". Toon could be too good for Cardiff. "
Sat Aug 11, 2012 8:39 am
http://bwinbetting.com/leagues/club-fri ... 22266.html? 
Cardiff and Newcastle both have high hopes for the coming season but it could be the Toon who are celebrating a friendly victory.
When Cardiff City entertain Newcastle United in South Wales on Saturday, the sense of optimism around the place will be hard to avoid.
Just a week away from their respective new league campaigns, the managers of both clubs will be quietly satisfied with how their summer preparations have gone as expectations of the supporters of both teams continue to rise.
Newcastle may have been relatively quiet in the transfer market but the lack of high profile additions shouldn’t overly concern manager Alan Pardew. The Toon had a fantastic Premier League campaign in 2011/12, surpassing all reasonable expectations to finish 5th – ahead of Liverpool and European Champions Chelsea – to qualify for the Europa League.
In a mark of how well Newcastle performed, all of a sudden there is notably less open dissent about the way the club is being run by hated owner Mike Ashley.
"Cardiff’s home record was decent last year, but five home defeats (more than anyone else in the top seven) and 29 goals conceded in 23 games (the worst record in the top half) needs improvement."
And I don’t think last year was a fluke. With the help of his much trumpeted scouting team (which is headed by Graham Carr, father of comedian Alan) Pardew moulded together a team that mixed defensive solidity with a sprinkle of ‘x-factor’ and the attacking players at his disposal – Papiss Cisse, Demba Ba, Hatem Ben Arfa – are the envy of much of the division.
The main battle for the former Southampton boss was to hold on to his best players (Yohan Cabaye and Cheick Tiote also fall into this category) and that mission seems like it has been achieved. Of course, like any other manager Pardew would have liked to have brought in a stellar name – he still might if the Magpies’ pursuit of Andy Carroll bears fruit – but Newcastle’s settled squad looks strong as it is and there is no reason to suggest another tilt at the Champions League places is beyond them.
Hopes are similarly high at Cardiff. Reaching the Carling Cup final and the Championship play-off semi-finals represented a great season for Malky Makay in his debut year as Bluebirds boss, especially given the turnover of players he had to deal with when taking over from Dave Jones twelve months ago.
The ex-Watford manager settled an unsteady ship and then some, and the Scot now has his eyes on the big prize of promotion to the top flight. To that end, the summer has gone well (if you ignore the ridiculous decision by the club’s Thai owners to change the colour of the team’s strip from blue to red) and Cardiff have a squad that looks well equipped to challenge at the top of the Championship.
Goalkeeper Joe Lewis is a fine free transfer from Peterborough, while Heidar Helguson is a proven goalscorer in the second tier. And with Craig Bellamy making a return to his boyhood club, Cardiff’s 12/1 ante-post price seems a bit on the big side.
Cardiff get to try that red kit out for the first time on Saturday (are they now called the Redbirds?) when Newcastle visit in what has the makings of a good, competitive friendly. The home side are 11/4 to win, with Newcastle at 17/20 and the draw at 23/10 and I think that in what should be a tight match, the Toon might just have the edge.
Cardiff’s home record was decent last year, but five home defeats (more than anyone else in the top seven) and 29 goals conceded in 23 games (the worst record in the top half) needs improvement and Newcastle can make the most of that vulnerability at this very early stage. The Magpies took some thumpings on the road themselves last year but only the top three scored more goals on their travels and a run of five pre-season friendlies unbeaten show Newcastle are in fine fettle. All of those five Cardiff home defeats came against teams in the top half of the Championship and though it is probably as short as you want to go, Newcastle can warm up for their big kick off at home to Tottenham next week with a win in Cardiff.
Recommended bet: Newcastle to beat Cardiff @ 17/20
Follow us on Twitter @bwin
shaun.curran@bwinbetting.com
Cardiff and Newcastle both have high hopes for the coming season but it could be the Toon who are celebrating a friendly victory.
When Cardiff City entertain Newcastle United in South Wales on Saturday, the sense of optimism around the place will be hard to avoid.
Just a week away from their respective new league campaigns, the managers of both clubs will be quietly satisfied with how their summer preparations have gone as expectations of the supporters of both teams continue to rise.
Newcastle may have been relatively quiet in the transfer market but the lack of high profile additions shouldn’t overly concern manager Alan Pardew. The Toon had a fantastic Premier League campaign in 2011/12, surpassing all reasonable expectations to finish 5th – ahead of Liverpool and European Champions Chelsea – to qualify for the Europa League.
In a mark of how well Newcastle performed, all of a sudden there is notably less open dissent about the way the club is being run by hated owner Mike Ashley.
"Cardiff’s home record was decent last year, but five home defeats (more than anyone else in the top seven) and 29 goals conceded in 23 games (the worst record in the top half) needs improvement."
And I don’t think last year was a fluke. With the help of his much trumpeted scouting team (which is headed by Graham Carr, father of comedian Alan) Pardew moulded together a team that mixed defensive solidity with a sprinkle of ‘x-factor’ and the attacking players at his disposal – Papiss Cisse, Demba Ba, Hatem Ben Arfa – are the envy of much of the division.
The main battle for the former Southampton boss was to hold on to his best players (Yohan Cabaye and Cheick Tiote also fall into this category) and that mission seems like it has been achieved. Of course, like any other manager Pardew would have liked to have brought in a stellar name – he still might if the Magpies’ pursuit of Andy Carroll bears fruit – but Newcastle’s settled squad looks strong as it is and there is no reason to suggest another tilt at the Champions League places is beyond them.
