What do we have now for the Opening Match

by shearyadi | August 7, 2007 11:59 am

Pre-season games for Newcastle have given us some pictures of how the team will perform for the new season, which is start on Saturday at Reebok stadium.

During that preparations, some things remain the same, players have been hampered by injury. With Mark Viduka and Alan Smith making their debuts in Sampdoria’s match, and the latest “Official” signing of José Enrique, are we ready for the big shows?

Less positive from the Sampdoria match was Shay Given’s substitution because of a groin injury, an old problem that saw him off last season. Allardyce said, Given situation is his big concern and He will have a scan about his latest injury. If the bad things to come, Allardyce may have to recall Tim Krull from his loan spell to cover Given’s deputy, Steve Harper.

Michael Owen, Damien Duff, Emre Belözoglu, Joey Barton and Celestine Babayaro all will remain absent. Owen, should return to training next week and will require matches behind closed doors, but a withdrawal from the England squad to play Germany on August 22 is not guaranteed. Allardyce said that Owen only played 45 minutes during the pre-season, he needs games and it could be a good thing for him if he play for England against Germany.

So, from the rests of the squad that will be available for the opening match, Allardyce will not displays two new boys, Caçapa and Enrique because he wants to keep the winning teams from the pre-season for couple of first matches before they have their chance to taste the premierships.

“I’d like to use the players who have done so well in pre-season for the first few games, with the new ones coming in after that,” said Allardyce.

Beside of all the injury hits and the waiting for new boys, the new Newcastle team looks promising to hit back against several years of under-achievements. Alan Smith and Mark Viduka have demonstrate their aerial ability which is rare to be seen since the retirement of Alan Shearer.

Andy Carroll have been developed so well. Peter Ramage, one of the player Allardyce favor the most, showing great composure in defence. The combination of seniors and reserves gives several options for Allardyce, and that is good for the team to progress even further.

Imagine if we have all the squad in fully fit condition, we are back in our famous Cavalries side, the great attacking entertainers from KK era. Howay the Lads!!!

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