There is a game on tonight, and believe it or not there are two teams playing, the press is full of how Newcastle are going to start their resurgeance tonight, but there is little mention of the other team invloved.
Vital Quotes:
Paul Hart has already dismissed the Shearer factor, stating that he cannot defeat us himself and that its Newcastle’s under acheiving stars that must do the job.
Pompey still have a little bit to do in staving off the grim reaper that is relegation, 40 points would see us right, but with Arsenal going 20 games undefeated up next, as soon as those points are on the board the better.
Newcastle Team News:
Newcastle have a doubt of Jose Enrique still, he has missed the last two matches a knee knock and is joined as a defensive worry by Steven Taylor who has turned an ankle.
Viduka is pushing for a start ahead of Martins, but Michael Owen looks a safe bet to start.
Old mate Joey Barton has not recovered from a broken metatarsal in time (shame)
Player to watch: Nolan
Must wonder why he left Bolton after stepping straight back into the sort of disarray he thought he had left behind him, but he can make a side tick and has a decent goals record against Pompey
Pompey Team News:
Pompey may be without Nugent for the trip to Southern Scotland, the dead leg that forced him off last week is still troubling him and may let in Pennant for a first start since his own injury woe.
Kranjcar who it was though may be fit for this trip has been confirmed AWOL until the summer now, so its up to someone else to find the inspirational passes now.
Kaboul is still struggling with a thigh problem so this all points to Jonno at right-back with Nugget or Pennant in front of him.
Player to watch: James
If he is on top form a point looks good, the longer he keeps out a wave of black and white the more the Geordie hoards will get frustrated with their team.
Match Facts & Stats
Last season saw Pompey triumph 4-1 at St.James, a match I was priveleged to have been at, but the counter-attacking verve of last year is all to far away.
Ref Watch:
Boring Bob Grover
Match Prediction:
Can Pompey secure top flight survival or is Alan Shearer really the second messiah? Hedge a bet here.
Next Fixtures:
Woolwich