Newcastle v Hull City match preview

By: j | September 12th, 2008

This might be the most peculiar match previews as the intangible’s of the Newcastle situation weigh heavily. With the club near the tipping point of a meltdown, no-one is quite sure how performance on the pitch will be impacted. Clearly without front office leadership, the leaderless ship will need to find club veterans to speak-up and corral the players. While protesters launch negative commentary of ownership it is even more important for Magpie supporters to actually get behind the players. This is a perilous slope because while I appreciate fans discontent, I also recognize the massive problem of heading into a Premier League match with the managerial situation unsettled. I personally discount the notion that facing Hull City at St James’ Park is a “break” because the newly-promoted Premier League club are more than aware, Newcastle is ripe for an upset. While Hull City channeled Derby last week in losing 5-0 to Wigan, they surely must recognize a chance for points. All this makes for a very trying match.

Recent Form
Hull City - combined (1 W, 1 D, 1 L)(3 GS, 7 GA)
Aug 16 Hull 2 - 1 Fulham
Aug 23 Blackburn 1 - 1 Hull
Aug 30 Hull 0 - 5 Wigan

Newcastle - combined (1 W, 1 D, 1 L)(2 GS, 4 GA)
Aug 17 Man Utd 1 - 1 Newcastle
Aug 23 Newcastle 1 - 0 Bolton
Aug 30 Arsenal 3 - 0 Newcastle

Beyond the front office drama, Newcastle will face the match without Jonás Gutiérrez who dislocated his shoulder in international duty for Argentina. He joins the burgeoning ward of the Newcastle infirmary with Damien Duff, Jose Enrique and Mark Viduka as well as Caçapa, Geremi and Obafemi Martins, all considered questionable. New editions Xisco and Nacho Gonzalez are likely to figure in the starting grid given injuries.

In my opinion Newcastle’s efforts will revolve around the leadership of Michael Owen, not simply what he does on the pitch but what he has to say and control emotions. Much can be said of Nicky Butt providing the same and his experience is worth a fortune right now. Danny Guthrie and Steven Taylor will need to hold position and continue to step-up to leadership roles. This match should be pride-filled and its time to show our support.

I will report on the match as it concludes.