early prospects:  It’s boxing day, and it’s away…

Newcastle take to the road again this Boxing day looking to halt a retched run of results, against Bolton Wanderers, in what is traditionally the least point wielding fixture of an NUFC season.

The utter deflation felt after the loss to West Bromwich Albion was plain to see across players and fans alike, with the inevitable frustrations in the rank and file becoming more vocal throughout the evening and into the night.  In fairness, those frustrations have some ground as NUFC sought to become their own worst enemy on the pitch again.  However, dismay from those who turn up with a primary role to support the team regardless of performance can only further aggravate the problems that have befouled us on the most deflating of runs.  As a collective, we have to hold our nerve and fervently encourage those representing us on the pitch no matter how disappointed we are with them: you reap what you sow…

Team Line-ups:
Our opponents today come into this game looking for their first back-to-back wins of this season – having lost a devastating five in a row before winning at Blackburn in their last fixture.

NUFC are assessing the fitness of Davide Santon, and are likely to reintroduce Ryan Taylor to left back as a precaution.  Other than that there are no new injuries of note, however the visible lack of match sharpness of Cheick Tiote was something of alarming concern against West Brom and could lead to him being replaced by Yohan Cabaye, returning from suspension.  Although having mixed involvement in his PL debut, Haris Vuckic could likely keep his place after a few memorable surges from midfield.  The only question is whether Alan Pardew will revert to his would be usual first choice centre partnership for the experience (in particular the positional discipline Vuckic failed to show) away from home.

Bolton have confirmed they have already opened talks regarding the sale of sought after defender Gary Cahill – despite the proximity to the transfer window opening it’s still expected that he will take on this fixture.  Full back Marcos Alonso suffered a foot injury in the crucial win over Blackburn and will miss this fixture, likely to be replaced by Paul Robinson.  Otherwise, a very similar line-up is expected.

Opposition strengths and notable dangers:
Having lost a stunning 13 out of their 17 games (more than bottom club Blackburn), Bolton are looking every bit as weak as their lowly position suggests.  However, NUFC have presented their own weakness for all to see in recent fixtures, and it’s likely it’s not went un-noticed in Greater Manchester.

•    Set piece danger:  Bolton have scored 1/3 of their goals (7) so far this season by way of set-pieces.  NUFC with Steven Taylor would have been well equipped to deal with this threat, but with James Perch (through no fault of his own) lacking the raw physical attributes to comfortably control aerial situations we look vulnerable to any well placed ball into our own penalty area.  The re-introduction of Mike Williamson would go a significant way to nullifying this threat, but with his fitness still under scrutiny we may have to keep waiting.

•    Threat from wide:  By way of the direct enthusiasm and pace Mark Davies and Martin Petrov.  Bolton direct an average 38% of their play down their left side – prospectively facing Ryan Taylor.  Although the cover of Gutierrez will be again available, the likely result would see out left flank limited as an attacking threat and allow Bolton to gain a regular attacking foothold themselves.

Tactical suggestions:
Perhaps the best strategy for this fixture is a return to the early season success story – a disciplined, organised performance looking to grind out a result rather than try waltz to one…

•    Lower the line:  Without doubt, NUFC’s funadmental undoing against West Brom was the high line which allowed their faster, more enthusiastic strikers get in behind our line with relative ease.  Bolton may not have the same creative and striking talent as The Baggies, but enough pace and enthusiasm in their front two to take advantage again if we push up recklessly.

•    Target Robinson:  With Marcos Alonso out injured, veteran Paul Robinson will likely be his replacement at full-back.  With pace to burn, Gabriel Obertan should look to make the most of his advantage to get behind the Bolton back line and provide service to the centre.  As noted in the ‘Key Points’ analysis of the West Brom game, NUFC gained little to no service from either flank and instead looked to aimlessly chip the ball to Demba Ba (who to his credit battled to create his own chances from this).  NUFC would be doing themselves a disservice to ignore this opportunity.

Final thought and gut feeling:
Had we played this game five weeks ago, a win would have been thoroughly expected.  However, the entailing results (regardless of opposition) have gone some distance to knock confidence and discipline out of an NUFC side (and support) who showed every unwanted attribute a wobbling team could do against West Brom.  Add to this the factor of it being Boxing Day – a day on which we haven’t won any away game (or played particularly well) within living memory and the signs aren’t great.  However, we are playing a struggling side and we do still have the advantage of an in-form Demba Ba to call upon so there are signs that all could not be as doom and gloom as at first glance: score draw.

