Belfast Boy

Would Ben Arfa be able to play alongside Tiote against a team like Swansea with some one else coming in right wing?

Just turned the England game on and I am genuinely wondering, is there a reason its so quiet? like a protest or something?

Saudi Arabia not a bad team at all. Got the Argies pegged back, Colo cleared one of the line.

Playing leftback?

This, reckon he should stick them back on again soon. I wouldn't be surprised if its a daft new rule that he can't wear them anymore. Don't the under shirts and shorts have to be the club colours now?

Link on the bbc gossip page from a spanish source that Barca are after him now

Garry Birtles is completely ruining the game for me so far

What has happened to Hart lately?

Just had my mate wave on the webcam. So jealous, brings back memories of Milan.

Long boot back to Cabaye on the centre spot then a lovely little through ball to catch them out as they're pushing out. Did we ever find out what our "perfect corner" we had worked out over the summer was? People keep mentioning Hatem against Spurs but I was away for that and never seen it if someone wants to describe it.

Cheeky Vauxhall adverts round the pitch. The new convertible, with a roof that can close in 19 seconds.

Where has Rooney's touch gone?

I love the fact it is still pouring, not a soul on the pitch, and they are "waiting to see" if it gets better.

11 'purples' including Anita? So thats Krul, Simpson, Taylor, Coloccini, Santon, Anita, Cabaye, Tiote, HBA, Ba and Cisse??? What about the likes of Jonas etc are they not 'purple'? or does he mean 11 'purple' defenders?

There was a discussion on the radio yesterday about the new St George's centre and the future of coaching qualifications etc. Someone mentioned Dean Austin, former Spurs full back, who must be late 30s early 40s now. Once he retired he went through all the approved UEFA coaching courses and has now eventually completed every one of them. However, it has taken him so long to do it that he has missed the boat in getting coaching/managment opportunities like a lot of his ex team mates who got in on their name alone without the proper qualifications. He is now scouting for Bolton. Seems wrong that a guy does everything by the book and has missed out.

I dread to think what the result of an online poll may be if its open to everyone.

I've just got up and read about 12 pages of this waiting on the punchline. It feels like when the leak of the spikes on the shirt came out and you thought, 'Hah, that's so bad it can't be true' but deep down you just knew it was.

To be fair to Jonas he has been stuck out left in the 442 so far this season. He showed at the end of the last season what he offers in the 433 and I would put him back there ahead of Anita for now. I just hope we stick with that system.

I don't mean to sound patronising from Belfast here, but why would you not go tonight? The tickets are cheap, we spent a great last season playing to get into Europe and we are playing a decent team tonight. And yes, I am coming over for the last group game.

Since when can footballers not play twice in a week? I know that its not something that can be sustained week after week throughout the season, and three games a week is maybe too much for some, but seriously players have gone soft if they can't manage the odd midweek game on top of the regular weekend ones. Full strength for both games this week for me, especially as they are at home.

Any news on Tim? Should he be back for the weekend?

Me neither

Wasn't even going in had the keeper not saved it

What a miss

I wonder if he wants to name which first team players are disappointed not to have been replaced in the side by a new signing.