Newcastle v Blackburn preview

Owen and Butt hoping for better times

PREDICTIONS:

Skysports.com prediction: Newcastle 1 Blackburn 1

SKY BET odds: Newcastle 11/8, Draw 12/5, Blackburn 15/8

One to Watch: Michael Owen

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Troubled Newcastle welcome Blackburn to St James' Park desperate for a morale-boosting victory.

The Magpies have endured a miserable last few weeks since the departure of Kevin Keegan.

Under the stewardship of caretaker manager Chris Hughton, Newcastle have lost their last three games in all competitions.

Things have not improved off-the-pitch with Terry Venables rejecting the chance to take charge of affairs on a temporary basis and the club being no closer to finding new owners.

The home side also have a host of selection problems to contend with to add to their misery as they look for some much-needed respite.

Obafemi Martins faces a new spell on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury on his return against Tottenham in midweek.

The Nigerian's absence is set to see Xisco promoted to the starting line-up alongside Michael Owen.

Midfield duo Danny Guthrie and Joey Barton are both still suspended, while Mark Viduka and Habib Beye remain sidelined with Achilles problems.

Jonas Gutierrez is absent as he recovers from his shoulder problem, while Jose Enrique is still sidelined because of injury.

Blackburn are without goalkeeper Paul Robinson as they go in search of their third win on the trot.

Paul Ince's men have won their last two games 1-0 against Fulham and Everton after two heavy defeats to West Ham and Arsenal.

Robinson has been ruled out for two weeks after picking up a calf problem in the midweek Carling Cup victory over Everton.

Jason Brown will replace Robinson between the sticks after deputising for the England international in midweek.

Turkish schemer Tugay is pushing for a place in the side after impressing against Everton.

Robbie Fowler will be hoping to keep his spot in the starting XI after making his debut in midweek, but he is likely to be relegated to the bench with Roque Santa Cruz and Jason Roberts set to resume their strike partnership.

David Dunn remains a long-term absentee with an Achilles problem.

Possible starting XIs

Newcastle: Given, Bassong, Coloccini, Taylor, Cacapa, Butt, Geremi, Duff, N'Zogbia, Owen, Xisco

Blackburn: Brown, Nelsen, Samba, Ooijer, Warnock, Reid, Emerton, Pedersen, Andrews, Roberts, Santa Cruz.