On a final note:  A sincere and fully appreciated thank-you to everyone who has read our posts, commented (constructively!) and been involved with our twitter this year – you are the reason we do this and enjoy doing this!  Merry Christmas one and all!

As always, if you want our instant news and (kneejerk) reaction to anything Newcastle United or football related then follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/leazesterrace or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/leazesterrace

Tactical analysis: Newcastle 2 West Brom 3 in 5 key points

21.12.11 – Wednesday 7:45pm
St James’ Park
Barclays Premier League

Newcastle 2
Ba 34, 81

West Brom 3
Odemwingie 20
McAuley 44
Scharner 84

Newcastle extended their unwanted winless streak to 6 games with a 3-2 home defeat against West Brom.

1. Team selection and tactics

Newcastle made only 1 change to the side that had drawn 0-0 with Swansea at St James’ Park only 4 days, previous with Haris Vuckic coming into central midfield in the absence of the suspended Yohan Cabaye. West Brom manager Roy Hodgson also made just the 1 change to the West Brom side that had won 2-1 at Blackburn in their last outing; Jerome Thomas replacing injured pop crooner James Morrison on the right of midfield.

Newcastle, for the third game in succession, lined up in a 4-4-2 formation and generally looked to build attacks on the flanks with the full backs getting forward to provide support. West Brom also set up in a 4-4-2 formation and typically adopted a counter attacking style of play – always looking to exploit Newcastle’s natural, and sometimes over-exuberant, attacking tendencies through quick breakaways. Both teams were fairly evenly matched and, although using different strategies, both played to win which made for an entertaining and lively football match.

2. West Brom’s wandering strikers create width

WBA's wandering strikers. Passing heatmaps - Top: Long. Bottom: Odemwingie.

Although West Brom lined up with two natural wingers – Chris Brunt on the left and Jerome Thomas on the right – they often drifted inside. Brunt, in particular, played 52% of his passes in the central area of the pitch, including the superbly weighted pass to Odemwingie for Albion’s opener. This gave West Brom extra bodies in the centre but short on the wings, areas which were adequately filled by the tireless strike partnership of Odemwingie and Long.

Both players, rather than sticking to their central striking roles, willingly took up positions in wide areas when required. They were clever in their movement, non-stop in their work-rate and, as such, posed as difficult an attacking partnership as any other that Newcastle have faced this season. Their movement into wide areas was key to West Brom’s attacking fluency and ultimately culminated in the winning goal when Long’s right wing cross was prodded home by Paul Scharner, following a smart header back from Odemwingie.

3. Newcastle’s high line exploited by WBA counter

Perhaps to encourage attacking play and to squeeze the game in their opponents’ half, Newcastle pushed far up the pitch and held a high defensive line. However, up against the speed and movement of Odemwingie and Long, both who held their onside position very well, and West Brom’s effective counter attacking football this was destined for disaster and so it proved.

The game’s opening goal resulted from a simple, but accurate, pass straight through the centre of Newcastle’s defence to Odemwingie, who used his pace to exploit the acres of space in behind before slotting past Krul. Shane Long then broke through the high line in the second half and should have put his side 3-1 up, but saw his shot cannon back off the crossbar with Krul stranded. Failing to heed their warning, Newcastle were undone again 5 minutes from time when Long again made full use of Newcastle’s high line frailties before crossing for Albion’s winner. A requirement for playing such a high line, as Chelsea have found out to their detriment lately, is that it requires pace – something which Newcastle’s defence was sorely lacking against West Brom.

Newcastle's high defensive line exposed for West Brom's third goal

4. Poor wing play sees Newcastle go long

Obertan completed passes. 9 of 15 played backwards

Again, it was a day to forget for Gabriel Obertan. The Frenchman was frustrating in his decision making and delivery in the final third. Regularly passing backwards and cutting inside than simply using his pace to get to the by-line and cross the ball into the box, a la Keith Gillespie. A worrying pattern; Obertan failed to find a teammate with any of his 3 crosses and looks desperately in need of a confidence boost or, perhaps, being temporarily withdrawn from the line of fire. The jeering on his substitution from some parts certainly won’t have helped his apparent lack of confidence.

