Middlesborough (h)

After a number of bore draws in previous seasons it is time for our troops to attack. Shearer has supposedly imposed his iron will upon the club, increasing fines and making sure players understand the level of professionalism required to play for a so called 'big club' like Newcastle United. We can only hope that the next things on Shearer's agenda are courage, belief and desire. 

Chris Waddle criticised our lack of legs against Liverpool but we cannot allow this to continue against our rivals. The nations focus moves to Tyneside for this massive game and the press are pitting it as the battle of two Euro '96 heroes in Shearer and Southgate. We can only hope that Boro bottle it like their manager's famous penalty miss, and that Shearer's squad perform to the maximum of their ability as Alan did in possibly his best tournament showing whilst wearing the three lions.

Injuries and suspensions will surely play a part but there can be no excuse if we do not perform. Fans may question our players loyalty and motivation but make no mistake, every player is playing for something. For those who love the club, for those with self respect, for those playing for their Newcastle place there is an in-built desire. We can only hope that players who's destinies lie elsewhere and those merely picking up a pay packet realise that this is their shop window and is their only opportunity to justify their next big salary; wherever it may be. Here at Beyewatch, we know that Habib falls into the first category. For the seemingly many in the second category, please prove us wrong or at the very least recognise that a mercenaries role is to do their best for their employer and that they are only as good as their last contract. 

Hull have done their part with an appalling run of games and West Brom's resurgence may be too little to late. We have to beat Boro and that will surely consign them to the drop. Then we must focus on producing better results than Hull in the final two games. It is tempting to look at Fulham and Villa's form and wonder what may come from the last two games. If we take our eye of tomorrow's game though the final two games may hardly matter. 

All the cliches are correct; these are cup finals and we must take them one game at a time. It is now in our hands, something we've not been able to see for a while. Let's see if as a club, United, we can take our opportunity. 3 wins and we stay up by all accounts and that should surely be the target to avoid any uncertainty or last day nerves. We can't help thinking that the team talk should be all about what Newcastle United can do rather than focus upon any one obstacle in our way. 

You'll notice predictions have been missing from our match build ups for a little while. Who could bare to think of anything other than victory? 

Ha'way the mags!