Sam Allardyce perfectly understand, the next ‘Derby’ for him against Blackburn will be another chance to show the Geordies faithful what calibre he is in.
We are certainly not hoping a World Cup champions calibre from the Lads today. Blackburn will have to try to recover from their midweek mauling when they face us in the Barclays Premier League today. They will be without their trusty captain Ryan Nelsen.
The New Zealander is suspended against the Magpies after being sent off somewhat harshly against Aston Villa. Mark Hughes questioned the referee’s judgment after the match, but is backing his players to bounce back.
“Everybody has got to move on, and I feel there is a real determination among the players to get this result out of their system.” Hughes said, “Even in patches of the game you could see that we are a good side – and we have got the opportunity to put things right at the weekend.”
Benni McCarthy and Roque Santa Cruz are likely to lead the line after returning in the Villa game, while Robbie Savage could feature after making the bench for the Villa match following knee surgery.
For Allardyce side, the defensive duo Steven Taylor (back) and Abdoulaye Faye (hamstring) to undergo fitness tests before deciding if they return to the Magpies squad, while Michael Owen (thigh) remains sidelined but is on course for a return before Christmas.
Meanwhile, David Edgar says he willing to put his body on the line should Toon boss Sam Allardyce see fit to hand him a slice of first-team action.
“I want to be in the United first team but perhaps somebody out there will take me on loan.” Edgar said, “I have been on the bench for the first team and anything can happen if you are that close.”
In the absence of Michael, Allardyce will have no other choice but to make a return again for Viduka-Martins duo today. Oba have a good experience when playing aginst Blackburn.
The Nigerian striker has scored twice last season against Rovers and he is determine to do the same today. His striking partner, Mark Viduka also promised the Newcastle faithful there is a lot more to come from him.
The positive fact is Newcastle United had no loss against the Rovers for the last four seasons. Below are five previous meetings between Blackburn and Newcastle at Ewood Park.
2006/07: 3-1 (Martins 2, Taylor)
2005/06: 3-0 (Shearer, Owen, N’Zogbia)
2004/05: 2-2 (Dyer, Robert)
2003/04: 1-1 (Bellamy)
2002/03: 2-5 (Shearer 2)