Europa League
2013-02-21 - FC Metalist Kharkiv vs Newcastle United
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew will not bring in Hatem Ben Arfa for the Europa League tie against Metalist Kharkiv tonight. The France international midfielder has returned to training after recovering from a hamstring injury that has kept him out since December but it has been decided he will not be rushed back for this match.
Despite the goalless draw last week at St. James Park last week, Pardew is not willing to risk fielding him in this vital clash. Menwhile, Davide Santon is also expected to be rested by the Premiership side with fellow full-back Mathieu Debuchy and another January acquisition Yoan Gouffran also ineligible to play in this competition.
However, their three more arrivals have been included and they are the likes of Massadio Haidara, Mapou Yanga Mbiwa and Moussa Sissoko.
It has to be said that the draw in the first leg was Metalist's first competitive game of this year and their first since selling Taison to Shakhtar Donetsk. January signing Oleg Krasnoperov was an unused substitute in the first leg and he is hoping to be in the starting lineup in front of their home crowd tonight in Ukraine.
Metalist coach Myron Markevich is expecting a difficult encounter stating that their chances of winning and progressing are equal for both sides.
Predictions :
Go for Newcastle United and accept the 1/2 ball for them not to lose on the night.
The Pick :
Metalist Kharkiv 1-2 Newcastle United
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Newcastle United to win.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Go for Newcastle and accept the 1/2 ball here.
