No replacement for Keane - who will benefit?

[dww]

I know a lot of people see it as weakening the squad significantly but this isn't a thread about that. We have some indication from the last few games but who do you think will end up benefiting from more game time now that Keane is no longer an option?

My suspicion is that Benayoun will get most extra pitch time with possibly babel seeing more time up top compared to on the wing but probably not seeing many more minutes.

[SimonNo7]

I know a lot of people see it as weakening the squad significantly but this isn't a thread about that. We have some indication from the last few games but who do you think will end up benefiting from more game time now that Keane is no longer an option?

My suspicion is that Benayoun will get most extra pitch time with possibly babel seeing more time up top compared to on the wing but probably not seeing many more minutes.

My suspicion is Manure, Chel$ki, Villa, the Arse and even Neverton if Torres gets injured!

[red g]

I know a lot of people see it as weakening the squad significantly but this isn't a thread about that. We have some indication from the last few games but who do you think will end up benefiting from more game time now that Keane is no longer an option?

My suspicion is that Benayoun will get most extra pitch time with possibly babel seeing more time up top compared to on the wing but probably not seeing many more minutes.

The team will benefit as i see us playing more to Gerrards strengths i dont see much of an overall change, maybe Babel if torres gets injured or maybe Rafa had a good ol chat with Babel and told him this could be his chance

[Pablo]

It seems that N'gog is ahead of Babel in terms of getting a go up front. Whenever Babel gets on it seems to be as a winger. I'd say our strikers listed in terms of choice are:

1. Torres
2. Kuyt
3. N'Gog
4. Babel

However, in terms of the most used player from the bench in the last few games its definitely been Benayoun, although I still prefer him as an impact sub rather than a starter.

[dww]

My suspicion is Manure, Chel$ki, Villa, the Arse and even Neverton if Torres gets injured!

I seem to remember we were top when Torres was injured

[SK]

Probably benny as dww said, i'd like to see nemeth get a couple of games when he gets back from his loan

but overall i don't see much change in the team selection with keane's departure..he wasn't a starter anyway and we've got kuyt, babel, n'gog and torres who can all play as strikers - have some faith in our team lads

[Baldemort]

It will be 4231 from now on every game with dirk, al, stevie and nando attacking and alonso and mash 'sitting'. If nando gets injured then hopefully babel will get a run upfront.

[Woobus]

The team and our results, will hopefully keep playing 4231 instead of bloody 442.

[red g]

It seems that N'gog is ahead of Babel in terms of getting a go up front. Whenever Babel gets on it seems to be as a winger. I'd say our strikers listed in terms of choice are:

1. Torres
2. Kuyt
3. N'Gog
4. Babel

However, in terms of the most used player from the bench in the last few games its definitely been Benayoun, although I still prefer him as an impact sub rather than a starter.

strangely enough, i think of all the above Babel is most likely to be given the chance for a sustained period, blatantly the most talented behind torres

[SimonNo7]

I seem to remember we were top when Torres was injured

True but I believe Keane played quite a lot (I know he got subbed on 60mins every game) during that time

[ufc43]

United

[Joe King]

The thing people bang on about with Keane is that we have weakened our side yet many people felt he didn't contribute much in the first place so in that case, you can't have it both ways. Personally, Gerrard will be allowed to play in his best position with Torres. Mascherano will get a sustained run in the side which we might see him return to last seasons form. I hope Babel realises this is a door which has opened up for him - he comes across as the sort of player who relishes the big occasions - from now on to the last day, its cup finals. Lets hope he can get his act together.

[The Erectile Banana]

I know a lot of people see it as weakening the squad significantly but this isn't a thread about that. We have some indication from the last few games but who do you think will end up benefiting from more game time now that Keane is no longer an option?

My suspicion is that Benayoun will get most extra pitch time with possibly babel seeing more time up top compared to on the wing but probably not seeing many more minutes.

I agree with this analysis. It would also be nice if it gave Nemeth the chance to get involved in a few match squads when he returns from injury.

[Imy]

I agree with this analysis. It would also be nice if it gave Nemeth the chance to get involved in a few match squads when he returns from injury.

[Harv]

Babel and M'bop