By Tyne-Talk
March 7 2009

Michael Owen is convinced he will be fit for "our cup final," the Hull City game on 14th March. Whilst Newcastle United aren't in contention for any silverware, the Hull City game is a must win match in the club's bid to avoid a relegation battle. With just 1 point separating the side from the bottom 3 Owen's attitude will be much needed on the pitch as will his goal-scoring ability.

Chris Hughton has had his pick from Obafemi Martins, Mark Viduka, Shola Ameobi and Andy Carroll over the last few fixtures but those who have played have failed to have a big impact on the games and as a result Newcastle have picked up just 5 points in their last 5 games. Unfortunately all of the clubs strikers, having missed games this side of Christmas through injury and Newcastle have taken just 6 points from 10 games since the New Year.

Owen's enthusiasm will help boost morale within the club and comes on the back of a 2-1 defeat at home to Manchester United despite a decent performance and (albeit inconsistent) an indication that the players are ready to fight for their place in next season's top flight.

Owen said of the Hull game;

"The game at Hull City is, at the moment, shaping up to be our cup final, and the other games against teams around us - Stoke City, Portsmouth and Middlesbrough - could also be crucial.

We have got some tough games coming up, yes. But we have also got some very winnable games - which, if we do win them, will put our biggest rivals in trouble."

Owen, who is yet to sign a new contract for the club fuelling rumours he will leave in the summer added;

"There's no denying that we are in the middle of the relegation scrap, but I and the lads have no doubt in our minds that we have enough quality to pull clear. However, this is the time when we have to stand up and be counted - just like we did last year, when we put together a very good seven-match unbeaten run.

That sort of sequence is well within our capabilities and while we have some tough home fixtures in a row, which started against Manchester United and continues with Arsenal and Chelsea, it is the other games against teams around us that are going to be most significant."

Owen Will Face Hull In Toon's Cup Final

Discussion started by TyneTalk (IP Logged), 07/03/2009 13:14

TyneTalk
07/03/2009 13:14

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tunyc
11/03/2009 00:30

FFS, I'm tired of the "Cup Final" metaphor. I get it, but still, it's tired already. And anyway, it's not like a cup final in that, if we win the game, we need to win another equally important game sometime in the near future.

Sorry, rant over...

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