* Apparently, despite a slight hairline fracture of his toe, Stevie-G will be available for the Chelsea match come Sunday. Honestly, I don't think we need him and this might even be some sort of ploy to keep Mourinho guessing. A midfield tandem of Xabi and Mascherano should suffice, especially with Kuyt and Torres up front and Pennant on the right. I think it would do wonders for our squad if we won this without our captain and we're more than capable of doing so. As for the England friendly with Germany on Wednesday, it looks like McClown will have to look elsewhere for a central midfielder. Good luck, somehow I don't think the final tally will be 5-1 this time.
* With Finnan being called up for Ireland and Agger always a mainstay with Denmark, it looks as if the right side of our backline will be facing off next week when their two countries play a friendly on Wednesday. As much as I loathe international play, I'll probably make an effort to catch this match.
* It sounds as if McClown is suggesting Crouch go elsewhere if he wants a regular spot on the England squad. Not that I wouldn't mind seeing el giraffe leave, but the England skipper has a lot of nerve threatening a player who has been an epiphany for his country for the past year and a half. Especially when you consider the options McClown has up front. Should Dean Ashton leave West Ham with Bellamy and Zamora there? What a moron. If anything McClown should embrace Rafa's not-so-extraordinary rotation policy, as it will keep Crouch fresh whenever he may need him. Muppet.
* Finally, Rafa has added 17-year-old Bulgarian keeper Peter Gulacsi from MTK to his ever growing collection of net-minders. Okay, time to flush that name down the memory hole. I wonder what the odds are for who will be are regular keeper five years from now. Here's my guess: Reina 3/2, Carson 5/1, Bouzanis 8/1, Martin 10/1, Mihaylov 10/1, Hansen 25/1, Itandje 50/1, Mimms 100/1, & Oldfield 125/1. Is Carson a sucker bet?