Premiership - West Bromwich v Newcastle

7 February 2009

Preview By Tipster Rooney (England)

Asian Handicap Line -0 & -0.5 : +0 & +0.5

Albion is only two points behind Newcastle in this totally messed table, which is exceptionally tight at the bottom. In my opinion W. Brom have not the strength to go all the way, although last month they had a pretty good run. Newcastle was rather 'ordinary' against Sunderland last week and I think the Magpies can only now focus on how to win against their fellow relegation strugglers.

It is really an important game for both sides, the winner of this game can breathe some air until the next 'dive'..I was surprised by the bookies offering Albion as favorites on this one for 2 reasons..First of all, Newcastle is a bigger name, which attracts more players (should have handed the -1/4 handicap) and secondly Burnley demolished (3-1) Brom at their latest fixture. Burnley are a Championship side aren't they? Therefore the odds should be shifted the other way around but the bookies eventually decided to give home boys a chance, after all Newcastle isn't doing any better either. Or are they?

Let me remind u that Newcastle may have picked only 7 points from their away games, but they won 0-3 at Portsmouth and they drew at Stamford Bridge. However Brom managed to win against Spurs and Man City so why they shouldn't win against Newcastle as well..Someone may well argue..I agree..All I am saying is that this is a very tight game and with some players being unsure about the home side (J. Simpson, Koren, Moore). Meanwhile Newcastle is missing Owen and recently transfered N'Zogbia so this should be a tough call.

Maybe the likes of new signings of Kevin Nolan or Lovengrands will help Newcastle to a vital win accompanied by the return of prolific scorers Martins & Viduka. Alan Smith could also play a part in reviving the team's fighting spirit. Finally Juan Carlos Menseguez who recently signed for Albion still needs time to gel with him teammates and get a grip of the English weather which by the way is going to be even worse by Sunday as more snow is forecasted. The under-soil heating though should ensure that this game will be played normally.

Summarizing I can say that I believe Newcastle will score at least once on this one. They can't miss it. Maybe a Carson's mistake, a Viduka's header from a corner or a Martins' scrappy tumble in the box but I think they will get there in the end. Brom -must- win this. Pressure is on them to perform. But they ain't certainly the favorites. So even if Brom get ahead early, they should be shaky until the very end of the game..For me this is a value bet and I am sticking with visitors on this one. Good luck with your thoughts this weekend!