Fabricio Coloccini is expected to return to Newcastle United’s starting line-up against Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow. The Argentinian’s comeback – after a month out with a thigh injury – leaves Alan Pardew with a selection headache in his back four.Indeed, Pardew must decide whether he axes either Mike Williamson, who dealt with both Fernando Torres and Samuel Eto’o in superb fashion against Chelsea to win many plaudits from pundits and fans alike, or Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, with the Frenchman going into the game having regained confidence after recent displays.But Pardew says he is delighted the Magpies have at least shown they can cope without the South American.He said: “It is the first time we have lost Colo and looked more comfortable than when he’s been out in the past.“That is a big boost for us as a group.“When you lose a player and you can’t cope it affects everybody else.“We have proved we can cope without him and Cabaye and anybody because it is about the team.“It shows we are stronger in depth and that’s good.”As reported in the Chronicle earlier this week, Coloccini made his return to training on Tuesday.And Pardew is happywith his response following the knock picked up oninternational duty. He said: “Colo has beentraining for two or three days and he is obviously OK.”Pardew must also decide whether to stick with Vurnon Anita at Spurs after his sparkling display in the 2-0 win against Chelsea last weekend.Or whether he makes the bold move to field Anita, fit-again Cheick Tiote AND Yohan Cabaye in his engine room.Yet Pardew’s indication is that Tiote will start at White Hart Lane.He said: “He’s good, and he’s in great form at the moment, so it’s important that he’s available.”However, homegrown players like Steven Taylor and Paul Dummett look set to miss out, with both aiming to be available for selection for the game with Norwich City.United have not won at Spurs for five years but have the cushion of home games with Norwich and West Brom after the trip to White Hart Lane.Pardew said: “This is the end of a difficult period for us because we have two games and it could put us in a great position if we get a win or draw at Spurs.“It is an important game for our league position.”Reflecting on the win against Chelsea, he said: “I think it was a rewardfor some of the goodwork that went on before where we didn’t quiteget the results we deserved.“We are in better shape than we have been given credit for.“There has been a lot more positive Press about our players, who have been terrific.”
Posted on: Sat, 09 Nov 2013 11:13:40 +0000