Newcastle are expected to make at least 4 changes for the game tonight against Sheffield United, from the side that beat Peterborough 3-2 on Saturday afternoon.
Newcastle are expected to recall Danny Guthrie, Wayne Routledge, Jonas Gutierrez and Andy Carroll to the side for tonight’s crucial game.
Newcastle need just a single point from their last 6 games to gain an automatic promotion spot and tonight would be the best time to do just that.
Newcastle could even be promoted before the game if Forest fail to beat Cardiff City at home in game that finished about 30 minutes before tonight’s game.
This is a game Newcastle must show their professionalism in, and it would be a terrible time for Newcastle to suffer their first defeat of the season – we cannot allow that
They cannot get carried away with things, and the aim for tonight is to win the game – that’s the most important thing.
Only when they have done that will they then be able to celebrate with the Newcastle fans, who are expected to be at the party tonight in vast numbers, and the crowd could well exceed 50,000 for the first time this season and for a great moment (and relief) in Newcastle’s last history.
Newcastle have three home games to go and if the lads can remain unbeaten we will equal the unbeaten home record last achieved in the 1906-1907 season when Newcastle were League One Champions.
So tonight can be a little bit of history for Newcastle United, and the first time we have been promoted to the Premiership since 1993 when the great Kevin Keegan was at the club.
Chris Hughton will need to have the lads’ heads on this game and we expect him to filed his best starting line-up with a very strong bench, and we expect him to bring on all 3 substitutes in the second half.
This is the side we now expect tonight:
Harper
Simpson Coloccini Williamson Enrique
Routledge Nolan Guthrie Gutierrez
Carroll Lovenkrands
Subs: Krul Kadar Butt Barton Smith Ameobi Best
No place on the bench for somebody like Ryan Taylor tonight – with all our players back and Nile Ranger will not make the bench either it seems like.
So tonight is all about being professional, and get the job done in front of a potential full house at the Cathedral on the Hill for the first time this season.
A win is what every single Newcastle fans will want to see tonight, although a draw will be enough to secure promotion.
We want the lads to deliver tonight – big time – so the celebrations can commence!
Howay The Lads!!
29 comments so far
peterktoon
Apr 5, 2010 at 12:23 PM
Comment #1so Carroll is fit?
AngerOfTheNorth
Apr 5, 2010 at 12:27 PM
Comment #2I’ve also asked this a few times but got no answer Other than from CharlieToon) – assuming Smith can’t cut it in the Premier League, who would you have playing defensive midfield for us? Everyone’s shouting for an attacking midfielder to be bought, but can Barton/Nolan/Guthrie break up the opposition’s attacks?
To be honest, even if Smith can play that position, is he really good enough to command one of only two central midfield spots?
IrishGeordie
Apr 5, 2010 at 12:34 PM
Comment #3AngerOfTheNorth.. Think it was last week, home to forrest Nolan played the holding role and allowed Danny G to hav the Attacking freedom.
I think Smith will b good to have for the last 20 mins of matches nxt season when we hav a lead and are looking to close up shop..
Charlietoon
Apr 5, 2010 at 12:36 PM
Comment #4I think Nolan is hard enough to take on that role. Surround him with young speedy creative talent and he’ll be a valuable player
countrylad14
Apr 5, 2010 at 12:39 PM
Comment #5i think if newcastle can sign him it would have to be jamie O’hara, he has the work rate like Smith but in my opinion he has alot more ability.
im really not a Guthrie fan i just dont think he is good enough he shows short spasms of brilliance but thats it.
Geordie-Gerrard7
Apr 5, 2010 at 12:40 PM
Comment #6carrolls back for tonight, cant wait. just landed up home, two hours ago, go do the family thing,put my bags down then its time for beeeeeeeerrrrrr
Geordie-Gerrard7
Apr 5, 2010 at 12:41 PM
Comment #7i want o’hara in, maybe 9 mill offer for hutton an o’hara
inselaffe
Apr 5, 2010 at 12:45 PM
Comment #8odds on Chops getting the winner for Cardiff?
;-)))
Ally
Apr 5, 2010 at 12:46 PM
Comment #9what about Skjelbred geordie gerrard he could be handy and interested in joining us
Archie Mag
Apr 5, 2010 at 12:50 PM
Comment #10Bit harsh leaving R Taylor off the bench I reckon Ed,
Why have 3 CM players on there and only one defensive cover in Kadar? Surely a GK, 2 Defenders, 2 Mids, and 2 strikers is the way to go?
