The injury problems are the same as Villa. However two start performers from that game, Hleb and Flamini are out. This really does present quite a big problem. I was worried going into that game wondering if there’d be enough creativity in the side, however Flamini and Hleb were brilliant and pretty much ran the game.

We wont have that luxury tomorrow night now and you have to wonder how we can fill their void, not to mention that we’re missing RVP and Cesc too. Gunnerblog reckons that Eduardo and Rosicky can add some inspiration to the team. I think Theo Walcott could also do a job but you never know what you’re going to get with him; it could be a Sparta Prague-type show or another one of his nothing-performances. The talents thee, its just whether he can apply it to the game.

Adebayor will have a big job to do. He might be partnered with Eduardo, Bendtner or Theo, or be on his own again like he has recently. I’d kind of like to see Bendtner start this one, we could use him in a game like this but I don’t think he’ll be in the line up. I want us to go 4-4-2 but I’m guessing at another 4-5-1/4-3-3:

Denilson would add some attacking quality in contrast to the more defensively minded Diarra and Gilberto and Rosicky and Eboue can get down the sides and cut in to provide Adebayor with opportunities. There are other options; as I said we could add a second striker, or Walcott can come in for Eboue.

I am worried, but I don’t know why. That’s still a good side and Newcastle haven’t been great recently. A loss would be unacceptable, a draw would be a bit disappointing and a win would be great to keep Man United and Chelsea at distance.

I’m quite looking forward to this one; I’ll get a match report up probably Thursday evening. Thanks for reading.