Can Michael Owen get his starting job back in Newcastle?

Michael Owen is not Allardyce's favorite footballer in Newcastle.

With the 2007-08 English Premiere League season here, Newcastle big boss Sam Allardyce is apparently laying down the law after telling Michael Owen that he has to fight for a starting spot in his rotation this year.

It turns out that Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce now has Obafemi Martins ready to take over Michael Owen's spot with Owen contemplating on leaving the Newcastle contingent during the offseason.

At least Allardyce is STILL letting Michael Owen to fight for his starting job anyway. Of course, we all know the Newcastle general manager already made up his mind after Owen's flirtation with an exit from Newcastle before this season.

And it doesn't come any simpler as far as the Newcastle rotation is concerned. With the arrival of Mark Viduka, he now joins both Owen and Martins for a starting spot, probably. Not to mention Allardyce making guarantees that ANY of his boys can also compete for starter positions.

When Mark Viduka came in, many expected that he will lead the Newcastle line, alongside Owen or Martins. Then again, I guess only Allardyce knows.

''Oba was the main man last year because Michael was kept out with injuries, but they will be fighting with each other for a place this season,'' Sam Allardyce said.

''We can also use a bit of squad rotation and have competition for places, which is what you need for your frontmen. Unfortunately for Michael, this thigh injury has taken longer than we thought to get better and missing pre-season is a big blow for him and us.''

Here are the odds from Bodog on who will win the 2007-08 English Premiere League title.

Manchester United +150

Chelsea FC +150

Liverpool FC +550

Arsenal FC +650

Want more odds? Visit OddsHQ for more international football odds and the best betting lines on some of today's biggest sporting events.

English Premiere League Newcastle