Wednesday 30th September 2009
The Coca-Cola Championship
St James’ Park Stadium
Referee: R L Shoebridge
Kick:off 19:45
Newcastle United (1st) V Queens Park Rangers (12th)
By The Godfather

Wednesday night’s fixture presents QPR with their toughest challenge yet, the Rs facing the daunting prospect of a match against league leaders, Newcastle United, at St James’ Park. Although Magilton’s men will no doubt be seen as the underdogs, the Super Hoops will be feeling confident after picking up back-to-back league victories against Cardiff City and Barnsley. With the Magpies’ first team defenders, Fabricio Coloccini and Ryan Taylor, sidelined by injuries, it would be foolish to rule out a Rangers win.

Newcastle United

Some pundits expected Newcastle United to struggle after their disastrous relegation from the Premier League. It was not difficult to see why. The club was (and, to an extent, still is) in complete and utter turmoil. Unpopular owner, Mike Ashley, couldn’t (and still hasn’t been able to) find a buyer. It wasn’t even clear who would manage the side through the 2009/10 campaign. Players were leaving left, right and centre. In short, things didn’t look good for the Magpies.

Despite this, the Toon’s start to the season has been nothing short of phenomenal. Under Caretaker Manager, Chris Hughton, the team has stormed to the top of the league table, taking 22 points from a possible 27, thanks in part to the prolific goalscoring of Kevin Nolan. In truth, Newcastle are looking far too good for this division. At the moment, it’s difficult to see them finishing anywhere other than the automatic promotion places.

However, the Magpies are not unbeatable, as evidenced by their defeat at Ian Holloway’s Blackpool earlier this month. After thrashing Ipswich Town by four goals to nil last weekend, perhaps complacency might creep into United’s performance on Wednesday night. QPR are definitely in with a chance to shock the home supporters.

Men to watch

Newcastle’s top goalscorer is currently midfielder, Kevin Nolan, who signed for the club from Bolton in 2008 for a reported fee of £4 million. He had enjoyed a highly successful spell with Wanderers, making 296 appearances and netting 40 goals. The 27 year-old has already scored six times this campaign, including a superb hat trick at Ipswich Town. He is likely to play a key part in the Magpies’ promotion bid.

Veteran defensive midfielder, Nicky Butt, is likely to start alongside Nolan in the middle of the park. The tough tackling 34 year-old spent twelve successful years with Manchester United, making 269 appearances and earning 39 England caps in the process. He signed for Newcastle in 2004 and has since made over 100 starts for the club.

On the wing, Queens Park Rangers fans should expect to see Jonas Gutierrez, who is likely to return from injury to play on Wednesday night. The 26 year-old joined from Mallorca in 2008 for a fee of £5 million and has since impressed the Newcastle faithful with his performances. A player of immense skill and pace, Gutierrez has made 12 appearances for the Argentinean international team. He could cause serious problems for the QPR defence.

Chris Hughton could also select club captain, Alan Smith, in his starting line-up. The 28 year-old started his career with Leeds United, scoring 38 goals in 172 appearances. Manchester United secured his services for £7 million in 2004, but a horrific broken leg he sustained in a match against Liverpool hampered his time at Old Trafford. He joined Newcastle in 2007 and has made 47 starts so far. Smith, who can play in central midfield or up front, has 19 international caps to his name.

Marlon Harewood, who joined Newcastle on loan from Aston Villa last Thursday, could also be handed a place in the starting line-up. The 30 year-old striker has struggled to get into the team at Villa Park, being kept out by the likes of Agbonlahor, Heskey and Carew. Harewood has shown that he has what it takes to score goals in this division, having had successful spells with Nottingham Forest and West Ham United.

At left-back, Jose Enrique is likely to keep his place in the side. The 23 year-old, who lists Valencia, Celta Vigo and Villarreal among his former clubs, has established himself as a first team regular since joining the Magpies in 2007. The Spaniard is renowned for his excellent distribution.

In goal, Steve Harper will probably play against Queens Park Rangers. After spending the majority of his sixteen years at Newcastle as a reserve goalkeeper, the 34 year-old has finally been given a chance to impress following the departure of Shay Given to Manchester City. A terrific shot-stopper, Harper will provide a stern test for the QPR forwards on Wednesday night.

A few facts

There have been 40 meetings between these two teams. Newcastle have won 18 of them, whilst QPR have 16 victories to their name.

Rangers last beat the Magpies in October 1995, winning 3-0 at Loftus Road.

Statistically, Newcastle have the strongest defence in the division, having conceded only four goals. QPR are the second strongest defensively, having conceded seven.

League Form

Queens Park Rangers: DWDWW (Last match – QPR 5-2 Barnsley).

Newcastle United: WWLWW (Last match – Ipswich 0-4 Newcastle).

Referee

Mr Shoebridge will take charge of Wednesday night’s fixture. This is the man who, during the Bristol City V Crystal Palace match earlier in the campaign, disallowed a clear goal for the away side, despite the ball hitting the back of the net. Oh dear.

QPR Team News

Fitz Hall will miss this match through a groin injury. Angelo Balanta will also be unavailable due to a similar problem. Matthew Connolly has glandular fever whilst Lee Cook remains a long-term absentee.

Prediction

Looking through Newcastle’s squad of players, it is not difficult to see why they are doing so well in the Championship this season. Their team is practically bursting with players who are proven at the very top of the English game. It’s going to be really difficult for Rangers to get a good result on Wednesday night. But it could happen, providing that the team produces a similar performance to that of last Saturday.

It appears that Magilton has decided upon his best starting eleven. For me, it’s important that he sticks with the same side that thrashed Barnsley. As the old saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.

I am optimistic about the fixture. Providing that Rangers produce a solid defensive performance, I can see them picking up a very good point.

Newcastle United 1-1 Queens Park Rangers.