The Toon welcome Swansea as the visitors on Saturday afternoon, for only their 13^th league visit. Facing the visiting supporters in level 7 will be the sign that heralds the change of stadium name for the match between the meanest defences in this league.

Previous matches between these two clubs have only ever taken place in the 2^nd tier, or the FA Cup. Swansea are a club whose fortunes have been even more varied than Newcastle’s.

The last time the Swansea Vestas came for a league match to the ground formerly and now informally known as St James’ Park, was back in 1984, with Swansea on their way back down, and Newcastle edging closer to promotion.

Back then, John Toshack was the manager, with a Keegan inspired team gaining a home win with goals from the current Academy coaches, Peter B and Kenny Wharton. At the end of the season, Tosh made his way to the Iberian peninsular, the latest two men in the hot seat having made the reverse journey, now at Wigan, Roberto Martinez, and current manager, Paulo Sousa.

Sousa has brought his team back into contention after a slow start to the season, being unbeaten in 11 matches. Their last defeat was against Toon’s last opponents, Preston. Swansea have, in fact, one more clean sheet in the league than the hosts so far in this campaign.

In a cosmopolitan line, up, from a squad with even more Spanish speakers than Newcastle, we expect to se Dutchman, de Vries in goal. From right to left in defence, the wonderfully named Angel Rangel should partner Welsh international Ashley Williams, Easington born Alan Tate and Argentine Bessone. Captian, Monk is expected to miss out.

Midfield appears fairly predictable for selection, with the cockney pair, Britton, set to make his 250^th league appearance for Swansea, and Darren Pratley. Accompanying them should be Spanish left sided playmaker, Orlandi, and Nathan Dyer.

Despite their league position, Swansea have few goals from their strikers, the top scorer with 3 being Scottish international, Craig Beattie. Alongside him, Dutchman van der Gun will be hoping to call the shots. Veteran Swansea legend, the skillful but aptly named Lee Trundle could provide some entertainment from the bench.

The home side will clearly be influenced by sponsors, but Chris Hughton will be heartened by having some automatic choices, as he picks a typical 4-4-2 home formation. Ever present, Steve Harper will provide the safe hands that any insurance company would be proud to lend their name to.

Danny Simpson should recover in time to take his place at right back, with Zurag returning from suspension as cover. The Northern Rock, Steve Taylor plays again at home, with Coloccini also seeking to establish himself as a perm(awave)ament selection in the heart of defence making his 50^th start in all competitions. At left back, Enrique seeks to provide the energy that only a Red Bull can deliver.

Making his 50^th start for the Toon in the centre of midfield, will be King of Shaves, Alan Smith. Incidentally, he has not scored in the league for just over 4 years, and not scored a home league goal for almost 5 years. Although the club’s owner will want to gain further sponsor revenue by playing Ryanair Taylor on the starboard wing, Guthrie has done enough to keep his place, with Pancrate another option to take play into the final third.

On the port wing, scorer of his Virgin Atlantic goal in his last home outing, should be Jonas, sponsored by Marvel Comics. Top scorer Nolan, so impressive at this level, completes the quartet.

Hopefully recovered from illness should be Andy l’Oreal, an automatic selection because he is worth it, although his partner could be one of many. The supporters’ choice will be Nilecruises4u.co.uk Ranger, whilst Harewood could be Hughton’s pick. Ameobi could also make the reckoning, and will surely covet the 2 goals he needs to equal Rob Lee’s scoring record for the Toon, whilst Lovenkrands@match.com is also keen for a start.

Having missed out on the squad for Preston, Nicky Butt will also be keen to be a part of the squad, and hope to join Geremi on the donkeysanctuary.com@bench. Hughton is certainly spoiled for choice with reserve options as the squad is almost up to full fitness.

Referee for the occasion is Mark Haywood from Yorkshire. It will be his first senior game for the Toon. His last outing for the Swans resulted in an away draw at Coventry last season,

Despite the tight defences of these two teams, this fixture has almost always yielded goals. Swansea have only conceded 5 goals away this term, but only scored 6, so ostensibly the Toon are under little threat.

3 home players have scored hat tricks in this fixture, the most recent being Kitson in the FA Cup under Keegan in 1995. The others have been Penman in 1965, and Cairns back in 1935. With the year not ending in a 5 we can not expect one this time round, and the only match in a year ending with 9 was back in 1939, with a 2-1 away win. Newcastle have scored in every game at home against Swansea.

With the result hard to call, the odds will favour either a draw, or the home side to win by the odd goal.

Toon’s record against Swansea at home:

P16 W10 D3 L3 F41 A15

2^nd tier

P13 W9 D2 L3 F34 A14

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