Premiership Reading v Newcastle
Posted on | April 30, 2007 | No Comments
While Newcastle have little left to play for, tonight’s game will be the centre of attention in the football mad North East, with Michael Owen set to make his long awaited return after 10 months out. In what is surely a warm up for next season, Owen will be available together with striking partner Shola Ameobi who has also been sidelined with an injury.
Other team news for the Magpie’s sees the return of Scott Parker and Antoine Sibierski, although Shay Given and Damien Duff are still unavailable, as Glenn Roeder continues his battle to win over the Geordie faithful. Rumours are rife that Sam Allardyce may well be in line for the Newcastle post should it become vacant in the summer.
Steve Coppell must surely be in one of the premiership’s safest managerial seats after his impressive season at the Royal’s. Still fighting for a place in Europe, their season is still far from over, and with no new injury worries Coppell has the chance to pick a settled team. However, he is still without Graeme Murty, Glen Little, Bobby Convery and Ibrahima Sonko through injury while Leroy Lita sits out the last of his 3 match ban.
On form it surely looks like a home banker with Reading on a run of successive victories, although this is the first time the Geordie hordes have travelled down to the Berkshire club. The lift from a fit again Owen (no matter how small a part he may play) together with the return of Ameobi can not be under estimated. Newcastle have been longing for the day when they can partner Owen, Ameobi and Martins up front – a day which may not be too far away. However, current form is against Newcastle with only one win in their last eight matches.
Coppell’s team can both score and defend and are worthy of their lofty position in the premiership, however an up beat Newcastle can beat anybody on their day. The news that Reading’s outstanding midfield prospect Sidwell has agreed a “Bosman” with Newcastle was a blow to Coppell, but he has an array of youngsters coming through and eager to wear the shirt of Reading.
In what may turn out to be a very entertaining game, do not be surprised if Newcastle shade this one!
Forecast : Away Win
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