Blade-on races! Newcastle United v Sheffield United – Match preview.
Posted on April 4th, 2010 | 209 Comments |
A night of destiny awaits Newcastle fans worlwide on Monday night as promotion back to the Premier League could be mathematically assured with just a point against Sheffield United. In fact promotion could be secured before kick-off at St James’ Park should Nottingham Forest fail to win against Cardiff in their 3pm match at the City Ground.
With only a one day break sandwiched between a busy Easter football schedule, manager Chris Hughton looks set to shuffle the pack again for the visit of The Blades.
Whichever team is put out there knows what is at stake and what is required to ensure the champagne no longer remains on ice and the party can begin in front of what should be a packed out home crowd. That very celebration could have happened on Saturday if results had gone our way elsewhere to supplement the 3-2 win Newcastle managed at Peterborough. It wasn’t to be however and it is perhaps more fitting that the chance to secure a return to the big time should fall in front of the home crowd that has stuck behind the team all season.
With a full squad to choose from aside from Fitz Hall and long term absentee Steven Taylor, manager Chris Hughton has somewhat of a selection headache as he sets about picking a team that will push us over the finishing line. Having rested several what I would call first choice players for the trip to Peterborough, Hughton can call on the likes of Jonas Gutierrez, Danny Guthrie, Peter Lovenkrands and Wayne Routledge who were all forced to enjoy a rest and should come back into contention fully refreshed. Andy Carroll also retuns after being absent with an ankle knock sustained against Nottingham Forest. As it is quite topical, Tamas Kadar could also be called upon although it looks unlikely that he will start. I expect the team to be:
Newcastle United: Harper, Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Enrique, Routledge, Nolan, Barton, Gutierrez, Ameobi, Lovenkrands.
Sheffield United come to Toon looking to be party poopers as three points could prove invaluable in their charge for a play-off spot. In fact the last time they came to town was 3 years ago in the Premiership where they managed a 1-0 win thanks to a Danny Webber header, much to my disappointment as I was sat in the heavens for that match, and took part in the subsequent protest after the match aimed at then owner Freddy Shepherd.
The Blades will be without defender Paul Connolly as he misses out through suspension after his red card against Barnsley. They lined up in that game with a team of:
Sheffield United: Simonsen, Connolly, Nosworthy, Morgan, Stewart, Little, Montgomery, Quinn, Ward, Henderson, Cresswell.
Sheffield United have not won away in 10 attempts and when compared to Newcastle United’s home record it looks likely that the run will stretch to 11 by the time of the final whistle. If the home side can clinch victory then it will be the first league double over The Blades in 37 years. Should Kevin Nolan or Alan Smith make an appearance it will be their 400th career appearance and 250th league start respectively.
I honestly believe that the lads will not let us down tomorrow and we will all be celebrating by around 9:30pm, if not before. It should be a party atmosphere, one which I will be partaking of as I make the 420 mile round trip to watch the lads and join in the fun. And those that can’t make the trip will have Sky coverage to look forward to or possibly an internet stream. Aside from the importance of the match, I feel we have too much for them especially as players that were rested come back into contention.
My prediction: 3-0
Howay the lads!
Date: Monday, 5th April, 2010.
Kick-off: 7:45pm.
Venue: St James’ Park.
Cant wait though I would like to see Guthrie get a start. Dont think your far off with the score ;)