Something in the Making: Lam Matteo

[Matt10]

Hope to see Matteo in the Premier League soon. I heard Wolverhampton is a good stop. Keep up the great work.

Thanks - I too am awaiting a return. At the moment, I'm "restructuring" the reporting style. Need a bit more Matteo perspective.

[Matt10]

Fixture 27 - (Apr. 14, 2018)
Newcastle United (1st, 54 pts) v Sheffield United (6th, 44 pts)

Prematch: A strong showing last week by the Magpies - but today will be a challenge to see if Curbishley's side continues to uphold the necessities to remain on top of the Championship table. Henri Camara has vowed to score a goal, while Alan Smith has stated he wishes to transfer at the end of the season. The spring football is back in play as weather has seemed to brighten - but Curbishley will hope his team doesn't have their heads in the clouds too long - Sheffield United are a dangerous bunch.





Not a Lone Ranger - Newcastle striker bags two crucial goals
Newcastle 5-3 Sheffield United
------------
GOLLLLLL MATTEOOO!!
At long last, Curbishley's new signing, Lam Matteo
grabs his first goal taking advantage of a poor clearance
LITTLE BIG MAN
After Steven Quinn scored the equalizer, Glen Little would score
30-minutes later to take the lead for Sheffield United
RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME
Nile Ranger found himself sitting nicley after Matteo's
intial shot was saved by Paddy Kenny - the goal resulted in the lead
CRUNCHING ENDING
After scoring two goals into Sheffield's net, Lam Matteo becomes victim
to a late challenge by frustrated forward, Darius Henderson
------------

Newcastle Goals: Matteo 5 80, Smith 44 (PK), Ranger 84 87
Sheffield United Goals: Quinn 7, Little 37, Walker 53

Caution: Walker (Sheffield Utd) Henderson (Sheffield Utd)
Sent off: None
-------

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FuXivRrh_k"]YouTube- vshefutd2018.mp4[/ame]

Next Match - Doncaster Rovers v Newcastle United

[Matt10]

Fixture 27 - (Apr. 14, 2018)
Newcastle United (1st, 54 pts) v Sheffield United (6th, 44 pts)

Newcastle come into the match with an unbeaten streak to uphold, however Doncaster are known to create upsets - will they do the same to the Magpies - or will Wiego and Nile Ranger do the deed and get the job done?

Highlights

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hla0kMymX1s"]YouTube- vdonchl2018.mp4[/ame]


Newcastle Goals: Ranger 39, Wiego 45 54
Doncaster Goals:

Caution: None
Sent off: None
-------

Next Match - Newcastle United v Nottingham Forest

[Matt10]

Fixture: 28
Newcastle United v Nottingham Forest

0-1
McKenna 60'
-----
Caution: Jose Enrique (Newcastle)

Magpies surrender points to Forest
Curbishley oddly confident Toon will finish on top

Johnson Peoples, nufc.co.uk

Away to league leaders Newcastle, Nottingham Forest were determined to press on for a strong showing. And after a barrage of shots that went well wide, it was up to captain Paul McKenna in the second half to get the job done. McKenna was found by right back Luke Chambers in the 60th minute after the ball had skipped past Newcastle's Jonas Gutierrez - which allowed the defender to get past him on the flank.

The cross found the onward captain, streaking from the midfield, and the ball was met with his head - which had a surprising oomph to it - past the helpless Steven Harper in the Newcastle net.



A stubborn Newcastle side would not give up their siege on the Forest goalmouth however. Lam Matteo led the charge the majority of the time with quick outlet passes to his wingers and forwards. Matteo was a catalyst in setting up Wiego's opportunity - after the midfielder passed off to Gutierrez on the left flank. Upon receiving the ball, Gutierrez pushed the ball past Chambers - and floated in a direct cross to Wiego. The striker's header was met well - but it produced a fantastic save from Forest keeper, Paul Smith.



In the end it came down to a fury of attacks from the home side - but the Magpies were not destined to win this one despite the efforts of the Toon Squad behind the Forest goal. Three points dropped, but Alan Curbishley remains in tact despite the loss.

"It was a good fought match - it's hard to gauge what we did wrong, they just outplayed us tonight and that's all there is to it. We were unlucky to not find a goal despite all our efforts - but I'm still sure we can finish this season with some hardware to show."

Next Match: v Leicester City (Home)

Good-showing
Matteo receives 7.0 and Most Impressive award for his efforts

As always, I caught up with Matteo after the match - he was in good spirit, but noticeably dissapointed.

