Newcastle v Fulham preview
Fulham make their longest journey of the season a day later than planned, as respective cup commitments forced this one to be moved to the Sunday.The Toon will know their Carling Cup third round opponents before they kick a ball, but the 120 minutes of action from Thursday’s second round game may well have an effect on a few legs.
Even though the visitors also progressed through to the next round of their respective competition, a 1-0 defeat on the night and the journey back from the Ukraine could well leave a few feeling jaded.
It’s still early days in the 2011-2012 campaign, but with the unbeaten record still intact it’s looking a lot brighter than many expected.
Team news
Joey Barton decided QPR was the place for him and with it he left our squad that little bit thinner. If Pardew keeps the same system used at Sunderland, it would also leave a midfield place open. Gosling would seem like the obvious choice but looks understandably off the pace after so long out with injury. Vuckic did himself no harm with some nice touches and movement at Scunthorpe but would Pardew opt for one of his youngsters?
It’s more likely the boss will go 4-4-2 with Gutierrez, Obertan and Tiote all back in the starting line up. There still seems a spot up for grabs, depending on where Obertan plays, either on the wing or up front. Shola is a guaranteed, but with Demba Ba also looking off-colour, could this be the game to field our two Ameobis? Marveaux also did himself no harm and don’t be surprised to see the Frenchman get the nod with Obertan occupying a more advanced role. The back 5 picks itself, with top scorer Ryan Taylor likely to continue as our make shift left-back.
Guess who’s back
Martin Jol oversees a game at for the first time since Dec 2006 at a ground where he is yet to register a win. Two league defeats and an FA cup exit are all the big Dutchman has to show for his trips to the north east and he will be no doubt keen to rectify that record. Old boys Duff and Hughes are likely starters, with the latter widely expected to receive the better reception. The Cottagers involvement in the Intertoto cup makes Sunday’s clash their 10 competitive game of the season, and despite progressing in Europe they have yet to win or score in their opening two Premier League games. Martin Jol has been linked with another move for Cameron Jerome to add some much needed firepower to their side and with the Magpies yet to concede in the league, the likes of Dembele and Zamora may have another troublesome afternoon.
History
For some unknown reason, the men from south west London have proved somewhat of a bogey team for Newcastle, especially on Tyneside. In the last 6 meetings at St James’, the home side have only secured three points on one occasion- when goals from Mark Viduka and Michael Owen gave Kevin Keegan his first victory since his return midway through the 07/08 season. All tolled the Magpies have only beaten the visitors 3 times at home in the Premier League and who can forget the ill-fated meeting in the Souness era when he was sent to the stands and watched his side be thumped 4-1.
Last season the teams played out a drab 0-0 and if either side gets a cross in the box it will have surpassed the action from that encounter.
Hello Old Friend
Kevin Friend will take charge of the lunchtime affair as he personally enters his fourth season as a top flight official. Friend last officiated at St James’ in the Toon’s 5-1 demolition of Cardiff en route to the Championship title. However he will probably be best remembered for allowing Shola Ameobi’s opener in the 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough to stand, despite the big forward fouling both Emmanuel Pogatetz and Brad Jones before sticking it in the net. Don’t worry though Kevin, 52,000 others didn’t see either of them and they’ll all be hoping you once again oversee a home victory.
Possible Nufc Line-Up
Krul, Simpson, S.Taylor, Coloccini(C), R.Taylor, Gutierrez, Tiote, Cabaye, Marveaux, Obertan, Ameobi
Thought for the day
This is the last game before the transfer window shuts- so it may well be the final time we see the side without a recognised left back or goal scorer- don’t count on it though.
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