Birmingham Away Build Up

[Craig_H]

Never feel confident going to Birmingham.

Me neither, especially since the bit i normally park in is closed off to traffic, due to ****ing road works.

[PTP]

Totally agree with the side. Aurelio's out with an achilles injury FFS

haha is he....ffs, i didn't even think about him tbh.

[Exiled_red]

Me neither, especially since the bit i normally park in is closed off to traffic, due to ****ing road works.

[Neil Young]

I think in the absence of the seemingly similar styled Kuyt that we might get more out of Jovanovic. Maxi is more of a natural wide player and I think that balance might help him and I'd persevere with him. I also think Babel would make a better impact sub.

I agree it is unlikely that with such little time with either that Roy would be looking at playing Poulsen and Miereles. That said his inclination so far this season has been to have Gerrard in the middle so he might well stick with that. Not sure who if anyone is a good choice to partner Torres in our squad when Kuyt is out though.

He might also feel moving Gerrard forward after his England performances is risking putting himself too much in the firing line if things don't work out.

I want to see Meireles play.

Correct that, I don't just want to see Meireles play; I want to see him play well so I can start to believe maybe things aren't quite as terrible as I fear.

[DKdan]

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

Glen Jen------Carra-----Agger------Konc

--------------Poulsen-----Meireles-------

Maxi--------------Stevie G-------TwitBoi

--------------------Nando---------------

Subs: Jones, Kelly, Skrtel, Lucas, Jovanovic, Pacheco, Ngog

[JohnDoe]

0-0 all over it.

[Craig_H]

Much as i think Meireles will be good, it's worth allowing him some time to settle and adjust. Bearing this in mind, i'd be reluctant to field both Poulsen and Meireles together.

[Ben_Itez]

I think Roy will go for (judging on his pattern of selection so far):

Pepe

Johnson
Carra
Skrtel
Konchesky

Maxi
Meireles
Gerrard
Jovanovic

Ngog
Torres


Wouldnt be confident with that team.....however, i wouldnt be too confident in an XI i'd select either. My usual optimism has deserted me i'm afraid.

My choice:

Pepe

Johnson
Carra
Agger
Konch

Lucas
Meireles

Maxi
Gerrard
Babel

Torres

[Mostar]

I'd start:

Reina

Johnson Carra Agger Konk

Maxi Poulson Meireles Babel

Gerrard

Torres

That would be my choice for starting 11. I do think though that Roy will probably play Leiva instead of Poulsen.

Never feel confident going to Birmingham.

Neither do I. Tough game and as long as we don't lose I'd be content.

[Pablo]

No idea why I picked Poulsen in my original XI. I just remembered he's completely **** so I'm dropping him for the slightly less **** Lucas. Meireles better be bloody good!

[Lecter]

Think Babel is gonna be used soley as a striker this season, at least that's what Roy appeared to imply when he spoke about Babel?

So my midfield would probably be (same back line and keeper)

Poulsen Mereiles
Maxi Gerrard Aurelio

With Torres keeping their CB's honest.

Got a feeling that we might see Lucas start tho, with Meireles coming on later.
Torres

Isnt Aurelio still injured?

[banditos]

N'gogs injured aint he? Might help Roy avoid another disastrous 442.

[Mostar]

No idea why I picked Poulsen in my original XI. I just remembered he's completely **** so I'm dropping him for the slightly less **** Lucas. Meireles better be bloody good!

****e or not ****e I'd still take him over Lucas.

[Lecter]

I think Roy will go for (judging on his pattern of selection so far):

Pepe

Johnson
Carra
Skrtel
Konchesky

Maxi
Meireles
Gerrard
Jovanovic

Ngog
Torres


Wouldnt be confident with that team.....however, i wouldnt be too confident in an XI i'd select either. My usual optimism has deserted me i'm afraid.

My choice:

Pepe

Johnson
Carra
Agger
Konch

Lucas
Meireles

Maxi
Gerrard
Babel

Torres

Echo said yesterday N'Gog has a hamstring injury

[Mostar]

N'gogs injured aint he? Might help Roy avoid another disastrous 442.