KopiHomeLEEDS VS. NEWCASTLE: SURE-WIN NEWCASTLE, DON'T BET ON IT
17.08.03 <<< Previous Next >>>
After a season of financial crisis last year which saw a exodus of quality players like Woodgate, Bowyer, Dacourt, Fowler and Kewell, Leeds would be hoping for a better year this season. But how are they going to do that? With a huge debt, a new Manager in Peter Reid and a huge depletion of quality players, Leeds are destinated for doom. On paper Newcastle may seem odds on to win Leeds this Sunday but don't bet on it.
A friend of mine told me that he would support Newcastle to win Leeds tonight and asked me to bet 1-month equivalence of my salary on a Newcastle win. But nay, I do not believe it is a sure-win situation for Newcastle. It may be a joy to watch Newcastle in attack mode but their "2nd Division" defence often cause quite a few scares with their inconsistent performance. I am pretty disappointed with Robson for the lack of transfer activity this summer, especially when an additional quality defender would certainly improve Newcastle shaky defence and any hope for winning trophies. And how I would love to see Glen Johnson going to Newcastle for £6,000,000 only. It would have been a bargain.
F.A. Premier League Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur
I was at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to watch the F.A. Premier League Asia Cup Final between Chelsea and Newcastle. The new Chelsea was impressive. Chelsea had a solid defence and showed some good wingplays in Gronkjaer's direct runs into the penalty area. Chelsea threatened with their accurate passes from deep to "Iceman" Gudjohnsen when they broke forward on counterattacks. Newcastle, on the other hand rarely threatened with their poor linkup plays and showed a lack of confidence and self-belief. The match ended 0-0 with Chelsea dominated most part of the game.
Seriously I think Newcastle needs to pick a replacement for their Manager Bobby Robson soon. At 70 years old, Robson though has lots of experience in Football Management, was said to have problems telling his players apart. Who knows whether did he ever make any wrong substitutions for Newcastle. We would be better off having Robson's successor ready by the side.
Shearer eyes for the Premiership
I do not see anybody in the current squad of Newcastle capable of replacing Shearer in 2 years time and this worries me. Shearer is the Icon of Newcastle and he gets most of the goals for Newcastle. Who is going to fill his boots when he takes a lesser role at Newcastle in a few years time? Ameobi seems a likely choice. He is strong and athletic. But can he score goals regularly for Newcastle? Chopras is a up and coming striker at Newcastle that shows great potential. But would Chopras get the match exposure to improve his skills and strike rate when Shearer is still the King of St. James Park?
Leeds vs. Newcastle should be a great match to watch if Leeds would come out firing and leaves their woes behind in the locker rooms. As for Newcastle, please bring out the attack moves but remember look out for your back!
Soaring Magpies
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