Home to Fulham

A second game at home in a week against a side who have also had a good record at St James' in recent years and with our home form being questioned by everyone, this was a game most Geordies feared we may well lose. The ex Toon man brought his Fulham to Newcastle without a win since early last year but St James' has a habit of breaking the opposition's bad records.

The game kicked off without Ameobi and Barton who were both missing due to injury and suspension. Lovenkrands and Guthrie came in to the first team to try and get the team back to winning ways. These two were called rusty after the match; an understatement in my book. Smith however deserves a chance in the first team and with Barton out, this was his opportunity However, Houghton decided against it and went with the rusty Guthrie. Lovenkrands came in for Ameobi and Ranger stayed on the bench although he would surely have been a better swap for Shola. Ranger has made some appearances this season and done well but Lovenkrands has come on or played in games and looked nowhere near his best, going missing in games and missing good opportunities. This was no different as two very good chances fell to him but both were missed. Newcastle played out a 0-0 draw. A decent performance and most were happy with a point at home or happy at not losing. The second half should have given us a goal and the points but it wasn't to be so Fulham went home with another away point to West London.

We must battle through this period and do all we can to get as many points on the board before Christmas

Now Joey Barton is out for another two games, we are going to need someone to step up into the first team without too much disruption. Tiote is now out for the Bolton game as he reached his 5th yellow against the Cottagers. That leaves us with Gutierrez, Nolan, Routledge,Smith, Guthrie and Vuckic. That means we will have a first team place for any of these players. Key to this period is not to lose. We must battle through this period and do all we can to get as many points on the board before Christmas. Routledge will have to do better if he is to come in to the first team as so far he looks out of his depth. On a brighter note though, Simpson has come in and hasdone very well, he looks like an improved player since last season and Timmy Krull is begining to make some fantastic saves. All is not bad, far be it. Things are good and we still have competition for places even with key players out injured or suspended.

Barton, Tiote, Gosling, Ben Arfa, Harper and Ameobi - it could be argued that 6 first teamers are out but Houghton has not mentioned this fact. He doesn't need to we sit in the top half of the table and still have players competing for places. The fact that we have six players to come back into the squad must give the confidence that we can come out this season alive and kicking in the Premiership.

Bolton are high flying at the moment with Elmander and Davies having a blinding season. It's not going to be an easy place to go and take the points. They are well drilled and can handle the aerial threat of Andy Carroll. Newcastle will have to be at their very best again on Saturday to give the Toon Army something to shout about again.