The second Newcastle preview again comes from http://www.nufc-forum.com/nufcforum/index.php.
I'm afraid it's exactly the same questions as before. They were going to be edited so that you'd see different questions for both Q & A's but both gave such insightful answers I didn't want to leave any out. So sorry for the repetition but I hope you enjoy some more insight from tomorrow's opponents.
The poster for this one is Bill Arfa. Big thanks to him for taking part.
http://twitter.com/RichardTheBurns
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W.A.D: Thinking back to pre-season, what were your hopes for the 2010/2011 season. Where did you realistically see Newcastle finishing?
Bill Arfa: My real hope was that we'd win of course but my more realistic hope was staying up and finishing mid table. My realistic prediction was low table just above the drop.
W.A.D: Six games into the season and Newcastle are tenth. You've taken Villa apart, winning 6-0. But you've also lost at home to Blackpool. Overall then, happy with your start?
Bill Arfa: Overall yes. Some very positive performances where we have run the game, but also disappointed that there is a lack of consistency. We seem unable to string together more than one win on the run which could prove costly. I'm very pleased with the new signings bar (James) Perch (who has been hopeless in every game), (Hatem) Ben Arfa and (Chieck) Tiote seem to have fitted in very nicely and add a lot to the team.
W.A.D: To the rest of the football world, the Mike Ashley situation appears to have calmed down a bit. What are your thoughts, and the general thoughts of the Newcastle fans, about Ashley now?
Bill Arfa: The general thoughts of Ashley seem to vary from fan to fan, obviously none of us exactly know how much money has been invested personally or what he has done/not done for the club. Personally, I am happy with the fact some money was made available for strengthening in the summer, most of the signings seem to be clever ones and promising for the future. I'm reserving judgement until January (will he make more money available), and the end of the season (will he jump ship or stick by us).
W.A.D: Who is your favourite Newcastle player?
Bill Arfa: I had to think about this one, but I went for Jose Enrique. He's been a complete star for us, never looks uncomfortable and I've never seem him dominated by a right winger in his whole Newcastle career. I was chuffed to bits with how happy he was when he celebrated his first goal for us last year, it had me beaming for hours. Favourites for the future are Carroll, Ben Arfa and Tiote. I've also been very impressed with Barton this season, seems to enjoy playing nowadays.
W.A.D: Which player would you most like to sell?
Bill Arfa: Perch - he has had an awful season so far, although I would prefer a loan move just so he could find his feet again, and he is still fairly young so I won't write him off completely just yet. This would also give Ryan Taylor a crack at the whip, I feel properly sorry for the guy at the moment.
W.A.D: Is Hughton the right manager for Newcastle in the long-term?
Bill Arfa: Still too soon to say in my opinion, he had a very good season last year and is new at Premier League level, so its hard to judge him. The way he has brought the whole squad, including reserves, together has really impressed me, there seems a genuine comradeship between the lads now that I haven't felt for a long time. However, some of his substitutions baffle me, and as I said before, I'm not sure why he is refusing to drop Perch for Taylor, who has so many more plus points to his game.
W.A.D: Having seen City spend crazy money on player recruitment over the last two years, what do you expect from The Blues this season?
Bill Arfa: I expect a top four finish. With Liverpool already out of the race, your other realistic rival for fourth is Spurs, who you have far more talent than and have looked shaky at times. If only you could find this pesky 'team spirit'. With a good set of results I can even see you finishing ahead of Arsenal for third spot. But, like everyone says, your team needs time to gel before glory is to be 'expected'.
W.A.D: Thinking specifically now about the game on Sunday, who is Newcastle's dangerman? Anybody who should be particularly fearful of?
Bill Arfa: After the first game of the season I would have said (Andy) Carroll, but he has been less of a threat in the last few games, in my opinion down to poor deliveries into the box, and no runners gambling on his headers on from goal kicks. Now I have to say Ben Arfa, he looks so comfortable on the ball, greedy at times, but he has that ability to change a game all by himself. He just seems to glide past players with ease.
W.A.D: And looking at City's team, do you think there is anybody you think you need to pay special attention to?
Bill Arfa: Tevez is just pure class, Milner will no doubt have a good game against us. Its hard to just pick one to be honest, I just hope we pay special attention to everyone.
W.A.D: Finally, score prediction for Sunday?
Bill Arfa: If I'm being optimistic - 2-1 to Man City, Tevez with 2 and Carroll with 1. Realistically, I'm predicting 3-0. Tevez with 2 and Milner with 1.
Howay The Lads
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