CHN Links: Gameday Edition

Good morning, Toon Army. Would it be too much to ask for a home win today?

You're a great American and an even greater Texan, Clint, but today I just want to wipe that stupid look off of your face.
Photo credit unknown; pulled from insidemnsoccer.com

PREVIEWS:
John Stanton, The Guardian - Predicted starting line-ups. Also, I learned that a stomach punch is a "misdemeanour." No prediction but their betting odds favor Newcastle.

Martin Lipton, MirrorFootball - Takes note of Newcastle's inconsistency and predicts a draw. I guess we'll call that progress, then.

Sky Sports - Focuses on both teams' need to bounce back and predicts a 2-1 Toon victory. They've also got a piece previewing the battle between Andy Carroll and Brede Hangeland.

BBC Sport - Some nice facts and figures.

Vital Football - Video Preview.

Toonsy, nufcblog.org - Predicts a 2-1 Magpie win.

Ed Harrison, nufcblog.com - Focuses on the two teams' history with each other and team selection.

NEWS:
With Joey Barton out today due to suspension, Wayne Routledge is hoping for a return to the pitch. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle)

Nile Ranger could get the call today if Shola Ameobi is unable to go. I find it interesting that Hughton would rather put Ranger in than revert to the 4-5-1 formation. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle)

Chris Hughton supports Joey Barton. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle, VIDEO) In a shocking development, Barton revealed that he deals with anger issues. (MirrorFootball)

David Lacey of The Guardian wonders if Andy Carroll's style would hinder rather than help England, but he concedes that Carroll should be given the chance anyway.

Danny Simpson is excited about the possibility of playing for England. (Luke Edwards, The Journal)

Simon Mullock of MirrorFootball uses the cases of Joey Barton and Tom Huddlestone to illustrate the hypocrisy of the FA's disciplinary system.

Brian Reade of MirrorFootball says that off-the-field issues are no reason to keep Andy Carroll from being selected for England.

Lee Ryder has a pretty scathing piece about Damien Duff, who now plays for the Cottagers and is perhaps most famous for "scoring" the own goal that sent Newcastle down and then jumping ship so he wouldn't have to play in the Championship League.