BPL Round 25: NUFC vs. 'Boro 3 Feb [R]

[tigerdave]

With Arsenal out of the picture at long last, we hope to get about the remainder of our season with a match against the Smoggies on Sunday.

We should have pretty much all the same folks available plus Emre and Viduka. N'Zogbia picked up his fifth booking of the year against Arsenal midweek but due to the seven day rule that won't kick in until the next game. There's also a strong chance that unless Senegal pull a rabbit out of the hat, we could potentially have Faye and Beye at least back in the country for this one, if not available for selection.

Boro should have Alves available if they tie up the deal with Heerenveen. The rest of their squad report wasn't listed at this time.

Not sure what I feel on this. My gut tells me more of the same, my heart tells me this is the game we turn it around. Either way, with Boro jumping us if they beat us, this is one we absolutely have to have.

[colinh9]

We got a big boost as Senegal is out. Habib Beye has been one of our better players as well as Faye. I'm assuming they are on a plane today back, but I doubt this will leave them enough time to get ready for Boro.

This has become the biggest game of our season now. We win, we can at least relax for a bit, we lose and we are really in the thick of things. We got some very tricky ties coming up and its essential we take 3 points from this one.

Tactics. Depending on Beye and Faye's fitness I would include them in the squad. I'd put Enrique back on the left, drop Duff and move Zogs up to ALM. I let Milner and Duff fight it out over the next couple of days in training before deciding which of them starts, but since I can't see this I go with Milner. I know it won't happen, and I'm not even sure I would do it as manager, but I would much rather see Shola start up top with Owen than Smith. Smith, as well as owen, has proved he is worthless. At least give Shola a chance to prove a point before Viduka and Martins are back with the squad. Nobody has come in for him this window and he must be increasingly worried about his career. Let him prove a point.

Kickoff is 13:30 which translates to a nice morning for me. I wish I had the capabilities to tape this one and watch it when I wake up because I will not get any sleep Sunday night either.

[tigerdave]

According to Sky Sports news and an interview with Southgate, Alves will NOT be available. That leaves Mido as the featured forward for the game against us. We should have everyone available except for Martins and Geremi.

[ToonUSA]

2-0 to us.

Viduka to steal the hearts of the Beasts...

[mplsTOON]

Someone please park an ice cream truck behind the goal at Gallowgate end.

Free cones to the Fat Austrailian Bastard if he scores...

..to which I predict a brace for Viduka provided proper delivery of frozen dairy product per goal scored...

[BayernWake]

Who ate all the meat pies?

[Big Soccer Member]

We were very lucky to get a 2-2 draw at the Riverside earlier in the season and we are far worse now then we were then. Boro have got there form back and they are traditionally a big game side. Make no mistake, this game is HUGE. 0-2 comfortably to Middlesbrough. One thing is certain, we won't score. Why am I so negative?

[penubly]

I think it'll be 2-1 for the Toon.

Anyone got a radio link?

[frednmethod]

Alfonso Alves can't play for Middlesbrough yet, can he?

If so, I'm predicting a 3-0 win for Newcastle.

[bburgarelli]

Newcastle is shit, we all know it. Everybody knows it. Soooooo, why do these @#$@!@ refs still think the opposition needs help?

[bburgarelli]

Wheater with a Yellow. Should be a red. Didn't even try to reach the ball.

[Big Soccer Member]

Awful decision to deny us a goal. Although it does not look like we will regret it as we have started the stronger.

[penubly]

Is N'Zogbia playing left back again?

[bburgarelli]

Is N'Zogbia playing left back again?

No. Emre is playing Left Back and Left Mid. Zogs is playing between Duff on the Left Wing and Emre.

[bburgarelli]

Wheater already have a yellow, and the ref is talking a lot to him. I would say he's a serious candidate for a red on the second half.

[Big Soccer Member]

Half Time

Very entertaining half. Boro are playing rough, but fair and we are not liking it. Owen has had another goal rightly disallowed. We should have had a pen too. Smith is winning every header and the midfield is playing better than usual. Defense is very shaky so I think both teams will score next half.

The commentator is still saying Owen is lacking sharpness! Despite playing for almost a month without injury.

[Toon³]

A goal! :eek:

Owen

[bburgarelli]

Fell of my chair... Owen scores!

[bburgarelli]

Milner in for Emre, and I don't see why.

Another close call from the ref, but the replay was crap.

[penubly]

Cacapa saved our bacon on that block. Lee had a tap-in, only to be blocked by Cacapa.