So, what of Aquilani?

[Craig_H]

We aren't selling Masc for the money, he wants to go and we cant stop him. No ammount of money we recieve for Aqua will help us keep Masc

If we want to stop him, we can. There's a little matter of a contract.

And if we sell someone else for decent money, it means we can sign a much needed striker.

[Kenneth]

But won't the 3 game ban then turn into a 4-game ban because of a frivolous appeal?

Only if it's deemed frivolous, which is why Roy said he'll think about it and won't make a frivolous one, just to set the tone.

[Rowan]

Nah, I'd play Gerrard in the hole and Lucas alongside Mascherano.

If we appeal the Cole red, the suspension will get delayed though and he'll probably end up missing West Brom at home

There needs to be a thorough process that clearly identifies when it's acceptable to propose playing two out and out defensive midfielders in the same team. I vote never.

[Craig_H]

Surely he then misses the away game against the mancs? If he takes the 3 game hit now he misses City, Brom and (is it?) Birmingham. He'd be back for game against Mancs.

You also risk the chance of an extra game ban

They wont give him an extra game. A 3 match ban alone would be extremely harsh, as it was hardly 'violent conduct' or anything.

As it is, he should only get a 1 match ban. The only problem with the appeal to delay the ban, is that i think the appeal delays the ban for 7 days - and our next game at City is on the ****ing Monday night, so i'm not sure the delay would actually help.

[Craig_H]

But won't the 3 game ban then turn into a 4-game ban because of a frivolous appeal?

That's assuming he gets 3 matches. I dont think that's likely, considering the general consensus was about 50/50 as to whether or not it should've even been a red. It wasnt violent conduct, so i think he'll get a 1 game ban and given what i said before about 50/50 as to whether it was red, i think that alone means that an appeal wouldnt be seen as 'frivolous'.

[SB]

But won't the 3 game ban then turn into a 4-game ban because of a frivolous appeal?

Do you really think it's a frivolous appeal though? I think he's got a case personally, although I am a bit biased

[Exiled_red]

It's an interesting one, I was surprised he didn't make the bench yesterday though (unless he had an injury?), particularly as he didn't go to the World cup and had a full pre-season. I think there will be a role for him especially when injuries and suspensions start to kick in.

[SB]

Surely he then misses the away game against the mancs? If he takes the 3 game hit now he misses City, Brom and (is it?) Birmingham. He'd be back for game against Mancs.

You also risk the chance of an extra game ban

TBH I didn't read the fixture list prior to posting. I just looked at the two matches mentioned

[Exiled_red]

They wont give him an extra game. A 3 match ban alone would be extremely harsh, as it was hardly 'violent conduct' or anything.

As it is, he should only get a 1 match ban. The only problem with the appeal to delay the ban, is that i think the appeal delays the ban for 7 days - and our next game at City is on the ****ing Monday night, so i'm not sure the delay would actually help.

I thought it was deemed 'violent conduct' though, which carries an automatic 3 game ban. I would say the options are a 3 game ban or it being overturned (which I can't see), I'm not sure 1 game is an option.

[Kenneth]

We need to rebuild our cm as soon as funds become available. With mascherano going, lucas and aquilani not apparently good enough or reliable enough. Keep Gerrard, replace the rest. One for next summer maybe.

[Craig_H]

I thought it was deemed 'violent conduct' though, which carries an automatic 3 game ban. I would say the options are a 3 game ban or it being overturned (which I can't see), I'm not sure 1 game is an option.

There's no way on earth that tackle could be deemed as 'violent conduct'.

His right foot was on the ground by the time he made contact with the defender, he wasnt high, his studs werent up and his feet didnt even touch the guy, it was only his momentum as he was sliding that took him into the guy.

[barnes10]

Nah, I'd play Gerrard in the hole and Lucas alongside Mascherano.
If we appeal the Cole red, the suspension will get delayed though and he'll probably end up missing West Brom at home

How many times was this tactic by rafa slated last season. not attacking enough, lucas isnt worthy of a starting place yadda yadda yadda.

aqua in for joe with stevie and masher in the centre is the way forward if we want a goal threat.

[Kenneth]

How many times was this tactic by rafa slated last season. not attacking enough, lucas isnt worthy of a starting place yadda yadda yadda.

aqua in for joe with stevie and masher in the centre is the way forward if we want a goal threat.

Slated by Craig in particular

[SB]

aqua in for joe with stevie and masher in the centre is the way forward if we want a goal threat.

[Fernandinho]

I really want to see Aquilani perform. He definetely brings something to the team that nobody else does. Like I have said before, he brings tempo and wonderful passing to our game. He should defineetely start against the lesser teams in the league, I would love to see him and Cole working with Gerrard and Torres against the park the bus teams.