Blasphemy! A wee club in the north-east threaten sir Alex Ferguson's dominance!

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Rovers need to get on par with Magpies potency
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By Kevin Gallacher.................ii.iiii.8:33 PM Saturday 29th January 2028 in Sport
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Now that we are up there with Newcastle in a league of our own for the second season running, the time is right to live up to this reality and ask ourselves what needs improving in order to beat the Magpies. We have proven we can match them in a direct clash as we are the only club to boast a positive record against them recently. So the logical next step is what would it take to finish above them.

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What separates us from the Magpies - goals​

After the game away to Middlesbrough today the answer became evident - goals. Plenty of them. It is the only area the Magpies are apprehensively on top of us. Let's take this weekend alone - they beat Manchester United 7-2 and we only did what was necessary to get three points with a plain 1-0 win. Newcastle are close to the 100 goal mark with 95 league goals from 22 outings - in the same time we have the third best attack with only 57 out of 23 games. To those who suggest it is still a great return - you are right but will it be good enough if we end up on par with the Magpies in terms of points? It won't be.

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Newcastle have an army of goalscorers​

At first glance our strikers are as prolific as theirs. Boccaccini and Can Özdemir have 36 goals between them, Dong Dexin and Jim Priestley have 37 for Newcastle. But a more detailed look down the scoring charts and any ideas of equality between the sides disappear. Newcastle manager Dimiter Hristov has succeeded in bringing goals out of absolutely all team members, no matter their position. If we exclude the two top league goalscorers it would look this way: Newcastle - Escudero - 8; Walden - 7; van der Vaart - 6; Bonato - 5; Bernal - 5; Blackburn - Aguilar - 6; Josué - 6. Newcastle have six more players in the top 100 PL goalscorers table, Blackburn - not a single one. If Neil Lennon wants to match the Magpies he needs to get goals outside our strikers as well.
 
Don't raise your hopes for Champions League return despite Chelsea league position
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Tony Cascarino Commentary
Last updated at 8:42PM, January 29 2028

Chelsea's fixture list has allowed the Blues to edge closer to top four in recent weeks. This has given the fans enough reason to look forward to the spring with optimism. Expectations are building up Chelsea may make a much anticipated return to the Champions League. It may well happen although the optimists must remember the team hasn't faced any contenders lately and those games are still on the fixture list. Success in these games is imperative for top four finish and Chelsea are yet to prove they can win them.

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The thin line between faith and delusion​

It doesn't mean it can't happen. Perhaps the Blues have drawn the right conclusions from the first half of the season. Perhaps improved results and the proximity to Leeds and Manchester United will fuel the drive of the players. Maybe one derby win will become a turning point. Those tough games are an opportunity as much as test. If Marcelino makes the grade he will definitely repay the support the board has given him. In the meantime let's remember this would be against the odds. Because it's a thin line between faith and delusion.

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Penalty worries ahead?​

On a side note Slobodan Magazin missed another penalty against Sunderland today. He did bounce on the rebound to make up for that blunder although it isn't the first time he missed from the spot. Such errors may be more costly on a different day and Marcelino might want to relieve the midfielder from this duty. There are other capable penalty takers in the team and a switch to Gabriel or Murat Erdil would make sense.
 
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January Watch

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Premier League Table

The Contenders:

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Blackburn (1st; 66pts; +38) - Rovers turn twenty straight league wins including a massive victory over arch rivals Newcastle and look comfortable top of the league.
Player of the month: Can Özdemir (ST) 7.86
2 Current first team injuries:
Can Özdemir (ST) - 9-14 days (calf strain)
Ismail Hakan Tosun (MC) - 10-21 days (broken collarbone)

Newcastle (2nd; 62pts; +82) - the Magpies concede first defeat in the league at the hands of Rovers but still could overtake them if they win their game in hand.
Player of the month: Diego Escudero (AMRL) 8.50
1 Current first team injury:
Leomar (DM/MRC/AMRL) - 2-3 weeks (broken ribs)

Manchester United (3rd; 54pts; +31) - the Red Devils suffer terrifying defeat at the hands of Newcastle but eleven points this month are enough to overtake Leeds for the third place in the table. Twelve points to the top might mean they only have an outside chance for the title now.
Player of the month: Martin Callaghan (ST) 7.72
0 Current first team injuries.

