Man City buildup

[Craig_H]

I think Hodgson's worry is that Lucas could easily be bossed and bullied by the likes of toure/Kompany etc depending who they are playing and I am he is hoping Poulsen gives them a bit of a roughing up

Lucas would be sitting in front of our back four - Toure and Kompany would be doing the same job for them (unless Kompany plays CB).

So he wouldnt really be directly coming up against them that much.

[-V-]

Shocked because Torres is directly linked to our potential success this season and also Roy's own perceived success managing a big club.
Is losing away to Man City a big blow in potentially finishing in the top 4? not to me it isn't as the 'bigger 7 or 8' clubs will take points off each other so it's how we do home and away against the other 13 or so clubs that will define our season.

Now IF Torres is rushed back and breaks down again and we have had plently of examples of this in the last 2 seasons then that could masssively impact on our results which will impact our league position which ultimately could impact if Roy Hodgson stays as our manager.

That's why I'd be shocked because Torres staying fit is far far more important than playing from the start against Man City.


Also, you could tell that after the initial burst of excitment and enthusiam from Torres the other Thursday he faded in the last 15 mins or so which is perfectly normal and to be expected.
In the last 15 mins he didn't play or look like someone fully fit who had more to give because he had played less, he looked like a player short of fitness, probably short of a little confidence in his body not breaking down.

I completely agree, we need to be careful with him and ease him back in slower. He's not played enough football yet to be starting tonight, he could break down again

[red g]

I completely agree, we need to be careful with him and ease him back in slower. He's not played enough football yet to be starting tonight, he could break down again

yep doesnt seem ready for 90mins and would have been better to give hiim the second half against tired legs.

Well hopefully he can score a hat trick and come off afer an hour

[Shaggy]

Well I'm glad he's starting.

[red g]

Well I'm glad he's starting.

I do seem to recall on awful lot of threads saying that we should start Torres, let him score a couple then take him off........Now Roy looks like he is doing that.

[-V-]

Yeah but Roy is going against the advice of the sports science team who don't think Torres is ready yet. It may seem great now that he's starting but if he pulls up injured again then it will be a huge blow

[Craig_H]

He could pull up if he comes off the bench too, you know.

[Fernandinho]

When was the last time Torres started for us in the EPL? I'm so keen to see him play!!!

[BG1973]

I repeat, I salute you Roy. Though the same formation as Rafa's you've already improved its effectiveness which Rafa could never see beyond.

Excellent. Are we talking theorectical effectiveness improvement? Or TEI as some people call it?

Others just say Bull****.


You've never seen that side play but already you know it's going to be more effective. And therefore you can have a little pop at Rafa. Wonderful.

[DannyMan2006]

Yeah but Roy is going against the advice of the sports science team who don't think Torres is ready yet. It may seem great now that he's starting but if he pulls up injured again then it will be a huge blow

Where the did you read that? I've not seen any article that suggests that, on the contrary I've seen Hodgson state Torres is continuing to be assessed by the sports science lot, as is every other player and he is going along with their wishes.

What you are suggesting is complete rubbish.

[Exiled_red]

If Torres does start I'd be very surprised if he plays the full 90mins, I'd expect him to play 60-70mins max

[Chazza]

Couple of rumours knocking about that Masch isnt playing, one saying the Barca deal is done but being held up by Hleb not wanting to come to us and another that he is just refusing to play.

[Shaggy]

Couple of rumours knocking about that Masch isnt playing, one saying the Barca deal is done but being held up by Hleb not wanting to come to us and another that he is just refusing to play.

I've heard the latter. I've backed Masher all the way here, wanted him in the side for Arsenal (didn't let me down) and want him to play tonight and stay. If he's refusing to play he can **** right off.

[Exiled_red]

IF Mascherano is refusing to play, that puts us in a very difficult situation, he'll have to leave and we'll be in a poor position to negotiate a good deal for him

[Craig_H]

He's in breach of contract if he doesnt play. But then, i dont suppose he cares.