Arsenal on Saturday

[Morph]

He's still the best we've got for LB.

no doubt, but it shouldn't have to come down to that

[Shaggy]

..............Reina

.....Carra Hyypia Agger
Finnan.......................Riise
.....Gerrard........Alonso
........Kyut......Garcia
.............Bellamy

Can't see us changing to three at the back. It'll be 4-4-2.

[einar]

I think you would be in the minority then unfortunately

Maybe absolute crap was a bit harsh, but i think he's been poor

That may be true. What I think it is is that he has not been as sharp in attack as he often is but he has been a very solid part of a very solid defence.

Cant remember him making any big mistakes.

[Craig_H]

no doubt, but it shouldn't have to come down to that

Well unless we bring in better, it does doesnt it? TBH, he's a good player, just in bad form.

Other areas need far more urgent attention than LB.

[Morph]

That may be true. What I think it is is that he has not been as sharp in attack as he often is but he has been a very solid part of a very solid defence.

Cant remember him making any big mistakes.

I'll go along with that although can recall him leaving a fair bit of space once or twice that he should have been covering.

We're used to more going forward from him, and he's been badly lacking in that department recently, he either needs a rest or needs some decent competition for his place, it pains me to say it but he played better when Djimi was there to compete with him.

[einar]

Can't see us changing to three at the back. It'll be 4-4-2.

I think you are right.

three in defence would expose Hyypia even more for pace because the other two tend to get drawn out wide. And even more so against Arsenal.

[Craig_H]

I think you are right.

three in defence would expose Hyypia even more for pace because the other two tend to get drawn out wide. And even more so against Arsenal.

Dont see it that way, because when they have the ball, it's 5-3-2. When we have it, it's 3-5-2.

[Morph]

Well unless we bring in better, it does doesnt it? TBH, he's a good player, just in bad form.

Other areas need far more urgent attention than LB.

I disagree, especially if Warnock is on his way out. We need some competition for him and I hope this Insua is **** hot from day 1 because we are lacking down that left hand side.

[Shaggy]

Reina

Finnan
Carra
Agger
Riise

Pennant
Alonso
Gerrard
Garcia

Bellamy
Kuyt

Crouch would be unlucky to miss out after his goal and all round performance last week, but if Bellers is fit I think we'll opt for his pace.

[einar]

I'll go along with that although can recall him leaving a fair bit of space once or twice that he should have been covering.

We're used to more going forward from him, and he's been badly lacking in that department recently, he either needs a rest or needs some decent competition for his place, it pains me to say it but he played better when Djimi was there to compete with him.

Mabe Rafa just has him working more on is defending.

[Craig_H]

I disagree, especially if Warnock is on his way out. We need some competition for him and I hope this Insua is **** hot from day 1 because we are lacking down that left hand side.

Yeah, but what i mean is, other areas lack anyone good enough for the 1st team. LB is different, Riise is good enough for the 1st team.

I'd rather get the 1st XI sorted before worrying too much about competition and backups. RM and arguably LM desperately need some attention, as does a goalscoring striker.

[Craig_H]

Reina

Finnan
Carra
Agger
Riise

Pennant
Alonso
Gerrard
Garcia

Bellamy
Kuyt

Crouch would be unlucky to miss out after his goal and all round performance last week, but if Bellers is fit I think we'll opt for his pace.

Pennant against top opposition worries me.

[einar]

Dont see it that way, because when they have the ball, it's 5-3-2. When we have it, it's 3-5-2.

Very true against an lesser side.

But with Arsenals change of pace and quick passing it would have to be 5-3-2 all the time.

[REDSCOUSER]

Rafa will play his strongest team and we will twonk the arse.

[Craig_H]

Very true against an lesser side.

But with Arsenals change of pace and quick passing it would have to be 5-3-2 all the time.

Depends doesnt it?

Van Persie and Adebyeor (sp?) are out, Henry's just come back from a long term absence and played midweek, how sharp's he gonna be?

I think we should be taking the initiative in this game.