NUFC v QPR – Match Preview

Newcastle take on QPR in a fixture which has never finished scoreless. Having scored 5 twice already this season, what sort of threat will QPR pose the meanest defence in this league?

Both teams have lost only once this season, both high scoring in their last games, Newcastle with 4 against Ipswich and QPR 5 against Barnsley, having already scored 5 in the Carling Cup at St James’ Park ……………. Exeter. The most thrilling encounter between these two sides finished 5-5 at Loftus Road just over 25 years ago, in September 1984.

Amazingly, having been formed in 1882, QPR had never visited St James’ until 1968, their first season in the top flight. That was to become the R’s 15^th game on the trot without a win in a season in which they were ultimately relegated. Their next visit was 36n years and one day ago when they achieved their first win on this ground.

The Hoops will also be remembered for relegating the Toon in 1978 for the last match in front of the Old Leazes roof, narrowly avoiding the drop themselves, but rejoining Newcastle in the 2^nd Division a year later and providing one of the matches of the season just before Christmas in 1979, in a 4-2 win for the home team with a Cassidy classic supporting a double strike from Withe and one from Shoulder.

Making a return to St James’ will be local lad Peter Ramage, who has been watching from the bench in the last four games despite being a regular since being released by Kevin Keegan before the start of last season.

Facing the daunting task of trying to be the first team to take a point off Newcastle at home, is manager Jim Magilton, whose first managerial job, at last weekend’s opponents Ipswich, came to an end last season. He is backed by perhaps the richest owners in the league, who include Bernie Ecclestone, now infamous Flavio Briatore and industrial magnate, Lakshmi Mittal.

On the pitch, the man charged with keeping Newcastle at bay is Czech international goalkeeper Radek Cerny, last seen at SJP behind a Spurs defence that leaked 3, almost two years ago. In front of him expect a little changed defence, with Latvian Gorkss, who first played in a 0-0 draw at SJP with Ventspils, Jamaican giant Stewart and Gary Borrowdale, with Leighterwood continuing as a makeshift right back.

Midfield hosts a curious selection of talent. Experience comes in the shape of Martin Rowlands, last sen at SJP in 2001 for Brentford to watch a Craig Bellamy hat trick in the League Cup. Once promising, Wayne Routledge who scored a hat trick at the other SJP earlier in the season, has a full set of results, being on the winning side for Fulham here 3 years ago, suffering a defeat with Portsmouth and a draw with Palace.

Ben Watson is a former colleague of Routledge from Palace days who scored on his last visit to the North East against Sunderland for Wigan, and the quartet should be completed by Hungarian, Akos Buszacky, a former crowd favourite at Plymouth, the only other team to score at St James’.

Up front, the threat is posed by Rowan Vine and young Arsenal loanee Jay Simpson who has scored 3 in 4 games to become top league scorer, also having scored the first hat trick at the Emirates in an Arsenal reserve team game.

As Hughton seeks to mastermind his team extending the lead at the top of the table, following West Brom’s defeat last night, there is little doubt that he will give Harper the chance to start another run of clean sheets.

Defensive selection seems to have taken a circle, with Simpson fit to resume at right back, allowing Zurag to shift into the centre alongside Steve Taylor in the absence of Coloccini. Enrique, looking impressive at this level is also set to continue.

With Guthrie potentially returning from suspension, and Gutierrez from injury, the wide choices should select themselves, from the supporters’ viewpoint anyway. Geremi is also fit so could return, but was arguably at fault for not sticking to his marker for the only away goal scored in the league at SJP this season. In the middle, Smith is set for the holding role, with Nolan pushing forward to hopefully continue his fine scoring form.

Butt is also available as cover with Barton thankfully unfit, as is Ryan Taylor, the first scorer for Newcastle direct from a free kick in 5232 minutes of play, against Ipswich. Out of curiosity, the last player to do so at home for Newcastle was Solano, on 4^th March 2006, 7346 minutes ago in competitive football.

Up front, there would seem to be a bit more depth, with Carroll in good form, and Harewood showing glimpses of hi capabilities against Ipswich. Lovenkrands might be given some opportunity to improve his match fitness, whilst it would be fitting if Ranger got the chance to score his first against Rangers, as did Keegan on his playing debut.

Referee for the occasion is Rob Shoebridge, who received notoriety in not noticing a goal earlier this season in the Palace v Bristol City match. Other than in pre-season, he has not refereed the Toon, but was involved with QPR twice last season in away matches, with a win and a defeat. A draw would complete the results.

Odds should favour a home win, against a club who are unpredictable on this ground. Goals scored are level, despite an edge in home wins, both in all competitions and specifically the 2^nd tier. The home team will stay top whatever, but enjoy an open game with Newcastle’s determination to maintain a 100% record at home gaining the edge.

Newcastle v QPR at St. James’

Overall

P19 W10 D2 L7 F29 A29

2^nd tier

P4 W3 D0 L1 F6 A6

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