Those Premiership clubs still involved in European competition, and the FA Cup, will have fallen victim to their own success, facing their third game in seven days this weekend. Conversely, those sides with just the Premiership to consider, will have enjoyed a 14 day break, which is an important point to note ahead of this weekend’s English top flight action.
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The return of Kevin Keegan as manager of Newcastle United football club was greeted with euphoria, bordering on hysteria. Unfortunately for King Kev, he has been unable to make any positive impact on the pitch, still searching for his first victory after five games in charge, which have produced an aggregate deficit of 11-2. The visit of Man Utd on Saturday evening is the start of a tough spell of fixtures (including a visit to Anfield) that could conceivably push the Magpies into the relegation zone, and prompt mass suicides on Tyneside.
The Red Devils’ derby defeat, two weeks ago, allowed Arsenal to slip five points clear at the top of the table. Having been distracted by an easy FA Cup win and hard-earned Champions League draw, coach, Alex Ferguson, can now turn his attention back to the Premiership, while Newcastle will have benefited from 14 days rest. There is history between Fergie and Keegan, going back to 1995/96 when the Geordies under Keegan let a 12 point lead slip, allowing Man Utd to pip them to the title. That rivalry may lift the home side, but is unlikely to bridge the gulf in class between the sides.
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Rafa Benitez openly admitted that Liverpool’s 2-0 Champions League win over Inter Milan on Tuesday was critical to his future at the club. The Reds were helped by the harsh sending off of Marco Materazzi with just half an hour gone, but it is the result that counts. Liverpool & Benitez, must now carry the positive momentum into the Premiership starting with Saturday’s home fixture against Middlesbrough. The Pool have slipped out of the automatic Champions League qualification spots, at the expense of city neighbours, Everton.
Gareth Southgate has made really progress with Boro after a shaky start, remaining unbeaten in their last seven games in all competition, and tightening up markedly in defence, despite the loss of Jonathan Woodgate. They have an excellent chance of progressing in the FA Cup, so morale at the club is high. The sides met at the Riverside in mid-January, drawing 1-1, one of three identical stalemates in their last five Premiership games. History is however, against a win for the Teessiders, as they last silenced the kop in 1976.
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