Let's cause an upset

Tomorrow evening`s game against Manchester United sees us back in action for the first time since the hideous capitulation against Aston Villa. All the signs point to a defeat, especially considering that we haven`t won any of our last nine league games and the delightful attacking football being played by Alex Ferguson`s side at this moment in time.

However for some unbeknown reason, I`m not quite sure why, I fancy us to cause an upset. Since we last played the players and staff has had two weeks to regroup. We have had time to prepare and get ourselves organised for what is surely going to be a massive test. In that same time Manchester United have had three extremely difficult games, with the last of those coming against Lyon in the Champions League in midweek. Now I know they have a big squad full of outstanding players, but I believe those three games will have taken their toll and that we come into the game the fresher side.

Another reason I think that we stand a chance tomorrow night is because St James` Park is going to be rocking. Keegan and Sir Alex will be resuming hostilities in a rivalry that was born through a tremendous battle for the title in 95/96 that resulted in us losing out at the death to a Cantona inspired United side. We need to get behind the team like we did in the game against Arsenal back in November. Even if we go behind early, we need to stick with the players. They need our help in games like this and we as fans need to do our duty.

Tomorrow`s game calls for big characters. We need players like Steven Taylor, Joey Barton, Nicky Butt and Michael Owen to give huge performances. Another player I would like to include on that list is Alan Smith. He hasn`t really performed to the best of his capabilities since he joined us but there is no doubt that the commitment and desire is there, he just needs a bit of luck. The game tomorrow is made for players like Alan Smith, and I for one think he will step up and give a top class performance.

So let`s give everything we have tomorrow, hope Smithy puts Cristiano on his backside, and James Milner spanks one in the top corner and send Alex and his team back to Manchester with their tails well and truly between their legs.