WSL Cup 24/25 | United v Newcastle - 7pm Wed 11 Dec

jojojo

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Final match of the group stage and a draw will be enough for us to go through to the quarter finals. Obviously though we're expected to win this one.

We're top of the group (6 points) with wins against Liverpool and Everton. Liverpool are in second place (3 points) with a win against Newcastle. Everton and Newcastle's only points came when they drew with each other - so they're already out of contention.

Newcastle are currently seventh in the WSL championship. Hopefully we'll see a solid win for us and some squad members like Hayley Ladd and Emma Watson will get a proper run out. I'd love to see us comfortable enough in this one that Safi Middleton Patel can get at least some debut minutes as well - but that might be wishful thinking on my part.

Match is live on MUTV.
 
Ella Toone and Lisa Naalsund expected back after the Christmas break. Aoife Mannion may be ready for our match against Palace on Sunday.

Just a bit of history - we have played Newcastle women before at LSV. We played them in R4 of the WFA Cup last year. We won that one 5-0 with goals from Toone, Parris x 2, Williams and Malard.
 
The North Stand is closed tonight, which gives some idea to the potential attendance. No more than a couple of thousand I'd wager. Newcastle brought a good crowd down to the FA Cup game last year, but that was a day time weekend tie. I'll be interested to see how many are here tonight, given we barely bring a good sized crowd of our own to mid-week evening games, particularly League Cup ties.
 
Lucy Newell in the squad again. Hope we get the big-ish lead we’re expected to and see her debut tonight.
 
Simpson perhaps would’ve deserved the starting spot on the left after her cameo against Everton but Sandberg needs her minutes too.
 
Big rotation for this one but plenty of experience as well. Really pleased to see Safia get a game, I hope it'll be a good night for her and Emma.
 
Maya at right back, Janssen alongside Millie perhaps?

Awesome to see Saf finally make her debut! Phallon has certainly earned a rest. Watson starting is awesome to see as well, she has looked great when she's come on lately.
 
AmarilloMike said:
Maya at right back, Janssen alongside Millie perhaps?

Awesome to see Saf finally make her debut! Phallon has certainly earned a rest. Watson starting is awesome to see as well, she has looked great when she's come on lately.
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I think great is a bit of a stretch, but I agree with the rest of your post.
 
top1whoisman said:
I think great is a bit of a stretch, but I agree with the rest of your post.
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Ok... Will passably competent do? Not torn up any trees, sure but she's done reasonably well in any case, and looks like she can make a positive contribution to the team. In the context of our team at the moment, that qualifies as great for me!
 
AmarilloMike said:
Ok... Will passably competent do? Not torn up any trees, sure but she's done reasonably well in any case, and looks like she can make a positive contribution to the team. In the context of our team at the moment, that qualifies as great for me!
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Considering the amount of football she's missed she's done very well. Really looking forward to what type and what level of a player she will eventually become.
 
AmarilloMike said:
Ok... Will passably competent do? Not torn up any trees, sure but she's done reasonably well in any case, and looks like she can make a positive contribution to the team. In the context of our team at the moment, that qualifies as great for me!
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Maybe "promising" is the word everyone is looking for?
 
We saw Emma before her injury, looking like she was on her way to becoming a top player. An ACL injury is tough for any player, it really is great seeing her come back.
 
So close to Watson’s first goal at the club. Brilliant defending in the end.
 
Nice corner from us encourages Newcastle player to head it in and United lead 1-0 after ten minutes.

Emmy Watson nearly makes it two but defender gets in the way.
 
Newcastle equalise - ran straight through our defence unchallenged. Ouch
 
We’ve been good in attack but that (Ladd to Williams) was maybe the fifth time we’ve made the wrong decision and played the ball to a player who has an opponent behind the back, running through her to grab the ball. Lack of care and communication. We’ve been rushing it in the build-up even when not under the press.
 
top1whoisman said:
We’ve been good in attack but that (Ladd to Williams) was maybe the fifth time we’ve made the wrong decision and played the ball to a player who has an opponent behind the back, running through her to grab the ball. Lack of care and communication. We’ve been rushing it in the build-up even when not under the press.
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Yep, it's all a bit sloppy out there. Not found our rhythm yet.
 
Emma Watson gets her first goal for United - lovely work from Maya le Tissier on the buildup.
 
Wow, that cross deserved a goal. Yes, you’ve got to take the opponent’s level into consideration, but Geyse has been excellent so far.
 
If we lose this game, are we eliminated on goal difference? Or do we go through on head to head beating Liverpool? Is goal difference or head to head the 1st tie breaker?
 
We should be beating Newcastle comfortably. Anything less than a win would be extremely disappointing.
 
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