Newcastle United are on the verge of rewriting history of sorts as they will be looking to win 10 matches in succession for the first time since 1994-95. With Rafa Benitez at the helm, the Magpies have been ruling the roost in the Championship, swatting away the teams which are coming their way. Although they had a rocky beginning with respect to the team they had formed and the sky-high expectations of them, they recovered quite well and Benitez would be hoping this superior level they have attained will be enough for a Top 2 finish come the end of the long campaign. But in practice, the gaffer will be asking his wards to focus on the present and take it one match at a time.
They will be facing a Blackburn side who are in dire straits. Currently, in the 22nd spot, they have to start winning matches sooner rather than later and while the job will be extremely difficult, the lack of expectations will help them play without fear and express themselves hopefully.
This is the first 2nd tier meeting between the sides since February 1992.
Rovers have won five of their last six league games at St. James’ Park, though lost the most recent encounter in September 2011. The above stat will some confidence to them although the most recent meeting in 2011 was won by Newcastle.
TEAM NEWS
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is available, with no date set for his charge of allegedly using racially abusive language towards Wolves’ Romain Saiss. Winger Rolando Aarons is likely to be absent for the rest of the season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in training earlier this month.
BLACKBURN ROVERS
Blackburn expect to have Marvin Emnes available. He is the only absentee set to return for boss Owen Coyle, with Gordon Greer (leg), Danny Guthrie (knock), Tommie Hoban (shoulder), Adam Henley (hamstring) and Elliott Ward (ankle) still out.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
NEWCASTLE UNITED (4-4-1-1)
Darlow; Anita, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett; Gouffran, Shelvey, Colback, Ritchie; Perez, Gayle
BLACKBURN ROVERS (4-4-2)
Steele; Mulgrew, Williams, Lenhan, Marshall; Conway, Lowe, Evans, Feeney; Graham, Gallagher
KEY MEN
NEWCASTLE UNITED
DWIGHT GAYLE
The man in form of the team in form. It is quite a lethal combo and its results have been visible for the Magpies. Already up to 13 goals in as many games, it has been nothing short of a dream for him. Dwight Gayle has scored the winning goal for his side five times this season, more than anyone else in the Championship, which shows his impact till now.
BLACKBURN ROVERS
SAM GALLAGHER
The Southampton loanee has found his feet in the Championship and on current form is one of the hottest players on show. He has scored 7 goals till now, with 4 goals in his last 5 appearances. Surely one to watch out for Benitez and co.
BETTING ODDS
NEWCASTLE UNITED- 4/11
DRAW- 4/1
BLACKBURN ROVERS- 10/1