On the other wing, Jonas Gutierrez fared a bit better with 3 of his 8 crosses finding a teammate. However, with such little productivity or success from wide areas, Newcastle resorted to playing hopeful aerial balls through the centre to Leon Best and Demba Ba. Although Best and Ba did reasonably well in their aerial battles, and of course Ba played superbly overall, they were frequently too far apart to take advantage should one win a header, and up against the towering 6″6 Jonas Olssen and 6″3 Gareth McAuley this looked a flawed strategy from the start.

5. Plan B(en Arfa)

Ben Arfa's passes. Assist shown in white.

Just after the hour mark, with the score at 2-1, Alan Pardew responded to the calls of the St James’ crowd and brought on Hatem Ben Arfa for the tiring Leon Best. The introduction of Ben Arfa brought with it a change of formation as Newcastle switched to a 4-4-1-1, with Ben Arfa playing in a central support striker role behind Ba. Up until this point Newcastle were perhaps too one dimensional with their play, but the change of personnel and formation gave them another attacking angle and encouraged keeping the ball on the ground.

Ben Arfa was given license to roam from his position and often dropped deep to receive the ball from his defensive colleagues. He was positive in his approach play and, although dispossessed on a couple of occasions, his directness concerned Albion. He achieved the highest passing accuracy of any other player with 93% and laid the ball off for Ba’s second goal following some smart interplay on the edge of the area. Without another dynamic striker to partner Demba Ba, Newcastle’s 4-4-2 formation has looked limited of late and it may well be that, as his fitness increases, Ben Arfa will begin to see more game time from the start in forthcoming fixtures.

At the end of the day…

For the second time in only 4 days there is a feeling of deflation and disappointment, following Newcastle’s inability to take 3 points from a home game in which they created enough chances to win.

Like Swansea before them, West Brom had a game plan – to soak up pressure and hit Newcastle on the counter attack – which they executed to perfection and for that are deserving of the 3 points.

With a bit of luck and better accuracy, however, it is not inconceivable that Newcastle could have scored more than the 2 that they did from their 26 shots. Haris Vuckic twice went close from range, while Cheick Tiote’s shot was stopped from close range at the death. Yet, Newcastle simply weren’t as clinical as their opponents from the Midlands who were far more efficient with their chances; scoring more goals from less shots attempted (15).

With 8th place Stoke losing at Man City, Newcastle remained in 7th place in the table on 27 points from the 51 available.

Newcastle return to action on Boxing day with a trip to the Reebok Stadium to face troubled Bolton, 3pm kick off. Having lost their last 5 Boxing Day games in the Premier League, and only yielding 3 points from the last 8 trips to the Reebok, the omens aren’t exactly good for Newcastle who will be looking to pick up maximum points ahead of two difficult games coming up against Manchester United and Liverpool.

Merry Christmas!

As always, if you want our instant news and (kneejerk) reaction to anything Newcastle United or football related then follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/leazesterrace or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/leazesterrace

Newcastle vs West Brom: Tactical Preview

21.12.2011 – Wednesday 7:45pm

Location:  St James’

Early prospects: Needlessly nervy

Newcastle United take to the field at St James’ for the second time in five days to take on Roy Hodgson’s West Bromwich Albion, looking for a win to achieve the targeted ‘30 points by Christmas’.

Just like the Swansea game four days earlier, the game presents a very reasonable opportunity to prevent a fruitless run of fixtures turning into an actual slide.  A weaker NUFC side were unlucky enough to go five games without a win last season, on two occasions in fact, but never managed to let it slip to a more concerning 6th.  Our points already on the board have made this rough patch far easier to ride, but with the dreaded trio of fixtures long since played and the centre back injury crisis drastically eased by the return of Coloccini it’s time once again to get back to winning ways before we hit the road during the Christmas holidays.  