Leeds (4th; 53pts; +34) - nine points for Leeds in January are not enough to keep third position and they have allowed Chelsea dangerously close. Leeds now face a fight to remain in top four.
Player of the month: Mikko Pöyry (M/AMRC) 7.94
1 Current first team injury:
Alejandro Boyaro (MC) - 9-21 days (torn hamstring)

Chelsea (5th; 50pts; +25) - the Blues improve vastly in the new year and take 18 points to complete a perfect month. This impressive form deservedly drives them two positions higher in the table and within just three points of the coveted top four.
Player of the month: Fabien Benoist (AMR/ST) 7.80
1 Current first team injury:
Hugo Viviano (M/AMR) - 2-3 weeks (sprained ankle)

Liverpool (6th; 46pts; +20) - the Reds take only seven points this month and drop below Chelsea in the table. They still have chances for Champions League qualification but cannot afford another shaky month.
Player of the month: Michael Stevens (DC/DM/MC) 7.94
1 Current first team injury:
Badji Soumbounou (AMRL/ST) - 7-14 days (fractured ribs)

Other teams to watch:​

Manchester City (7th) - the Citizens are close to Liverpool in the table but to be fair they are performing below expectations and may miss out of Europe.

Arsenal (9th) - indecisive January for the Gunners and they now have no chance for European qualification.

Swansea (14th) - the Swans continue to impress and climb one more position in the table this month. They are now nine points clear from the drop zone.

Sunderland (17th) - the Black Cats manage to get out of the bottom three although it's barely on goal difference.

Crewe Alexandra, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa occupy the bottom three. Crewe have endured a poor month and slided below survival line. Palace and Villa are now bottom three regulars and while there is still hope for Palace, the Villains took just two points this month and stand nine short of Sunderland.

January Player of the Month:
Tajuddin Hossain (Chelsea)
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January Young Player of the Month:
Martin Callaghan (Manchester United)
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January Manager of the Month:
Marcelino (Chelsea)
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Leading Goalscorers:
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Premier League
Round 24

Tuesday 1st February 2028:

Title Contenders Clash
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Newcastle - Liverpool

16' 1-0 Pilar
17' Gajic (L) booked
25' 2-0 Ibáñez
42' 3-0 Mashishi
Half Time
49' Ramirez (L) injured
49' 4-0 Ibáñez
52' 5-0 Pilar
59' Gajic (L) injured
78' 6-0 Pilar
Full Time

Final Score
Newcastle - Liverpool 6-0
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Swansea - Manchester United 1-2
Daniel (28), Donowa sent off (67); Obi (64, 79), Shoretire sent off (83)
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Wednesday 2nd February 2028:

Chelsea - West Ham 2-0
Magazin (10), Huerta (29); Nardone sent off (55)
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Sheffield Wednesday - Leeds 0-1
Pöyry (59)
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Manchester City - Blackburn 2-3
Pan Xichang (17), Cruz (29); Espinoza (21), Boccaccini (23), Aguilar (48)
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League Table:
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Veterans deliver in title derbies but change of generations imminent for Magpies

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Rob Lee
Published at 7:01PM, February 2 2028

A lot of hopeful eyes glared at Newcastle after a Capital One Cup draw with Blackburn was followed by a first league loss the the same team and the Magpies trailed at home to Leeds in the next weekend. Newcastle recovered to win that game and avoid going on a bad run but questions were raised if we could return to the impressive form from before. We did better. The past fortnight put us against Manchester United and Liverpool and we put both contenders to sword, scoring 13 and conceding just 2 in the process.

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Liverpool destroyed​

Hristov decided to give his usual league line up a rest against Liverpool and the lads who have been playing the Europe and cup games stepped up. Czech striker Radek Pilar netted a hat-trick but it was a night to remember for Silvio Ibáñez as the legendary centre-back scored in each half to remind the doubters his career is far from over. Ibáñez is now 33 and many pundits have expressed curiosity about how long he could play at the highest level before his age takes its toll. Silvio turns 34 next month and Hristov has already spoken he will be seeking talks with the player to convince him to stay for at least another season. Whatever his decision he will have a special place in Geordie hearts after devoting the past 15 seasons to the team.

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Change of generations imminent​

As a matter of fact age is an issue Hristov is well aware of. Newcastle have the oldest squad in the league with an average age of 29 and no less than 13 first team players in their 30's. A change of generations is imminent and Hristov faces a serious challenge to build one more winning side after the current crop decides to hang up their boots.
 
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Amos Obi still has the magic in his boots

Gary Neville
Published at 7:21PM, February 2 2028

Top strikers are hard to come by. A lot of the fans were unconvinced when Sir Alex Ferguson moved to sign Blackburn's Amos Obi in the summer, concerned he has lost his magic and has little to offer at the age of 33. What a shrewd piece of business it turned out though! The Nigerian has made 4.6 million seem a tiny price for his contribution. Those calling him a has-been are now singing his name as he has managed a goal in every two games he has played this season.

