I’d love it if Newcastle Utd beat Villa

Normally this column deals with local issues but given that we’re in the mourning period for the memories of those souls that perished during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and today, I beg to go against the tradition, at least for once or twice. The English Premier League season is in its final stretch with teams at both ends and those in-between there playing each game as a cup final. Those at the business end are fighting for the title and Champions League spots, while the one at the bottom fighting for their survival. The ones in mid table, including my favorite, also have their reasons for wanting to add more points on their tallies in the remaining seven or six games, that’s why should Newcastle United emerge from Villa Park today (Sunday) with three points, their future should be secure in the Premier League next season. Just two years ago we (United fans) were counting down to the final day shoot-out at Aston Villa which eventually confirmed that Newcastle United would be playing Championship football (England’s second division). It was a painful day back in May 2009 for the Newcastle fans, and I will never forget it—but fast forward, to 2011 and what a difference two years make. Three points for United will push them to the 42 point mark and more or less ensure their top flight status without a nervous final day wait and favours from other teams, as it was two years ago. A Toon victory may even - ironically - put Aston Villa in an awkward position in the relegation area of the Premier League. After what Happened to Newcastle United in 2009, I realized that there is nothing like, ‘we’re too big or good to go down’. Fortunately, for Aston Villa, with all the top names in their squad, there are three or four worse teams than them in the likes of Wolves, Wigan, West Ham United and Blackpool—so Villa may just avoid the drop. That’s the sort of luck my beloved United didn’t have on their side when we were relegated. United have already had their revenge in form a 6-0 drabbing of Villa at St James’ Park earlier in the season, but doing a double over the Gerard Houllier’s side would be the ultimate payback. There won’t be any love lost by this columnist, and I’m quite sure a few other United fans all across the world won’t be too upset if Villa are set for a period of struggle, after what is good for the goose is good for the gander. Two years ago, Villa fans were reveling in Newcastle’s fall from grace. Two years ago Martin O’Neill was constructing a team for Europe but Houllier appears to have dragged them down. Whatever way you look at it, three points on Sunday will be as sweet as they come, and this time I’m confident that while Newcastle travel with key players, including their talismanic captain Kevin Nolan and Ivory Coast international midfielder Cheik Tiote suspended, three points are on the horizon for the Magpies. As for the title race, Manchester United appear to be home and dry given that they don’t look like a team in the mood for any slip-ups—leaving the chasing pack that includes Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea with no or little option other than start planning for next season. nku78@yahoo.com