Fan Preview: Newcastle Vs Ipswich

Newcastle are hoping to complete a season-long unbeaten run when they welcome Roy Keane’s inferior Ipswich side to Tyneside. The outspoken “hard man” has endured a horrible season in charge of the Tractor Boys and only a mini-revival in the second half of the season has seen them secure their Championship status for another season.

Whatever happens tomorrow, Newcastle will have their Championship trophy presented to them, ironically right in front of the former Mackems boss Keane. The only question that remains is if the Geordies can become the only team in England this season to go the whole campaign without losing a game.

The odds are stacked against Ipswich in this game, and on-loan Sunderland striker David Healy is missing with a knee problem. Another Mackem loanee, Daryl Murphy is on a six-game scoreless streak and will be looking to end that against a patched up Newcastle defence. And yet another Mackem reject will miss out, Carlos Edwards is still recovering from chicken pox (insert your own joke here!).

Good news for Newcastle is that Richard Wright could return to the starting XI for the Tractor Boys, meaning there should be a few names on the score sheet! Last time these two met, Wright had a shocker and the Geordies eased to a 4-0 victory.

The Magpies are hoping Argentine pair Fabricio Coloccini and Jonas Gutierrez will be fit to return after both missed the Monday night win over Plymouth. Coloccini should replace Fitz Hall, who aggravated a hamstring injury on Monday. Gutierrez should resume his impressive partnership with Jose Enrique down the left flank if he’s fit enough.

The only definite absentee apart from Hall is Steven Taylor, however some reports this week have said he could be close to taking a place on the bench after recovering from both his jaw and knee injuries.

So the new league champions have only got one more obstacle to overcome before they can cherish the only unbeaten home record in England. After the 4-0 win over Ipswich at the start of the season, tomorrow should be more of the same and I can’t see Keane’s bunch mounting much of a challenge to the Magpies.

What is your view on this story? Have your say below - You DON'T need to register in order to post your comment