"Sometimes they go in - sometimes they don't. We produced some fine opportunities - final ball was lacking, partly my fault on occasion. I had one shot that was deflected well - thought it would curve in - but had started too far right."

[Matt10]

Fixture: 29
Newcastle United v Leicester City

2-2
Kermorgant 26'
Matty Fryatt 31'
Wiego 34'
Gutierrez 51'
-----
Caution: None

Newcastle avoid embarrasment at St. James
Jonas Gutierrez to be thanked for rescue act

Johnson Peoples, nufc.co.uk

Last in the table, Leicester City, came into town in hopes of showing the league that they are not a joke - and their current form is purely a streak of bad luck.

Tonight, it was an unlikely goal scorer that saved the day for the Toon - and his name is Jonas Gutierrez, the elegant left midfielder - who alway seems so much faster on the ball than without it. Gutierrez took advantage of a Lam Matteo volley from outside the box, by diving at the ball and heading it in with a vicious power.




Beforehand, it had looked like Leicester City would possibly create the upset in fine fashion, but as always the 2-0 scoreline would haunt the worst team in the league, despite a hard fought goal by Matty Fryatt in the 31st minute.



Newcastle responded quickly, and Wiego's goal was one that he took advantage of thanks to slack defending from Leicester players who did not believe Matteo had passed the ball on the goalline before running out of play. The Newcastle striker had the best response time, and met the ball with the defense standing.

"Yeah, I was there - right place, right time - 'dem boys were picking their arses or somethin, yeah."

Next Match: v QPR (Away)

A tad frustrating
Leicester City defenders took Matteo's "return" personal

A bit bruised up, Matteo injected his thoughts about his old teammates.

"There's a reason I left a team like that - they are dirty, and can't get over why they are so bad as far as team chemistry is concerned. I'm glad we got points tonight, but would have loved to destroy them. I think I was fouled 15 times tonight."

[Matt10]

Drawing to and end
Toon are eight matches away from title
by Mark Schwarzer last updated 31 October 2017


The 2017-2018 season has come, and is just about gone. However, the title race is a very close one - with Newcastle United leading the pack with 61 points, but West Brom are hot on their tail.



Coventry City are the prime favorites for a suddent "burst" of results - the side has been a scoring machine thanks to Clinton Morrison's play with 17 goals. The striker of course, is being linked with the likes of Newcastle United and QPR for the offseason.



The Magpies are set to begin a series of tough fixtures - which includes the immediate battle against third place Queens Park Rangers. QPR boss Paul Scholes has made a statement in the local press that Newcastle should not expect a "light" showing from his side. After the match against QPR is done with, Middlesbrough host hoping to spell disaster and wreck the victory cruise.

Finally, ending with Watford away, then Swansea City at St. James Park. Alan Curbishley has been quoted as "merely" amused with the idea of winning a championship - obviously the focus is on a game-per-game basis.

As for transfer news - well, there is always a chance Curbishley could lose midfielder Lam Matteo as he does prefer playing striker and is known this stint of having a "wandering eye".

[Matt10]

Fixture: 30
QPR v Newcastle United

1-3
Geremi 22'
Nile Ranger 30'
Lovenkrands 35'
Pellicori 78'
-----
Caution: Van Dijk (QPR)

No battle at Loftus Road
Toon's First half goals set tone for "Match of the Season"

Johnson Peoples, nufc.co.uk

The scenario was built up prematch, league leaders Newcastle United visited Loftus Road, versus third place Queens Park Rangers the hosts. QPR before the match was only 5 deficit to the Magpies - however, based on the lineup that Newcastle manager, Alan Curbishley, set up - it seemed the Magpies were not going to live up to the hype.



QPR's prematch routine included a complete introduction to their January signing, Giovanni dos Santos - highlighting all 19 goals he has scored this season for Tottenham and QPR combined.

Twenty-two minutes in, after a ping pong match ensued, Lam Matteo was fouled just outside the box - tripped by the QPR captain, Alessandro Pellicori, setting up the visitors in great position for a chance on goal.

The chance was taken with pure class by the veteran midfielder, Geremi. His curling free kick bent over the wall and dipped just barely grazing the inside of the Radek Cerny's near post.



Ross Vine surprised the visitors immediately when his vicious strike from 30-yards banged against Steven Harper's crossbar.

