If ever there was a definition for the term ‘squeaky bum time’ it is the current situation at Newcastle United. The North East giants are in real danger of Premier League relegation and on Monday night they face Portsmouth in a crunch basement battle. Pompey eased their own fears last weekend with a much needed victory against Bolton, while Newcastle’s woes deepened with a 1-0 defeat away at Tottenham.
For Newcastle this tie represents their first real chance to utilise the impact of stand-in boss Alan Shearer. Big Al has no previous experience of management and in my opinion his appointment was in part to increase the crowd and noise at St James’ Park. In his first game Newcastle faced Chelsea in a game they were never going to get anything out of, the next two were away from home and this is the first tie where Newcastle have faced an opponent at home they are expected to beat. The Newcastle crowd will be right behind their team and there should be a fantastic atmosphere at St James’ Park on Monday night.
From a Portsmouth point of view they haven’t been in the best form lately but they’ve still managed to scramble a few points clear of danger. They saw off Bolton 1-0 at Fratton Park last weekend but probably should have won by a greater margin as Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen made a string of fine saves in the first half. For Pompey to get anything out of this game they’re going to have to silence the home crowd and as we all know the best way to do this is to score an early goal, which could set up a pulsating encounter.
In terms of the quality on display the game hardly promises to be a classic but it’s a safe football bet that it will certainly be a passionate and hard fought affair. Portsmouth have struggled all season, probably due to the departure of manager Harry Redknapp who opted to join Spurs at the beginning of the campaign. For all the talent the Newcastle team possess they have very rarely displayed it this season and that is why they are where they are. However, relegation battles tend to produce some great matches and I’m hoping for that on Monday night.

