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Shearer big on survival chances
Newcastle United, 12:33, May 23, 2009 ,
Newcastle boss Alan Shearer insists that his beloved club will ensure its Premier League survival this weekend.
The Magpies travel to Birmingham to take on Aston Villa, who are looking to reclaim fifth spot in the league, knowing that even a win may not be enough to stave off relegation.
Newcastle lie in 18th place, currently one point behind Hull and two behind Sunderland with just the final game to come, although they have a superior goal difference than their relegation-threatened rivals.
Shearer is convinced though that his side will stay up but whether punters looking to use their £10 free bet share the same opinion is open to question.
"I am totally convinced we will get out of it, yes, and more importantly, so are my players," the former England striker said.
"We know what's at stake. I'm confident we can go there and give our great fans something to shout about, I really am."
Newcastle do have selection problems for their make-or-break clash with centre-back Sebastien Bassong unavailable through suspension, while right-back Habib Beye has been ruled out with a hamstring problem.
There are also doubts in the striking department with Michael Owen and Obafemi Martins both struggling with groin injuries, although Alan Smith is back in contention after a thigh injury.
Villa boss Martin O'Neill is sweating over the fitness of playmaker Ashley Young, who picked up a calf strain last weekend, while Luke Young is a major doubt with a foot problem.