Watford v Newcastle - Match Preview

A hallmark of playing for Newcastle is the problem of fan pressure. Not fan expectations, those are usually on the mark despite what might be bandied about in the media. But it is undoubtedly the case that playing for Newcastle does demand a certain character, a certain ethic, and a certain steel. The city, as is often vaunted, is dominated by the football club – both physically – the stadium dominates the skyline – and in the minds of its people. There is discussion about how this has affected Newcastle down the years. An electric St James’ Park can inspire victory, but sides/players low on confidence have often buckled under the weight of desire entrenched in and around the Tyne.

At this point in the season we, the fans, find ourselves in the odd position of happiness that the team is now finally performing coupled with anxiety that any loss could have potentially catastrophic consequences for the season. Because of the whole Newcastle have dug themselves into, it doesn’t matter if their performances are quite good, or that they seem to be trying. A loss to Watford is potentially dire. Thus, while the players should be rejuvenated by the win against West Ham and the draw to Manchester United, there is likely the lingering feeling that any loss will reinvigorate a chorus of negativity amongst the fans.

Of course, the players only have themselves to blame for this. If they had been only average throughout the season – a loss to Watford would be no reason to buckle under fan pressure. The fans would, likely, place a loss to Watford in the context of West Ham (H), and Manchester United (H), and come to the logical conclusion that Watford is a mere aberration and thus not worthy of dwelling upon. But, because losing to Watford is so important in the context of this failure of a season, there is intense pressure for Newcastle to perform irrespective of how well they did last week. The question is: can they stand up to the pressure?

Team News:

I haven’t read or seen McClaren’s press conference, but it looks like Paul Dummett and Jack Colback are both in danger of missing the game, so it will be interesting to see who fills in at left back. If Steven Taylor is fit I’d play him, but I doubt he is. I suppose Jamaal Lascelles? Unless we bring John Beresford out of retirement. That would be great. Presumably, given lack of options more than anything else, Henri Saivet will slot in next to Jonjo Shelvey. Big test. I wasn’t wholly convinced by his cameo last week, but we’ll give the lad a chance. There’s also talk of Emmanuel Rivieire returning. I’m sure he’ll be like a new signing.

Prediction:

I hate doing these. I refuse! I predict that McClaren will continue to speak in fragmented sentences. Drives me crazy!