Besides, Taylors done a decent job coming off the bench at home
Archie Mag
Apr 5, 2010 at 12:51 PM
Comment #11GG – i was thinking we should put a combined offer in for O’Hara and Hutton like, good shout, would be great additions to the squad.
inselaffe
Apr 5, 2010 at 12:52 PM
Comment #12yep – no need for Butt on the bench like….
countrylad14
Apr 5, 2010 at 12:54 PM
Comment #13Anyone else think that Chris Eagles would be a good signing even if its just as cover for the wings??
Geordie-Gerrard7
Apr 5, 2010 at 12:56 PM
Comment #14Skjelbred is alot like o’hara, i lke both of them, both would be great.
my signings would be off the top of my head.
hutton, vanden borre, o’hara, cisse, skjelbred, moussa sissoko, jaun albin
Geordie-Gerrard7
Apr 5, 2010 at 1:04 PM
Comment #15i would maybe like to see us get back jenas or parker, id like diamanti or behrami from w.ham, but anyone say upson again ill go mad, he is very very poor
countrylad14
Apr 5, 2010 at 1:10 PM
Comment #16Jenas??? you being serious with that one? i can understand Parker cos he works hard for which ever club he plays for but not Jenas??
he has ability but 1. he is quite injury prone and 2. did he not leave making the rubbish excuse that playing for newcastle was like being in a goldfish bowl…he has no passion and thats what we need.
Sav
Apr 5, 2010 at 1:23 PM
Comment #17Steve Guppy and Peter Haddock – (for the Goldfish bowl). Not Jenas.
Sav
Apr 5, 2010 at 1:27 PM
Comment #18…and Shola, of course!
countrylad14
Apr 5, 2010 at 1:30 PM
Comment #19yea i suppose it was only reported that he said that it was like living in a goldfish bowl but he always denied it. he is still not a player id welcome back to newcastle he wouldnt put the effort in that is required. when he isnt injured that is.
Sav
Apr 5, 2010 at 1:39 PM
Comment #20…..and James Perch!
Spuggy
Apr 5, 2010 at 2:53 PM
Comment #21I’d like to see Collo tried as DM, he has a deft touch and not a bad passed and obviously has the defensive side, although maybe not quick enough to be a top class premier CB. Then Barton, Guthrie etc can concentrate on forward play.
Toon1978
Apr 5, 2010 at 3:04 PM
Comment #22Spuggy
I agree with you on this one lol i would also like to see Colo givin a chance in DM after all he does play their for his country when selected. We are well off for defenders and i think its time to bring Kadar in on a more regular basis. As for signings well there is a rumour that we may be looking at Hutton but he may cost a little much for Ashley. O’Hara is another player but tbh i aint seen much of him of late. I think we need someone creative in midfield and i also think we need another striker. Ameobi is a CC player at best and AS for Best the jury is still out. If Best can get himself a goal then maybe we will see him improve vastly. Carroll will get better and better he just needs to wise up a little and look at where he is and be grateful for it but he is still young. We still have S.Taylor to come back and hopefully we can keep hold of him not to mention H.Vuckic who is meant to be a cracking young player.
Spuggy
Apr 5, 2010 at 3:21 PM
Comment #23Well today is a good day – me and Toon1978 agreeing!!!! Surely we must be promoted today.
countrylad14
Apr 5, 2010 at 3:54 PM
Comment #24looks like watford are gonna do us a favour and give us a bit more breathing space at the top!! handy!
countrylad14
Apr 5, 2010 at 3:55 PM
Comment #25just need cardiff to win and the lads to hammer the blades to complete a fine bank holiday treble!
pearceet
Apr 5, 2010 at 4:01 PM
Comment #26WBA scored 1-1 95th minute
Geordie-Gerrard7
Apr 5, 2010 at 4:10 PM
Comment #27jenas- only as he is abit of qaulity for really cheap, he is an england international regardless of what he said.
philadelephia
Apr 5, 2010 at 6:45 PM
Comment #28http://www.iraqgoals.net/7462-newcastle-united-vs-sheffield-united.html
Foreign commentary.. but decent picture.
countrylad14
Apr 5, 2010 at 7:43 PM
Comment #29fair enough i can see your reasons but i still dont think he would put the effort in that we will need next year plus he is quite injury prone. plus would he not require fairly large wages?