Newcastle/Sunderland Team

Before each derby my mates and I tend to get into a conversation about who we would have in a combined team. I know this is neither new nor original but I think it is decent banter for the weekend of the derby so here goes my selection (it's actually a bit more depressing than I would have liked):

GK: Krul.
The first thing to say here is that Mignolet was my first choice for the last few times we've done this. My test now is that if Newcastle bought Westwood and started playing him ahead of Krul the fans would kick off but if Sunderland bought Krul and started playing him ahead of Westwood I think most would be happy - not a perfect test and in honesty neither are world-beaters but Krul just has a bit more generally I think.

Defence: Santon - O'Shea - Colocinni - Debuchy
From both squads the only 'certainty' I would have is Colocinni. The other three are just of case of the least bad and all are controversial really. O'Shea I think is a good player (though Brown is better when fit) who is playing badly but still has ability in there. In a stable team with a consistent performer alongside him I think he would be 'ok' but in honesty there aren't many better from our two squads (though I haven't seen much of Diakite or Roberge). Wing-backs aren't inspiring from either team and there will be cries for Dummett or Colback but one is unproven and the other is out of position. Debuchy shows glimses and is a France international so I'm sticking with him. Santon is ace going forward and just needs more and more experience of the Prem I think.

Midfield: Giacherini - Anita - Cabaye - Cattermole - Ben Arfa
A pretty strong midfield and the only part of the team I would really say there was competition for places. Giacherini has impressed so far this season and is surely preferable to the alternatives (Joans/Johnson/Gouf) and Catts is a must on his current form. Cabaye and Ben Arfa and pretty uncontroversial inclusions (I would be interested to see if many leave them out) and the last place could have gone to one of a few but personally I think Anita is often under-rated and would have him in ahead of Tiote/Larsson/Sissokho/etc.

Striker: Fletcher
The best available when fit. The alternative is Remy who has been ace so far this season and following a strong showing at the end of last season may prove to be better but after the Cisse debacle I'm going to hold off judgement of a striker on the basis of half a season! Note: Cisse just doesn't figure for me, I have no idea how this is the same player as the one who looked insanely talented in his first half season when every week he was doing something incredible (Villa, Swansea, Chelsea, etc) but its at the point now I no longer expect to see that again.


Overall I think was easier to do than in previous seasons as there are fewer players screaming out for inclusion and the defence in particular is a bit of a shambles. The only players I rue leaving out are Remy, Tiote (who has looked much better this season) and Johnson (who I still think will come good). I haven't bothered with a subs bench as I think it would be too depressing.

 

Krul, Debuchy, Diakite, Coloccini, Santon, Tiote, Cabaye, Anita, Ben Arfa, Giacherini, Remy

4-3-3 with BA and G either side of Remy.

 

What about our 'G'?

 

Krul
Debuchy
Dummett
Colo
Brown
Tiote
Anita
Cabaye
Giaccherini
Remy
Fletcher

Controversial leaving out of Ben Arfa and Sissoko but I've gone for the best team rather than individuals. I think HBA, Cabaye, Johnson and Sissoko are the most talented players but only Cabaye delivers consistently. Mind picking a back 5 was no fun, we're both ****e at the back and neither keeper inspires much confidence at present! Dummett is controversial but is the only full back I fully trust. Not a pretty picture to paint when a 21yr old is the one you trust. Cesluska or whatever his name is looks canny given a bit of time.

 

Don't see how Brown can be picked personally, he's played like 10 games in 3 years meaning he is absolutely worthless.

I'd go for:

Krul

Debuchy Colo Williamson Dummett

Tiote Anita

Ben Arfa Cabaye Giaccherini

Remy

Maybe even swap Fletcher for Giaccherini and play Remy on the left.

I've gone for Williamson as although not the second best CB from both squads, he compliments Colo the best (he's big and wins headers). It obviously looks massively biased as only two Sunderland players get a mention. Cattermole is unlucky to miss out as apparently he's returned back to his best of late, unfortunately for him so has Tiote and when both at their best Tiote is better IMO. I also think you need one destroyer and one passer for your two DM's so playing Tiote & Cattermole together isn't an option for me.

It just goes to show how poor they're though, we're not exactly pulling up any trees but only 3 of their players are even worth a mention when it comes to a combined team and two of them are only on the bench. We really should be winning on Sunday, no excuses.

 

No place for Gouffran?

 

I think Brown gets picked on ability. He is better than all the other options which are not exactly amazing. Obviously if you take into account the likelihood of him making onto the field of play then that is a different question I don't understand why so many would play Remy through the middle. He looks outstanding coming from the left a la Henry. Fletcher is top class for me and guarantees goals.

 

But Henry played up top alongside Bergkamp in a 4-4-2 for the most part. That he dragged players out wide came as a result of his forward play, rather than him coming from deeper. Remy is the best striker at either team, full stop. I have honestly no idea how Steven "Relegation" Fletcher could ever be considered Top Class, certainly not in this division.

Brown's another confusing choice. He was "past it" when Ferguson sold him at 28 years of age.

 

So who instead of Brown? We pick Willo because of his current form knowing full well hhe isn't that good. Or Saylor on past form hoping he can regain. Or MYM on his form in a different country hoping it will eventually translate. Or J O'****e, a man truly finished ability wise when off loaded. Honestly it s not that confusing, its like selecting one turd from another, they're all ****e! Whenever Brown has managed to ge ton the field for Sunderland he has looked good so I've plumped for that particular turd.

The Henry example is maybe a touch skewed because Remy has more defensive responsibility. Personally on all I've seen in France, QPR and here, he looks more of a forward who likes to come from deep. It suits his strong running and ball carrying ability. That's the bit I feel is Henry like.

I don't get this "relegation" tag as some sort of stick to hit Fletcher with. Its not like he is Darren Bent with a one dimesional game. He has a great touch, brings others into play, is strong, is fantastic in the air, can play alone or as a partner. He could maybe be quicker if you were looking for a weakness. His goal record is tremendous at PL level. Its similar to when people used to say Ricky Lambert was a lower level striker. Then he was given the opportunity to play PL and proved himself capable. Put it this way I think Fletcher would be a great signing if they went down and I'd welcome him with open arms - exactly what we are missing.

 

Picks Dummett who has played less than that.....

I agree though you cant pick Brown

 

It's a fair point you have to be honest.

Dummett is more down to the fact that Santon doesn't convince me as a LB. I have a preference to have a left footed left back and Sunderland are currently playing Colback there but he's a midfielder. I also expect Dummett to get better where as Brown is only going to get worse (not sure if you can get worse if you never play).

 

I think I have proved you can

 

Of course Hacky, whoever happens to be Sunderland's manager of the week will always get the nod over Pardew to lead the team out.


<run>

 

only fletcher for me.
I think their players are woeful but I think they play better as a team.

 

Brown is the best defender we have got !, and that is saying something, as this IS the worst defence I have ever seen in 36 years, watch out for Ji in midfield, (Swansea loanee). we may as well go all out attack and Fletcher is back, Mavrias and karlsson should start also, but O Shea should be dropped.

 

I have a sneaky feeling Brown will score.

 

!