Toon Crier

A quick look at the league table will remind you how important Saturday's game is for Charlton. Although we have a patchy record at St James' Park, a 2-0 win would see us leapfrog the Barcodes and more importantly probably see us move outside the bottom three. Such a result would also see the pressure on Glenn Roeder grow as Newcastle continue their ongoing march from farce to lampoonery, and then back again.

The atmosphere there can be intimidating at times but there is little to be intimidated by on the field, particularly with two of their best players crocked (Given and Owen). Indeed only Damien Duff and Scott Parker are players that might strike any sort of fear when the teamsheets are posted. Any injury to Steve Harper meanwhile would see 38-year old Pavel Srnicek between the sticks (yes, I also thought he'd retired).

Our surprise midweek victory would have been a welcome boost to confidence and with a nervy crowd on the home side's back and with a nearly fully fit squad finally to select from, it seems an ideal time to finally get our Premiership season up and running. Some of those that excelled on Wednesday night will be clamouring to stay there but it would be a surprise if Reid, Bent D, Faye and Diawara do not all return.

It will not just be the team that will be brimming with new-found confidence on Saturday, because Killer had a much-needed win on Wednesday too, bringing his gambling debts down to levels that no longer resemble the US current account deficit (KillerWatch©: -£242). Killer is poring over form guides no doubt quite literally as I write, but I will lean towards the type of surprise result that might just put him back in the black if he is inclined to follow me. NY Addick predicts: Newcastle 1 (Martins), Charlton 2 (Reid, Hasselbaink)