Pompeii wass buried and completely ruined during a catastrophic eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius spanning two days on 24 August 79.
Just like the Roman city in the Italian region of Campania, Portsmouth (nicknamed Pompey) will face its destiny at St. James’ Park tomorrow when they meet the erruption of mount Magpies. On Saturday, their goal will be burried by the torrid attacking style of Newcastle United team.
Harry Redknapp’s side will visitting the Gallowgate with their six-match unbeaten run in the league, five clean sheets among of them and the amazing 7-4 win against Reading at the end of September. Quite an amazing results for a team like Pompey.
But, just like Tottenham Hotspurs when they visit the fortress with six unbeaten run, Newcastle was a hard to beat when we play at home. We are unbeaten at home so far this season, collecting 13 points out of the possible 15. The only team who was luckily to get away with a point is just Martin O’ Neill’s Villa squad.
Last season fixture, Newcastle won 1-0 to Antoine Sibierski’s second-half goal. This Saturday Sam Allardyce will keep fielding Owen-Oba formation to break the visitors resistance.
Joey Barton is likely to make his home debut in Black-and-White shirt. Having a nightmare debut last week at Madejski, Barton will do all his best to pleased the Geordies faithfull who is as always will packed the fortress St. James’ Park.
“I didn’t really have a target last season, but I would be disappointed if I didn’t get between eight and 10 goals this season” Said Barton.
Big Sam will not repeating his last week mistake and will launch the attacking minded winger in Charles N’Zogbia and James Milner. While the midfield is predicted will be hosted by Geremi and Barton.
At the back, the quartet of Beye, Cacapa, Faye and Enrique are harder and harder to replaced. Despites of some error at Madejski, Big Sam will keep the faith on his best four so far.
Harry Redknapp’s side are unbeaten on their last 4 away games without conceding any goals. But, the Fratton’s side have no winning record since 1974 when they play at St. James’ Park. Their best one so far was coming out with a point from the last 8 meetings in Premier League.
Redknapp will depends on their top scorer so far Benjani to get something out from Newcastle’s rock solid back four. But I’m predicting the Zimbabwean will face the most frustrated game tomorrow, as well as Pompey fans who are making their longest trip for a Premier League match this season.