By Matthew Jones
March 5 2003

What changes will Sir Bobby Robson make ahead of tonights game at The Riverside. Dyer, Robert and Bramble are all available. Robert or Viana? Bramble or O'Brien? Over to The Magpies' boss, Sir Bobby...! Sir Bobby Robson is to make a few changes to his Newcastle team that beat Chelsea on Satruday for this evenings trip to The Riverside, with Laurent Robert set to replace Hugo Viana.

Robert is back from suspension and should start on the left-wing. Although Viana impressed during the victory over the Blues at St James' Park (setting up Olivier Bernard's match-winning strike), Robson feels Robert offers more of the natural width and balance required.

Robson's other major dilemma is whether to retain Andy O'Brien alongside Jonathan Woodgate at the heart of his defence, or recall Titus Bramble.

But O'Brien's solid showing against Chelsea could see him into the squad, but Bramble has hugely improved over recent weeks and would be the player for me to play alsong side Woodgate.

Kieron Dyer is also available following a scan on his shins which means Robson may make another change. Dyer breathed a sigh of relief after the scan found he has not suffered a new stress fracture to his troublesome shins.

Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson explained: "We sent Kieron to hospital in order to assure him that his current shin problems are nothing to be worried about.

"We always felt that if the X-ray was clear then Kieron would have a chance against Boro and that's the situation. I want to play my best team and that's why I want to play him."

Robson added: "It's natural for him to worry because the shin has been flaring up regularly in the last fortnight.

"It's the same leg that he's had problems with in the past but there really is no problem now. I have to persuade Kieron that is the case so he can clear his head in time to play another vital fixture."

Jermaine Jenas is unlikely to be risked as he recovers from an Achilles injury.

PREDICTION TIME: Middlesbrough 1 - 2 Newcastle