Who Gets The Axe?

Last updated : 03 May 2009 By Footy Mad - Editor

All three of Newcastle United's front men missed real chances against Portsmouth on Monday night and Shearer is considering a more conservative approach against the Premier League pick-pockets.

Should Big Al drop the 4-3-3 formation it would leave him with a dilemma over who starts on the bench on Merseyside with Michael Owen, Mark Viduka and Oba Martins all contenders to start as sub.

And unsurprisingly the possibility of Owen missing out on his return captured many of this morning's headlines ahead of the encounter with Liverpool.

Shearer deflected any questions about his team selection as usual ahead of the clash at Anfield, but said: "There is definitely no complaint with his work-rate, but it's goals that have made Michael's name and he has been disappointed not to score.

"He is still banging them in during training but I want him scoring in games."