Keeping a clean sheet is vital for Newcastle tonight
Posted by JamesB in Newcastle | 8 March 2007
After playing various (no disrespect intended) minnows of Europe, tonights fixture at home to AZ Alkmaar promises to be a much tougher test than anything we have faced in Europe this season. In another Anglo-Dutch European tie last night, Arsenal found out to their cost the importance of away goals in Europe, and I think the key to winning over two legs is a strong defensive performance from the likes of Carr and Bramble (if they play) and Taylor tonight.
I expect, although am not sure I agree with, a back four of Carr (left back) Bramble, Taylor and Solano. Missing Gooch through eligibility is a blow for us but something we will have to deal with. Roeder elected to play Carr at left back last time he returned from injury and I can see him sticking with that due to a lack of options with Babayaro out (no idea what's happening with Bernard!). Bramble shone against Boro at the weekend and deserves to retain his place; Taylor and Solano pick themselves at the moment. At home this is a back four capable of containing Alkmaar, but it is by no means a given, we all know what one lapse of concentration can do.
Of course I am not undervaluing getting a goal or two, but I feel the away leg is going to be one of the toughest games of the season, and we must make it as difficult as possible for AZ by not letting them take home a goal with them. Our opposition should not be underestimated, they have shown remarkable improvement over the last few years, and their domestic form this season is not to be laughed at. They sit in second spot in the Dutch league, although their chase for the title looks to be in vain as there is a 10 point difference between them and the league leaders.
I expect a big performance from our big players tonight; we are reaching the business end of the season and the UEFA Cup is our only remaining hope of salvaging what could end up peetering out in to a nothing-season. It is a perfect night for those with the pedigree and European experience to show us what they are capable of; I'm talking about the Duffs, Emres and Martins of this world, and collectively I hope the team are up for the cup.
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