......and is fit to be picked for the next match. What would you do?

Or to put it another way, have we missed him? From memory, we've played Leeds, ManUre, Spurs and Coventry in the league and Villa in the Cup. Seven points (all at home) and a draw in the Cup.

Ameobi has capped his 5-on-the-trot with a goal (not a lot different from Shearer's return) and Dyer seems to have steeped up to the added responsibility.

So, let's just assume Shearer is available for Wednesday against Villa. Do you pick him? Well, for me, the answer is "yes". Without Dyer, it's relatively easy. But if Dyer was available, would you? A guarded yes this time. Probably move LKD back into midfield (or just ahead) in place of Nobby, who's also suspended. But if Nobby was also available - hmm, gets a bit harder, eh? On today's performance, we were very light in midfield. Moving Dyer back would make no difference. But movivg Lee in would leave us less mobile and a lot slower. Glad I'm not picking the team - as you lot must, after my pathetic effort the last couple of weeks in the TeamPick.

-- Anonymous, January 13, 2001

Answers

on the bench. i wouldn't believe he'd be fully fit. he'd have to prove it.

-- Anonymous, January 13, 2001

I agree min, Alan Shearer on the bench..doo dah, doo dah. Actually I am suprised he hasn't declared himself fit already. ;-))

Now then, if I knew he was indeed match fit, then yes, I would play him, alongside Shola. Dyer is suspended so that's easy.

-- Anonymous, January 13, 2001

yep - my thoughts exactly. I think one of the reasons he's not 'been the player he was' is because TSM rushed him back and basically used matches for AS to prove his fitness. We needed him at the time but that's no way to treat one the world's best players. It's like rushing Ronaldo back from his knee injury by loaning him to a Premier League side. errr....

-- Anonymous, January 13, 2001

If he really is fit (and I don't actually believe it) then I'd play him because he really is a complete player. His understanding of the game is very important. I'd play him with Amobi, move Dyer into midfield in place of Basedas.

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2001

Were you lurking in the Strawbeery yesterday Sounder? That's exactly what we decided!

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2001

I am glad I wasn't there yesterday, I would have given you an arguement.

We have to play with 3 at the back and 5 in midfield. With our lightweights, Solano, Bassedas, Acuna, Dyer and because Glass is not good enough Speed for now. As soon as we sign a left sided midfielder the better.

This gives us options such as Griffin or Quinn, if he is signed, to play along side the 2 covering centre backs. If we decide to revert to a back 4 we have them as well.

Dyer should be allowed to play in either of 2 positions, behind the front 2 or inside left of the 5 man midfield. This will play to his strength of running with the ball and it always being on his good foot on the inside.

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2001