Fiorientina - Build Up Thread

[Pablo]

That article will be pinned on the dressing room wall tonight now the fool!

[dww]

On a different note - does the fact that Ngog is not in the squad for today mean that Babel has now over taken him in terms of being first reserve striker?

[johnly]

On a different note - does the fact that Ngog is not in the squad for today mean that Babel has now over taken him in terms of being first reserve striker?

He mentions loads on his twitter. He post pics of the team on the bus, hotels and all that. I know there's fakes out there, but this one seems genuine. He's been doing some work with a radio station in Liverpool (Juice FM) and they're all messaging him on this

www.twitter.com/ryanbabel19 - he'll say if he's starting on not too

[RedReet]

Hard to tell with a reserve match also on. I imagine that N’Gog will play in this, so maybe Babel got the nod here because of his perceived versatility. I wouldn’t be too surprised to see Babel start on either wing though, with Voronin as reserve striker.

[Pablo]

IMPORTANT UPDATE: I am now getting quite up for this game

[Kenneth]

Are we on the Tele?

[Kenneth]

Are we on the Tele?

Yeah mate, we're on Sky Sports 2.

[Kenneth]

Yeah mate, we're on Sky Sports 2.

I see, thanks. Streams it is then.

[lickedlollipop]

Are we on the Tele?

Can't believe there is live broadcasting on TV, between Barca and Dinamo in my country.. that's disgraceful, sick of slagging Liverpool FC off

[Nick77]

I hope Babel gets some more game time - he's only going to improve if he plays. He showed that he might just be getting things right in his last 2 appearances - all that would be for nothing if he doesn't get more consistent match practice.
Lucas gets time to prove himself, so why not Babel?
And I'm not bashing Lucas, I'm just saying Rafa has been a lot more patient with him & given him a lot more chances to progress than Babel...

[Fan65]

----------------------------Pepe

Johnson-----------Carra------------Skrtel----------------Insua

Babel-------------Lucas------------Gerrard---------------Riera

-----------------------Kuyt
-----------------------------Torres

Think we'll still want to go for the jugular on this one, I'd rather we were comfortable before we start resting players

Looks good to me with Masher out and Benayoun doubtful

Maybe swap Babel for Kuyt as Kuyt would be better cover for Johnson and Babel has at last hit some form and he could do the job just behind Torres.

[DannyMan2006]

I hope Babel gets some more game time - he's only going to improve if he plays. He showed that he might just be getting things right in his last 2 appearances - all that would be for nothing if he doesn't get more consistent match practice.
Lucas gets time to prove himself, so why not Babel?
And I'm not bashing Lucas, I'm just saying Rafa has been a lot more patient with him & given him a lot more chances to progress than Babel...

I'm one of Babels biggest supporters on this site due to being one of few who doesn't think he's ****.

Rafa is doing the correct thing with him at present and Babel has finally knuckled down again and is beginning to respond to his role within the side. When Babel is producing the goods on a regular basis he will then be deserving of a starting place.

If Yossi is rested and no Javier then maybe he will start. I wouldn't say he is fully deserving of it just yet but this will be a big game to him and he tends to produce on the biggest stage, as goals against Man U, Chelsea, Arsenal and a great game at home to Real Madrid testify.

Maybe Kuyt up top with Torres and Ryan on the right would be our best option and let Yossi have a rest if he's not fully fit. Or maybe Kuyt on the right and give Ryan a chance of playing off Torres where I personally think will be his best position in the future.

[JohnnyBarnesdribblesOn]

On a different note - does the fact that Ngog is not in the squad for today mean that Babel has now over taken him in terms of being first reserve striker?

I think he has. Quite pleased to see him productive in recent weeks, its just what we need imo, especially with the perception that our attacking squad strength is weak.

Thinks are looking up for Babel (and us) if he keeps working hard methinks

[DannyMan2006]

On a different note - does the fact that Ngog is not in the squad for today mean that Babel has now over taken him in terms of being first reserve striker?

I think that it's more down to Babel being able to play in a few positions, whilst we also have Voronin who can do a job up front and I think is ahead of N'Gog in the pecking order.

With this in mind it would be more ideal for N'Gog to play a good hour or more with the reserves against a very good Man City team tonight.