Wednesday’s Friendly Round-Up

United draw a blank against Juventus. Petrov scores and sparkles against Celtic and there are some goals at last for Newcastle as they let a 2-0 lead slip against PSV.

Here’s the notes and teams from last night…

Celtic 1 Man City 1

Martin Petrov impressed again and scored City’s only goal as they earned a draw at Celtic Park.

The Bulgarian winger was a thorn in the side of Celtic all evening and he was the main attacking threat on the pitch in a tepid first half. After the break however, City sprang to life with Petrov providing the catalyst. He duly powered into the box on 53 minutes to fire home after good work by Vassell and Sturridge.

City had further chances, including a shout for a penalty kick when Vassell appeared to be brought down in the box. However, it was Celtic who scored the next and final goal, Paul McGowan popping up with an equaliser with 12 minutes left on the clock.

Despite rumours surrounding the future of Vedran Corluka, he took his place in the City side at right back in a strong City lineup. Hughes handed Bojinov a start as a result of his recent goal against Stockport on Saturday, while Etuhu got a rare pre-season start in midfield.

Petrov’s form in pre-season has been very strong and has seen him fire a pair of goals. Hughes may well need to sign another striker before Petrov can fulfil his potential for assists but there’s no doubt that he presents a very strong mid-price option with or without a striker to aim for in the box.

We’ll get another chance to assess Petrov’s form and Hughes’ likely lineup, when City take on AC Milan on Saturday.

Man City vs Celtic:
Hart (Schmeichel 46), Corluka (Onuoha 46), Richards, Dunne (Ben Haim 46), Garrido, Petrov, Fernandes, Johnson, Etuhu (Ireland 73), Bojinov (Sturridge 46), Vassell (Evans 76)

Man United 0 Juventus 0

United completed their pre-season with a frustrating draw against the Italian giants.

Ferguson took the opportunity to field a strong side, with Lee Martin the only unfamiliar name on the team sheet. United passed the ball well and created chances throughout including a gilt-edged opportunity for Scholes. But, after a fast paced first half, the tempo slowed as both sides looked to keep possession rather than commit players forward and a stalemate always looked on the cards.

The United team sheet did offer some further clues as to Ferguson’s thinking – not least the role of Giggs in support of Tevez up front in the absence of Rooney. That could prove significant, although the Community Shield game on Sunday will offer more conclusive evidence.

Man United vs Juventus:
Van der Sar; Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic (Evans 78), Brown (R da Silva 46); Fletcher (Gibson 46), Scholes, O’Shea (Possebon 69), Martin (Silvestre 65); Giggs, Tevez

Newcastle 2 PSV 2

Goals from Taylor and Guthrie earned Newcastle a draw with PSV in front of a St James’ Park crowd but it should have been more as Newcastle conceded a 2 goal lead.

Taylor headed the Magpies in front after just 3 minutes, climbing highest to head home a Geremi corner. Guthrie then put the Newcastle fans in dreamland, capping a fine move by firing home after he had been released by Milner.

Keegan handed Guthrie and Gutierrez their home debuts, while Beye returned from injury to slot back in at right back. The main talking point regarding the lineup was the absence of Alan Smith who has been subject of speculation on Wednesday with Everton reportedly showing interest. Keegan later stated that Smith’s absence was due to a sore ankle.

If Smith did depart for Goodison and get a starting role up front, he could be worth a look when you consider Everton’s fixtures and Smith’s modest price across the games. As it is, Smith is unlikely to get regular starts at Newcastle once Viduka, Owen and Martins return.

Guthrie is another player who could be worth watching after tonight. He enjoyed a good season at Bolton but failed to register a goal or an assist in 23 games. He’s been pretty decent in pre-season for Newcastle though and tonight’s goal will raise his profile somewhat.

I’m very cautious about Newcastle players though. The indications are that they will once again struggle badly early on – their fixtures are evil and with Owen still struggling for fitness, their goal threat looks minimal.

Newcastle play their final pre-season game on Saturday against Valencia.

Newcastle vs PSV:
Given, Beye, Enrique, Taylor, Cacapa, Guthrie, Geremi, Butt, Duff, Milner, Gutierrez.