Newcastle United v Barnsley – match preview!
Posted on March 5th, 2010 | 157 Comments |
Of course it’s up to us to stop them and every game requires maximum concentration to minimize the possibilities of any slip ups, particularly in front of what is expected to be a near 50,000 crowd at SJP on Saturday. Mark Robins knows that all the pressure is on the hosts to extend their excellent unbeaton home run. Speaking to the official Barnsley website, Robins had this to say about Saturday’s match:
“We are going up to a fortress this weekend and that home record is a challenge for us. We have done well for the majority of the campaign and this is one we will look to enjoy in front of 50,000 fans. I would love to be playing in this one.”
“We know we have to start well and maintain that throughout the game. If we dip at any time in the match then we’ll come unstuck. We have to go there and take the bull by the horns, we have nothing to lose.”
Barnsley come to Newcastle on the back of a home over Blackpool and with no fresh injury concerns, although they are waiting for 2 players to return from international duty. Should they come back in one piece it should leave their line-up looking a like:
Barnsley: Steele, Hassell, Shotton, Foster, Dickinson, Teixeira, Colace, Doyle, Hamill, Macken, Bogdanovic
The key thing for Newcastle at this stage of the season should be focus. We are now unbeaten in 4 and have won the last 3 on the trot and manager Chris Hughton seems to be doing a grand job of keeping the players in check. Man of the moment Andy Carroll had this to say about the remainder of the season:
“Every player wants to stay fit and be part of the last 13 matches. We just need to keep focused and keep our heads down.”
“It’s been proven that the teams that work hard win things. We hope to get off to a good start. We’re playing well at the moment, and it comes with confidence.”
Newcastle can look forward to the return of Jose Enrique, who should slot straight in for the recently departed Patrick van Aanholt, and Peter Lovenkrands who could, and probably should, start instead of Leon Best. Nicky Butt is also available after an injury lay off but I’m looking forward less to his return. Joey Barton is back in training but a return to the starting XI will not be rushed whilst Shola Ameobi, Wayne Routledge and Steven Taylor remain crocked. With all that in mind it means Newcastle should start the match with:
Newcastle Utd: Harper, Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Enrique, Guthrie, Nolan, Smith, Jonas, Carroll, Lovenkrands.
Subs: Krul, Kadar, Hall, R Taylor, Pancrate, Best, Ranger.
Special mention for Steve Harper who will make his 50th consecutive start between the sticks for the Toon and will be hoping for a clean sheet to go with it.
It’s important we don’t slip up after we’ve done so well although Chris Hughton and the players seem to be doing a sterling job of staying focused. An early goal is always a bonus and is something we have been doing quite regularly so far. On the other hand, Barnsley will be fired up for this and will look to make life difficult for us. We didn’t have it all our own way at Oakwell earlier in the season and managed a 2-2 draw which shows the Tykes can cause us problems.
My prediction: 2-0 Toon.
Howay the lads!
NUFCBlog Author: toonsy
toonsy has written 643 articles on this blog.
BATTY,you have been away a while so you missed out,moved on to the bins at low fell with komfort better class of gear there like :)