Starting XI.... & match thread

[Shaggy]

No-one's gone for this side yet and I confidently predict that IIIIIIIIIIIII will be right!

Reina

Finnan
Hyypia
Agger
Aurelio

Pennant
Alonso
Gerrard
Gonzalez

Bellamy
Crouch

Subs: Dudek, Garcia, Zenden, Kuyt, Fowler.

[univofchicago]

No-one's gone for this side yet

I predicted your lineup as well

[Shaggy]

I predicted your lineup as well

Did you? Oh ****, so you did! Okay then mate, it's me and thee to take the glory!

[Los Rojos]

reina
finnan hyypia agger aurelio
pennant gerrard alonso gonzalez
kuyt bellamy


???

That's probably it apart from Robbie partnering Kuyt.

[Shaggy]

I'd be AMAZED if Kuyt is thrust straight into the starting line up. It's not as if there's an urgent need to chuck him straight in, is there? Crouch is scoring goals, Bellamy got a rest midweek and so it surely makes perfect sense to leave Kuyt on the bench and ease him in gently.

[GordonGecko]

I can't wait to see Kuyt play.....mmmm sex wee.

[leftpeg]

I initially thought that Kuyt would be on the bench having not played with us yet, but I'm starting to think he might actually start the match. He will be fit having gone through pre-season with Feyenoord, and he will also be fresh from not having played during the week. Also, he's a forward, and will have a little less tactical responsibility than as a defender or midfielder and thus easier to gamble on. It's a home match, so he'll be boosted by the atmosphere. He's also the one player we need to get up to speed quickly, as after this weekend we've got the derby, then our first CL group match, Chelsea, Newcastle and Spurs. Tough call, but I think it will be Kuyt and Bellamy up front.

[Shaggy]

I initially thought that Kuyt would be on the bench having not played with us yet, but I'm starting to think he might actually start the match. He will be fit having gone through pre-season with Feyenoord, and he will also be fresh from not having played during the week. Also, he's a forward, and will have a little less tactical responsibility than as a defender or midfielder and thus easier to gamble on. It's a home match, so he'll be boosted by the atmosphere. He's also the one player we need to get up to speed quickly, as after this weekend we've got the derby, then our first CL group match, Chelsea, Newcastle and Spurs. Tough call, but I think it will be Kuyt and Bellamy up front.

Yeah good points mate, I can see where you're coming from.

[leftpeg]

Yeah good points mate, I can see where you're coming from.

Well, we'll be put out of our misery soon enough. Whether or not Rafa is on any of our wavelengths, who knows. But I think his actions to me seem to be determined by logic and very meticulous planning.

[GordonGecko]

I initially thought that Kuyt would be on the bench having not played with us yet, but I'm starting to think he might actually start the match. He will be fit having gone through pre-season with Feyenoord, and he will also be fresh from not having played during the week. Also, he's a forward, and will have a little less tactical responsibility than as a defender or midfielder and thus easier to gamble on. It's a home match, so he'll be boosted by the atmosphere. He's also the one player we need to get up to speed quickly, as after this weekend we've got the derby, then our first CL group match, Chelsea, Newcastle and Spurs. Tough call, but I think it will be Kuyt and Bellamy up front.

Good post.....I had almost forgotten this is a footy forum, I send sooo long in the chill out room.

[Maestro]

Good post.....I had almost forgotten this is a footy forum, I send sooo long in the chill out room.

You mean the Chat Chat Chat room!
I'm a bit worried about our lack of defensive back-up for this game - let's pray that none of our back four get injured tomorrow - I'd expect Kromkamp to be on the bench for this reason.

[Shaggy]

You mean the Chat Chat Chat room!
I'm a bit worried about our lack of defensive back-up for this game - let's pray that none of our back four get injured tomorrow - I'd expect Kromkamp to be on the bench for this reason.

I was thinking exactly the same. We're especially short at centre back - and left back (although Zenden has been known to play there). Kromkamp won't be much help if anyone other than Finnan gets injured.

[Maestro]

Yeah, but Kromkamp is the only fit defender we have for the bench. :shock:
Maybe Rafa will spring a surprise and put Hobbs/Roque or Antwi on the bench?
Although according to the Offal, none have an official squad number...

[leftpeg]

Good post.....I had almost forgotten this is a footy forum, I send sooo long in the chill out room.

Cheers, mate. I'm more used to my posts being thread killers.

[El Jefecito]

reina
finnan hyypia agger aurelio
pennant gerrard alonso gonzalez
kuyt bellamy


???

Bellamy and Crouch to start. Kuyt after 65+ mins. Agree w/everything else.