Jonas Gutierrez did not seem stunned, however, as the midfielder took the pass on the flank from Colocinni - and proceeded to place an absolutely perfect ball into the path of Nile Ranger. Ranger collected the ball in stride and finished with ease to Cerny's far post.

Newcastle's third goal came as a result of great goakeeping by Cerny - however, his instinctive save on Lam Matteo's header will be forgotten as Peter Lovenkrands was there for clean up duty - and promptly obliged from within the goal.

QPR did manager a consolation goal through Pellicori in the second half. The QPR captain dashed past an overly confident Toon defense, and slotted the ball between Harper's legs.



With the victory, Newcastle United improve their point margin on top of the table by 5 points as a result of West Brom losing to Cardiff City 3-0.

Manager, Alan Curbishley, reminded the press that despite the comfortable win tonight - there should not be any crowning just yet with seven games remaining.

"Two games is two games too many, let alone seven. We have Middlesbrough up next and that will not be an easy game I can assure you that. We will remained focused on the task at hand - and that is beating Middlesbrough."

Next Match: v Middlesbrough (Away)

Man of the Match!
No goals - but you deserve the award Matty boy

After taking a beating last week to some unkind defenders, Matteo was able to roam free and provide opportunities to those surrounding him - and got a couple shots off.

"Their spirit was down, and it was obvious that they just wanted the final whistle to blow. I was glad to put in about 75 minutes of play - and still receive the honors of man of the match, I'm still struggling to score as a midfielder though - something to definitely work on before the season is over."

[Matt10]

Fixture: 31
Middlesbrough v Newcastle United

4-2
Aliadiere 13'
Shawky 17'
Wiego 24'
Barton 48'
Yeates 49'
Arca 62'
-----
Caution: Wiego (Newcastle)

Who we thought they were
Boro knock off potential league champs Newcastle

Johnson Peoples, nufc.co.uk

Newcastle United meant business today, and sadly - did not produce the result that Alan Curbishley and the Magpies faithful were looking for. Righ off the bat, a blatant disegard for the ball by Wiego prompted a yellow card - some even wondered if it should have been a red, but then again Didier Digard (the victim) is not that good of an actor.



Boro did not come to play around either, as the home side pressed on for the opening goal of the match - and in the 13th minute, longtime Boro man, Jeremie Aliadiere granted the wish to go ahead.

After Aliadiere would score, it was almost a surprise when midfielder Mohammed Shawky nabbed a goal himself - the goal as a result of a blocked shot by Steven Harper - but Shawky was there to clean up the trash.

Of course a Newcastle match would not be the same without a goal from Wiego - who upped his tally to 25 goals on the season when Joey Barton floated a ball over the entire Boro defense - and of course Wiego collected perfectly, and then a quick snap shot before Brad Jones in the Boro net could move an inch.

Three minutes after the half-time speech, Newcastle showed life (and business mindset) when Joey Barton flew into the penalty box on a Jonas Gutierrez corner - the midfielder struck the ball sweet with his head and all Jones could do was parry the ball into the roof of his net - the match was tied 2-2.



The old adage of still celebrating immediately haunted the Newcastle defense, and it was not a surprise to Alan Curbishely when Julia Arca sped through, before laying off a ball intended for Leroy Lita, but escaped to a rushing Mark Yeates. Yeates finish was direct and to the point - with only a finger tip from Steve Harper to give it a slight hiccup - but the inside of the post was struck, and the ball trickled in to give Boro the lead again.

The victory was capped off when Yeates returned the favor to Julio Arca streaking into the box, past a sleeping Coloccini - and diving header past a helpless Steven Harper.



Alan Curbishley after the game was a bit more poised than initially assumed - stating that "they were who we thought they were" - using the phrase of a previous coach, but in an entirely different league, uttered the same words.

"Boro are who we thought they were. Might as well crown them, they put up the fight - we did not."

Next Match: v Crystal Palace (Home)

In the background
But in the limelight of fatigue

Matteo struggled to get anything going tonight - despite his best efforts he was just another defender rather than the speedy midfielder.

"Boro held the ball so well tonight. It was tough to stay organized - let alone get a decent possesion attack going - we primarily orchestrated counter attacks, but some players thought they were Pele instead of Lineker."

