Skys Blackburn/Newcastle preview

[Scottish Mag 3]

Two sides in vastly different form lock horns at Ewood Park as Blackburn welcome Newcastle to the North West.

 

Rovers have slipped dangerously close to the drop zone, having won just once in the Premiership since October 14.

 

In stark contrast, Newcastle are unbeaten in seven games in all competitions but such was their wretched start they are still behind Rovers in the table.

 

Blackburn chief Mark Hughes has a number of

 

 

Mark Hughes has a number of injuries to contend with, with Australian flanker Brett Emerton the latest player to enter the treatment room after damaging a hamstring at Charlton.

 

Jason Roberts is on the road to recovery from a broken foot, but is still weeks away from full fitness - meaning Shabani Nonda and Benni McCarthy are likely to continue up front.

 

Francis Jeffers has been ruled out due to a groin problem, but midfielder schemer Tugay is expected to be restored to the starting line-up.

 

Zurab Khizanishvili and long-term absentees Steven Reid and Ryan Nelsen are all out as well.

 

 

The Magpies have a decent record at Ewood Park, having lost only one of their last six trips to Blackburn, and manager Glenn Roeder will be keen to build on the win over Reading in midweek.

 

Roeder has problems all over the park and he is likely to stick with the same back four which took the field against Reading even tough Celestine Babayaro came in for fierce criticism from a section of the St James' Park faithful for his display in the first half.

 

With Titus Bramble and Craig Moore still sidelined, young duo Steven Taylor and Peter Ramage will continue in the heart of the back four.

 

Kieron Dyer and Damien Duff have returned to training but miss out, while Scott Parker will be given every chance to overcome his back injury to partner Emre in the heart of midfield.

 

Obafemi Martins and Antoine Sibierski carried a constant threat up front against Reading and are likely to lead the line, with Giuseppe Rossi and Albert Luque again left to kick their heels on the bench.

 

 

Skysports.com Prediction: 1-2

Newcastle to extend thier fine run.

 

Player to watch: Emre

 

Tough Babayaro??

[The Mighty Hog 488]

Photoshopped tbh.

 

Probably just a typo and they mean " even though Celestine Babayaro came in for fierce criticism from a section of the St James' Park faithful for his display in the first half.".

Edited December 8, 2006 by The Mighty Hog

[Shearergol 0]

Photoshopped tbh.

 

Probably just a typo and they mean " even though Celestine Babayaro came in for fierce criticism from a section of the St James' Park faithful for his display in the first half.".

 

Clearly what it means to be honest.