Just wandered is Robert fit to play. Bernard was wicked on saturday but if Robert is fully fit I reckon he should play. If only he could play like he did at the beginning of the season. Also will Dyer play in the middle with Speed? Watching the highlights of West Ham/Arsenal, Joe Cole was wicked against Vieira. Dyer might have similar success too.

Screw the hoodoo, even a point here would do me. Come on boys...

-- Anonymous, December 17, 2001

Answers

I think this is an excellent opportunity in man management to leave Robert out, even if he fancies playing, on the basis that we want to ensure he is 100%. I'd like him to feel just a little pressure for his place, so that he is raring to go when he does get back in.

It would also be seen to be fair to Olivier Bernard who played well on Saturday and doesn't really deserve to be left out.

The sunday Sun reckoned rob Lee didn't play in the 2nd half as he had picked up a groin injury. However, no one else has picked up this story so I'm hoping his replacement on Saturday was tactical, as well as giving him a bit of a rest, and that he can come back in tomorrow. Dyer looked dead on his feet after 45 mins on Saturday and clearly isn't ready for 90 minutes yet, especially at Highbury. However, he really is dynamite coming on in the 2nd half when the opposition defenders are tiring.

-- Anonymous, December 17, 2001

On Radio 5 when Bobby Robson was interviewed, he said he'd brought on Dyer for the injured Lee ! so he must have picked up a knock. Not sure how serious it is/was though

-- Anonymous, December 17, 2001

Sky sports today claiming Rob Lee not going to the Arse coz of aforesaid groin injury.

-- Anonymous, December 17, 2001

Bloody marvellous! Out injured - Rob Lee, Bassedas, Acuna. Fit central m/f players - Gary Speed and ..............? ... er, that's it, actually!

No one else? Jamie McGlen, I suppose.... nah. Sylvain Distin....nah, not fair on the lad. Other alternatives? Warren Barton, Dabz, Elliott.....hhmmmm! Steve Harper? Being silly now.

Here we go again. BR seems intent on playing KD there, even though he's not even ready to play 90 minutes.

-- Anonymous, December 17, 2001

Wouldn't be NUFC if there weren't some kind of squad crisis. ;-)

-- Anonymous, December 17, 2001

5 -3 - 2?

That would include distin and Dabs in defence. Dyer could stay on bench this way. Mybe Bernard as left back / wing back?

Either that or Dyer is starting.

-- Anonymous, December 17, 2001

Apparently Pires and Parlour are now BOTH FIT!

Bastards

-- Anonymous, December 17, 2001

The Journal this morning reckons Rob Lee has recovered from his groin injury and will play also!!!

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2001