Source: SKY_Sports
Owen eyes must win clash
Michael Owen admits Newcastle are desperate to win what he describes as an 'acid test' against fellow strugglers Portsmouth at home on Monday.[LNB] The 28-year-old hasn't scored in his last eight games and has only been on the scoresheet once since he netted in the Magpies 3-0 win at Fratton Park back in December.[LNB]Despite his lack of form in front of goal the striker feels that with the arrival of Alan Shearer as boss the side can avoid the drop.[LNB]However the former Liverpool ace knows that if they are to give themselves a fighting chance they must win at St James' Park on Monday.[LNB]"It's great to see him back. He has brought a new lease of life to the fans and to certain members of the playing staff," he said.[LNB]"We are obviously desperate for a win. He came in - a bit like when Kevin Keegan came in and we had Arsenal away in the first two games in the cup and in the league - and we have had a couple of tough games since the manager came in.[LNB]Acid test"But this is a game on Monday now that we are probably expected to win, so it is probably our acid test.[LNB]"We need to win, there's no two ways about it. We need to get three points."[LNB]Shearer must now decide who to play upfront alongside Owen with Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka fit and vying for a place but the Magpies skipper insists that there is no reason why all three cannot play together.[LNB]"It remains to be seen what the manager does, but the results are there for all to see," he added.[LNB]"At the end of last year when we reverted to that (three upfront) we went on a great run, pulled away from the relegation zone and ended up quite comfortable at the end of the season.[LNB]"The results are there for all to see. We played some of our best football when Kevin Keegan changed to that formation."[LNB]
