The Alberto Aquilani Show

[Chrono]

Max: No doubt about the fact that Babel and Aquilani should be first choice or that Kuyt and Lucas will start against United?

I think we should still go horses for courses - Lucas and Mascherano were great against United last time we played. The attacking midfield slots are much more debatable.

It is pleasing that Aquilani and Babel are beginning to show something. I still think that Aquilani's record is enhanced by the level of opposition he has faced in those starts. That said I think both of them short be nailed on for the Lille game.

No doubt that Kuyt and Lucas will start.

I know we were playing a poor team but you can see what we are capable of when let off the leash which I think is what went down last night. The previous handful of games everything was incredibly negative where as yesterday there were flicks and tricks galore.

I don't think it is particularly a bad idea to start with these two but my biggest beef is that we always line up in response to an opponent rather than regardless of who we play. I think our players have the ability to take their game to a team rather than build an approach where by we respond to the other team. If you look at Arsenal for example they are not the best at every element of the game but Wenger and the players go in to every game believing they can beat whoever is in front of them, we enter thinking we can snuff out a team's attack and respond when we get the chance.

I love Kuyt but he is the epitome of a player that stops teams playing.

[cream]

Normally I'd agree with this but the form they're in at the moment, I think sitting back deeper (as we will if playing those 2) will only encourage Man U to attack and it will only be a matter of time before we concede.

We need to keep Rooney under lock and key, two DM's is a must for the United game.

[Craig_H]

Normally I'd agree with this but the form they're in at the moment, I think sitting back deeper (as we will if playing those 2) will only encourage Man U to attack and it will only be a matter of time before we concede.

The only major threat of conceding is Rooney.

If we stop him, or stop the service to him, they'll struggle. Obviously anyone else COULD score, but in terms of major consistent threat, he's all they have.

[cream]

the tragedy in all this is that even though last night was one of the best performance and result of the season, we will probably never see that line up again.

[Craig_H]

the tragedy in all this is that even though last night was one of the best performance and result of the season, we will probably never see that line up again.

Surely that depends on whether you predict it before the match or not?

[cream]

The only major threat of conceding is Rooney.

If we stop him, or stop the service to him, they'll struggle. Obviously anyone else COULD score, but in terms of major consistent threat, he's all they have.

I think stopping the service to him is more important, we need to stop the crosses into the box, I worry about what Valencia will do to Insua, if Rooney gets half decent service, he'll score. Would be better if Rooney went looking for the ball, Masch will need to support Insua leaving Lucas in the middle.

[Craig_H]

Is Aurelio not fit yet?

He kept Ronaldo in his back pocket last season, he'd handle Valencia easy enough.

[el matador]

Funny thing is Aqua and Babel will make way (IMO) for Lucas and Kuyt, probably on Sunday at OT.

unfortunately, it is inevitable that we will retreat into our shells for such an important game.

But we need to give united to think about, they are susceptible to pace and power and that's why babel needs to play. Even if he doesnt create, he will make sure that valencia has to track back to help brown or neville.

I would really like babel to tear neville to pieces.

[Exiled_red]

unfortunately, it is inevitable that we will retreat into our shells for such an important game.

But we need to give united to think about, they are susceptible to pace and power and that's why babel needs to play. Even if he doesnt create, he will make sure that valencia has to track back to help brown or neville.

I would really like babel to tear neville to pieces.

[Craig_H]

unfortunately, it is inevitable that we will retreat into our shells for such an important game.

But we need to give united to think about, they are susceptible to pace and power and that's why babel needs to play. Even if he doesnt create, he will make sure that valencia has to track back to help brown or neville.

I would really like babel to tear neville to pieces.

I'd like that job myself, but since i wont be taking to the field, i'd happily see Babel do it.

[cream]

Surely that depends on whether you predict it before the match or not?

It was amazing Rafa actually dropped his loverboys, its like he read my post and thought 'I'll show that cunt'.

[Craig_H]

It was amazing Rafa actually dropped his loverboys, its like he read my post and thought 'I'll show that cunt'.

Or you just dropped a bollock

[squaddie]

I can see why he'd play Lucas and Kuyt at OT, keep it tight and compact, and stop them playing. No problem.

It's when we do it at ****ing Wolves and Wigan, that i despair.

Aquilani was excellent last night, a sign of things to come.

Spot on.

[red g]

the tragedy in all this is that even though last night was one of the best performance and result of the season, we will probably never see that line up again.

we will if you tell us that kuyt and Lucas are stating again

[-V-]

Playing 2 defensive mids at Old Trafford would be a major risk as we would be going back to everything thats been frustrating us all for the past month. It may have worked at Anfield where we had the crowd behind the players but if we do that on sunday I can honesly see us losing 1-0