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[SB]

Only a few days to go till we kick off our highly anticipated Europa League clash with Steaua.

Most couldn't give a stuff but I'm looking forward to it personally. I'm hoping to see some youngsters together with some experienced players like Raul get a run.

Maybe a starting X1 something like this

Jones
Kelly Carra Agger Konchesky
Poulsen
Maxi Raul Shelvey Cole
Babel

Subs
Pepe
The greek
Stevie
NGog
Pacheco
Jova
Johnson
Ecclestone


I'd keep the nucleus of the back 4 so they get more game time playing Roy's preferred man on man marking system which has looked a bit iffy recently. Pacheco could possibly come in for Shelvey with Cole more central. Johnson could get a run in RM but I doubt it.

[JohnDoe]

I'll only care if the likes of Shelvey/Pacheco/Kelly get a game.

[Icon]

I'll only care if the likes of Shelvey/Pacheco/Kelly get a game.

Meireles needs a run mind.

Edit - he can play, right?

[Dirk07]

I'll only care if the likes of Shelvey/Pacheco/Kelly get a game.

shelvey and wilson are in tonights reserve team so doubt they will be in the squad on thursday

[Rich]

Will this be on the telly box?

[dww]

Will this be on the telly box?

Five (19:30-22:10)

[dww]

I'd like to see us play a strong team. We don't have any sort of cohesion yet and this is an opportunity to help that. I'd start with much the same team we played against Birmingham. I'd consider Agger for Skrtel and a change on one of the flanks and possibly Meireles coming in to the centre.

I'd like to see some of the young players get a run out but now isn't necessarily the time for them to start. I'd definitely use them as my preferred substitutes though and look to get them into the action earlier than we have made changes previously this season.

[RichC]

We need some momentum - let's get what we think is our strongest available 11 out on the pitch playing together, I really would like us to use these games to get some sort of cohesion in the side and hopefully get some confidence instilled.

Once thats there play the kids but we need to get this lot working together for the league.

[Pablo]

We need some momentum - let's get what we think is our strongest available 11 out on the pitch playing together, I really would like us to use these games to get some sort of cohesion in the side and hopefully get some confidence instilled.

Once thats there play the kids but we need to get this lot working together for the league.

Playing our strongest XI right before the Man Utd game would be ridiculous. No chance.

[RichC]

Playing our strongest XI right before the Man Utd game would be ridiculous. No chance.

Problem isn't it - I think we're damned if we do and damned if we don't at the moment.

Side looks well short of being a team at the moment and they need games to get this season kick started but certainly see your point about this as well.

[Pablo]

Yep, I get what you're saying we need games and time for our starting XI to gel, and of course a win to boost confidence, but now is not the week to do that.

[DannyMan2006]

Rest all those who played sunday and who also played international football. Also rest Carra who needs the rest.

Make use of the others.

Gkp: Jones
Rb: Darby
Cb: Kyrgiakos
Cb: Skrtel
Lb: Kelly
Rm: Babel
Dm: Meireles
Dm: Spearing
Lm: Pacheco
Am: Cole
St: N'Gog

I'd take Cole and Meireles of early so I could consider them for the United game.

[cream]

Play Suso

[dww]

Yep, I get what you're saying we need games and time for our starting XI to gel, and of course a win to boost confidence, but now is not the week to do that.

To be honest I think it is the time we have to do it. If we go into that game as the disjointed rabble we have been so far this season we will have real problems. We need to get some sort of fluency. It is early in the season and other than players with injury problems we shouldn't be needing to rest many people.

I guess there is a case beyond what I posted above for giving Torres a rest as Roy has stated he worries about him getting through three games in a week.

[Neil Young]

Five (19:30-22:10)

Does Colin Murray still present their football coverage? Surely not now he does MOTD2.

In fact, I can't see how he'd have time given that he seems to present half the programmes on BBC TV and radio at the moment.