Newcastle v Sheffield Wednesday Preview
Posted on | August 19, 2009 | No Comments
This midweek game features two fallen giants. These two sides were once established, and successful, Premier League outfits yet now that has all changed. Still, most punters will be backing the home win here as Newcastle begin to show signs that they’ve already started to adapt to life in the Championship. Sheffield Wednesday have also had a solid start to the season though, with the Owls unbeaten so far.
They’re in complete turmoil off the field, but Newcastle have started their season relatively well after recording a draw and a win. They’ve faced tough opponents in West Brom and Reading, so to notch a goalless draw and a 3-0 victory respectively has been very good going. There have been very few players coming into St James’ Park through the summer and that’s meant that caretaker manager Chris Houghton has had very little to work with. Something that will please the temporary boss is the form of Shola Ameobi, who looks set to become a key player in Newcastle’s quest for promotion. The Geordie-born forward notched his first career hat-trick in the Reading game and after only being a fringe player at the club throughout the last few years, this could be his chance to become a Toon regular.
Sheffield Wednesday have had a similarly solid start with the Owls drawing both of their league games and recording a 3-0 victory over Rochdale in the Carling Cup. There have been very few changes at Hillsborough through the summer with Brian Laws just bringing Darren Potter and Darren Purse into the club. With few departures as well, this has meant that the Owls have kept most of their squad together and this seems to have had a positive effect on their season so far. They surprised many last season with their mid-table finish and with boardroom issues seemingly getting resolved, Laws will be hoping for even more improvement for this campaign.
As for team news, it’s all looking good for Newcastle who will welcome Danny Simpson and Danny Guthrie into their squad. Simpson is due to make his debut after a loan move from Manchester United, while Guthrie has now recovered from a hamstring injury. All of Sheffield Wednesday’s news relates to strikers as Brian Laws has the option of bringing Francis Jeffers back after the former Everton man recovered from injury. However, fellow front men Akpo Sodje and Leon Clarke are both still injured and won’t be fit for selection.
Incredibly, the last time these two sides met at St James’ Park was ten years ago – with Newcastle thumping Wednesday 8-0! Times have changed slightly since then but still, we see nothing but a home win here. It won’t be a whitewash, but we predict a 2-1 victory for Toon.
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- Sheffield Wednesday v Sheffield United Preview
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- West Brom v Sheffield Wednesday Preview
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