Tyne-Tees derby match preview

The fifteenth week of the season has Newcastle off to tangle with Middlesbrough at Riverside in the 120th Tyne-Tees derby. With the Magpies third from the bottom of the table, every match is of critical importance and why this might seem peculiar to say given the clubs position in the table, there is reason for considerable optimism. Last weeks scoreless draw at Stamford Bridge reaffirmed a gritty, never-surrender attitude that defines the club and proof of the clubs positive response to Joe Kinnear. Todays decision to reward him with a full extension of his contract will provide the stability the club need and continue to bond the team.

Standing in the way of success this afternoon is the Gareth Southgate led-Middlesbrough. There is no conceivable reason why Mr. Southgate isn't lauded on a daily basis for his explempary work but incredibly after a stellar playing career, he picked-up in the managerial world with similar abilities and consistently have 'Boro ready to play with the best of the Premier League. While his club is coming off two sub-par performances, first a draw to Everton and last weekends dreadful loss to Bolton they will receive a major boost today as just-in-time for the match their great striker Mido returns from injury. Newcastle must pay particular care with the Egyptian striker as he is one of the most potent attacking options in the Premier League and coupled with Turkish international, Tuncay Şanlı, a fully-fit 'Boro is certainly capable of winning a sport in the new UEFA Europa League

On the injury front Newcastle's Damien Duff and Shola Ameobi are out but both Mark Viduka and Steven Taylor are available. While he shouldn't be expected to see a great amount of playing time, if at all, the impact of Mark Viduka will be enormous and a major emotional lift for the Magpies. As you would expect of this great derby, it will be a spirited affair without a blade of grass given-up easily.

I will report on it as it concludes.