Ideally every single Newcastle fan would love to see the Fabricio Coloccini of three seasons ago - but unfortunately he is not available for this head to head. Instead it is a choice between Captain Colo who only just managed to keep Newcastle in the Premier League in 2012-13 but was distracted by a potential move back to San Lorenzo in Argentina, or the Captain Colo who has seen his side concede 61 goals this season and who has sent a bizarre open letter to the Toon faithful asking for their unconditional support. It's like choosing between stepping in dog's poo or cow's mess. Coloccini looks a shadow of his former self right now and his leadership in recent weeks and months has been found wanting - typified by his reckless red card against Everton in March. The Argentine just about managed to prevent the Magpies being relegated in 2012-13 - can he find enough form to do that again this season? Verdict: The Colo of old shades it, just - 1-0. He is a shadow of his former self right now - and he needs to inspire a performance from the Magpies to ensure they remain in the Premier League.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
