Loos like Williamson is also suspended now. So that means Newcastle will be without their two first choice cb's. But unlike us, they do have two decent backups :(

Tough place to go. Thankfully Barton is still missing from this game as he is a threat.

I wish we had Essien for this.

Ancelotti really needs to start Sturridge for this one tbh.

Are Terry and Alex fit for this? And when is Lampard back?

This is a very important game to win. Malouda should play in midfield along with Ramires and Mikel. Reckon we're getting over our dip in form and could win it by the odd goal.

Coming up to a tough run in the season. Coming off the back of some losses, few players, few more out of form, no one pushing the door down demaning a place in fithe first 11.

Assume one of Alex and Terry will limp onto ground. Bossy might be up for a start although he seems to be only a bit player so Paulo probably gets the gig.

Mikel, Malouda, Drogs and Anelka pick themselves I guess. So Kalou and Sturridge go back on the bench.

That leaves 2 midfielders if I'm counting right. Essien is still out isn't he so probably Ramires will get his spot, and that boy is earning his keep at least.

Josh maybe in line for the other spot, on the other hand two starts in a row is a big ask mentally for the lad even if not physically, so the money's on Zhirkov to get the nod.

If we had more midfielders available might be inclined to play with just one striker but don't see that as an option in the circumstannces.

If neither Alex or Terry are available then probably should just go to bed and put head under pillow.

I think due to us finishing with Kalou, Nico and Drogba on the pitch today, that will be the starting front three come sunday.

I'm not sure about Alex, but starting him up at St James's, a pitch notorious for injuries to opposing and home players alike, I don't think he should be rushed back.

I'm not sure Bruma did enough today to warrant a start, so I'd expect us to play

.....................Cech

Bossie.....Paulo......Ivan.......Cole

....................Mikel

...........Ramires....Malouda

Kalou.............................Nico

...............Drogba

I'm certain Alex will play. He was rested tonight specifically for Sunday. Once JT is back then Alex will have his operation. Other than that I'd put good money on that being the starting line up.

Cech

Bosingwa - Alex - Ivanovic - Cole

Ramires - Mikel - Malouda

Anelka - Drogba - Sturridge

... is what I'd go for.

Bossy might be up for a start although he seems to be only a bit player so Paulo probably gets the gig.

Should be a first team regular imo. He must start against Newcastle.

Cech

Bosingwa - Alex - Ivanovic - Cole

Ramires - Mikel - Malouda

Anelka - Drogba - Sturridge

... is what I'd go for.

I like that team.

Its a toss up between Sturridge and Kalou for me. We can't start Paulo at CB up against Carroll.

Cech

Bosingwa Alex Ivanovic Cole

Ramires Mikel Malouda

Kalou Drogba Anelka

The Magpies are a rough lot especially with Barton, Nolan and Smith on the pitch and can be a tough nut to crack at home. I won't be surprised if a red card or two are dished out. Our lads need to keep their cool especially Mikel as he could be a target for Barton or Smith. I will be more than happy if we come out with a 1-0 victory.

Any news on Lampard? They said he would be out for about two or three weeks and that was two weeks ago. I don't think he'll be back for this one, but surely he has to be back soon? Or will we get another "no, he will be out for another month"?

As for this game I think Alex will play unless JT feels he's ready to play again. We have to get three points and I doubt we can get that with Bruma or Ferreira as CB.

Team:

Cech

Bosingwa - Alex - Ivanovic - Cole

Ramires - Mikel - Malouda

Kalou - Drogba - Anelka

Cech

Bosingwa - Alex - Ivanovic - Cole

Ramires - Mikel - Malouda

Anelka - Drogba - Sturridge

... is what I'd go for.

That's the starting 11 I would go for.

Kalou on the bench, along with Josh, PVA, Bruma & Zhirkov (Is Borini injured again - assuming that's why Sala and Mellis were on bench last night and not him?).

Very difficult game, and very important with three points so we can gain confidence and keep ourselves ahead of United before the dreadfull december. Agree with blizeHs team, and is confident we can land three points. Newcastle is missing Wilkinson, Coloccini and Barton so my hopes are high. 0-2.

My team:

Cech

Bosingwa-Alex-Ivanovic-Cole

Ramires-Mikel-McEchran

Anelka-Drogba-Malouda

Hearing there's a slight chance the game might be called off due to snow :o ??

Hearing there's a slight chance the game might be called off due to snow :o ??

This early ? we don't play until Sunday ?

Hearing there's a slight chance the game might be called off due to snow :o ??

I'd be happy with that.

Hopefully at some stage of the match, we will play 442. Drogba and Anelka (or Sturridge) up front, Malouda on the left, Kalou on the right. We really need to test defence with some pace, with Drogba not in form, having him isolated against 2 defenders is just too easy. For god sake, don't conceded first, and play with some tempo, not 25 passes to get everyone warmed up, that's what pre match warm up is for.

We are all starting Ramires, however I am worried that this is just the sort of game where he will get knocked around and caught in possession.

Howver there is no alternative. I'd not be starting Josh, way too early in his career for two starts in a week.

There is a case for starting Sturridge in front of Kalou, not because he's a better player, but because Kalou seems to be so effective coming off the bench.

I'd be happy if Paulo started in front of Bossy and save Bossy for a subs role. My sense is that Bossy still seems a bit fragile injury wise and needs to be handled with care.

Drogs v Carroll - who's got the Bull points now????

agree with the last post...............must not let them score 1st or it will be BCFC again!

Also, Alex a must as Carroll very physical

And we have to play with lots of pace all over the pitch - Magpies are tough and physical (fair enough) but the not the quickest - we must not get intimidated

Time for drogs to earn his corn

I like that team.

Its a toss up between Sturridge and Kalou for me. We can't start Paulo at CB up against Carroll.

I like that lineup too. As for Studge vs Kalou, I think we should start Sturridge because Kalou always seem to play better coming from the bench.

Is Essien injured or missing this through suspension still?

Is Essien injured or missing this through suspension still?

Not sure if he's still injured, but he's suspended for one more game. So he'll be back against Everton, if he's not still injured then.

Paulo in the center of defense is asking for trouble because they have Carroll and Ameobi who would both be too much for the wee fella to handle. I'd go with Alex and if he,s not fit gamble with Bruma.

There's also a case for starting with Josh ahead of Ramires because of the way he played against them in the CC tie. He'd be confident playing against them again.