Crouch - ideal for Keane's Kickers?

[carlton]

I agree shaggs with all that although i have a feel Benayoun may start this game but i wouldn't be unhappy to see Babel start. Been quite lively the lad when he's took to the field although i would still keep him on the bench and bring him on last 20/25 mins for the time being.
Decisions, decisions.

Isnt it great to have a squad with some genuine talent and depth at last.
? I still think another class striker is needed to partner Torres
as much as I want Dirk to succeed Im not sure its gunna happen.

[Yozza]

fecking hard these days to predict the team altough i reckon much will depend on how long some players will play midweek.

Yeah, feels good to have 2 top quality players for almost each position... I don't think we've been able to say that for a good few years now

Rafa has built an awesome squad

I think Sunderland will try & kick us off the park on Sat.... I'd go with Xabi & Sissoko in the middle with a bit of creativity with Yossi out right with Riise on the left

Torres & Voronin up front - give Kuyt a rest...

Back 4 takes care of itself

[Joe King]

no Yossi, he'll get battered. Little Chief instead of Xabi- give him a rest and I wouldn't complain with the top two

[redblood]

No doubt Sunderland away will be like Sheff Utd away last season.

He will tell his boys to put it up us early on.

They will defend in numbers to avoid defeat after a trouncing at ****ty Wigan, so the aerial route from quality crosses will be a good outlet for us.

Especially a good idea if big Pete has a good game Wednesday, confidence high (that was not a gag by the way )

I think we'll start with the 10 of the same 11 as yesterday Stevie is the only doubt due to fitness, so Mascher to deputise.
Also I hope that's what happens.

[blacky]

I think SG will have a scan on the toe Friday before a decision is made on risking him. If he doesn't play I'd go with alonso and masherano in the middle.

Reina

Finnan
Carra
Hyppia
Arbeloa

Pennant
Masch
Alonso
Riise

Torres
Crouch

Subs:
Charles
Agger
Voronin
Babel
Momo

[Mattshark]

I actually think Kuyt will be perfect against Sunderland, he is tough and his hard work will make a great amount of space for Torres to run into as Sunderlands defence do their best to concede a recorded number of penalties in a season.

[Joe King]

I think Sissoko will play for the mere fact that they are a dirty side and he will give them some!

[Shaggy]

I think Sissoko will play for the mere fact that they are a dirty side and he will give them some!

I remember in Sissoko's first season he played away at Sunderland and he made a massive difference to us at the time. I think he ended up getting sent-off for two yellows as it happens but until then he was immense, and added a destructive physical presence to our side that we'd not had for a long time.

Given the fact that he's not even been on the bench for the first two league games, he should be a banker to start. Obviously SG will probably miss out so he'll be on the bench at least.

[reddragon]

I'm fairly sure Xabi will be rested for this one

[kop-al-74]

I can't wait to see that fcker keanes face when we smash them next saturday.Can't stand the ****.Good footballer but a horrible role model for football and youngsters watching the game.One of the worst ever.

[RPAS]

We're not faggots lads - we can kick the **** out of lads too you know. Ideally Gerrard will play with Mascherano; Xabi looks out of sorts. Stick Momo on the bench to come on for Stevie if we're ahead and want to close the game out. Crouch should start because he deserves a start not because of anyother reason - Torres and Kuyt could handle themselves against anyone. Pennant should play as he seems to be finding form - I'd love to see Babel start as I think he could punish them with his pace. As for this not being "Yossis' type of game" - what a load of ****e - would West Ham have said that last season?

[Nicey]

We're not faggots lads - we can kick the **** out of lads too you know. Ideally Gerrard will play with Mascherano; Xabi looks out of sorts. Stick Momo on the bench to come on for Stevie if we're ahead and want to close the game out. Crouch should start because he deserves a start not because of anyother reason - Torres and Kuyt could handle themselves against anyone. Pennant should play as he seems to be finding form - I'd love to see Babel start as I think he could punish them with his pace. As for this not being "Yossis' type of game" - what a load of ****e - would West Ham have said that last season?

For me I would like to see Voronin get a start maybe himself and crounchino up from .. truth be told I would be happy with any 11 from our current squad .. Stevie should sit this one out though

[JCase]

I hope Momo plays as this game is probably going to be very scrappy. He will give the Sunderland players a horrid time. Predict an ugly game 1-2. But it's the results that matter.

[Joe Le Toff]

Momo and Crouch have to start this game IMO.
Wouldnt be at all surprised to see Voronin in the starting 11 either.

[RPAS]

The likelihood of Stevie scoring against Sunderland rather than Momo is too big a risk not to play him. If we are going to win the league Stevie should/will have to play week in week out as much as possible. Momo should be the man to come on when the game is in the bag to run the last of the energy out of the opposition. 2 from Momo/Xabi/Mascher is in my view restricting our chances of creating enough scoring chances to win the game.