Mission impossible?

As disrepectful as Jose Mourinho's pre-match comments are (see post below), it can't be denied that we will face a very, very serious challenge to our recent unbeaten run tomorrow night.

The current list of players who are either definitely injured or likely to be missing is ridiculous: Owen, Dyer, Ameobi, Bramble, Moore, Carr, Solano, Duff, Sibierski, Parker, Emre, Harper, Krul. Meanwhile Nicky Butt, much improved of late in partnership with Emre, is apparently suffering from a heavy cold.

Then factor in our last six trips to Stamford Bridge, when we have lost 1-0 twice, 3-0 twice, 4-0 and 5-0.

Hmm...

One of those players set to miss out through injury, Nobby Solano, is celebrating his 32nd birthday today. After a solid but unspectacular first season back on Tyneside (the goals against Arsenal and Everton aside), Nobby seems to be back in form and, prior to the injury sustained against Blackburn on Saturday, had been staking a very good claim to the right back position, regardless of Carr's fitness. Many happy returns, Nobby - and best wishes for a swift return to first team action...