Birmingham City Vs Newcastle United |
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Date:
Wednesday 20th April 2005
Kick Off: 7.45pm BST
Venue: Carrow Road
Ref: Andre Marriner
Comp: Premiership |
| Match Preview
In Association With Toon
Ale |
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By
Ally
Only in the crazy world of Newcastle United could such loyal fans
be let down so much over a week. After such optimism not so long ago,
we came back down to earth with a bang and lost 4-1 in both games
in frankly embarrassing circumstances. I didn't expect us to lose
so bad against Man Utd, but the manner in which we did it was awful.
30,000 fantastic, passionate supporters signing their hearts out for
90 minutes to be repaid with a performance that couldn't be further
away from the one the crowd put in.
We were weak due to injuries and suspensions, yes, but we failed to
get the ball and when we did get it we simply gave it back to them.
Man Utd won't get an easier game all season, its not often you get
12 men playing for you! (Nicky Butt) Our season is now over and we're
playing for pride and the best league position we can as the prize
money can make a difference. We need to try and forget the last week
and get back to winning ways against relegation threatened Norwich.
To be honest, Norwich away is one of the worst games we could have
after the FA Cup defeat. They beat Man Utd in their last home game
and will see this as a great opportunity for 3 points against a team
wounded both physically and mentally.
Our injury problems have worsened since the weekend and a shadow of
our strongest XI is likely to take the field at Carrow Road. Hughes,
Bramble, Jenas, Babayaro and Faye (although he faces a fitness test)
are injured, Dyer and Bowyer are still banned and whether Laurent
Robert will play is anyones guess. Its a good opportunity for our
youngsters though, the likes of N'Zogbia, Milner, Taylor and Ambrose
are all likely to play, but they should still be good enough to beat
Norwich.
Yet another injury to Babayaro and the hernia injury Hughes has picked
up leaves us short at left back. Robbie Elliott is in the squad and
I imagine he'll play left back. We have other options such as N'Zogbia
and Taylor but I think they'll play elsewhere. Elliott isn't good
enough for us sadly, but he should be ok against Norwich. Although
Bentley is a tricky player on the right wing. Carr, Taylor and Boumsong
will fill the other gaps and hopefully they've got over being torn
apart by Rooney and friends.
Midfield sees a dilemma for Souness. Nicky Butt is in terrible form
and shows no desire to improve on it and selection won't go down well
with the traveling supporters following his disappearance down the
Cardiff tunnel. We lack a holding midfielder though without him and
Faye and there really isn't anyone else to play. One last chance in
that case Nicky, screw this up and you'll be out the door for sure.
I think Ambrose will get a game on the right wing and Milner will
play in the middle, or vice versa. I can't see Robert playing after
another awful display at Cardiff. N'Zogbia is the natural replacement
there. That's not a good midfield for this level but the kids have
a point to prove so should be keen to impress.
Shearer picks himself up front and Ameobi will partner him after coming
out of the Semi with a bit of credibility, unlike Kluivert.
Norwich, as I said, are fighting for their lives in 20th and are 4
points away from safety. They'll certainly be confident going into
this one and to be honest I can't see us winning. Our away form is
dreadful and I imagine another flat display that we've been used to
this season. I hate to be pessimistic but I'm sure you'll agree, there
is little to be optimistic about right now!
Given |
Carr |
Boumsong |
Taylor |
Elliott |
Ambrose |
Butt |
Milner |
N'Zogbia |
| |
Shearer
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Ameobi
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Dean Ashton vs Jean-Alain Boumsong - I'm a keen admirer
of Ashton and he's a player that I wouldn't say no to in the Summer.
He's an excellent finisher with all round good forward skills. Boumsong
still looks shaky at times and i'm yet to be convinced he's worth
the fee, but on paper you'd think the Boum would come on top. If he
doesn't it could be a long night.
Craig Fleming vs Alan Shearer - Shearer hasn't had
the best of seasons in the league and will be down that he won't be
playing in Europe in his final season. Fleming is a decent, experienced
defender who won't make it easy for Shearer. Their overall defence
isn't great, but they'll be confident having kept out Man Utd.
| NUFC Squad News &
Pre-Match Reaction |
Manager Graeme Souness on the match:
"I think my opinions of the squad are the same today as they were
at Christmas time or even before that.
"We have spoken about it weekly - when I say we, the chairman, my
staff.
"We have given our opinion on what players we need to strengthen it
and we have come up with names. There is nothing changed in the last
seven days."
United squad:
Given, Harper, Carr, Taylor, Elliott, Boumsong, O'Brien, Ramage, Butt,
Faye, Robert, Milner, N'Zogbia, Ambrose, Shearer, Ameobi, Kluivert.
| Norwich Squad News &
Pre-Match Reaction |
Manager Nigel Worthington on the match
"Whether it's a good time or a bad time to play them doesn't matter.
The game is there.
"Newcastle are like a wounded animal and we have got to be spot-on
in our approach.
"If we think we can go into that game and walk it, and have the wrong
attitude, then we have got another thing coming."
Norwich squad:
Green, Helveg, Fleming, Shackell, Drury, Bentley, Francis, Safri,
Huckerby, Ashton, McKenzie, Stuart, Jonson, Svensson, Charlton, Doherty,
Edworthy, Holt, Ward.
 Andre
Marriner
Only the West Midland's born refs' 3rd game in the Premiership so
expect some inexperience.
Personally I want the season to end right now, but we've got 7 games
to play first. We're weakened, but our young players should have the
hunger and motivation to succeed. I just fear that we're going to
lack good creativity in midfield. I'll go for a 1-1 draw,
roll on the Summer! |
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