[Matt10]

Fixture: 33
Newcastle United v Crystal Palace

1-2
Stern John 24'
Nile Ranger 67'
Subotic (OG) 85'
-----
Caution: None

Starting to fold under pressure?
Subotic own goal thunders in boo birds at St. James

Johnson Peoples, nufc.co.uk

When Alan Curbishley signed Subotic in the January transfer window, it was not his intention to have the defender score goals. However, tonight the Serbian scored his first goal for the Magpies - into his own net, and inthe 85th minute, thus breaking all momentum the home side had going for the winner.



Goals against Newcastle have been in the first half primarily - and Stern John did not stray away from the statistic when he took advantage of Subotic's lack of man marking in the penalty area. John took position goal side just in time for Ryan Smith's cross to be met. The striker's glancing header gave no chance for keeper Tim Krul - and it was 1-0 for the visitors.



At halftime, Curbishley could be heard loud and clear to those near the locker room - the Toon manager clearly expressing his discontent on not only Subotic's first half performance - but also midfielder, Lam Matteo - who's reaction time seemed to be at an all time low. The only saving grace for Matteo was that he was the only player shooting outside of the box - but his on target shots were direct to Palace's keeper, Julian Speroni.



The message was loud, and clear for Newcastle - and 20 minutes after the start of the second half, Nile Ranger would bring the game level after Geremi's mazing run past the Palace defense.

Curbishley's tactics shifted to full out attack in the 80th minute, subbing in Kevin Nolan for a fatigued Lam Matteo, and two minutes later, striker Frank Wiafe Danquah came in for midfielder Joey Barton - a 4-3-3 switch from the static 4-4-2.

Unfortunately for Curbishley and company, there was no way to prepare for Subotic's own goal, which left everyone scratching their heads - did that just happen?

Palace's Ryan smith tore down the sidelines, and his cross was a perfect one but Victor Moses diving header was just late - however the ball had enough speed and struck Subotic (who let Moses goal side once more) in the knee, and the ball trickled past a stunned Tim Krul, who could only kick the ball in frustration against the inside of the post after it had crossed.

The second consecutive loss puts Newcastle United now only one point clear of West Brom - and a very close battel between Coventry City and Cardiff City behind them.

Next week, Alan Curbishley and the Magpies travel to Ricoh Arena, where the side has not won in the last four meetings, to face third place Coventry City.

"It is a tough statistic against us. Our confidence is shaken tonight - but we did not play terrible, just unlucky - of course we can't afford that at this point in the competition."

Next Match: v Coventry City (Away)

The damn "F" word
Stamina, endurance, fatigue....

Lam did not have a good game despite his efforts on goal - which were merely slightly hard passes to the Palace keeper.

"I had one header - and it went straight to him, fatigued or not - I've got a team to play for, and will have to refocus before the next match."

[Matt10]

Fixture: 34
Newcastle United v Crystal Palace

1-2
Nile Ranger 22'
Nile Ranger 76'
Freddy Eastwood 84'
-----
Caution: McIndoe (Coventry)

The mighty Ranger-Geremi connection
Newcastle striker thanks Geremi for two quality assists in victory

Johnson Peoples, nufc.co.uk

Nile Ranger helped Newcastle escap Ricoh Park with a victory, securing all three points - and a possible push in championship title direction after his two goal performance. Ranger, after the match, had to thank the brilliant, and unselfish, play of veteran Geremi. Geremi tallied two assists, each to Ranger - and was named man of the match without being on the scoresheet.



The match itself was at quick pace - and the eventual goal by Ranger came almost against the run of play. A foul on Lam Matteo on the sidelines resulted in a free kick by Geremi - who played a quick one-two pass with Matteo. Geremi, upon receiving the ball and dashing opponents, glanced up and floated a ball over the head of the Coventry defense to Nil Ranger - who's half volley was a thing of beauty and crashed into the back of Keiren Westwood's net.

Facing Newcastle for the first time, Juan Sebastian Veron - the new signing and possible saving grace for Coventry, was stifled multiple times by the younger center midfielder, Lam Matteo. The result was an early sub for Henrik Larsson's side, and Veron came out - in came ever reliable, Freddy Eastwod.



At halftime, Curbishley could be heard loud and clear to those near the locker room - the Toon manager clearly expressing his discontent on not only Subotic's first half performance - but also midfielder, Lam Matteo - who's reaction time seemed to be at an all time low. The only saving grace for Matteo was that he was the only player shooting outside of the box - but his on target shots were direct to Palace's keeper, Julian Speroni.