Team Line-ups:

Despite a couple of worrying moments where players looked to be struggling against Swansea, NUFC are again without a new injury to worry about.  However, a fifth yellow card for the season for Yohan Cabaye means he will serve a one game ban.  With Guthrie still out injured, Gosling suspended and Alan Smith seemingly finished as a starter for NUFC, we can chose from Hatem Ben Arfa, Medi Abeid or Haris Vuckic to play at central midfield alongside Tiote – the latter perhaps being tested out by Pardew in the latter stages of the Swansea game when it was already known Cabaye would be suspended.  James Perch had a far more comfortable game alongside Coloccini and could keep his place, although it’s likely Williamson will come back into the starting XI if deemed fit enough to get matches back under his belt.

Liverpool legend Roy Hodgson has kept a fairly consistent line-up this season with only 14 players having made more than one starting XI appearance – sticking largely with a traditional 442 layout, but occasionally deploying a 4411.  With both star strikers Peter Odemwingie and Shane Long fit and it’s likely The Baggies will field a very similar 442 line-up as the one which beat struggling Blackburn at Ewood Park on Saturday.  Paul Scharner, Youssuf Mulumbu and James Morrison are all rated doubtful for this game, but all played at least 80minutes on Saturday, so the expectation is that they may all make it for this game.  Anything that keeps NUFC menace Somen Tchoyi away from us, the better…

Opposition strengths and notable dangers:

•    Forward line:  With the smart purchase of Shane Long this summer, West Brom have the advantage of a dynamic, balanced and fairly potent forward line.  Combined, the two have been responsible for eight goals so far this season, although that figure is arguably underplayed by Odemwingie having only started eight of WBA’s matches so far this season.  The pair are driven, intelligent, can created their own chances and rarely waste an opportunity when they get it. They’ll be a handful if given space to play.

•    Technique:  A particular danger is WBA’s danger from long range shots, from the likes of James Morrison, Chris Brunt et al.  Although not often highlighted, NUFC have a tendency to back off play when in front of our own penalty area looking to maintain defensive organisation.  The likelihood is we’ll need help from midfield to close down and dissuade shots from distance – and with nearly half of their shots come from outside the 18 yard box that help will have to be at hand consistently.

•    Organisation and balance:  Coming naturally with Roy Hodgson’s managerial side, WBA stick to a pretty disciplined, perhaps rigid, layout but with the advantage of having an even mix of grit and flair in midfield.  Their shape allows them to provide support from the full backs (both Steven Ried and Nickey Shorey registering assists this season) while retaining a pretty solid core with Mulumbu and Scharner.

Tactical suggestions:
Up against a likely 442 / 4411, NUFC should find this game far more to their taste than the previous.  However, some of the problems that lead to us finding it difficult to break down Swansea could should be looked to be remedied in this game.

•    Get the left flank working again:  A second start for Davide Santon at left back was perhaps not surprising after an assured enough performance against Norwich, but his 2nd appearance highlighted a particular issue – the attacking contribution of Jonas Gutierrez.  Santon’s assurance in defence, and positivity going forward meant he didn’t require the same level of protection that Ryan Taylor has been afforded, effectively leaving Jonas fairly under-used during the game.  Although still getting to grips with playing as a partnership, it would be beneficial to see Gutierrez take a more positive approach to attacking in this game with support from the eager Santon, to provide what is a very capable threat from the left side.

•    More deliveries from Obertan:  Without getting into an unnecessary debate over the long term playing benefits of our 22 year old Frenchman, one thing that could do his game a great short term boost as well as benefiting the team as a whole is him simply attempting more crosses.  Against Swansea he attempted only five crosses (completing two, shown right) in his time on the field, despite being heavily involved in the first half.  He may have shown inconsistency with his crosses, but he undoubtedly has the pace to create himself an opening to cross – and with the aerial threat of Ba in particular it could reap rewards.  A little positivity could go a long way.

Final thought and gut feeling:
Far from this being a ‘must-win’ game in the sense that Blackburn vs Bolton will be tomorrow, we have to get back to winning ways sooner rather than later – lest we watch our brilliant start go to waste.  We’ve struggled against a more flamboyant West Brom outfit in recent times (failing to beat them in the last five meetings), but their vulnerability at the back remains and their new found rigidity has seen them create and score less than recent times.  With home advantage I fancy us again, but again, only just: narrow home win.

As always, if you want our instant news and (kneejerk) reaction to anything Newcastle United or football related then follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/leazesterrace or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/leazesterrace