Fallen giants Newcastle United arrive in our corner of East London for the first time since 2001 as Orient continue their pre-season campaign with the only home friendly scheduled this year.
The fixture is somewhat shrouded in controversy, having been hastily arranged following the FA’s decision to cancel The Mag’s friendly in Utrecht over (frankly nonsensical) security fears. Orient, for their part, cancelled a long-arranged fixture against crisis club Luton Town in favour of this money-spinning match. Prudent, if not principled behaviour from Chairman Barry Hearn.
Orient will be looking to repeat their heroics of eight years ago, when they gained a creditable 1-1 draw with a full-strength Newcastle side which included Alan Shearer; bowing out 3-1 on aggregate in the tie.
Vital Quotes:
“Nope, neither of the managers have eulogised about this one yet” – Kid Sampson
Leyton Orient Team News:
Leyton Orient will be looking to field a full-strength side from the off, with plenty of new signings on show.
Scott McGleish and Adrian Patulea are expected to start up front, with Ben Chorely lining up alongside in-demand Tam Mkandawire at the back.
James Scowcroft and Sean Thornton are likely to begin the game on the bench having started at Bishops Stortford on Thursday, but Jamie Jones will almost certainly retain his place in goal.
Player to watch: Jason Demetriou
Jason Demetriou will be looking to impress any watching scouts, whilst providing Orient’s man springboard for attack from midfield.
Newcastle United Team News:
Newcastle have so far been using a blend of youth and experience in friendlies,but as the Orient game has taken the place of a first team fixture, we can expect plenty of the Mags’ biggest stars on show.
The infamous double-yellow away kit may well be in attendance too.
Nicky Butt misses out with a hand injury.
Player to watch: Steven Taylor
The aimiable Londoner has committed himself to the Geordies for the forseeable future despite understandable interest from the top flight. He’ll be looking to snuff out the threat of Orient’s front line.
Match Facts & Stats
Orient wins: 7
Newcastle wins: 9
Draws: 5
Next Fixtures:
Orient: Dagenham (A) Friendly
Newcastle: Leeds United (A) Friendly
