On one hand we have a big club that in spite of the crisis in the club, have plenty of talented young players combined with several established top-class players. On the other hand we see one of the richest clubs in the world, but the wealthy owners can’t seem to manage the club the right way in spite of all the money. The clash of two conceptions and two big top contenders will hold a lot of excitement as both teams are in excellent form.

This match will be marked by the memory of the late Sir Bobby Robson (who happened to lead both of these teams in his long coaching career) and it might just be the decisive moment for Roy Keane on Ipswich bench. So far the unsuccessful Irish is still looking for his first win in the league after eight rounds, while Newcastle have proven that in spite of the serious problems in the club, they are still a big name for this rank…

The pick of the round will be played at eye-catching Cardiff City Stadium in what should be a fiery encounter. The hosts are looking to rediscover their outstanding form that was stopped by the shock defeat to Doncaster, whereas Newcastle are league leaders at the moment but they are definitely not the favourites in this match.

Newcastle are doing great under the given circumstances and now they are up against inspired newcomers, Leicester City. Lads from Midlands will be dangerous on the north against the favourites and the Magpies should be careful…

This is the match the hosts might use to make another surprise in a row and the visitors might get back to reality, which means they will realise that things are not so perfect as it seems after last two wins. Palace are currently perhaps in better form than Newcastle and we must include the home ground factor.

Newcastle gave an excellent performance against Reading, worthy of their name. It was a convincing win but the fact is that they are going through a rough period; the fact that many players are leaving will definitely affect the results. They are again at St. James Park where Sheffield Wednesday are about to arrive and they are anything but a predictable team when it comes to results. That is why the best choice in this game will be betting on goals…

Another tough rival for Newcastle United that are in the worst possible situation. In the days when they need to focus on their future, Magpies have to fight WBA (barely reached a draw) and now Reading. Even besides the problems in the club, the atmosphere in the team in positive, but home ground might be a problem here.

Magpies in danger… –

Newcastle United got away with it with a draw in West Brom (1:1) in Coca Cola Championship opening round. The Magpies held on the pressure of the hosts to save a point in the second half and reserve keeper, young Tim Krul saved four clear-cut chances. Krul stepped in after the break to replace injured Steve Harper and all of the goals were scored in the first half. Home side took the lead through Shelton Martis (who had another excellent chance but missed it) and the visitors pulled one back through Damien Duff.

Even though they were expected to underperform because of the situation in the club, Newcastle showed certain team and fighting spirit and perhaps that is why they deserved a point on Championship opening. The question is how long the positive mood will last, having in mind that the future of the club is uncertain. Precisely that is why this is not a good time for another derby.

The match that is supposed to be the derby of the opening round will be shadowed by the very bad situation in Newcastle squad. Neither the players nor the manager are afraid any longer to say that the future of the team is uncertain. Even though WBA didn’t show best form in friendlies and their team is not stronger than last year, they are clearly hot favourites in this match.

Aston Villa drew with Middlesbrough last weekend and they now need to beat Newcastle in order to leapfrog Everton in the standings and thus end the season in fifth place. Newcastle are in much more difficult position as maybe not even a win at Villa Park would be enough for them to avoid the drop.

After losing to Arsenal, Newcastle will face another very strong opponent but the Magpies will have to go for a win as they are still in the relegation zone. Chelsea ended their title hopes as they lost to Tottenham but they will still try to finish second and thus qualify for the Champions League group stage.