Magpies can take all 3 points today - preview
Posted by JamesB in Middlesborough, Newcastle | 9 April 2006
Today the Toon make the short trip to Middlesbrough, with a contingent of just 1,800 as a result of allocation restrictions due to standing.
Dyer is available after being rested for the Spurs game, and could well start at the expense of Ameobi I would imagine, despite Roeder’s positive analysis on Shola this week. A midfield quartet of N’Zogbia, Emre, Bowyer and Solano is certainly a possibility, playing behind Alan up front with Dyer playing just off him. With Dyer, N’Zogbia and Bowyer bursting forward there will be no lack of pace as there has been in recent fixtures, notably in my opinion the home match against Liverpool. I’d like to see the defence left as it is, as it looked solid against Spurs, and as mentioned in previous articles I think
Boumsong would benefit from being out of the limelight now there are other options available. Bramble is in contention after injury but I can’t see him starting this one.
For me, the opening of the match is vital. Boro are going to be buoyant following their emphatic win over Basle in midweek, and I’d imagine the fans (those that turn up anyway) will be in a similar mood. If we can hit the ground running and spoil the party in the first ten minutes or so, there is no reason for us not to go on and win the game. Easier said than done of course.
Boro sit just two points below us in the table but with a game in hand, so it is an important game for us if we are to finish above our local(ish) rivals. Their main injury concern for tomorrow is Queudrue who picked up a dead leg in midweek, so Nobby Solano will probably be facing an inexperienced left back, which he must make the most from. Give Nobby the opportunity to play his game and he will always make things happen, no doubt about it, so he could well be a key player tomorrow.
Past meetings between the two sides suggest a draw could be on the cards. A late handball from Hasselbaink in this fixture last season earned the Smoggies a 2-2 draw, with the reverse fixture ending up 0-0. This year the St James’ Park crowd saw another late equaliser save a 2-2 draw, this time a legitimate goal and for the Magpies. However I’m going to back us to nick a win at the Riverside today, with Lee Bowyer getting on the scoresheet at some point. He’s been in great form, and with Parker out for the rest of this season I’m backing him to have a good run in to the season. With Dyer back we should have a cutting edge going forward; Southgate and co will struggle to deal with his pace. The only thing I worry about is Boro flying out the blocks on a high following Thursday night, and it would be tough to come back in this one if we went behind, but I don’t think that will happen.
1-2. Here’s hoping anyway!
Comments
Spot on with your prediction!