Newcastle v Blackburn: Hughes is the Latest Manager to Add to King Kev’s Woes?
The Keegan revolution is a little slow in starting, in fact it simply hasn’t got off the ground and I can’t help thinking if it was any other manager the Toon army would already be baying for blood. But, as Shearer insists, King Kev has the full backing the Newcastle board.
The last time the Magpies unearthed all three glistening points was on 15 December. Their last five have produced 3 defeats and 2 draws, seen 13 goals fly past Shay Given/Steve Harper while just 3 have trickled in at the other end of the park.
Problems All Over the Pitch
Too many goals at one end, not enough at the other; these seem to be the essence of the problems at St James’. Enter Chris Hughton, the former Tottenham assistant, brought in to solve the club’s obvious defensive issues. He’ll need an immediate Midas touch though if Newcastle are to thwart McCarthy and co. And now Pedersen has ended his 18-game goal drought, the threat to Harper’s goal (Given is sidelined with a groin injury) has been cranked up another notch.
To make matters worse, Newcastle have not won at home against Blackburn for the past three seasons; Rovers winning 2-0 last season and 1-0 the season prior. The Magpies have celebrated two away wins in this confrontation in the last two seasons.
Rampant Rovers
Blackburn though are on a flyer. They have only lost one game (2-0 v Arsenal) in their last 9 and remain in touch with the European places. And if this isn’t enough to spur them on, fur of their most influential players - Tugay, Bentley, Pedersen and McCarthy - are poised to enter new contract talks.
Their away form remains consistent with 77% of their matches on the road seeing them heading homeward with at least a point (5 wins and 5 draws). Their three away defeats have been at the hands of Wigan, Man Utd and Arsenal. The only negative is the fact they have a -1 away goal difference although this beats Newcastle’s home goal difference (-5).
Pundit’s Pick: King Kev still can’t breathe easy (draw)
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Tags: Blackburn Rovers, Magpie, Newcastle United, Premier League preview, Premiership Football, Toon
February 28th, 2008 at 20:17
Rest assured the Newcastle wannabes will be out come a game or two (still without a win) calling for the chop. Over 50 years isn’t it since they won something to show off in the trophy cabinet and yet they still consider themselves to be amongst the greatest teams in football! Talk about failing to face reality! I’m surprised they aren’t higher up the Fan-tasy Report list.
You had the main ingredient to turn you into a half decent team. His name was Mr Allardyce! You’re giving the wrong man time. I’m going all out and saying away win for Blackburn.