While everyone’s attention will be on the big clash between Liverpool and Chelsea on Sunday, I have decided to focus on solely one match that would be of almost equivalent significance but has been overshadowed by the Red vs Blue encounter – Newcastle vs Aston Villa. Both are decent teams with good managers who should both be aiming for Europe this season, and both deserve decent media coverage, as much as that big encounter.
Newcastle vs Aston Villa
Newcastle
The Magpies may be missing quite a few first team players like Duff, Barton and Babayaro but the figure whose inability to feature tonight could have a major bearing on the result is Shay Given. When the defense finally looks like they have moved on from the Boumsong-Bramble days, they will be without their steady custodian. Steve Harper may be a reasonable talent, but the variety that the Villa attack has means he would have to handle shots from all over the pitch, crosses and headers. How he performs tonight would determine how many Villa can score.
Sam Alladyce has developed a unique footballing philosophy that brought success to Bolton and here at Newcastle, he has managed to assemble a team that could outshine his achievements at the Reebok. Compact, disciplined, hard and patient while defending and when they get the ball, they have several options. They could throw the ball out wide to N’Zogbia or Milner to attack down the flanks or drop balls behind the full-backs for them to chase, go route one towards Viduka who could play off to Martins, hold the ball up or barge forward on his own, or they could build up from the middle and look to play the ball into space for Martins to pounce on. This is the variety of options up front that makes Newcastle so dangerous and when combined with Big Sam’s belief in making full use of their set-pieces, it will arguably be a complete strategy.
He brought fans expectations to a new high, which has never been higher since they purchased Alan Shearer and the excellent start to the season certainly brings much promise. Mark my words: Newcastle is one of the few teams in the league that will be able to have a hand on how the title race is decided as they are capable of springing surprises on every single one of the Big 5.
Newcastle Probable 11: Harper, Geremi, Taylor, Rozehnal, Carr, N’Zogbia, Milner, Butt, Smith, Viduka, Martins
Strengths: Variety of options up-front, disciplined, excellent manager
Weakness: No Shay Given
Aston Villa
This could be billed as the Battle of the Gaffers as both teams seems equally matched on paper and it could go down to the managers to separate the two teams. Villa has an arguably better first team who moves forward quite similarly to Newcastle. The difference is that Newcastle has two holding midfield players, one of which is allowed to join in the attack, and plays two forwards, while Villa has only one holding midfielder and plays one forward.
Agbonlahor looked ordinary in Villa’s opening game and it was Ashley Young who came up with an inspired second-half performance to be a nuisance against Liverpool. John Carew should have a better outing this time round as I foresee Geremi and Taylor having problems handling his strength and presence. The weak-link in Villa when facing Newcastle could be Wilfred Bouma and O’Neil will be hoping his experience will be able to make up for his lack of pace against Milner.
Scott Carson should come in and start in goal after completing his loan move to replace the injured Sorensen, and would relish the chance to impress McClaren and make a claim for a spot in England’s European challenge. Another player that I expect to make an impact tonight for Villa is Petrov but contending with the two holding midfielders that Newcastle deploys could pose a problem. The key to victory in this game for Villa is how Carew conducts himself, and how much his teammates are able to get him involved tonight.
Aston Villa Probable 11: Carson, Mellberg, Laursen, Bouma, Gardner, Barry, Petrov, Reo-Coker, Young, Agbonlahor, Carew
Strengths: Creativity in the middle, John Carew’s presence, excellent man-manager
Weaknesses: Depth in squad, pace on the wide of defense
Score Prediction: Newcastle 2-2 Aston Villa
Final Notes: I actually fancy Big Sam getting a result on his home debut, but his defense showed they were shaky handling the likes of Davis in the first game against Bolton and now they face an even stronger opponent in the form of John Carew. Villa should grind out a result after their disappointment against Liverpool last week. Goals should be scored by both teams and I expect an exciting match.
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Ok I was just kidding when I said I would overlook the massive match between Liverpool and Chelsea, as well as a certain Manchester derby. They will be previewed tomorrow. Till then, enjoy the action tonight. Melvin, out...
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