[geordienation]

Well, two years ago the prospects of a long season and three cup competitions would have worried me, but for the first time in years, I like our depth, especially in midfield. Sweet Jesus, that's a talented bunch of players.

Forwards
9 Alan Shearer
10 Craig Bellamy
16 Carl Cort
20 Lomana Tresor Lua Lua
23 Shola Ameobi
28 Michael Chopra

The "Who'll Be Paired with Shearer" Sweepstakes just got a little more intense with Lua Lua's opening brace. There are 4.5 legitimate starters in this group. I think Ameobi is close to breaking out (as his reserve team and England U-21 performances have shown). Bellamy was our best striker last year and the gymnast is making his case as well. Carl Cort has yet to justify his transfer fee, but the promise is still there. Worthington Cup matches should be a good proving ground for Shola and Cort.

Midfielders
4 Nolberto Solano
6 Clarence Acuna
7 Jermaine Jenas
8 Kieron Dyer
11 Gary Speed
17 Christian Bassedas
21 Diego Gavilan
22 Jamie McClen
25 Brian Kerr
32 Laurent Robert
45 Hugo Viana

Finally, options at every position in the midfield.
I'd like to see these midfields square off:

Solano - Dyer - Jenas - Robert
vs.
Viana - Speed - McClen - Acuna

Inevitably, somebody's not going to be happy with the playing time situation. My hope is that Toon performs well enough in the cups to get everyone some time. The inevitable injury to Dyer should open up a slot. Speed's late return to the season from injury will ease that pressure as well. The competiton for slots is going to be absolutely fierce.

I was impressed with Viana's play (and for what we paid for him, he should look good). It's good to see another very dangerous threat on the left side. He tracked back well, giving some hope that Bernard won't get caught.

Defenders
3 Robbie Elliott
5 Andrew O'Brien
12 Andy Griffin
14 Wayne Quinn
15 Elena Marcelino
18 Aaron Hughes
19 Titus Bramble
30 Stephen Caldwell
34 Nikos Dabizas
35 Olivier Bernard
36 Gary Caldwell

It says a lot that Titus Bramble, who is absolutely talented and promising but mildly inexperienced, could step right into the opening day side. Dabizas finally proved himself last seeason and Andy O'Brien was a revelation, adding an element of fierceness if not real speed. There's little depth at the full backs if Bernard or Hughes are not available (of course, who really has depth at the backs?). Caldwell has been promising for a while, but loaned out, while Wayne Quinn has never lived up to the play that got him capped a few years ago. The back line, simply, is not a fortress and one or two injuries could make for a dicey campaign.

Goalkeepers
1 Shay Given
13 Steve Harper
29 John Karelse
33 Adam Collin

Harper is a good backup for Given, who is utterly and completely the No. 1 (and in my mind, last year's MVP). Karelse won't be here long, but Collin will see time with the reserves and maybe an odd game.


Overall
The defense, with Bramble, is an upgrade and the addition of Viana to a talented midfield pool means that Toon can wage successful campaigns on many fronts without wearing out the first-choicers. I believe that some sort of silverware (in the form of a domestic cup, probably) is in our future. Anything else (like the second round of the Champions League or a late run at the title like last season) would be gravy.

[THOMA GOL]

Bernard is a BEAST!!! Just watched the replay and I , as a D-MID was taking notes!!!!

With all of England (more likely the rest of Europe as well) watching this match on "Monday Niiiiiiiiiiight, there's some EPL defenses that better be on their toes.

Life in Black and White

[condor11]

i thnik newcastle need a backup for solano
since viana is a left sided player
i suppose gavilan is an option but he hasnt yet peformed to what bobby expected of him

[Wide Boy]

Losing Solano would be a very big blow. If it happened, I reckon we would use Dyer on the right wing. Viana could move inside and, if he was fit, Robert would play out left.

In spite of his excellent start, there is a good chance that Viana will have to make way once Robert is fit.

Gavilan is a mystery. He looked a good prospect when he first came but didn't play once last season (I think).

[CrewToon]

I'm not so sure Cort can count...

...He's been hurt more often than Duncan Disorderly.

[ONE]

word has it emerton really is on the way...at some point our depth at midfield is going to be more a hindrance than a help.

[Wide Boy]

The Emerton deal is now reported as off, as a result of Feyenoord not being willing to accept payment by instalments.

I too was slightly concerned by this transaction. Emerton would have been ineligible for UEFA competitions had he signed (as he has already played for Feyenoord) and I don't think he would have strengthened our midfield greatly.

According to reports he can also play well at wing back - maybe this was the attraction for Sir Bobby.