Vital Reading Season Preview – Newcastle
Club: Newcastle United
Founded: 1892
Nickname: The Magpies
Ground: St. James’ Park (Capacity: 52,381)
When we face off: Sat 29th September (H), Sat 19th January (A)
Last season finish: 5th – Premier League
Manager: Alan Pardew – The former Reading manager a few years ago would have been thinking he would never manage in the Premier League again. However, a superb spell at Newcastle has earned him the tag of one of the best manager in the top division, following a great first full season, where Newcastle finished in 5th place.
Key player: Papiss Cissé – The Senegalese forward has made an instant impact at St. James’ park since his move from Freiburg in January. He has scored 13 goals in 14 games, forming a formidable partnership with fellow countryman Demba Ba.
If Cissé gets the right supply from the likes of Cabaye and Ben Arfa, the 27-year old could be in for a very prosperous season. His goals may also be of use to Newcastle in their Europa League campaign, beginning next month.
Season Preview: For Newcastle to achieve what they did last season is a massive ask. Champions League is most likely to be beyond the Magpies, but could still definitely fight it out with Liverpool and Tottenham for a Europa League place.
