Match Preview: Newcastle at St James' Park

Kevin MacDonald is going to lose a match soon. It might not be against Newcastle but if it happens, we shouldn't be that concerned or overly worried.

In fact, Martin O'Neill never won at St James' Park managing Aston Villa, so a manager with no Premier League experience, who has had temporary control of a team for only a couple of weeks shouldn't be expect too either.

All things considered, the 8/5 you will get on an away win is a fair price and if you were to take it, one where you could possibly make a bit of cash, but we've listed some odds for you at the bottom of this post with the best price you will get for each market. Go look if you want.

Early Team News

Kevin MacDonald has played a variation of 4-5-1 in his first two matches and I don't think this has been forced on him, I think this is a choice. All of us know it is the right choice too, so I expect him to continue tomorrow.

I also think that Heskey is going to be primarily used for cup competitions this season so I expect Carew to come back in and start up front by himself.

With Gabby, Carlos, Collins and Sidwell all still out with injuries I think it is fair to assume that the team that starts against Newcastle will be very similar to the team that started against West Ham and quite possibly the same - if you swap Ireland for Milner.

The Manager

Kevin MacDonald
In many ways there is no real difference for the first 25 minutes of any game. In most games of football the way the game is going to be mapped out will be dictated by the first 25 minutes. We have got to try and get some sort of result at Newcastle because it's important.

The first leg against Rapid Vienna was important but it's gone now and the next game is now Newcastle away. If we get a least a draw that's us on four points and that is a good start to the season. Only after the Newcastle game will we think about the Rapid Vienna second leg where need to get the right result to qualify for the Europa League group stages.

Prediction & Punt

I'm making this really simple. I'm going to predict we will win every game this season, so I am quickly moving over to the punt. The punt will be every football weekend. Last weekend I had us and Sunderland and Steve Bruce let me down - no surprise really.

This weekend, I'm having a cheeky three pints on West Ham and Everton. If it comes in, I'll walk away with enough cash for ten pints, which roughly translated means £10 becomes £33 if it comes in.

Saturday Speculation

Before I go - West Ham are interested in Luke Young, which won't happen now that he is getting a second chance, but it is nice for those two muppets to try. The rumoured price is £2.5mn - not a bad price, but I think he is better than that, even at his age.

Right, time for bacon and coffee and I'm also thinking about watching the Fifth Element before the football starts, if I have time.

Betting Odds & Anytime Scorer