Ewood Park is our next journey, and boy do Newcastle United need to get their act together fast. Is this the right time to be playing Blackburn? After all, they fell 4-0 down at home in midweek, maybe it’s time for Newcastle to finally pick themselves up?

Rich

“I take it I’m not the only one who would be happy if tomorrow never came.

After our recent performances in the Premiership a trip to Mark Hughes’ Blackburn is not exactly the ideal date, is it? Well, it’s where we are tomorrow and there’s no getting out of it – no shirking for Allardyce and his boys, and I suppose we shouldn’t have it anyway. The lads who wear our stripes and the man who leads them owe us after our recent performances – I’m sure they wouldn’t argue that – and if Souness and Roeder can win down in Lancashire, then why shouldn’t Big Sam?

Rovers were tonked midweek by Martin O’Neill and his Aston Villa resurgence, and they lost captain Ryan Nelsen to suspension in the process – meaning that Andre Ooijer deputises alongside Chris Samba in the heart of their usually-impressive defence. Truth be told, I’m not arsed who plays where for them or us, the only thing I’m bothered about is seeing Newcastle United cleanse themselves of recent sins.

No matter who Allardyce picks and no matter how we line-up, the only thing that matters is the three points. If we get beaten again at a canter then obviously questions should be asked, but if the Gaffer selects a team that goes to Ewood Park and does the business then surely he deserves a few days of peace before Arsenal head up North. He won’t get it, of course, whatever the outcome tomorrow – but he should.

Everyone around this club is hurting at the moment and we’re desperately scratching around looking for answers, hopefully tomorrow will provide some, whether positive or negative remains to be seen. I’m not confident.

Prediction: Blackburn Rovers 2-1 Newcastle United”

Tom

“Well after last week’s debarcle at home to Liverpool I’m not exactly brimming with confidence about Blackburn away.

Though perhaps, they might be thinking along similar lines after their midweek 4-0 drubbing at home to Aston Villa.

The fact that they’re in 9th and we’re on 11th suggests that on paper at least it should be a reasonably close game, but frankly the way that we’re playing at the moment, courtesy of Allardyce’s poor/odd (you delete as appropriate) tactics has me thinking that I can’t see us coming away from Ewood Park with anything whatsoever other than more disappointment and dismay.

I hope I’m wrong, I really do.

Prediction: Blackburn Rovers 2-0 Newcastle United”

Jonny Hall

“So another game, another chance for the Toon to prove themselves. It also means another chance for them to mess it all up.

We simply must refer back to basics. 4-4-2 with two wingers is the only way we stand any chance of current success.

No fancy formations, no tweaking tactics, just simple, professional football. Milner and N’Zogbia must both start for us to stand any chance, and the back four must be our best four defenders, with NO Carr.Sadly I can see nothing but a Blackburn victory.

Prediction: Blackburn Rovers 3-0 Newcastle United”

Join us early next week for the reaction to Saturday afternoon’s tie.