Source: Daily_Mail
Crocked Owen set to miss Newcastle's date with destiny
Michael Owen is set to miss out on Newcastle's survival Sunday showdown.
The Newcastle captain is still struggling to shake off a groin strain and manager Alan Shearer has decided not to risk starting his former strike partner at Aston Villa today.
And in another gamble, Shearer has decided to start with Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff at left-back, even though his only recognised left-back Jose Enrique is fit.
But with Owen set to start the game on the bench, it is the decision to leave out the struggling former England striker which will raise eyebrows at Villa Park.
Owen has gone 11 games without a goal, the worst run of his career.
Shearer also dropped him for the defeat at Liverpool earlier in the month.
He has failed to train with the rest of the first team throughout the week and is considered behind Obafemi Martins, who has also been struggling with a groin injury.
The Nigeria striker is expected to partner Mark Viduka upfront.
The decision to keep Duff at left-back makes sense as the former Chelsea midfielder has put in some of his best Newcastle performances in a makeshift back four and Enrique has hardly lived up to his £6million price tag at any time at St James's Park.
Peter Lovenkrands will play in front of Duff, with Danny Guthrie taking the right flank.
