Three defeats on the bounce, out of the FA Cup and slipping out of the play-offs, it’s not been the best week for City. But, we shouldn’t panic. The lads aren’t playing that great but all three games could have gone either way.

By all accounts we deserved at least a replay from the cup clash with Cardiff. Losing two late goals like that was a massive blow, especially as they then drew Chelsea in the next round. The Barnsley game was another tight one and more sharpness up front would have secured three points.

Former Fox Mark Robins is doing a cracking job at Oakwell and like Simon Grayson at Leeds he’s one of the best young English coaches around at the moment. It must be some of that Martin O’Neill magic wearing off.

To be honest, I never really saw Mark as management material as he was such a quiet lad, but his record with both Rotherham and Barnsley speaks for itself. The Tykes were well organised and hard to beat on Tuesday night, much like City have been for most of the season. A draw would probably have been a fair result, but they got lucky with their goal, which was pretty scrappy from our point of view.

It’s the first time City have lost three in a row under Nigel Pearson and that will be a bit of a test for the manager, but having a challenge like Newcastle on the horizon is the perfect motivation for the players to turn things around. It’s the start of three games out of four at home and if City can keep up their good record at the Walkers going they’ll soon be back in the play-offs.

Tomorrow evening’s game against Newcastle is massive. It’s not only an opportunity for City to stop the rot after a recent run of poor form, it’s also a chance for the lads to make a statement in front of the Sky cameras by beating the league leaders and re-igniting their play-off challenge.

Skipper Matt Oakley has said we need to start taking our chances and he’s spot on. In fact, Oakley and Richie Wellens are yet to score this season. The defence still looks pretty solid but scoring goals will take the pressure off and the whole team has to take responsibility for that.

I want to see the midfielders busting a gut to get into the box, defenders putting their head in where it hurts from corners and the strikers having the confidence to get more shots away. There’s nothing wrong with the players’ work rate, they’re all putting it in. Maybe it’s just a confidence thing, but I think form will go out of the window against the Geordies.

I’m expecting a full house and I’m sure the fans will generate a great atmosphere. The players will be up for it from the start and if the Walkers faithful get right behind them it will really make a difference.

It’s not going to be easy. The Magpies have quality and strength in depth all over the pitch, but City showed they can match them earlier in the season at St James’ Park and I think we’ve got a great chance of getting a result.

Everyone will be desperate to play on Saturday, particularly Sunderland loanee Martyn Waghorn. As a lifelong Mackem, I’m sure Waggers will be dreaming of slamming home a last minute winner to send Newcastle home empty handed.

Noel Gallagher once said there was nothing better than watching fat, topless Geordies crying on Match of the Day and whilst I haven’t got it in for Newcastle that much, I’d be more than happy to see similar scenes on Saturday!

Nolberto Solano is likely to be in contention to make an appearance against his old club, probably from the bench, and his delivery could make a big difference. Maybe it’s written in the stars for the veteran winger to come on and curl home one of trademark free-kicks against his former employers?

Talking of veteran’s, I was impressed with Chris Powell’s display against Barnsley. He slotted straight into the side and proved he can still do a job for the first team after keeping himself in great shape. Maybe life does begin at forty!

There are a few tickets left for my Q&A night with Iwan Roberts at Baffone Italian Restaurant in Humberstone Gate on Saturday March 13th. If he’s got his teeth in, Iwan’s usually pretty good value and I’m sure there will be plenty of stories and stick flying around. For tickets or more information, contact steve@legandsuk.com.

I’ve also signed up to appear at an evening with Matt Elliott and Ian Marshall at Oadby Town’s home ground at 7.30pm on Friday February 12th. The event is being organised by the EL Group and tickets cost £15 with proceeds going to the Leicester Schools FA to help them with running costs for next season. For tickets please contact Jim Sehmi at  jim@elgroup.eu.

Through the Steve Walsh and Muzzy Izzet Academy, I’ve enjoyed playing a part in youth football across the county and I know how important the LSFA can be for many young players. Gary Lineker, Peter Shilton, Emile Heskey and Dion Dublin all represented the LSFA teams and hopefully they can provide more England internationals in the future.

My wager didn’t come in last week, but I’m confident I’m onto a winner this week, backing Forest, Norwich and Bristol Rovers to win. Fitzy from Turner & Kendrick will be donating a £25 bet for Wishes4Kids as always.

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