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Amos Obi still has it​

It was little surprise when Amos erupted in the second half against Swansea with a brace to ultimately win us the game. Up to that point things were looking grim for us with the Swans expertly protecting their lead after a first half goal. Experience is invaluable in games like this and I wonder if anyone in their right mind would question Sir Alex's move now.

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The fans want young striker​

Of course Amos is not the long term solution for our attack. The fans were concerned not because he is a poor player but because the board has once again failed to sell the club to a top star who still has his best years ahead of him. That's the real reason Ferguson needed to pull a rabbit out of the bag again. Hopefully if we defend our top four status and make an impression in the Champions League our stock will raise and we won't need any more wheeling and dealing in the summer.
 
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Premier League
Round 25

Saturday 5th February 2028:

Crystal Palace - Chelsea 0-0
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Blackburn - Sheffield Wednesday 5-0
Ekrem Tayfur (4), Boccaccini (33), Aguilar (67, 70), Luo Hán (72)
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Leeds - Middlesbrough 1-0
Pöyry (25)
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Liverpool - Tottenham 2-0
Gajic (25), van Bremen (50)
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Sunday 6th February 2028:

Manchester United - Aston Villa 4-0
Blasi (4, 37), Traoré (76), Obi (82)
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Q.P.R. - Newcastle 0-3
Priestley (13), Walden (50), Escudero (60)
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League Table:
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Leeds United: Pöyry the loyal saviour - Matteo
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by Dominic Matteo
Leeds won the last two Premier League games 1-0. Can you guess who scored the winner on both occasions? It's an easy one to answer. No, it wasn't Ahn Jung-Ho. Herrera? Nope. Try again. It is strange how some of the best players our there can be overlooked for the star names. It wasn't an expensive summer transfer who got us the points. Loyal servant Pöyry was in the right place and time. As a matter of fact he has been in each of our league games this year. Amazing, isn't it?

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Mikko a true Leeds great​

Mikko is not exactly known for his composed finishing. Not many of his goals are beauties to remember. But when we need to score badly he will step up and make that duty his own. Did I say he's not exactly the best finisher? Well, think again. He already has 19 in 35 games - not bad for a winger, right? It is his best season ever with us, during his entire career actually. If we are to take anything from our next league game against Newcastle it will be him we look up to do the job.

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Extend his contract, Harry!​

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say Mikko Pöyry represents the true spirit of Leeds. This is his 9th campaign with us and his vision and precise passing have already made him a true legend of the club. I think Harry Redknapp needs to sit with him in the summer and tie him up beyond the next season as he only has one year left on his contract. Harry should recognize his contribution and probably allow him to see out his career with us. We surely don't want to see him play against us!
 
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PUBLISHED: 22:00 GMT, 6 February 2028 | UPDATED: 22:03 GMT, 6 February 2028

Liverpool's chances in one sentence: van Bremen scores, van Bremen injured

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The summer arrival of Pierpaolo Voltolini was an important move to back up the injury prone Dutch van Bremen. Although as the season advanced Pierpaolo has struggled to hold his impressive early form. Mork took responsibility to contribute goals but it is clear we are still dependent on van Bremen. He scored in two of our last seven league games and we won both of them. In the meantime we only managed one win in the other five.

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van Bremen key for our success​

It may appear a little far-fetched but our collapse in the league table corresponds to van Bremen's performances. The Dutchman has become an influential figure in our lineup and our chances are pretty much tied with our ability to keep him fit. Which sadly is not an easy thing to accomplish.

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But injuries threaten his career​

I have spoken about his injury record before. As talented as he is, Daniël is blighted by various traumas. We had him out for over four months in the previous campaign and he couldn't make it through the autumn this season without picking sports hernia to miss another month. Just when we though we finally have him up and going he managed to pull a groin muscle this weekend and is set to miss February as well. In all likelihood our top four chances will be as good as over when he returns.
 
