Looking at the recent history of this match up doesn’t make for enjoyable reading. In all Premiership clashes, Newcastle hold a slim lead winning 12 games to our 11. A much worse omen than that tiny margin though is that out of our last 15 attempts to defeat the Budgies in their back yard, we have only managed a single victory, which came in September of 2003. 

Personally, I think six years is long enough for us to be returning from the nearly 500 mile round trip empty handed. 

Us:

Over the past few weeks there has been talk about the nature of our starting line up and so far changes have been few and far between. This week, we can see the rotation policy starting to show through. 

Our one enforced change sees our very own man of steel and captain replaced by Tom Ryder, thanks to a loose boot in a game that many have commented saw a few too many kicks anyway. Ryder’s partner Huge Vyvyan is promoted from the bench of last week along with Aguero, Hougaard and Haughton.  

Notable absences are Adam Powell and Justin Marshall who both seem to have picked up injury problems. 

Them:

Unlike our fortunes so far, Newcastle have had a tough few weeks. No wins, three draws and a loss doesn’t look encouraging on paper. Especially when one of those draws came at home to a floundering Quins and another away against this season’s new addition, Leeds. 

Yet more stats don’t paint a pretty picture. In their first four games Newcastle managed only a single try and are league leaders in turnovers conceded, tackles made and tackles missed. Combine that with our much talked over one (or was it two?) dimension(s) of play and this one doesn’t look to be the most exciting of games. 

Prediction Time:

I am actually going to predict a slightly more expansive game from us in the North-East. The stats tell us that our opponents give away ball and more often than not are making (or missing) tackles, which bodes well for counter-attacking and the amount of possession we’re likely to be given. 

Having said that, their three draws show a dogged determination and despite not scoring many, they’re not giving away many tries either. Only themselves (1) and Leicester (2) have conceded more than us (3). 

Expect a slow start but hopefully we’ll gain some traction in the second half. 

Sarries by 5 points or more is my bet.

Team:

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon