However, the ex-Sunderland legend believes that all games should be treat in the same way, no matter what the reputation of what is put in front of them is.

Ball said of the upcoming clash, ‘Every game is a challenge. We must prepare the same for every game, with good training sessions and go into the game with the correct positive attitude.’

Sunderland are top of the pile in their league, with 49 points, but they have Nottingham Forest on their tails with two games in hand.

But after good recent form, the developing youngsters go into the game knowing that winning in Manchester will surely put pressure on the chasing pack.

Ball says though: ‘At the end of the season we must accept what we have done because that’s where we are meant to be based on the results.’

This weekend’s game against the current Premier League leaders’ academy will give other players the chance to stake a claim in the team.

‘At the minute we have 3-4 injured players, some of the other lads will get the chance to prove their worth. I have a great crop of players in this academy; it is just a case of factors such as growth that may affect players. But, regardless of the team I send out at the weekend, I’m sure all of them will be up for it’, said Ball.

‘If a player has the correct attitude though, and shows dedication, they will most definitely get their chance to shine’.

When asked about the involvement of teenage hit man Ryan Noble this weekend, academy boss replied: ‘Ryan has progressed a lot this year, and has played a lot of games, so I don’t know if he will be involved this weekend. We will assess the situation. If Ryan doesn’t play though, then someone from the year below can step up.’

Whatever the team Sunderland put out this weekend to face Manchester United, their manager is very certain to get a performance from his team. The local talent around the North-East could be on the rise as Sunderland aim progress with home-grown stars to make the academy as best as possible.

Ball’s boys could be on their ways to yet another league title as they aim to fight on till the end.

The thing is, Beckham showed in a small cameo just what he offers his country with an outstanding substitute performance against his former employers. Although it was Rooney who wrecked Becks’ homecoming night, the AC Milan winger showed just what his country need this summer in South Africa.

Ok, people say his legs have gone, and his fitness is too low; but being honest, when you can deliver a ball with the precision and pace that he does, where’s the problem?

Critics say that we need to look to the future to replace Beckham. But the thing is, everyone available has had their chances to permanently take the superstar’s NO7 shirt.

Aaron Lennon has looked the most promising out of the crowd of players lining up for another opportunity to shine, but injuries and bad crossing have given other people chances to stake a claim.

Theo Walcott seems to have a bright future ahead of him and may be the spark that England need to change a game with his pace. But he is injury prone and again fails to deliver on the big stage. We have to remember he is still a very young lad.

Shaun Wright-Phillips and David Bentley both don’t seem to have the quality needed to fill the icon’s role on the right hand side.

The fact is, Beckham is arguably the best set piece taker in the world and against Man Utd we saw this on a number of occasions. His assists from free-kicks, corners and open play could be what England need to give Wayne Rooney the service to thrive on like he is at Man Utd this year.

The right hand side berth hasn’t been filled since Beckham was dropped by ex-manager McClaren after World Cup 2006, so why not give the superstar a last go in the World Cup 2010.

He has the experience, the talent and overall the passion that all England fans love.

David Beckham could be the secret to unlock the defences of the likes of Spain, Brazil and Germany.

Cometh the hour, Cometh the man! Goldenballs could have the golden touch that we need to win the World Cup for the first time in 44 years!

By Stephen Goodwill

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott may just have sent a timely reminder to England manager Fabio Capello with a near perfect performance as he helped the Gunners stay within touching distance of the Premier League title.

Walcott put in an outstanding appearance as he scored a wonderful goal in the 3-1 victory over Burnley at the Emirates Stadium.

A goal from David Nugent had Burnley dreaming of a draw after Cesc Fabregas’ opener. But the game was put beyond reach as Walcott and Andrei Arshavin sealed the win.

However the game started with the players from both sides wearing black armbands in the memory of the late Macclesfield boss Keith Alexander.

The Arsenal team were sporting white t-shirts before the game wishing youngster Aaron Ramsey a speedy recovery after his horrible leg break last week.

Chances were rare at the beginning of the game, but this soon changed after a spell of Arsenal dominance.

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas finally broke the deadlock for the Gunners on 33 minutes as he stroked the ball through the legs of ‘keeper Brian Jensen after a perfectly executed chip over from French architect Samir Nasri.

However, Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner could not find his goalscoring boots as he missed a number of brilliant chances to extend the home side’s advantage.

After Chris Eagles’ ball watching, right fullback Emmanuel Eboue stole in on the right-wing to pick out Bendtner who fluffed it wide from eight yards out.

World Cup hopeful Walcott then sprung down the right side at pace to centre for the unmarked Bendtner, who headed wide from the penalty spot.

Then against the run of play Burnley capitalised on Bendtner’s bad finishing to level the scores just after the interval.

Eboue’s clearance went to Leon Cort and he played it over the Arsenal backline for Nugent, who lobbed the helpless Manuel Almunia.

This spurred Walcott to drive forward and make a big impact on the game.

His startling persistence paid off as he finished low in the far corner from the edge of the area with a fantastic drive.

Moments before that Bendtner had spurned three more good chances.

This game ended though with Arsenal flourishing as Arshavin drilled low past Jensen at the ‘keeper’s near post.

Now Burnley have a massive relegation fight on their hands to maintain their Premier League status whilst Arsenal push for their first title win since 2002.

By Stephen Goodwill

Teenage tennis starlet John Boden saw disaster strike in his first round tennis match against a young Belgian international, at Wrexham.

John, 14, who is currently the No1 for Northumberland at his level, has been hampered by injuries over the past year or so.  And this tie was no different as he crashed out of the Tennis Europe event in the opening set with an ankle injury.

This came after he was selected to play in the main tournament after being one of just 32 people to be given the chance to play. This was such an achievement for the young British international star as there were an amazing 500 entries to choose from.

When it came to the crunch, Boden served up a treat for spectators in the opening set. He was 3-1 up in games and ‘well on course to win in style,’ said Mrs Boden (John’s Mother).

John’s coach at the Northumberland Tennis Academy, Chris Sanderson said: ‘John played extremely well, he was very unfortunate to get injured so early on.’

It was in the fifth game of the first set when John disappointingly got injured. He double twisted his right ankle, in then out. This painful action happened at such great speed as he tried to change onto his backhand in the wide area of the court.

However, Mrs Boden believes that it is ‘just the way it goes sometimes.’

As a result of this event, one of England’s potential future stars had to pull out of the singles tournament prematurely.

Next up for Boden, after recovering from injury, will be a Grand Prix tournament at the second grade in Bolton, in late January.

Stephen Goodwill

And the game got off to a tense start as the pair met during the handshake formalities before the match; the Chelsea skipper held out his hand to shake with his betrayed former team-mate who did not oblige.

Bridge swiftly and smoothly removed his hand from Terry’s path and glared at the betrayer.

And it was the former England fullback who ended with the last laugh this time after Manchester City came from behind at Stamford Bridge to record a famous 4-2 victory over the Premier League leaders.

A brace a-piece from in-form Argentine striker Carlos Tevez and live wire Craig Bellamy sent the Manchester team away. Frank Lampard grabbed a brace himself for Chelsea in consolation.  The London side also ended up with 9 men after Michael Ballack and Juliano Belletti were given their marching orders.

Chelsea however, dominated the start of this match with Didier Drogba having the best opportunity early on, putting the ball over the bar in this his 200^th start for Chelsea.

Chelsea’s prowess paid off as Joe Cole’s perfectly executed through ball set his England international team-mate Frank Lampard clear to slot home from 10 yards past the outstretched Shay Given.  This was maybe a timely reminder to the on looking Fabio Capello of Joe Cole’s talents in time for the World Cup.

However, the joy was quickly brought to a halt as Chelsea rued missing chances and Manchester City broke on the counter-attack with Tevez beating Ricardo Carvalho and trickling the ball beyond the hapless Hilario.

After the half-time interval, Man City were the quickest out of the blocks as Gareth Barry set Bellamy clear on halfway and the Welsh international flew past John Obi Mikel on the left-wing before sweetly finishing past Hilario from a tight angle.

With City in control tempers were flying and John Terry was again involved in controversy as he and Tevez came toe-to-toe following a clash. German, Ballack picked up a yellow card for dissent after the incident.

Then things went from bad to worse for Chelsea as Belletti pulled down Gareth Barry from behind in the box, resulting in the Brazilian seeing red after coming on as a second half sub.

Carlos Tevez duly converted the penalty to send Man City 3-1 up.

Wayne Bridge then made way for Roque Santa Cruz to applause from both sets of fans.

Michael Ballack was then sent off for a reckless challenge on Argentine, Tevez;Chelsea finishing the game with only 9 men.

Insult was added to injury as Shaun Wright-Phillips squared for Bellamy to grab his second of the game from close range.

Chelsea grabbed a consolation as Nicolas Anelka was brought down by Barry, Lampard converting from the spot.

In the end it was team Bridge that came out on top.

By Stephen Goodwill

Humiliation of relegation

This time last year Newcastle United Football Club was in turmoil on and off the field, and the Tyneside based club were facing relegation to the second tier of English Football for the first time since the Premier League started all those years ago.

However, after suffering the pain of relegation, the players who stayed at the club after the massive summer clearance are proving their worth with brilliant performances and a soar in confidence. The hurt of last season has spurred the players on and has allowed people like Andy Carroll and Steve Harper to stake a claim in the side with players like Michael Owen and Shay Given moving on. All of the players have become one, and now seem to be playing as a team that are revelling in the Championship and have been the bookies favourites to win the title for the majority of the season.

At the start of the 09/10 campaign we had our critics, people saying that we were going to go the same way as Leeds and Southampton. But luckily, despite off the field financial battles and the fans turning on Mike Ashley, this hasn’t been the case. In fact we have been unbeaten all season at the home of St James’ Park. We boast the largest stadium still in the Championship, some talent that should be, on paper, good enough for many a top flight side. So, maybe the critics have got this one wrong and Newcastle United will be back where they belong on the biggest stage in the world.

Football Fans Views

After doing a survey with fans from all different backgrounds and different clubs that they support, I found that the majority of interviewees thought that it would be between Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and West Bromwich Albion for the two automatic promotion places. Below is a percentage calculation of the roundup of the football supporters’ opinions:

Newcastle United – 62%

West Bromwich Albion – 19%

Nottingham Forest – 16%

Other – 3%

The results show that the Magpies are firm favourites to march on to the Premier League, whereas Nottingham Forest and West Brom look destined to battle it out for second place.

Remaining Games Evaluation

Now Newcastle have played most of the top rival teams in the Coca-Cola Championship and have only Nottingham Forest of the big bunch left to entertain. So arguably, the Geordies have the favourable run-in in their push for promotion. Also the fact that we are now 8 points clear of second place, with a game in hand shows that promotion may now be inevitable for Chris Hughton’s men. They will end their season with a trip to Loftus Road to take on Neil Warnock’s rejuvenated Queens Park Rangers.

SKYBET odds to get promoted – 1/20

On the other hand, main rivals West Bromwich Albion have still got to travel to Swansea City before they entertain play-off pushing Leicester City and Middlesbrough at The Hawthorns in April. They will end this campaign at home to Barnsley.

SKYBET odds to get promoted – 4/11

Nottingham Forest also have a tricky trip to Blackpool and have to face Cardiff City at the City Ground as well as taking on Newcastle at their fortress of a home, St James’ Park. They will face a test travelling to lowerly Scunthorpe on the last day of the season.

SKYBET odds to get promoted – Evens 1/1

Other top candidates for promotion include the likes of: Swansea City, Leicester City, Cardiff City, Sheffield United and Newcastle’s rivals Middlesbrough. All of these teams will most likely fight it out for the play-off places.

Expert Opinion

Ian Murtagh (The Daily Star’s Football Reporter):

‘I believe that February was the make or break month in Newcastle’s season. They picked up a vital draw away to Swansea and had two very good home wins against Coventry and Cardiff.’

‘I imagine that Newcastle are good enough to stay unbeaten at home and if they can add to encouraging away wins like the one against Watford, then there should be no problem at all for them.’

‘I think that they are the strongest team in the division mentally and that holding on to top players like Steve Harper and Steven Taylor in the transfer window is helping them to succeed.’

‘On the other hand, my opinion is that West Brom are the best footballing side in the division.’

Prediction – Newcastle and West Brom with Nottingham Forest from the Play-Offs

Opposition Opinion (Nottingham Forest Fanzine):

‘Obviously we hope that Forest will get promoted, however some of our players are beginning to look tired. They’ve done a fantastic job so far this season, but it needs to be a sustained effort to keep up with West Brom and Newcastle’s bigger and more experienced squads.’

‘Newcastle at the end of March is undoubtedly the toughest match we’ve got left. We beat them at the City Ground, but we may need to win or at least hold them to a draw at St James’ Park to keep in the chase. Play-off chasers Blackpool and Cardiff will also provide tough games, but at this stage of the season every game is going to pose challenges.’

Prediction – Newcastle and Nottingham Forest with Swansea from the Play-Offs

Overall, it seems as though most people believe that the current league leaders will win the title and be back in the Premier League for the 10/11 campaign. The question is, will we be able to compete with the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Stoke City and Fulham, not to mention Manchester United and Arsenal?

Only time will tell for Newcastle United, but the first step is to make promotion a certainty.

By Stephen Goodwill

The 36-year-old, former Welsh international captain could be in-line for a shock inclusion in Sir Alex’s squad for the encounter at Old Trafford after his fractured arm injury, seemingly not as bad as first thought.

However, ex Man Utd and Real Madrid superstar David Beckham will be looking to grab the headlines as he faces old friends and

The current Premier League Champions are leading 3-2 from the first leg in Milan and having wide man Giggs fit and fresh would be such a bonus to make sure that Man Utd can push for their third final in a row.

Giggs has been injured since the 1-1 draw with Aston Vila after a collision that left him sporting a fractured arm. However, Ferguson spoke positively of the flanker’s return against the Italian giants.

“Ryan still has the injury to his arm,” said the United boss.

“But we are taking the plate out at the end of the week and he will be in full training after that, which is good news.”

This also comes as extremely bright news as Brazilian midfielder Anderson has been sidelined for the rest of the season after rupturing his cruciate ligament.

The tie against AC Milan should be an intriguing one, and with Beckham on the right for the Italians and Giggs on the left for United, this should be a clash of the titans that should not be missed!

By Stephen Goodwill

The draw for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine saw England drawn with: Switzerland, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Wales, with Switzerland the only other side to have qualified for the summer’s World Cup finals. Even though there will be passion flowing, Fabio Capello thinks England will be too strong for their local rivals Wales.

The Welsh have not beaten the English since triumphing 1-0 at Wrexham in 1984 and were twice seen off by Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side in qualifying for the 2006 World Cup finals.

Capello said of the test, “They have good, young players, and derbies are never normal games. But it is a difficult group. We won’t be able to play a single qualifying game relaxed. Switzerland will be really tough.”

Wales manager John Toshack said: “England are a top side, we realise that. They probably start as one of the favourites to win the World Cup this summer.”

Also Bulgaria’s Stanimir Stoilov  insisted that Capello’s side will begin the group as “strong favourites”, adding that his team were merely “­targeting second place”.

The Scots have arguably been handed a hard task if they are to reach the finals, with the European champions Spain, and the Czech Republic awaiting in Group I.

The Republic of Ireland manager, ­Giovanni Trapattoni, has called upon his team to summon similar spirit to that which so nearly earned them a place at the summer’s World Cup as they confront a group that includes Russia and Slovakia.

Northern Ireland meanwhile, must attempt to emerge from a section that includes the reigning world champions Italy and the World Cup qualifiers Serbia and Slovenia.

By Stephen Goodwill

 It was as easy as it gets for the Magpies at the weekend as they didn’t have to go further than 1st gear to record the simplest of wins against the out-of-form Lilywhites.

After an entertaining but miserable 5-3 defeat for North End at Pride Park, and the Geordies’ flawless home record; there was only going to be one inevitable winner.

The toon’s dominance showed as within the first three minutes they were ahead in the encounter as in-form striker Peter Lovenkrands saw his cross come shot loop over the top of goalkeeper Andy Lonergan from a tight angle.

Unluckily for the Danish International, his game ended ten minutes later as he limped off the pitch with a suspected hamstring injury.

Manager Chris Hughton had this to say of the Dane’s misfortune: “Peter felt tightness in the upper area of his leg and came off straight away which always helps.”

Even with the goal-grabbing forward leaving the field, a win for Newcastle was never in doubt as midfield general Kevin Nolan slotted home the Magpies’ second 11 minutes post  half-time after side-kick Alan Smith had sent him one-on-one with the helpless Lonergan.

Preston failed to trouble Steve Harper and the Geordie backline throughout this match, with only veteran John Parkin looking close to scoring.

Newcastle’s power and pacey passing was key to their third goal which only deepened the wounds of their opponents. Two substitutes put the icing on the cake for the promotion chasers as Fabrice Pancrate glided past on-coming defenders to square across the box for the resilient Ryan Taylor who drilled home from close range.

Preston now have a relegation battle on their hands, whilst Newcastle lead the way with a commanding lead at the top of the table over rivals Nottingham Forest and West Brom; automatic promotion now looking a certainty on Tyneside.

By Stephen Goodwill

The Magpies may choose to hand new signing Leon Best his debut against Cardiff City tomorrow at St James’ Park. The 23-year old hit man has been in superb form this season scoring an average of 1 in every two games for his former club, struggling Coventry City.

Newcastle United come into this game on the back of a long unbeaten run in the league that stretched to 13 games with a tight draw at the Walkers Stadium last Saturday.

Also it is most likely that Chris Hughton will call upon 4 other January transfer window signings in the case of Wayne Routledge, Mike Williamson, Patrick van Aarnholt and Danny Simpson after all have made impressive starts to their careers on Tyneside.

However the game will come a little bit too early for returning midfield maestro Joey Barton, as he recovers from a long-standing foot injury.

In the Bluebirds’ case, they have in-form ex-Newcastle striker Michael Chopra who will be looking to score his first ever goal at St James’ Park.

Unfortunately for Cardiff, they will definitely be without the injured duo of Joe Ledley and Mark Hudson.

With the title chase hotting up the league leaders will be looking to restore their six-point lead over second place West Bromwich Albion as Cardiff look to put pressure on the chasing pack.

By Stephen Goodwill