A weight of experience

Having said earlier in the week that surely Andy Carroll would start against Spurs on Sunday, the return to the squad of a certain Captain Pasty might just put paid to that.

Wor Al has commented "He's got a huge amount of talent and we believe if we can keep him fit, then he will play a big part in helping us" (insert your own "he's got a huge amount of..." joke here), and, with Oba likely to be expected to make up for last weekend's late phone call by playing through the pain barrier, the temptation to plump for the front three that got us out of trouble last season (including a noteable 4-1 win at White Hart Lane) will be strong.

Personally, I think Carroll's heroics on Saturday should have earned him a place in the XI, possibly in tandem with both Oba and the misfiring Little Saint Mick, and suspect that the Australian's arse will be warming the bench, Shearer being mindful of his match fitness, which - let's face it - is hardly great at the best of times...