Posted by Ademola Olajire on
Nigerian defender, Celestine Babayaro, is at the receiving end of a four-man Manchester United attack as Newcastle chase their first maximum points of the young English season this afternoon at their St James Park home-ground.
Nigerian defender, Celestine Babayaro, is at the receiving end of a four-man Manchester United attack as Newcastle chase their first maximum points of the young English season this afternoon at their St James Park home-ground.
The 1996 Olympics gold medallist was scored above average against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok stadium on Wednesday but the Magpies still lost 2-0 to Austin Okocha's club, meaning they have not earned the full points in any of their first three matches.
Elimination from Europe through the Intertoto Cup has added to the disappointment of not being able to sign a renowned striker in the summer, though there have been reports the Toon army has now agreed a record transfer fee for England poacher, Michael Owen, to leave Real Madrid of Spain.
Babayaro was among the worse players on the park on the opening day against Arsenal at Highbury, when a couple of harsh decisions aided the Gunners to a 2-0 win. But then, Toon army failed to make home advantage pay last weekend, drawing blanks against newcomers West Ham at St James Park.
However, before Owen's deal is through or falls through (anything is possible in football), Magpies would have to double efforts in the campaign if they have no wish to finish in the lower of the table as happened last term, which forced them into playing Intertoto Cup to seek the back door into Europe.
With Alan Shearer and Shola Ameobi still not firing at full blast, more attacking responsibilities may fall on the shoulder of England boy, Jermaine Jenas, while former Chelsea boy, Scott Parker and Emre, would have to be more onslaught-minded.
United have proved they have one of the sharpest attacks in the campaign, with a 6-0 aggregate demolition of Hungarian side Debrecen in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round, which took them to the group stages. Also, they have won their two matches in the domestic run, beating Everton 2-0 at Goodison Park and then piping Aston Villa by the odd goal at Old Trafford before heading to Hungary to complete the demolition job.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gabriel Heintze have proved a handful position, and United would be stretched thin this afternoon trying to curtail their antics.
In the other game of the day, Yakubu Aiyegbeni is unlikely to be in action for Middlesborough as they host Shaun Bartlett's Charlton at Riverside Stadium. The Nigerian ‘Bull' is injured, having been stitched in several places after the draw with Tottenham at White Hart Lane last weekend.
The Addicks have made clear their intentions this year and Coach Alan Curbishley and the board have agreed there is need to get the ship sailing on time ahead of the more unpredictable second round.