Ayrton Twigge

Mostly agree with that - but remain unconvinced about Sven at this level. But Mulryne - hmmm - could be that this is his level, on his day his distribution and vision are first class. He''s clearly been less than 100% fit last year - this years piccie''s seem to show a leaner, sleeker version. Providing he fits with the style of players around him - I really think he can do it.

Can''t help thinking this is a diversion - whilst Nigel goes about his real dealings in private.

Wiz I feel the same way - must rush to change my prediction from negative to positive. The boys have had to walk out first into Old Trafford and again into St James Park - large intimidating stadiums, media spot lights expecting blood - and they''ve done amazingly well. How can you measure the resulting team bonding, fighting, never-say-die spirit they now possess. Saturday, at home, crowd with them (and boy will the atmosphere be good compared to the Palace match) with that experience under their belts all bodes well.

Saturday will be a mighty test. Another ballsy decision required from Nigel. Gary needs a little rest and a further shuffle of the pack is required. And I think he''ll make it.

I hope this is a smokescreen while Nigel gets down to more secret dealings.

Hmmm this is a tricky one. Newcaste do have an aerial presence but its not height - its committment. Shearer goes in where it hurts, muscles up and barges through players. For my money, Fleming and Charlton will deal with that type of challenge and should manage Bellers too. Keep Doc in reserve as a defender, or even use him up front again temporararily as some have suggested in lieu of Sven.

I''m delighted Drury has been recognised. On this message board at the momenet I am seeing posts that say hes not playing well, isn''t attacking eneough and isn''t captain material. In both games so far he has been excellent. His tackling is perfection. He can take the ball cleanly as a pickpocket removes a wallet from your pocket. His distribution is good and in the Palace game he got forward linking well with Hux. Will we make next weeks first eleven?

Can''t leave out Fleming - last years man of the season and solid thus far. Can''t continue with Svensson either - reasons obvious. My view:- green helveg fleming charlton drury mcveigh francis holt bentley huckerby doc Play Doc again as emergency big man striker - came off well on Saturday - and he''s on the pitch if we need more central defensive height. Shorty but mobile defence should cope with Shearer, who''s no giant and Bellamy who''s pacey. Have Mulryne ready for a no show from Holt.

Re Sven, he can talk the talk but ......No room for passengers in this division - lets face it he''s had a poor couple of matches. Needs to prove it for me at reserve level. Helveg ...... good first game and thought he was ok at ManUre - would like to see him getting forward more. Given hes still settling into english football as well as our team, would still play him as no 1. Jonnson......Needs more time to acclimatise for me. Reserves and bench for now until he''s settled in. Personally, I think he''s going to come good. Have glimpsed something there that suggests there''s a lot more to come. To put it in perspective, the other newcomers are still settling in too - Bentley needs to do more - and Charlton has made the odd mistake.

A agree with the strategy of fast counterattack - we''ve got a very pacey front line with Hux, Jonsonn and Bentley. Later in the game I''d expect to see Leon on too and he''s not slow. So will we soak up pressure and hold out? Actually I''m quite positive that we can. But remain worried about defensive height. Its true Man U tend to run at the defence so mobility may be preferable to height. Think we need options on the bench at least if height - or lack of it - becomes aproblem.

I think the same line up is sensible - although possible swap of Doherty for Charlton (see another post of mine on that subject). Thought Helvig fitted in very well. Impressed with Bentleys potential - will do better tomorrow. Jonsonn was rusty last week - but I thought I saw a lot of promise there. I just hope Sven gets into the game a little more. Benefit of the doubt this week - but bring on Leon early if he misfires again.

So who plays tomorrow in central defence? On last Saturday''s play I thought Fleming played very well - very mobile, "aggressive", determined and was flawless. I''d keep him. Not so sure about Charlton. Moblie - yes. Experienced.Of course. But saw the odd mistake. And his lack of height is acutely noticeable when partnering another "shorty". Especially for set pieces. I think he''s a good squad player - but our answer to central defence - doubtful. will depend on the oppositions strike force. So I think Doherty will play!!

We can only afford to buy aspiring lower league players, foreign players, old has been Premiership players (we wouldn''t) or out of favour Premiership players. I don''t have a lot of personal knowledge of Doherty but I''ve read enough on the message board to convince myself he''s going to be a good buy. And Spurs renewed his deal last year - wouold they do that for a dud? Gives Worthy options now - we still have Malky and Shacks as further options. PS On Saturdays showing, Charlton, whilst playing well, bothered me immenseley at every corner due to his lack of height. nd it was only Palace!! Hopefully, with some mix and matching we''ll have speed and height amongst our back line.

This post is a little late - haven''t had access to a pc for several days. At Saturdays match, sitting in the Jarrold stand, I noticed the Prawn Sandwich brigade had arrived at Carrow Road. Sitting behind me was a guy with two designer style, Victoria Beckham clones. During the match, they read the newspaper, discussed the TV page, phoned Mum, chatted away and appeared relatively indifferent to the match. And thats probably understated it given that nearly all of my attention was on the game. But I noticed they were far from alone - there were other similar groupings scattered around. Who I am to say who should and shouldnt come to a match, or what a typical football supporter should look like, or how to behave - but I''m acutely aware of how short the ticket supply is. I''m assuming these guys are connected with the new corporate boxes - but they were in the central area of the stand. As a member, I now only have two scheduled matches left to see at Carrow Road. Does this mean that regular, loyal fans are missing out in the pursuit of the commercial sponsorship.

Anyone know about his fitness - seems as if he''s been frequently out injured.

DD - a rather cautious response - which is unlike you. I''d hate to see him go out on loan - no need for that. I see him being a fringe reserve/bench player with the possibility of some first team games when the need arises - just like last season.

I believe the loan doesn''t start until his injury is over - so for now he still appears as a Norwich player - with an injury.

Just occurred to me that the Crystal Palace shirt blooper could have been even more embarrassing had another "h" crept in!! Chrystal Phalace.

Think you''ve got the starting 11 but not so sure about the subs. I think they will be :- Gallacher Shackell Brennan McVeigh McKenzie

I think Chrystal Palace will be found out off the field as well as on it. Last year they had a great run - all about passion and organisation - and some fantastic lucky breaks in the final few games. All on the field stuff. But do they have the depth of coaching/scouting/administrative capability required at this level. Yes they''ve made some buys - but their new foreign contingent does have the feel of panic buys. Fitz Hall is obviously experienced. But we''ve got to watch out for that passion tomorrow - lets make sure we have more.

It occurs to me that City will have a spectacularly quick breaking forward line when you consider - Huckerby, Bentley and Jonson, and all three are likely to feature. Not only pace but all three are well equipped to take men on and beat them if they get clear. Could even have Leon on the pitch occaisionally and he''s not exactly slow. With the defence likely to be under the cosh for long periods, probably with Holt/Safri helping out, the right ball played out well could be a killer - Mr Francis, please note. Now only 30 hours to go!!

Niel Moore - Elvis Hammond

graham paddon - neil adams

Come on guys, my European suggestion was a little it of positive thinking intended to say - now we''ve now got a squad to be proud of, enough quality to stay up. Your responses are all negative. We never do well in the cup. We shouldn''t get side tracked. Come on, where''s your pride - we''re no longer a Nationwide team with limited resources - we''re a Premiership team (with slightly less limited resources) who wil surprise.

The time was right for both to move on. Make our day lads and poke some in against Ip****, Sheff U, West Ham and Wolves when you get the chance.