Source: Northern_Echo
We’re hoping to spring cup surprise, says Lovenkrands
NEWCASTLE take on Chelsea in the Carling Cup tonight and Peter Lovenkrands admits the Magpies will be up against it even if the Premier League champions field a weakened side.[LNB] Chris Hughton's side overcame Accrington Stanley of League Two in the previous round but were given a rude awakening when they were handed a trip to Stamford Bridge something which has become an annual meeting.[LNB] This will be the fifth time in nine years the sides have been drawn against each other in the competition with Chelsea winning all four and Newcastle managing just one goal.[LNB] Carlo Ancelotti's side have been in blistering form so far in the Premier League, scoring 21 goals in seven games and conceding just one but Lovenkrands admits the Magpies are looking to spring a surprise.[LNB] This is a very different game to Accrington Stanley, most definitely,[LNB] Lovenkrands said. Of course it's going to be tough.[LNB] I'm not sure what sort of team they are going to be sending out, but it's going to be difficult whatever side they choose. It's going to be a very interesting test. I don't think we have ever beaten them in the Carling Cup so it would be nice to put that record straight.[LNB] They're a pretty awesome outfit. It's a fantastic squad and they are playing so well at the moment.[LNB] I don't know what sort of team they will play, but I'm sure their focus is on the Premier League and Champions League.[LNB] The problem is, even if they rest players, they have excellent people to come in.[LNB] The strength of their squad is ridiculous, it doesn't really matter who is playing.[LNB] The players they bring in are almost as good as the ones they are replacing. [LNB] The Dane who started and scored in the 3-2 win at Accrington has only made one Premier League start this season and admits he will have to be patient in his quest for first team football.[LNB] It's been a strange season for me. I missed pre-season with an injury and I've been trying to get back in the team ever since, the former Rangers man said.[LNB] It isn't easy because they have been doing so well. I just have to be patient and wait for my opportunity.[LNB] Hopefully, when that comes I'll take it.[LNB] It makes it hard with the formation we are playing as well because Andy (Carroll) has been playing up front on his own. I could play out wide, but with Ben Arfa, he can play out on the left and I can't see why I should play out there. I will play where ever I'm asked, in goal even, I was quite good there when I was younger![LNB] Meanwhile, Hughton claimed tonight's opponents have the perfect game' and admitted he knows his side are not expected to get anything from the game.[LNB] What we're up against is the best team in the country who almost seem to have the perfect game, Hughton said.[LNB] They're scoring goals left, right and centre and not conceding any but the best way to go there is to go as a team who are not expected to win and enjoy the challenge of playing up against the best team. We'll set ourselves out in a way that will hopefully get something from the game, but it is hard to stop them.[LNB]
