Pre Match: Everton vs Newcastle
The 3-1 win at Fulham on Wednesday finally gave us something to cheer about as we head to our last away game of the 2004-2005 season. Good news on the injury front gives renewed optimism going into this match, but against an Everton side desperate for Champions League qualification at the rather amusing expense of their rivals makes this game a tricky one.
Bowyer returns from his suspension, but according to assistant manager Alan Murray has a 'niggle' and might not play. With the season running out of games, have we seen the last of Bowyer? Jenas and Babayaro return to the squad after injury and the unexpected return of Bramble mid-week gave the defence a boost. Shearer also returns after his rest.
The return of the injured players (and Shearer) gives Souness a selection dilemma as to whether to persevere with the youngsters who have impressed many, or to return to the players that have let us down many times this season. At left back, I expect Babayaro to return. This is very harsh on Taylor, who although out of position again performed well and is having a good debut season. Baa gives us left-footed balance, but personally I'd rather see a player with hunger and desire playing there (blimey, I'm sounding like Graeme Souness!).
In midfield, the trio of Milner, Ambrose and N'Zogbia did well again, all contributing in the way of goals or assists. The crosses by Milner and N'Zogbia against Fulham were excellent and they really don't deserve to be dropped. Ambrose is scoring goals from midfield - something our other midfielders have a tendency not to do. To recall Jenas at the expense of one of these three would be extremely harsh. In recent months JJ has been poor and I can't think of any reason, especially in and end of season match, to recall him.
Up front, Kluivert and Ameobi did well on Wednesday, and like the three midfielders they both made telling contributions. Shearer returns though and I expect him to play this one, although who will partner him (if anyone) is anyone's guess. Souness must have realised by now that Shearer and Ameobi just don't work up front alongside each other, and because of this I'd give Kluivert another chance. He's not impressed me much this season, but he was good on Wednesday and even Alan Oliver had praise for him! There is no harm in giving him another chance, we all know about Shola after all.
To win this one, we need our wingers to get the ball into the box once more. There is nothing to lose for us here, but Everton have everything to lose. They'll probably be a bit nervous and we should get at them. If our pacy players run at them it will worry them and put them under pressure. At the other end, the return of the Boumsong-Bramble partnership is good news and I hope it retains the level of quality it had before Titus' injury. Everton are strong at set-pieces so we'll have to be on guard.
With Everton fighting for a champions league spot and we're fighting for pride, i think Everton will fight for everything like what they have done throughout this season. However pressure will be on them to win tonight so i wouldn't be surprise if we can get a goal. 1-1 shouldn't be too bad for us eh :)
Bowyer returns from his suspension, but according to assistant manager Alan Murray has a 'niggle' and might not play. With the season running out of games, have we seen the last of Bowyer? Jenas and Babayaro return to the squad after injury and the unexpected return of Bramble mid-week gave the defence a boost. Shearer also returns after his rest.
The return of the injured players (and Shearer) gives Souness a selection dilemma as to whether to persevere with the youngsters who have impressed many, or to return to the players that have let us down many times this season. At left back, I expect Babayaro to return. This is very harsh on Taylor, who although out of position again performed well and is having a good debut season. Baa gives us left-footed balance, but personally I'd rather see a player with hunger and desire playing there (blimey, I'm sounding like Graeme Souness!).
In midfield, the trio of Milner, Ambrose and N'Zogbia did well again, all contributing in the way of goals or assists. The crosses by Milner and N'Zogbia against Fulham were excellent and they really don't deserve to be dropped. Ambrose is scoring goals from midfield - something our other midfielders have a tendency not to do. To recall Jenas at the expense of one of these three would be extremely harsh. In recent months JJ has been poor and I can't think of any reason, especially in and end of season match, to recall him.
Up front, Kluivert and Ameobi did well on Wednesday, and like the three midfielders they both made telling contributions. Shearer returns though and I expect him to play this one, although who will partner him (if anyone) is anyone's guess. Souness must have realised by now that Shearer and Ameobi just don't work up front alongside each other, and because of this I'd give Kluivert another chance. He's not impressed me much this season, but he was good on Wednesday and even Alan Oliver had praise for him! There is no harm in giving him another chance, we all know about Shola after all.
To win this one, we need our wingers to get the ball into the box once more. There is nothing to lose for us here, but Everton have everything to lose. They'll probably be a bit nervous and we should get at them. If our pacy players run at them it will worry them and put them under pressure. At the other end, the return of the Boumsong-Bramble partnership is good news and I hope it retains the level of quality it had before Titus' injury. Everton are strong at set-pieces so we'll have to be on guard.
With Everton fighting for a champions league spot and we're fighting for pride, i think Everton will fight for everything like what they have done throughout this season. However pressure will be on them to win tonight so i wouldn't be surprise if we can get a goal. 1-1 shouldn't be too bad for us eh :)
posted by Sher at 10:57 PM
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