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NEWCASTLE v MIDDLESBROUGH TACTICS TALK 2-3-07
Stuart Ward
Wardy's tactical column makes a triumphant return for the Tyne-Tees derby. Up the Boro! As always, we start with Boro's opponents - Newcastle.
Key Players
Shay Given - The Newcastle keeper really is one of the best in the business.
He isn't the tallest of men, but his shot stopping is second to none in the Premier League. He very rarely makes mistakes and is really the reason that the Geordies are not fighting against relegation.
Still won't be able to save one of the Yak's penalties though, will he?
Oguchi Onyewu - The Barcodes are positively salivating at this lad. Boro reject though.
He looks big and strong, but will he be able to deal with a fully firing Mark Viduka? I think not.
I would put Vids on him, and I think Boro will get endless freekicks out of the lad as he hasn't got the experience of dealing with world class players like our Duke.
Scott Parker - My view is that he is a greatly overrated player, but he may well just look good this match, as he will be up against Grandpa George and his wonky legs.
He never stops running and won't shirk from a tackle, but he isn't that special and I would be very disappointed if ToTT's misguided longings come to fruition and he signs for us in the summer.
Personally I would put Cattermole centre midfield and see just how much Parker likes a battle. Don't think he would like it so much then, would he?
The Manager
Glenn Roeder - Roeder has led Newcastle into midtable, and annoyingly just ahead of the Boro.
This is a very irritating situation, as the Intertoto Champions (LARF!) will doubtless be banging on about a late Champions League charge.
We all know that this situation is only temporary, and we will assume our rightful place as top team in the North East very soon.
Likely Lineup
Given
Huntington Onyewu Bramble Taylor
Solano Parker Butt Duff
Martins Sibierski
As always, Newcastle's defence looks, at best, shambolic.
Boro need to get the ball wide to Downing and Morrison and let them wreak havoc down the wings.
Huntington and Taylor are hardly household names, and this should be exploited to the max. There will be room in the channels and the wingers and front men need to make use of this.
In the centre of defence, Titus Bramble makes a more than welcome return. Welcome for the Boro that is. This lad is really one of the worst players ever. If Viduka and Yakubu can get themselves one on one with him, we will have all kinds of fun.
The midfield looks quite strong on paper for the Barcodes.
Solano right wing is always a source of ammunition for Geordie strikers, and Taylor will have to put in a decent shift this match in order to keep him quiet.
On the left, Duff is a player of proven class and unfortunately I can see Stuart Parnaby getting a start after a complete freak performance from the lad on Tuesday. Duff will tear him a new one all match, he really will. We can only hope Woodgate can get across and give him a bit of a hand.
In the middle of the park, Newcastle have a decent engine room. Butt will sit back a bit and try and neutralise Julio Arca's attacking influence, while Parker will give George a good working over. Well that's if they have any sense, but this is Newcastle we are talking about.
Up front, Obafemi Martins has had a decent enough start to his career. He is definitely a player who will come in and out of games, but he is explosive on his day. His pace is definitely a worry, but Woodgate proved he is pretty quick himself, and will look to neutralise the Nigerian while Mad Dog battles it out with the physical Sibierski.
Now with the opposition out of the way, onto the mighty Boro.
Key Players
Mark Viduka - The big Aussie has proven himself to be one of the finest strikers in England, and long may it continue.
His touch and finishing has been first class since the turn of the year, and him and Yakubu now look like they actually like each other, which is always nice.
He needs to target the big lumbering centre halves of Newcastle as there will be freekicks galore if he does. They won't be able to handle him.
Aiyegbeni Yakubu - The other half of the hottest strike force in the country at the moment gets a deserved mention here.
He is now third top Premiership scorer, and on the charge. If he plays as he has been, then Newcastle won't have an answer for him, and he can further increase his tally for the season.
Julio Arca - The Argentinean has been inspirtational from midfield this season.
He links up with Downing superbly and also gives us much needed "go forward" in the middle of the park.
He will look to get on the ball and run things, but will have to deal with Nicky Butt kicking his ankles all match.
I think he will.
The Manager
Gareth Southgate - Now that the tanktop-suit combo seems to have been ditched, Boro are now a force to be reckoned with.
Gareth has led his charges to just one defeat since the New Year and we look a damn good team.
If he picks up the win we all know we can, then it will set us up for a top half finish and even a late charge on the European places. There is no reason why we shouldn't.
Likely lineup
Schwarzer
Parnaby Woodgate Pogatetz Taylor
Morrison Boateng Arca Downing
Viduka Yakubu
Stuart Parnaby and James Morrison will come into the Boro lineup after sterling performances midweek.
The Boro defence will be as solid as ever. Woodgate and Pogatetz will look to keep a close eye on the mercurial Martins, while Mad Dog in particular will look to challenge the big donkey Sibierski in the air.
Taylor and Parnaby will have their work cut out against Solano and Duff, but I have confidence in at least Taylor being up to the challenge. Parnaby is going to need some help from Woodgate to neutralise the threat of Duff.
In the midfield, Boro are looking much improved.
George is looking a bit better recently, but will still need to keep stepping his game up. Arca is the main driving force in our midfield now. He will look to get on the ball and feed Downing and the front men. If he can then Boro will be a huge threat going forward.
The wingers will also play a vital part in this match. Downing will come up against the inexperienced youngster Huntington and will need to make use of this and show once more his England pedigree.
It is now widely accepted that Viduka and Yakubu are the best strike force in the Premier League.
They will both look to continue the fine form they are in at the minute, and fire Boro into the top half of the table and beyond.
How it will go
Boro will win. I know they were in a slog midweek and it will be another one against Newcastle, but for the first time we don't have people cracking the old "two games in a week" excuse.
This group of players are going to go out and give it their all again. It is a refreshing change from the excuse-ridden reign of a certain England manager.
Boro will have too much desire and class.
2-1 Boro.
This is all
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