A WAY THROUGH THIS
NEWCASTLE UNITED v MIDDLESBROUGH
Jonathan Way, 19 Dec 2009
Derby Day.
Boro need to restore some pride after the 1-0 defeat to Cardiff left some fans writing the season off completely. With Gordon Strachan's side now being unable to score in seven of their 11 home games, supporters will be pleased to have another away match as the Boro have only suffered two defeats on their travels so far this campaign.
Our North-East rivals have surprised everyone with their successful start to the season, but the behind-the-scenes problems continue on Tyneside. Manager Chris Hughton has taken the deckchairs 17 points clear of their neighbours. They will be coming into this fixture full of confidence, despite their seven game winning run coming to an end with a 2-2 draw against Barnsley.
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Steve Harper v Brad Jones
Following Shay Given's departure in the summer, Harper has had an outstanding campaign, conceding just 12 goals to date. Having waited for his first team opportunity for nearly 16 years, many people believe that the 34-year-old sacrificed what would have been a very successful England career for this chance.
After a few good games, Jones always follows up with a dreadful performance and Sunday's was another one of those. The Australian, who should rightly be blamed for the embarrassing goal against Cardiff, seems to give no confidence to the players and will certainly make our fans feel worried ahead of this clash.
Fabricio Coloccini v Emanuel Pogatetz
The former AC Milan player has played a big part in getting the Geordies seven points clear at the top of the table, even though he has made some usual blunders along the way. Making his 50th league appearance for the Barcodes on Sunday, Coloccini will be hoping to make it five successive home wins for the Magpies.
Poggy made just his sixth start of the season at the weekend but put in another decent display to show that he should regain his place as one of our centre-backs. Having played in many before, our tough defender will be fired up for this derby and will hope that Boro can keep their first clean sheet under Strachan.
Alan Smith v Rhys Williams
Newcastle's vice captain has enjoyed life in the Championship after being unable to sustain a regular starting place in last campaign's relegation side. The fiery player has picked up six yellow cards this season and Smith will be hoping to score his first goal for the Geordies against the club he almost signed for in 2007.
Despite the frustrating result, the 21-year-old played very well on Sunday after being moved to his better position of centre midfield. Even though this will be Williams's first North-East derby, the former academy player will certainly know how much it means to everyone and will no doubt put in 110%, as always, for the team.
Marlon Harewood v Dave Kitson
The six foot striker came off the bench to score his fourth goal for the Magpies at the weekend to send another message to his boo boys on Tyneside. On loan from Villa until January, Harewood will be looking for a repeat performance from 2006 when he scored the winning goal for West Ham to knock us out of the FA Cup semi-final.
The ginger front man would have been disappointed with his performance against the Bluebirds, having no clear-cut chances and being subbed just after the hour. However, Kitson will be looking forward to this test as he has scored all three of his Boro goals away from home. He knows that he will be able to cause problems for the black and white defence.
Many people will write us off coming into this big game but Middlesbrough fans will be confident as we are bringing our impressive away record and previous 5-1 away win to the sportsdirect.com @ St James' Park stadium.
I really hope Strachan starts Lita upfront with Kitson as we have seen how much of a handful they can be. If so, I think we can get a 1-1 draw from this derby, with Newcastle's unbeaten home form staying intact.