Hopes are similarly high at Cardiff. Reaching the Carling Cup final and the Championship play-off semi-finals represented a great season for Malky Makay in his debut year as Bluebirds boss, especially given the turnover of players he had to deal with when taking over from Dave Jones twelve months ago.
The ex-Watford manager settled an unsteady ship and then some, and the Scot now has his eyes on the big prize of promotion to the top flight. To that end, the summer has gone well (if you ignore the ridiculous decision by the club’s Thai owners to change the colour of the team’s strip from blue to red) and Cardiff have a squad that looks well equipped to challenge at the top of the Championship.
Goalkeeper Joe Lewis is a fine free transfer from Peterborough, while Heidar Helguson is a proven goalscorer in the second tier. And with Craig Bellamy making a return to his boyhood club, Cardiff’s 12/1 ante-post price seems a bit on the big side.
Cardiff get to try that red kit out for the first time on Saturday (are they now called the Redbirds?) when Newcastle visit in what has the makings of a good, competitive friendly. The home side are 11/4 to win, with Newcastle at 17/20 and the draw at 23/10 and I think that in what should be a tight match, the Toon might just have the edge.
Cardiff’s home record was decent last year, but five home defeats (more than anyone else in the top seven) and 29 goals conceded in 23 games (the worst record in the top half) needs improvement and Newcastle can make the most of that vulnerability at this very early stage. The Magpies took some thumpings on the road themselves last year but only the top three scored more goals on their travels and a run of five pre-season friendlies unbeaten show Newcastle are in fine fettle. All of those five Cardiff home defeats came against teams in the top half of the Championship and though it is probably as short as you want to go, Newcastle can warm up for their big kick off at home to Tottenham next week with a win in Cardiff.
Recommended bet: Newcastle to beat Cardiff @ 17/20
Follow us on Twitter @bwin
shaun.curran@bwinbetting.com
Re: ". Toon could be too good for Cardiff. "
Sat Aug 11, 2012 8:52 am
Don't worry Gwyn other people think they're Thai as well 
Re: ". Toon could be too good for Cardiff. "
Sat Aug 11, 2012 8:55 am
PontyBlue wrote:Don't worry Gwyn other people think they're Thai as well
Re: ". Toon could be too good for Cardiff. "
Sat Aug 11, 2012 9:17 am
This is definitely going to be the test to the defence we need......and may well be the deciding factor in what happens to Darcy Blake.
I hope Darcy gets a half at right back and does a good job to see him have a chance in that position until Christmas. Would definitely get game time subbing on for super kev. His place in the team is all down to him then with how he applies himself off field, in training and match performance.
Hopefully Malky starts with Hudson and Turner so we can see what our central defence will be like.
A good test all around the park really and a cracking choice of opponent imo. A score draw would be a satisfactory result.
With Kimbo and Bellamy waiting in the wings.......a few players will be playing to prove their worth.
I hope Darcy gets a half at right back and does a good job to see him have a chance in that position until Christmas. Would definitely get game time subbing on for super kev. His place in the team is all down to him then with how he applies himself off field, in training and match performance.
Hopefully Malky starts with Hudson and Turner so we can see what our central defence will be like.
A good test all around the park really and a cracking choice of opponent imo. A score draw would be a satisfactory result.
With Kimbo and Bellamy waiting in the wings.......a few players will be playing to prove their worth.
Re: ". Toon could be too good for Cardiff. "
Sat Aug 11, 2012 9:20 am
Darcy is a parks player
He can't pass water
He can't pass water
Re: ". Toon could be too good for Cardiff. "
Sat Aug 11, 2012 9:36 am
I'd like to think he could replace super kev with a bit of effort in that area of his game........poor passing hasn't stopped Mcnaughton being a big player for us.
Re: ". Toon could be too good for Cardiff. "
Sat Aug 11, 2012 10:22 am
my recommended bet.... dont bet on friendlies 
Re: ". Toon could be too good for Cardiff. "
Sat Aug 11, 2012 11:39 am
Let's be honest, we'll do well to get a draw. They have some top, top players and as they're only a week away from starting their season, I fully expect them to be at full tilt
Re: ". Toon could be too good for Cardiff. "
Sat Aug 11, 2012 12:16 pm
One of the best sides in the premier league last season, while everyone was gushing over the Jacks, Newcastle actually delivered good performances week in week out.
Could be a bit of a drubbing today if the play to their full potential.
Could be a bit of a drubbing today if the play to their full potential.
Re: ". Toon could be too good for Cardiff. "
Sat Aug 11, 2012 1:10 pm
It's only a friendly, as long as we don't get embarassed and we put out a strong team would be good to have a bit more of a competitive match before the season start, the results doesn't matter just fitness and performance.
Re: ". Toon could be too good for Cardiff. "
Sat Aug 11, 2012 4:29 pm
Re: ". Toon could be too good for Cardiff. "
Sat Aug 11, 2012 4:31 pm
Mr Moo Cow wrote:Darcy is a parks player
He can't pass water
Darcy came on and played well.
Re: ". Toon could be too good for Cardiff. "
Sat Aug 11, 2012 4:33 pm
Bring on the rest of the prem!
Re: ". Toon could be too good for Cardiff. "
Sat Aug 11, 2012 4:34 pm
Daniel_PT_blues wrote::lol:
wonder if the guy who wrote this is working on his excuses!!
Re: ". Toon could be too good for Cardiff. "
Sat Aug 11, 2012 4:37 pm
Fusilier23 wrote:Daniel_PT_blues wrote::lol:
wonder if the guy who wrote this is working on his excuses!!
He thought it was all black and white.....