Mark Noble’s return from suspension in time for the Manchester City game poses one big question: Will he be part of Manuel Pellegrini’s plans for that game and going forward?

The manager made a significant comment a few weeks ago when he commented: “” Mark will be captain whenever he plays but I can’t say how often he will play!”

The victory over Burnley was such that the sending off at Leicester City which may have deprived the team of a relatively comfortable win rather than a pressure absorbing draw was put to the back of peoples’ minds.

But with the manager having shown that he is ready to drop players guilty of bad judgements of error on the pitch…step forward Carlos Sanchez and Arthur Masuaku – who knows where he will see Mark Noble’s sending off.

James Collins suggested a few weeks ago on air that he doesn’t believe Noble is part of the manager’s long term plans and with a midfielder or possibly two on the way in January once again there are some questions over Nobes’ future.

With Jack Wilshere due to return, no further injuries geting in the way and a continuation of winning form the the captain could be on the bench for a little while to come.

I understand that the guy’s position has been mentioned many times before because when he’s good he’s very good but when he’s poor – or lunges in as he did against Leicester City – he becomes a liability.

Interesting times!