Lyon on Wednesday

[Exiled_red]

Is Dossena injured or out with abug or something? Because if he's fit and can't get into the squad with this many injuries it's almost certain that he has no future at the club

[DannyMan2006]

Is Dossena injured or out with abug or something? Because if he's fit and can't get into the squad with this many injuries it's almost certain that he has no future at the club

Isn't he struggling with a thigh injury?

[The Birdman]

I can't see Darby starting at RB, Rafa picked Kelly ahead of him for the home Lyon game when Johnson was out, Carra will play RB if Agger is fit.

[DannyMan2006]

I very much doubt Aquilani will start, firstly because he's had so little playing time, secondly Rafa usually brings in new players slowly and thridly the injury doubts weren't hanging over Mascherano and Lucas who have been playing that position (centre midfield) this season.

If he started at all it would be behind the striker in the Gerrard role. But I can't see it either. Last 25 maybe.

[DannyMan2006]

I can't see Darby starting at RB, Rafa picked Kelly ahead of him for the home Lyon game when Johnson was out, Carra will play RB if Agger is fit.

That is like saying you wouldn't play David Martin in goal if Reina and Cavalieri were injured, for the simple fact that Cavalieri is second choice.

Kelly played RB against Lyon because he impressed in pre season and deserved a crack.

[Baracus]

If he started at all it would be behind the striker in the Gerrard role. But I can't see it either. Last 25 maybe.

I believe he will start 1st 60 mins, he have no option put to (as the american's would say) blitz lyon in the 1st 25 mins grab a goal or 2 and then see how it pans out.

[DannyMan2006]

Bet Rafa surprises everyone and sticks Plessis in the middle with Lucas and Mascherano at right back.

I can just picture Maschers pissed off face

Oh no.......... That's happened before hasn't it?

Can't afford not to have Mascher in midfield.

[Exiled_red]

Isn't he struggling with a thigh injury?

I don't know, I hadn't seen anything reported, which was why I asked.

[Exiled_red]

I can't see Darby starting at RB, Rafa picked Kelly ahead of him for the home Lyon game when Johnson was out, Carra will play RB if Agger is fit.

Wasn't Darby out injured then though?

[DannyMan2006]

I believe he will start 1st 60 mins, he have no option put to (as the american's would say) blitz lyon in the 1st 25 mins grab a goal or 2 and then see how it pans out.

I think they will Blitz us to start with, what with them being at home. Another option would be to soak up the pressure and play on the counter, then bring on Aquilani and Torres for a late barrage of attacks.

Had we been as solid as usual at the back I'd be happy enough with the last option. But of course, that hasn't been the case and would probably be suicide.

I think I agree in that we have to start at a good tempo and not stay on the back foot too often.

BUT, I am in two minds over whether it would be better to start the game with Torres, or finish it with him. Because if we are behind or level and have to bring him off after an hour, things will not be looking too clever, just like against Fulham.

Whilst bringing him on if we are trailing would give everyone a lift.

In fact, my minds made up. If Torres can only play for an hour, I'd bring him on at half time. Would be a great boost to have Fernando come on against a tiring Lyon.

[Pablo]

Im almost embarassed to admit I'm seriously weighing up avoiding watching this and going the pub quiz instead. Not sure I can take it anymore

[Exiled_red]

I think they will Blitz us to start with, what with them being at home. Another option would be to soak up the pressure and play on the counter, then bring on Aquilani and Torres for a late barrage of attacks.

Had we been as solid as usual at the back I'd be happy enough with the last option. But of course, that hasn't been the case and would probably be suicide.

I think I agree in that we have to start at a good tempo and not stay on the back foot too often.

BUT, I am in two minds over whether it would be better to start the game with Torres, or finish it with him. Because if we are behind or level and have to bring him off after an hour, things will not be looking too clever, just like against Fulham.

Whilst bringing him on if we are trailing would give everyone a lift.

In fact, my minds made up. If Torres can only play for an hour, I'd bring him on at half time. Would be a great boost to have Fernando come on against a tiring Lyon.

If he can only play an half the game as we're the away team I'd agree with that, as long as the game is tight, them as the home team will push on more and more leaving gaps and Torres pace against tired legs

[Baracus]

I think they will Blitz us to start with, what with them being at home. Another option would be to soak up the pressure and play on the counter, then bring on Aquilani and Torres for a late barrage of attacks.

Had we been as solid as usual at the back I'd be happy enough with the last option. But of course, that hasn't been the case and would probably be suicide.

I think I agree in that we have to start at a good tempo and not stay on the back foot too often.

BUT, I am in two minds over whether it would be better to start the game with Torres, or finish it with him. Because if we are behind or level and have to bring him off after an hour, things will not be looking too clever, just like against Fulham.

Whilst bringing him on if we are trailing would give everyone a lift.

In fact, my minds made up. If Torres can only play for an hour, I'd bring him on at half time. Would be a great boost to have Fernando come on against a tiring Lyon.

I agree with that, but with the way things are going were under pressure because we allow it to happen to us, by not having any player except Benayoun who's willing to hold the ball.

If we allow Lyon to blitz us, how long can we hold out for, will be the question.

If they score it makes it twice as hard for us. We need a clean sheet and goals. I'd be more than happy to contain lyon once were winning rather than trying to force the issue later on, as we may not have the quality of players left to do that.

[Marky]

Im almost embarassed to admit I'm seriously weighing up avoiding watching this and going the pub quiz instead. Not sure I can take it anymore

I'm thinking of watching the Arsenal match instead.

[Pablo]

I'm thinking of watching the Arsenal match instead.

Just reading it back, mine was such a Marky post! Apart from the bit about going to the pub obviously!