Are Keano’s Tractor Boys wounded animals? Toon v Ipswich match preview.
Posted on September 26th, 2009 | 28 Comments |
Firstly of course, Newcastle United’s Championship clash with Ipswich will be another game overshadowed by the memory of the great Sir Bobby Robson, who managed the ‘Tractor Boys’ for some thirteen years, building the Suffolk team patiently and taking them to the heights of both domestic and European competition. Before the game commences, Portman Road’s North stand will be officially renamed the ‘Sir Bobby Robson Stand’. In a further tribute, both teams will play in a special commemorative kit for the occaision. Incidentally, the last time the Magpies faced Ipswich (at SJP in 2002), Sir Bobby was manager and the teams drew, 2-2, with Ipswich taking the early initiative, and Toon equalising twice to grab a point. The word is that Ipwich have sold 25,000 tickets for the occaision, and a 27,000 full house is almost certain as Ipswich fans pay tribute to probably their greatest manager, alongside that other titan of the England dugout, Sir Alf Ramsey.
Unfortunately for Ipswich, they have being having a right old mare of a season so far with Keane. They are currently second bottom of the Championship, with no wins, four draws and four losses. In the ‘vale of tears’ world that being a Magpie is though, this will only make things worse for us if they manage to rise like a wouded animal and pull off a shock victory. I still remember the horror of that Derby County game with Sam Allardyce. This is an away fixture as well. Can the Chuckle Brother’s revolution put the wheels back on their wagon after the bairn’s beating on Tuesday? Can they continue to put the ridiculous background stories behind them and triumph in Suffolk? But enough Geordie pessimism and extreme paranoia, Newcastle’s first team should still be favourites going by form, with Ipswich’s inabilty to clinch a victory at eight attempts this season.
Early Newcastle team news seems to indicate that on loan battering ram, Marlon Harewood, will burst into the squad. However, Barton, Ameobi, Gutierrez will continue their spells on the sidelines and up and coming plan b defender, Tamas Kadar is knacked too. However there is highly encouraging news that the much needed Guti will resume training on Monday. Right back, Danny Gibson remains highly doubtful with an ankle problem. Naughty boy, Danny Guthrie is suspended and new face, Zurab Khizanishvili may get a bit of a run out after being cup tied in the Carling Cup. Other than that it should be business returning to normal with all the other first teamers on display, and generally a stronger performance than the reserves managed on Tuesday. No doubt there will be at least some debate about Chris Hughton presses on with his ‘4-5-1’ or is it a ‘4-4-1-1’ formation? Or will he switch to 4-4-2? etc.
Meanwhile, on the Ipswich front, the grisly hatchet man will be looking to a squad including players such as ex Mackem midfielders, Carlos Edwards and Grant Leadbitter. Town’s Ben Thatcher is condemned to spend the game in Keano’s naughty spot after reporting late for training.
HTFL! Toon! Toon! etc.
NUFCBlog Author: workyticket
workyticket has written 1096 articles on this blog.
I never like playing a team who haven’t won for a while.
They have to win sometime and I hope it’s not this time.
Roy Keane is another reason why I don’t like todays game.
1-1 I reckon – As long as it does SBR proud that’ll do me.