NUFC v SAFC Preview

By Peter Donnelly
September 20 2002

Check out Newcastle's probable team line up, here! The big North-East derby is nearly upon us and Tyne-Talk tell you the forcast for Newcastle United in this Local Derby Preview.

Newcastle United's likely team line-up:

'Keeper: Given
Defenders: Hughes(RB), Dabizas(CB), O'Brien(CB), Bernard(LB)
Midfield: Solano(RW), Dyer(CM), Speed(CM), Robert(LW)
Fowards: Shearer, Bellamy

This match has been made even bigger with Newcastle United desperate for points. Our big players will have to peform and hopefully show their class. Kieron Dyer needs to play better than he has been, and be more sharper. I know he's been working hard but we need more than that from him. As you can see above expect Nobby Solano to be right wing were he can be an immense player. He has the ability to out play Sunderland's players and if he's on form we have a very good chance of winning. You could say the same about Laurent Robert, and then some. If he is forceful and goes full blast he will frighten Sunderland. We dont want him having an off-day. I personally would like to see Griffin to play right back for this game because he suits this time of game more than Hughes does. He's probably better than Hughes going foward, too. But it looks like Hughes will get the nod.

Sunderland are not the best of sides, as you may have noticed, but we must not get complacent as a derby game is a different kettle of fish compared to a normal league game. They will be up for it too. Matt Piper has pace and could be a threat to Bernard especially if our Frenchman keeps going out of position. Expect Flo and Stewart to play upfront, who are not amazing but on their day can cause damage. Reyna will be their play-maker and Gary Speed must show him who's in charge.

But because our defence is a mess as a UNIT not particularly individually, I wouldnt bet on a clean sheet.

We must put our poor start behind us, forget about it, and go out there forcing the game. As a team we need to be more sharper and pass more smoothly. We have the players to do this and win, there's no doubt about that, and we will have to put 100% into it too. The St. James' crowd will surely be rocking and this will certainly help the players.; they must not get scared of the occasion, thats for sure.

So, Howay The Lads(!) and lets go buy some pride back off the mackems!