Season 2007-2008

NEWCASTLE UNITED

 v

sunderland

- Tim Krul (dislocated shoulder) is out for the rest of the season.
- Shay Given (groin) should be back in training in 7 to 10 days, but won’t be risked until pre-season.
- Cacapa (hamstring) remains sidelined.
- Emre (ankle) is close to a return to training.
- Stephen Carr (hamstring) and James Milner (foot) are both very near to full fitness.

Kevin Keegan has indicated that unless there is a late injury or illness, he will most likely name an unchanged side.

“I am just starting to get a good taste of what it is like to play for Newcastle United, which is a massive club with big potential. I would love to be in Kevin Keegan’s starting line-up every week and that’s what I am working towards.

I came back into the Newcastle side for our game at Sunderland in November and the atmosphere reminded me of an Old Firm game. But I am expecting it to be even bigger on Sunday, which is really a massive game for both teams. There will be so much emotion and passion and that’s what everybody wants to be a part of.

I can remember scoring both home and away against Sunderland in my first season for Leeds United, but I can’t remember scoring against them since then, and that’s something I will be looking to put right.”

My thoughts:

The 139th Tyne-wear derby takes place this Sunday night at St James’ Park.

Any visit of the great unwashed from down the road always provokes great emotion, passion, and memories.  Memories such as the Beardsley hat trick on New Years’ Day, the recent 4-1 away win, and who could forget Liam O’Brien.

Those memories resurrect the pure raw excitement that is a derby day victory.  There is no greater feeling for a Newcastle United fan, then to witness a victory over the mackems.

Of course, the flip side to the great sadly can happen.  The debacle that was the play off defeat, and the gut wrenching monsoon home defeat, are surely low points in any fans life.

However, let us not dwell on those outrageous crimes for too long, and think positive again.  At the end of this game, will we have a new hero to celebrate?

The way the team has played of late, the strikers have been the key to our success.  Goals have started to flow, with all three strikers contributing.  Might we see a Mark Viduka, an Obafemi Martins, or a Michael Owen winner at the Gallowgate End?

On the other hand, what about another free kick?  Liam O’Brien, Scott Sellars and Emre certainly went down in folk law, so perhaps we are due another one, Geremi maybe.

Alternatively, what odds might we get on Alan Smith scoring his first goal in a Black & White shirt?  Now that would not be a bad way to finally make a real contribution to the season.

Personally, I am hoping for all three, meaning we have sent the bastard’s home embarrassed, as they should always be.

If there were any justice in this world, we would not have to play these neanderthals at all.  The sporting god’s should have condemned them to hell many years ago.  However, the sad fact is we have no choice but to entertain them.

Pride as ever is on the line, but this year, because of our poor season, we have the added incentive of making sure we finish about them in the table.

The gong of top dogs in the North East is not up for debate, and something that should not be our sole aim for a season, but for them, it is all they live for.  If you lived in the North East the last time they finished above us in the league, you will not need telling how truly pathetic they were.

The simple fact is we cannot again let them have the satisfaction.