Liverpool FC Forum

by **Leonmc0708** » Wed May 12, 2004 1:05 pm

Just thought I'd post an excert from Rodney Marsh's column for Sky Sports, it seems that Rodders thinks Newcastle wont get a result from St Marys as well. Lets Hope So..........

Sometimes we hear the phrase "a must-win game" and for once, this is exactly that for Newcastle United Football Club.

I thought all along that the fourth place and Champions League football would go down to the very last day of the season, but if Sir Bobby Robson's side can't pick up their first away win since October, then it will be all over.

It really is do or die, simple as that.

But the signs aren't good for the Toon Army. I can't believe how bad their away form has been this season. They have got so many fantastic players to call on, that you would have fancied them to win more than twice away from St James' Park.

If they'd have put together any sort of run on their travels they could well have been home and dry already, but even a couple of draws hear and there would not have left them needing all three points from Southampton.

I had Newcastle in my top five before the season and it is difficult to put your finger on just why they are still caught up with the likes of Bolton and Aston Villa in scrapping for Europe rather than leading the chase to keep up with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.

If I could put my finger on why they have been so disappointing, I'm sure Sir Bobby Robson himself would have worked it out by now, but the one area where they have struggled is at the back.

They still tend to let in goals at the most ridiculous times and in the most ridiculous manner and that has left them more or less needing two goals to win a game, which is never ideal - especially away from home.

They have also struggled with injuries and go to St Mary's without Jonathan Woodgate, Jermaine Jenas and Craig Bellamy among others, and that will make their task even harder. I hear Kieron Dyer may well play, but they are still missing several of their big names.

And speaking of big names, I just wonder how important Alan Shearer's penalty miss against Wolves at the weekend could turn out to be. I'm sure, going back to the south coast, he will be desperate to make amends and will be as influential as ever, but that miss alone could end up costing Newcastle millions.

Their one hope on Wednesday is that Southampton have absolutely nothing to play for. They could move up a couple of places, but since Paul Sturrock made a winning start, their form has been pretty hit and miss. They are in 12th place and that to me, suggests those two magical words will come into play on Wednesday night... Benidorm Factor.

As a player, when you have nothing to play for, it does kick-in. Even if it is only subliminally, your mind starts to wander to your summer holidays and you suddenly ease off, worrying that if you're leg's in plaster on the beach, you won't be able to get that all over tan down to a tee!

The holiday venues may have changed since my day, but I'm sure Southampton will have that to contend with.

That is just one of the reasons why these end-of-season games are so hard to call: Paul Sturrock may decide to thrown in a couple of youngsters to give them first-team experience, his players have nothing to play for and Newcastle have so many injuries.

There isn't even any geographical relevance between the sides and even though Shearer and Southampton have history, that was so long ago, it doesn't really count.You end up in nomansland at this time of year, which is why I'm going for the draw.

As a neutral, I am hoping Newcastle win, because if they do, there is at least one game that actually means something on the final day of the season. But I can't see them breaking down a Southampton side that will at least be well-organised.

PREDICTION: Draw - This time of year is when strange things happen, so going for either side to win could prove a mug's game, so it has to be the draw. And if it is, there'll be tears for the Toon, and nothing of real note to resolve come the final day of the season. For once, this is one I would love to get wrong!

by **stmichael** » Wed May 12, 2004 1:09 pm

rodney marsh generally talks out of his a#se when i watch him on soccer saturday but for once i agree with him. i can see the game tonight being a draw.

by **115-1073096938** » Wed May 12, 2004 1:54 pm

St Michael thats where i disagree completely.

The other ones are the nuggest who generally speak rubbish.

Marsh and Hansen are the only tv pundits who ever speak sense. The rest of them talk out of there ******, are failed managers or just generally talk ******.

Its quite amusing the way people seem to beat myself and Rodney Marsh with the same brush yet i agree with most of his points and he makes many points which i make.

by **woof woof !** » Wed May 12, 2004 2:53 pm

I've got a sneaky feeling that Southampton might do us a favour. N'castle aren't on the best of form plus their quickest players a injured.We could have qualified before they even get to our place.

by **LFC #1** » Wed May 12, 2004 9:30 pm

2-2, with just over 20 mins to go, looking good.

Liverpool FC Forum

Rodney you plonker - Maybe the big dope has it right ?

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