In the 76th minute, Nile Ranger scored his second - a well worked play that started with Joey Barton on the right flank - to Geremi. Geremi collected the ball and showcased his dribbling skill, eluding Chris Hussey's tackle, before sending in a perfect ball to Ranger. The striker was gracious and his first touch excellent - setting up the shot low along the ground - skidding across the wet pitch, and off the Westwood's far post, for another goal.

Freddy Eastwood's consolation goal occured nine minutes later, a quick cross by Sean Jeffers - and Eastwood would be the only one to react with a cheeky outside of the foot volley.

The goal surged on Coventry, hoping to gain at least one point from the match - but the final whistle blew to save the Magpies from giving up such points.

Four matches remain, the next one to be held at Pride Park where Derby County are full of "pride" after winning the Championship Cup over Cardiff City 4-3.

"Maybe we can put up a good enough of a fight to throw them off their current form."

Next Match: v Derby County (Away)

Score a goal already!
Matteo had shots, but that don't count

I don't understand, he used to be a scoring machine - he's noticeably faster than he was in his prime, but still - the goals aren't coming, what gives?

"I can understand my role with Newcastle will be one who doesn't take the glory - the thing is, I'm not sure if I can accept that role without scoring a couple of goals - but it's good to know we have four matches remaining."

[Matt10]

Ah, well that sucks. I peak in from time to time, I like what you're doing. Hopefully Lam can go a goal soon already for Newcastle!

Great updates. Liking the new layout. Hopefully that goal comes soon.

Thanks guys - hoping he scores too. Not too many games left, a championship title would be really really sweet.

[Matt10]

Fixture: 35
Derby County v Newcastle United

1-1
Giles Barnes 25'
Jonas Gutierrez 66'
-----
Caution: Green (Derby) Barnes (Derby)

Magpies settle for a point at Pride Park
Questionable tactics by Curbishley

Johnson Peoples, nufc.co.uk

Lam Matteo was benched for this match despite stating that he felt one-hundred percent before the weekend. Alan Curbishley opted to play Joey Barton and Kevin Nolan over the American international - with no explanation.

The change did not pay off in the first half as Derby pressed, and dominated the Toon through swift attacks led by midfielder Paul Green and Bryan Hughes. The breakthrough came in the form of midfielder Giles Barnes as a produc tof a well orchestrated passing attack that begun with Green in the middle, who used his outlet in Jake Livermore - who then found Porter in the box - before setting up a perfectly weighted ball to a diagonal run into the box by Barnes.



The midfielder's finish was perfect and Newcastle were shocked with the 1-0 deficit heading into the second half.

During the interval, Alan Curbishley replaced an ineffective Joey Barton with Lam Matteo. However, intsead of place Matteo in as an attacking midfielder, his role today was to play defensive midfielder, while Kevin Nolan orchestrated the attack.

The Magpies equalized in the 66th minute of play, thanks to a courageous run by defender Ryan Taylor. Taylor sped through untouched down the sidelines, before driving in a cross with his left foot. The cross found Jonas Gutierrez, who's header was more power than placement - beating Kalac in the Derby Net to make the score 1-1 with just under 30 minutes remaining.



The momentum had shifted, and it was Newcastle now who pressed on - searching for the winning goal.

However, their best chance of the match winner was Lam Matteo's 25 yard strike destined for the upper corner, but Kalac's finger tip save prevented the goal.

Nevertheless, with only three matches remaining, a point is a good point - but Curbishley will hoping for at least 6 points to edge further away from Queens Park Rangers (66 pts) and West Bromwich Albion (65 pts).

"This is the home stretch, we lost two pionts tonight - but coming away with one is encouraging for some more in the last couple of weeks. Let's hope we can accomplish our goals."

Next Match: v Sheffield Wednesday (Home)

League Table: Top 5

1. Newcastle Utd (68 pts)
2. QPR (66 pts)
3. West Brom (65 pts)
4. Cardiff City (64 pts)
5. Coventry City (61 pts)

Losing confidence?
Or just not happy in midfield

When Matteo was in his prime, before his accident, he was a striker - now clubs are seeing potential in him as a midfielder, does he feel the same way?

"I am a striker by nature. It's what I want to be, I like to score goals. I enjoy first team football, but would prefer being a striker as I could really use my God given talent a little better than in the midfield."

