Match Preview - Newcastle (h)

[Jourdan]

Monday evening sees Sam Allardyce’s unbeaten Magpies travel to Pride Park to face the Rams, with the Geordies looking to build on their refreshing start to the season and hand 20th placed Derby their fifth straight Premier League defeat.

Last Time At Pride Park

Derby 2-3 Newcastle (2001/02)

Recent History

Since Kevin Keegan guided them to the Premier League in 1992/93, Newcastle have been known as the “nearly men”, finishing third in 1993/94 and runners up in 1995/96 and 1996/97. They have also lost two FA Cup finals in recent times, losing to Arsenal in 1997/98 and Manchester United in 1998/99.

Since Keegan’s departure in 1996/97, the Magpies have had numerous high-profile managers including Kenny Dalgish, Ruud Gullit, Graeme Souness and Sir Bobby Robson. But none of these famous names have been able to provide what the Toon Army crave – silverware. Bar winning the second tier of English football in 1993, the club haven’t won a trophy since their 1975 Texaco Cup success.

This is viewed as a major disappointment for a club that has been well invested in during recent years. With such a proud past, impressive facilities and a huge and expectant fan-base, Newcastle have been known to fail to live up to intense expectations.

After Glenn Roeder also failed to meet expectations, he was sacked with one game remaining of the 2006/07 season. Sam Allardyce was promptly installed as the new manager and more good news was soon to follow with Mike Ashley’s multi-million pound takeover of the club in June. The Newcastle fans hoped that this would signal the start of a fruitful new era for the club.

Summer Signings

As expected Sam Allardyce has been very shrewd in the transfer market, bringing in Mark Viduka, Cacapa, Joey Barton and Geremi on free transfers. He has also signed former Man Utd and Leeds utility man Alan Smith and promising left back Jose Enrique from Villarreal and the former Bolton boss rounded off his transfer activity by signing experienced right back Habib Beye from Marseille and Bolton defensive midfielder Abdoulaye Faye on deadline day.

Form

The Toon won 4 out of their 6 pre-season friendlies, most notably beating Celtic 4-1 and Juventus 2-0 at St James’ Park. Albert Luque impressed scoring 3 goals in 2 appearances.

Allardyce’s men have begun the Premiership campaign well – winning 2 and drawing 2. A brace from Obafemi Martins and a curling free kick from Charles N’Zogbia earned his side a 3-1 win at former club Bolton on the opening day.

This impressive win was followed up with a goalless draw at home to Aston Villa before they twice squandered the lead to draw 2-2 at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium – Mark Viduka scoring on his return to his former club.

They have since won back-to-back games, easing past Barnsley in the Carling Cup with a 2-0 win and momentarily halting Wigan’s promising start to the season as Michael Owen scored the only goal in a 1-0 win at St James’ Park.

Predicted Line Ups

Derby – Bywater, Mears, Leacock , Davis, Griffin, Teale, Oakley, Pearson, Lewis, Miller, Howard

Newcastle – Given, Beye, Rozenhal, Taylor, N’Zogbia, Milner, Geremi, Butt, Smith, Owen, Viduka

Ones to Watch

Michael Owen – The England international has been in ominous goalscoring form for both club and country in recent weeks. He has scored 3 goals in England’s last two internationals and netted 2 in his previous 2 appearances for the Magpies. Combine his purple patch in front of goal with the Rams’ 15 goals conceded in 5 league games and you wouldn’t bet against him scoring on Monday night.

James Milner – The ex-Leeds prodigy has become a permanent fixture in the side under Sam Allardyce, he has started 4 out of 5 of Newcastle’s competitive games and will no doubt feature on Monday. The midfielder who can operate on both flanks is renowned for his pace, crossing, dribbling and skill on the ball.

Charles N’Zogbia – Another youngster that has forced himself into the first team picture – N’Zogbia has been an ever-present for the Magpies this season. Usually a left winger, the Frenchman has been starring in a more defensive role this season playing as a left back. He has scored 2 goals in 5 appearances this season.

David Rozenhal – The powerful Czech centre back has played in all 4 of Newcastle’s league games this season, helping his side shut out Wigan and Aston Villa at St James’ Park.

Key Battles

Howard vs. Rozehnal – David Rozenhal will be tasked with frustrating Rams striker Steve Howard who will be looking forward to playing against the club he supported as a boy.

Oakley vs. Butt – Two wholehearted midfielders will come up against each other in what promises to be a compelling on-field contest.

Milner vs. Griffin – Although naturally left-sided, I expect Milner to play on the right on Monday to expose the vulnerable Andy Griffin. Will the former Newcastle man be able to cope with the skilful winger? I doubt it!

Owen vs. Davis – With Owen in frightening form, it will be intriguing to see if Claude Davis can contain the free-scoring England international.

Odds (courtesy of Ladbrokes.com on 15/9/2007)

Derby to win – 11/4
Draw – 11/5
Newcastle to win – 5/6

Virtual Betting

4 bets have been placed – 2 forum members have backed the Rams to win at 13/5, meanwhile 1 bet has been registered tipping a draw at 9/4 and 1 forum user has gone for a Magpies’ win at 10/11.

Jourdan predicts…1-3