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Premier League
Round 26

Wednesday 9th February 2028:

Title Contenders Clash
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Leeds - Newcastle

20' 0-1 Lampi
33' 1-1 Yglesias
41' Donaldson (N) booked
Half Time
51' 1-2 Lampi
88' 1-3 Escudero
90' Grimaldo (L) injured
90+1' Foose booked
Full Time

Final Score
Leeds - Newcastle 1-3
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Title Contenders Clash
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Manchester United - Liverpool

7' 0-1 Voltolini
18' 0-2 Stevens
23' 1-2 Amadou
Half Time
53' van Dijk (M) booked
54' 2-2 Callaghan
60' Jesenkovic (L) sent off
66' Traoré (M) injured
85' 3-2 Blasi
87' 4-2 Obi
89' 5-2 Gillespie
Full Time

Final Score
Manchester United - Liverpool 5-2
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Tottenham - Blackburn 1-2
Beresford (9); Boccaccini (pen 16), Ekrem Tayfur (77)
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League Table:

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Rovers survive White Hart Lane battle
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By Kevin Gallacher.................ii.iiii.8:27 PM Saturday 9th February 2028 in Sport
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White Hard Lane is never an easy place to go to. Especially midweek with a squad still tired from the weekend game. Neil Lennon had warned the traveling fans not to expect a pretty game and many goals and clearly instructed the players to preserve their energy. His plan was to give Spurs the ball and make our prolific attack count on the counter.

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Beresford gives Spurs an early lead​

Such an approach always hides risks and we were exposed very early in the game when former Newcastle striker Max Beresford capitalized on a mistake from Ndayishimiye to give Spurs the lead. Tottenham were then on the wings of inspiration and kept looking for a second amongst encouraging chants from the home support. We were a little fortunate to be awarded a penalty before their enthusiasm could produce another goal and Boccaccini calmly smashed the ball in the upper corner of the net.

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Ekrem Tayfur bags the winner​

The equalizer spurned the lads to live and it became a very open game with lots of chances for both sides. At one stage I was worried it could go either way but Neil Lennon's judgment was correct once again. Our attacks had more substance and we got players in dangerous positions while Spurs attempted too many long shots. Ekrem Tayfur sneaked in the box as the game was approaching the final ten minutes and tuck the ball home for what eventually turned out the winner for us. So once again Neil Lennon has prevailed in the tactical battle and we have extended our incredible run of straight wins.
 
Magnificent comeback - Devils show Liverpool who's boss

Gary Neville
Published at 8:33PM, February 9 2028

Our rivalry with Liverpool briefly came back to life earlier in the season although their recent poor form has stolen a bit of spice from the midweek clash. We entered the game as heavy favourites and nobody would have envisaged Liverpool to take anything from Old Trafford.

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Scousers got 2 goal early lead​

Expectations were thrown out of the window in the first 20 minutes. Liverpool had little respect for us and began with fierce attacks which deservedly earned them two goal lead and all of a sudden we had a disaster in the making. The lads recovered to pull one back although Liverpool became much more cautious in their approach and the half time whistle meant we had a lot of work to do after the break.

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Ferguson was happy in the end​

Sir Alex probably turned the famous hairdryer on during his team talk as there was only one side on the pitch in the second half. Callaghan leveled the score and then got Jesenkovic sent off for a professional foul. Liverpool withdrew deep in their half and openly played to defend the point. To their credit they held on until the final five minutes when Blasi finally scored the third for us. We then ran riot as the Scousers lost all fighting spirit in the end and 5-2 was probably the least they got away with. This puts an end to whatever aspirations Liverpool could have still had for top four and puts us nine points clear of Chelsea.
 
English Title Contenders Cup Watch

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Fifth Round

Saturday 12th February 2028

Sheffield United - Liverpool 4-4
Grand (17, 33), Flenley (26), Johnston (48); Voltolini (3, 40, 44), Voltolini sent off (69), van Wonderen (90+6)
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Chelsea - Blackburn 7-2
Hossain (16, 49), Benoist (30, 84), Huerta (34), Gabriel (42, 87); Ekrem Tayfur (28, 80)
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Sunday 13th February 2028

Oxford - Newcastle 0-4
Dong Dexin (10), Ren Qingshan o.g. (29), Walden (41), Bonato (44)
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English Title Contenders Cup Watch

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Quarter Final Draw

Sheffield Utd/Liverpool - Newcastle
Chelsea - Watford
Everton - Aston Villa/Sunderland
Arsenal - Crewe/Leicester​
 
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Mark Lawrenson Capital One Cup Final preview

20 February 2028

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This season's Capital One Cup holds little surprise. Two of the major Premier League title contenders meet tonight in the final of the competition. Both clubs deserve their place here and while Newcastle probably hold a slight advantage few are expecting an easy game for the Magpies. Leeds will be seeking vengeance for their losses in the league so this will be interesting.

Team news:
Newcastle - None
Leeds - Elvis El Alagui ineligible; Dennis Paula, Alex Grimaldo, Konstantin Chumak injured
Weather report:
Dry, 12°C

We will be with you at Wembley after a quick commercial break!

 
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