Morecambe v Newcastle: Goal-shy Toon fearing cup shock
Published:With no goals to their name, a severely depleted strike force and their star player refusing to fulfil his contractual obligations, Newcastle traverse the banana skin-riddled road to Morecambe for their first Capital One Cup clash of the campaign.
There’s nothing shrimp-like about the Shrimps’ beefy 5/1 to oust the crisis club from the competition at the Globe Arena. The Toon, on the other hand, are at 8/15 to prevail in 90 minutes with Ladbrokes – an industry best price, so sign up here if you want to get involved with it – with the draw a 10/3 alternative.
Jim Bentley’s League Two charges come into the game on the back of a three-match unbeaten run on their own patch, having defeated Exeter 2-0 in their last outing and a sell-out crowd will be in raucous support of their team here.
They must accept that victory is highly unlikely, but with the Magpies preoccupied with concerns over a season-long relegation battle and their inability to find the back of the net, progression in the Capital One Cup is rock bottom of their agenda.
In addition to their 4-0 walloping at the hands of Manchester City, they couldn’t even muster a shot on target against a West Ham side on their own patch and this must be deeply worrying for Alan Pardew and everyone else associated with the club.
It also adds value to the price of 11/10 that says there’ll be under 2.5 goals registered in this clash.
Only one of Newcastle’s previous 11 matches in this competition has allowed the scorers such an easy night, but current form definitely makes opposing this trend the way to go here.
It is worth noting, however, that three of the Tynesiders’ previous four matches in this competition have required extra time. Given that their short supply of firepower, there’s every chance this game goes beyond regulation time and, with Morecambe capable of springing a surprise, having a flutter on their 10/3 to qualify could prove fruitful.
All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date
