Source: Telegraph
Newcastle target Middlesbrough derby as key to Premier League survival
The pragmatic Owen is earmarking Boro's visit to St James' Park on May 11, as a far more viable opportunity to generate the points that could propel the club to Premier League safety than the daunting trip to title-chasing Liverpool this Sunday. [LNB]After the local derby with Gareth Southgate's strugglers, Newcastle host Fulham and then round off their programme with a trip to Aston Villa which explains why Owen is so keen to pick up points on Tyneside. [LNB] Related ArticlesPremier League tablePremier League highlightsLeague ups and downsShearer points finger at strikersFabio Capello has not given up on misfiring Michael OwenNewcastle nearing Premier League exit after Portsmouth drawThose fixtures, according to Owen, could make sure that they survive at the expense of one of other lowly clubs such as West Bromwich Albion, Boro, Hull and Sunderland. [LNB]"In the last few weeks it's been said that other clubs had the easier fixtures but now it's roles reversed for the other teams have the harder fixtures," Owen wrote in his programme notes ahead of the 0-0 draw with Portsmouth. [LNB]"I'm aware that next week we go to Liverpool and that we finish at Aston Villa and if we get some points from those games then of course we will grasp them. [LNB]"But being realistic it's the home games against Portsmouth, Middlesbrough and Fulham that are our major focus now." [LNB]The 29-year-old squandered Newcastle's best goal-scoring opportunity against Portsmouth and that will have harmed his chances of forcing his way back into the England squad because he misfired in front of Fabio Capello's No 2 Franco Baldini. [LNB]He is unlikely to get many chances to put the record straight when he returns to Merseyside on Sunday which puts into perspective his need to get back to his old ways when Boro head up the A19. [LNB]Owen has ten goals to his credit this season but he has not hit the back of the net since January so manager Alan Shearer will feel another goal is just around the corner for his old England and Newcastle team-mate. [LNB]Relegation run-in [LNB]West Brom May 2 Tottenham (a). Down to earth with a bump at White Hart Pain. Defeat. May 9 Wigan (h). Steve Bruce's side possess too much speed and strength for the Baggies. Defeat. May 17 Liverpool (h). Expect a landslide. Defeat. May 24 Blackburn (a). They think it's all over, it is now. Draw. Key man: Scott Carson. How did he play for England and Liverpool? Manager: Tony Mowbray. Should have sacrificed purist principles for points. Verdict: Relegated. [LNB]Boro May 2 Man United (h). Boro generally do well against United but could do with a bit of complacency, tiredness and youth team players to help their cause. Draw. May 11 Newcastle (a). Boro haven't won on Tyneside since 2000 when they were inspired by Alen Boksic but they haven't got anyone in his class anymore. Defeat. May 16 Aston Villa (a). Will be able to start preparing for the Championship after this one. Defeat. May 24: West Ham (a). No capital gains. Defeat. Key man: Stewart Downing. Doing his best to delivery the ultimate parting gift by securing top-flight status. Manager: Gareth Southgate. Will be given chance to revive Boro's fortunes next term following a traumatic season. Verdict: Relegated. [LNB]Newcastle May 3 Liverpool (a) An excruciatingly painful return to his footballing roots for Michael Owen. Defeat. May 11 Middlesbrough (h) Boro tend to do well against the better sides so they will struggle on Tyneside. Win May 16 Fulham (h) Alan Shearer will be hoping Roy Hodgson's team are already thinking about the summer holidays. Win May 24 Aston Villa (a) The season can't end quickly enough for Villa so that may yield a point for Newcastle. Draw. Key man: Michael Owen. Surely he's got to come good soon. Manager: Alan Shearer. What on earth did he let himself in for? The Match of the Day sofa must be looking more comfortable than ever for the rookie boss. Verdict: Survive [LNB]Hull May 4: Aston Villa (a) Expect Villa to complete the double over the Yorkshire side. Defeat. May 9: Stoke (h). Their must-win game. A long overdue victory. May 16: Bolton (a). Ex-Bolton captain Phil Brown will get a warm welcome from the club's fans but that's about all. Draw. May 24: Man Utd (h). The last people who want to meet in the Last Chance Saloon are Fergie's lot. Defeat. Key man: Nicky Barmby - The golden oldie is still blessed with the magic to halt Hull's fall from grace. Manager: Phil Brown - Paying the price for over-achieving both by getting Hull promoted last season and than inspiring his team to Champions League form. Verdict: Relegated. [LNB]Sunderland May 3 - Everton (h) After what happened to Phil Jagielka, Everton players won't want to risk their FA Cup final places. Win. May 9: Bolton (a). It won't be one for the purists but Sunderland will fancy their chances of scrapping for a point. Draw. May 18: Portsmouth (a). If Pompey are safe expect Kenwyne Jones to give Sol Campbell the runaround. Draw. May 24: Chelsea (h). If the title race is over and Chelsea are focusing on a Champions League final, Sunderland have a chance. Draw. Key man: Kenwyne Jones - Needs to start showing why a £16 million Tottenham bid was rejected last January. Manager: Time for brave decisions for Ricky Sbragia who needs to accept that Jones and Djibril Cisse are incompatible and drop the Frenchman before it's too late. Verdict: Survive [LNB]
