According to the press this morning that is. Apparently Acuna has a foot injury now!

I can't see Bobby risking him - if he does it's a bad idea.

Travelling to the Toon today more in hope than expectation. Even with a full side Arsenal would be formidable opposition, with a depleted squad I expect a pasting. Arsenal are so full of confidence at the moment. A win over them would be a major upset.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

Answers

Fingers crossed for a `major upset` then! (:o)

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

At 5.30 last night the official site doesn't have KD in the squad

Can't see him playing any part today......Lucky Arsenal

No Henry and with a bit of luck, Vierra, Pires, Wiltord, and a few others all rested for Champions league encounter next week.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

Acuna injured as well? Crap.

I reckon we should play 5 at the back, bring Bernard in and move Distin more central. Then we can play McClen, Solano and erm, someone else.

It would be a good time to drop Robert I think. We can put him on the bench and bring him on later. At least he doesn't throw a strop when he doesn't start, unlike Ginola, who yesterday "stormed out of training" after being told Gazza wouls start instead of him. Stupid tosser.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

I think that there is no way Dyer will come back. And I really hope he's not rushed in as it ould be stupid. We could rush Dyer back and still loose remember! If Acuna is injured as well we basically have our reserves midfield out there today. Basically we have to change something now. We can't just fill in positions anymore and carry on with 4-4-2. I think BR needs to try somehing radical.

Chopra, Shearer in midfield, Bernard MUST play. Luax2. We need to do something like this to have a chance.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

I've been watching the reserves at Kingston Park recently and personally wouldn't be too worried if Brian Kerr was given a try. He looks sharp and comfortable on the ball. He seems to have an eye for goal and knows where the other players are around him. Acuņa will be a big miss if he doesn't play today though.

Another thing, has anyone noticed that the squad list includes academy goalkeeper Adam Collin? The official site says "included as cover for Steve Harper." - What is wrong with Harper? Anyone know?

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

I have only seen Distin on the TV and not 'live' but he looks comfortable on the ball, passes well, has some vision. How would he go in midfield?

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

Sounds good Paul.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

By the way, that 5 at the back thing would be a last resort. It'd be a huge risk considering how our formation experiments have gone in the past.

It might relieve Robert of defensive duties though.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

Harper has an ankle injury sustained in training and is doubtful.

I'd be very surprised if BR played KD. However if he looked really good in training yesterday it's conceivable he might stick him on the bench to play the last 15 minutes or so if we need some inspiration.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

Jim, I'm fairly sure Robert will start, as he said in his interview that they have been working on getting on the end of his crosses in training.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

How about Griffin at RB and Hughes in the middle?

Assuming the ref was sensible, Griff's "kick lumps out" approach might work on Pires and Hughes has at least played in the middle before.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

That's a good idea, get Griffin to kick the hell out of Pires, it'll help our "title chances" too!

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

I think Hughes could do well in midfield and Griffin should do a descent job at right back. I think we do need to try something like this. If all we do is replace those 2 central midfielders and play 4- 4-2. We're f*cked!

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

I actually have a feeling Boby may well play Hughsie in m/f to man mark Viera, with Griffen coming in at RB. If Acuna really is injured then this is even more likely.

The first problem I have with this is I don't think AH is a good man marker, despite his reputation for doing the job. The second problem is that Viera will probably just drop deep to escape his marker leaving AH marking fresh air.

I'd actually play Robbie Elliott in front of the back four. This doesn't disrupt the existing back four - although to be honest they were cr@p at Liverpool - and Elliott has played extensively in m/f during his career. He might do a decent job there.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

The trouble with that Clarky is the thus far this season, RE's distriution has been pants. IMHO, Hughes would be a better bet.

CU in the Straabeery for one last one before I head west???

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

re: Dyer - any involvement would be v surprising given BR's comments here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport/hi/english/football/fa_cup/newsid_1860000/ 1860616.stm

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

Screacher - I don't think I'll make it to the Strawberry today. It's a long story, but I'm not feeling too good. However, I've decided to drag my bones to SJP to support the lads, and then go straight back to my sick bed. Bloody devotion!

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002