[Matt10]

Fixture: 36
Newcastle United v Sheffield Wednesday

3-2
Tudgay 26'
Wiego 48'
Matteo 66'
Wiego 75'
Potter 85'
-----
Caution: None

Newcastle salvage victory at St. James
Two matches remain for Magpies title hunt

Johnson Peoples, nufc.co.uk

The taste of the Championship title got a became a bit more sweeter for Alan Curbishley, and the Newcastle faithful. Goals by Wiego (2) and Lam Matteo were enough to push the side past a resilient Sheffield Wednesday side for all 3 points.

Sheffield Wednesday opened up the match with full on attack for a 20-minute stint, so it was no surprise when Marcus Tudgay took advantage of Jose Enrique's poor defending in the box. Tudgay was able to wriggle free on a cross, and met the ball hard with his head to put the visitors up 1-0 heading into the second half.



The Toon responded immediately in the second half. Lam Matteo entered the fray with Joey Barton giving way. Matteo's darting run found the foot of Wiego, who took on two defenders before a quick low shot was enough to get past Lee Grant in the Wednesday goal, to tie the match up.



The go ahead goal was scored by Matteo himself. After getting in a jam with Sheffield Wednesday defenders at the top of the box, the was half cleared in the path of Kevin Nolan - who's header downwards found the American midfielder. Matteo collected the ball, and quickly let a shot rip low and to the far post; 2-1, it was only the third goal of Matteo's Newcastle career.

The icing on the cake was Wiego's second goal - but was quickly forgotten when Darren Potter grabbed what seemed to be a consolation goal in the 85th minute.

A consolation goal it was not, as the nerves began to surface from not only the home fans, but also the players - Colocinni twice clearing the ball into the path of onrushing Wednesday attackers.

Finally, the final whiste sounded with Matteo holding the ball up in the corner. All three points at St. James Park - two matches remain for the possible crowning.

Alan Curbishley, after the match, stated he was wrong in not playing Lam Matteo earlier.

"He really does make a difference on this team, I wanted to try something different - and that did not seem to work. He is a player that when he gets the ball, you can't stop but watch - my jaw has dropped mulitple times watching him glide across the pitch - it's brilliant, I just hope he can help guide us with more games like tonight's."

Next Match: v Watford (Away)

League Table: Top 5

1. Newcastle Utd (71 pts)
2. West Brom (68 pts)
3. QPR (66 pts)
4. Cardiff City (65 pts)
5. Middlesbrough (61 pts)

Man of Z Match!
Not bad for half-days work

Despite being placed a sub, Matteo remained keen on making a difference from the start.

"As any player knows, it's tough sitting down when your team is losing. I tried to stay positive around others - and I think it helped in making us believe this is something that is quite possible - we could win it all. Scoring goals don't hurt either"

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6kaVUe_RXY"]YouTube- vshefwed.mp4[/ame]

[Matt10]

No on pitch reunion for Matteo
Struck with pulled quad muscle in practice

Lam Matteo was taken off the active list for the match against Watford tonight, he has suffered a slight quad pull - he told me he should be back for the last match of the season.

"It's a terrible feeling to not be part of this battle - but I'm confident in my teammates to get the job done. I'll be more than ready for Swansea City."

[Matt10]

Down to the absolute wire
Last match of the season, all tied up - who will it be?
by Mark Schwarzer last updated 10 May 2018


Now that QPR and Cardiff City are out of the hunt, West Brom can only win if Newcastle lose to Swansea.

Could it be any closer than how it looks? Well, other than goal differential, Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion are tied with 71 points a piece.

After Newcastle lost to Watford 3-0 last weekend, and West Brom winning over Crystal Palace 3-0 - the momentum has shifted to West Brom completely.

However, it is a matter of who each of these teams are facing. West Brom faces the Watford side that courageously defeated the Magpies, while Newcastle face a content Swansea City, who sit in 10th place.

"This is a betting man's nightmare," says Alan Curbishley, Newcastle manager, "I wish it wasn't so close - but I welcome the challenge."

Time can only tell who will be the champions of the Coca-Cola Championship, a betting man would say Newcastle - but after not having their game faces last weekend against the Hornets...who knows.

Other league tables:

English Premier League

1. Chelsea (68 pts)
2. Man City (65 pts)
3. Man Utd (65 pts)

Serie A

1. ACF Fiorentina (75 pts) ******
2. SSC Napoli (71 pts)

SPL

1. Celtic FC (71 pts)
2. Athletic Club (69 pts)

La Liga

1. Sevilla (74 pts)
2. Real Madrid (71 pts)