Now that we know promotion is so important for Newcastle to achieve this season, the game at Watford tomorrow now takes on even more importance.
We heard this week that Newcastle were losing around £2M a month in the Championship, due to the wage bill still being a whopping £40M/year, so it’s important in the remaining 14 league games that the team pick up just as many points as possible to secure that promotion.
And since we have not won in our last 7 away games, tomorrow would be an excellent time to end that miserable streak.
On the injury front things are not too good, with in-form striker Peter Lovenkrands still having problems with the hamstring injury he picked up in the 3-0 win over Preston last Saturday.
Wayne Routledge (calf), Jose Enrique (hamstring) and Nicky Butt (thigh) are also not available through injury, although the latter two are expected to be ready for the next game – at home to Barnsley a week tomorrow, 6th March.
Long term casualty Joey Barton (foot) is back in training, but still some weeks from a return and injury prone Shola Ameobi (hamstring) is still not available, and has missed far too many games through injury this season.
Steven Taylor (medial ligament) remains sidelined and is not expected to return for at least another month.
Given the injuries we have, and assuming manager Chris Hughton plays his usual 4-5-1 formation away from home – here’s the team we expect for tomorrow afternoon.
Harper
Simpson Coloccini Williamson van Aanholt
Pancrate Guthrie Smith (c) Nolan Gutierrez
Carroll
Subs: Krul Kadar Hall Taylor (R) Best Ranger Donaldson
That’s a decent team and can also score some goals – hopefully.
Mike Williamson is returning to one of his former clubs, and we expect another strong performance from the 6’4″ center-back, alongside our impressive Argentine International Fabricio Coloccini.
And this could well be the last game for left back Patrick van Aanholt, on loan from Chelsea, and the lad’s been just great during his month on Tyneside.
The keys to a win for Newcastle will be another strong defensive showing, and players like Carroll and Nolan taking their chances when they get them, but we expect the game to be close.
On the Watford side, Manchester United loan player Tom Cleverley will miss the game, after the midfielder was sent off last weekend and starts a three-match ban.
It will by no means be an easy game for Newcastle, but we think with the news that Newcastle must grab promotion this season, the players will have that little bit more incentive to get the win.
Comments very welcome – let us know which team you would field tomorrow afternoon.
13 comments so far
Doha Mag
Feb 26, 2010 at 7:54 PM
Comment #1The fact Watford’s best player Tom Cleverley (albeit a loan player) is suspended must give us the advantage tomorrow. I’m going for a 1-3 away win for the toon……
MacToon
Feb 26, 2010 at 8:23 PM
Comment #2I think he’ll opt for RTaylor ahead of Pancrate but other than that I agree. Won’t be pretty but hopefully effective.
zeetoon
Feb 26, 2010 at 9:35 PM
Comment #3actually i still think CH will play guthrie as a winger tomorrow.
G
Feb 26, 2010 at 9:58 PM
Comment #4Hope you are wrong zeetoon, surely recent results have proven how to use Guthrie effectively? Personally I am a little concerned, because in my lifetime we have a dicey record against Watford! Come on boys, lets grab another 3 points and get back where we belong.
CAToon
Feb 27, 2010 at 6:13 AM
Comment #5Which NUFC team shows up today? Do we get an aggressive, attacking club or do we get an intimidated squad that goes into a long-ball shell? This game is important, less for promotion purposes, in seeing if the team can replicate home form while on the road.
Doha Mag
Feb 27, 2010 at 7:48 AM
Comment #6I agree with MacToon; Ryan Taylor ahead of Pancrete, although hoping Pancrete, Best and Ranger make an appearance in the second half
Charlietoon
Feb 27, 2010 at 9:49 AM
Comment #7So excited it seems to be showing on iraq goals.
noir9
Feb 27, 2010 at 10:06 AM
Comment #8M8 how do I find iraq goals? I thought Carrol looked a bit flat last week, might be worth playing best he looks like he is better at holding the ball but still expect bigger lad to start.
Mags
Feb 27, 2010 at 10:08 AM
Comment #9G (5) agree with you, our record there is poor. I would settle for an ugly 1-0 win to be honest.
Howay the Lads.
Mags
Feb 27, 2010 at 10:38 AM
Comment #10Daily Mail are reporting Nolan is out, ankle problem in training which will be scanned next week!
tappy lappy
Feb 27, 2010 at 10:46 AM
Comment #11I hope Guthrie is not on the wing, need to give Carroll support as he looks isolated and we pump meaningless long balls up to him and give the other team the ball back. I fancy forest to get beat today so a draw for us would be ok
Mags
Feb 27, 2010 at 11:36 AM
Comment #12gonna have to change the midfield with Nolan missing. Should be
Pancrates Guthrie Smith Jonas
Smithy
Feb 27, 2010 at 1:01 PM
Comment #13http://www.myp2p.eu has about 7 links for game today