Will Bristol City be a big handful for Toon?
Posted on October 3rd, 2009 | 15 Comments |
Stiff test?
City, who are renowned as much for their contribution to Cockney rhyming slang as their achievements on the pitch, are currently 9th in the table. They are proving to be a fairly tasty little unit who are difficult to beat at home. Fortunately for the Magpies though, they seem to be considerably more wobbly away.
Promoted to the Championship in 2007, they have suffered only two losses this year, with four victories and four draws. Three of the draws and both of the losses occurred on their away missions though, which is comforting. However, despite their away form, they should still prove a fairly stiff test for the Magpies this afternoon as we welcome them to the considerable bosom of St James’s Park.
Bristol Gaffer up for it.
Bristol City supremo, Gary Johnson certainly sounds up for the the challenge, speaking in a recent interview, he said:
“The fans have waited 30-odd years to play at this level and some of them want to get out of it straight away.
We’ve just got to enjoy playing in the Championship – and we are going to enjoy it, because there’s some fantastic games.
“With the likes of Newcastle and Middlesbrough coming down, you don’t have to go up to the Premier League – just wait for the Premier League to come down to you!”
Indeed, Johnson has already taken the Smoggie’s scalp with a 2-1 Championship victory, and will be looking for ours to add to it.
In another interview, this time on the upcoming game at SJP, Johnson said:
“It’s an occaision because of the atmosphere, the stadium and the nature of the game – they are top of the table.
“Newcastle have started the season flying. They kept a large number of their playing staff and brought in a few others, like Marlon Harewood on loan.
“We have to go there professionally. When we’re in possession we can’t give it away easily, and we have to work hard when we have the ball…
After speaking on a 2-0 defeat of Ian Holloway’s Blackpool (the only team to beat Newcastle United in the Championship so far), Johnson added:
“For 90 minutes at Newcastle we aren’t going to be able to play at a non-stop high tempo, but we have to play a game that keeps then away from our box.”
Hughton and lads at it “from the off”
Meanwhile, Chris Hughton has been speaking about options with new on loan players such as Marlon Harewood, the resigned Peter Lovenkrands and the return of Gutierrez. He said:
“Marlon has also made an impact in that he took just eight minutes to score [in the QPR game] and we are delighted for him.
“Physically, he certainly ready to start a game now.
“He’s in good shape and that showed during the final half hour on Wednesday”.
Looking forward to taday’s game he added:
“We have options in terms of selection,not only with Marlon and Jonas, but Peter Lovenkrands is also pushing for a start.
In a hint that he may continue the more attacking formation of two upfront battering rams with Nolan slipping in behind, Hughton went on:
“But we’ll be looking to take the game to Bristol City from the off on Saturday and I’ll be picking a team to do that.”
Team stuff.
Bristol City faces include Nicky Maynard, a club record striker signing from Crewe Alexandria, and ex Magpie reserve, Bradley Orr, who is bit of a naughty boy in the great Newcastle tradition of players like Bellamy, Barton etc. In August 2006, Orr was sent off off trying to headbutt his own teammate, Louis Carey. Shortly after that, was sentenced to 28 days in jail for an incident outside ‘Romeo Brown’s’ night club the previous October. Players such as flying Dutchman, Evander Sno and Danny Haynes should also figure for City. Brazilian goalkeeper, Adriano Basso should be between the sticks while Dean Gerken continues to recover from a virus. Indications are that the away support has sold out more or less, despite the “fair old poke” from the West Country.
On the Newcastle front, it looks like Joey Barton’s foot will be knacked for months again, and Ameobi will remain on tne sidelines too with problems in the same area. Fabricio Collocini will also be out with a smaller injuriy, and Ryan Taylor may just make it with a strained calf, but is highly doubtful apparently.
Though perhaps a little light on the right wing, Newcastle should still ooze midfield menace and upfront power. Harewood, Ranger, Carroll, Gutierrez, Nolan, Smith, Nolan, Butt, Guthrie, Lovenkrands, Geremi, Simpson, Steven Taylor, Enrique, the Georgian fellow and Harper will all be available to Hughton.
Howay the lads!
NUFCBlog Author: workyticket
workyticket has written 1096 articles on this blog.
Ah Bristol City. I used to watch them a bit (and Rovers) when I lived and worked in Bristol.
I’m hopeful today, although I thought we might beat QPR in the week too and I was wrong there.
Still, I’ll go for 2-0.