English Premier League Week 12 Preview: Revitalized Newcastle Host Eager Blackburn

Certainly the story entering Gameweek 12 of the Barclays Premier League is the rejuvenated form of Newcastle United. Well, that and a certain derby in the North West of England, but the Toon have enjoyed quite the week or two in the Premier League where they fairly easily disposed of rivals Sunderland at home and just Saturday won away at Arsenal. Now 5th in the table, Newcastle, through players Andy Carroll, Joey Barton, Cheick Tiote and Mike Williamson in the heart of defense seem to be in serious contention for a Europa League spot in their first season back up.

Sam Allardyce’s Blackburn enter Gameweek 12 with an entirely different tone. Winners on the weekend against a Wigan side languishing near the bottom of the table, but 16th in the league themselves and not enitrely safe from what could be a relegation scrap. All the same, Wednesday’s encounter will see both teams coming off Gameweek 11 victories so the momentum both teams possess could lead to an exciting and open match.

Projected Lineup, Newcastle (4-4-2): Krul - Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Enrique - Barton, Tiote, Nolan, Gutierrez - Carroll, Ameobi

Projected Lineup, Blackburn (4-1-4-1): Robinson - Salgado, Samba, Nelson, Givet - Jones - Diouf, Emerton, Pederson, Diouf (El-Hadji) - Dunn

Key Battle: When two sides play against each other who lack that out and out creative player that can change a match in a split second, the midfield battle usually remains key. Maybe not the two most attractive sides in the Premier League, but hard working sides which will put effort into sustaining a midfield dominance.

Battle Within the Battle: Look for midfielder Joey Barton to continue his fine form on the right side of midfield for Newcastle. In recent weeks, his service in the form of pinpoint crosses into the box have been difficult for opposition defenses to deal with. If Barton can remain sharp, Carroll will benefit from the service he’ll provide. Andy Carroll himself is also one to watch in the form of creating space for others. He’ll win long balls and flick them on for Shola Ameobi to run onto while we should also keep a watchful eye on Carroll’s battles with Blackburn’s Christopher Samba up front.

Pick: If Newcastle can maintain their current run of form, they should be able to beat Blackburn at home. Andy Carroll remains a serious threat for the Toon in the air and from set pieces. Midweek matches are usually tough to predict though which points to the likely outcome of both teams sharing the spoils, 1-1.