Manchester City - Carling Cup Build Up

[Muddled]

I don't we think we'll have a better opportunity of grabbing silverware in a while than this. We don't have to win, but we should go for it. We need Spearing's aggression in there.

Even in Rafa's last season, we got up for the Europa League semi-final. How about we get up for this? A chance at Wembley against Championship opposition for a trophy.

Agreed.

It's a trophy and hopefully a stepping stone that could breed some confidence.

I just hope we take the game to them and don't set up to contain them for 90 minutes and invite pressure. As you, Shaggy and Exiled Red have said - Spearing is going to be key here ... which feels really strange typing out.

[Bender]

one thing which can salvage this season would be a trophy or two .......

[Kenneth]

It certainly wouldn't do any harm

[Chris]

I tell you if those shower of over paid windbags dont pull there ****ing pampered fingers out and put at the very least a blood guts and thunder performance against city .

They will though, theres no doubt about it, we'll play with a high tempo and be running all over the place, do the same v Utd then go to **** at Wolves. We've been mentally weak as a club not just a team for decades bar the odd season, no one can seem to get it quite right.

[tiktu]

Kuyt and Downing will start as they are better defensive players than Maxi. Hopefully Jonjo will come for Adam as his defensive contribution is silly free kicks.

Bellamy should be rested for ManU game as in that game we need to attack also.

And please, Gerrard much higher on the field as he just doesn't have it what it takes to play def midfielder.

[Muddled]

Kuyt and Downing will start as they are better defensive players than Maxi. Hopefully Jonjo will come for Adam as his defensive contribution is silly free kicks.

Bellamy should be rested for ManU game as in that game we need to attack also.

I can see your point for bringing Kuyt and Downing in, however, Shelvey for Adam is not really going to solve any of our current problems.

[Craig_H]

It would solve the problem of no ****er getting their lazy arse into the box.

[danperkins]

I wouldn't be surprised if we actually win this game. We are so incredibly frustrating, and these same inconsistencies seem truly deep seethed. We've been doing this type of **** for years now, it's no surprise anymore more when we put in a "shift" like we did last night, when we genuinely have a chance to take advantage.

It's soul destroying stuff, going from highs to lows every 2 weeks.

[kubrickscube]

reina
Johnson Skrtel Agger Enrique
Spearing Adam
Maxi Gerrard Downing
Bellamy

No point sticking Carroll up against the big City defence. Bellamy scurrying in the box and Gerrard, Maxi and Downing lurking in a fluid interchanging attack would be preferable to lumping it in the air, Carroll losing the headers or getting in the way of our own shots.

[Pablo]

Against all logic I suspect we will get through to the final.

[Muddled]

reina
Johnson Skrtel Agger Enrique
Spearing Adam
Maxi Gerrard Downing
Bellamy

No point sticking Carroll up against the big City defence. Bellamy scurrying in the box and Gerrard, Maxi and Downing lurking in a fluid interchanging attack would be preferable to lumping it in the air, Carroll losing the headers or getting in the way of our own shots.

Dunno, I'd like to see Carroll having another shot at Savic. I guess the main question is whether Bellamy is able to play Man City *and* Man Utd, because I think I would prefer him for the latter.

[Muddled]

It would solve the problem of no ****er getting their lazy arse into the box.

This is true, Shelvey would provide support our attack. But looking from a defensive perspective, he wouldn't help Spearing whereas at least Adam would be in the vicinity to support him.

I just find Shelvey odd and I can't put my finger on why. Not because he posted a picture of his dick on Twitter, but more to do with his lack of 'position' and where he plays; he doesn't strike me as a defensive midfielder, or a central midfielder, nor suitable for the right side ... he's just like a floater.

Not in that sense, obv.

[Chris]

Bellamy simply has to start if he's ready, theres a cup final at stake, get there then worry about Man Utd.

[Craig_H]

This is true, Shelvey would provide support our attack. But looking from a defensive perspective, he wouldn't help Spearing whereas at least Adam would be in the vicinity to support him.

I just find Shelvey odd and I can't put my finger on why. Not because he posted a picture of his dick on Twitter, but more to do with his lack of 'position' and where he plays; he doesn't strike me as a defensive midfielder, or a central midfielder, nor suitable for the right side ... he's just like a floater.

Not in that sense, obv.

Shelvey provides support to the attack while Gerrard (who has been in a holding position for the most part) sits alongside Spearing.

[Muddled]

Shelvey provides support to the attack while Gerrard (who has been in a holding position for the most part) sits alongside Spearing.

I just think it's replicating as apposed to innovating.

If anything, Adam at least provides a little balance due to his left peg and range of passing. For me, it's Shelvey or Gerrard as they make the same runs. I know Gerrard has been playing deep, but he's still going forward when the opportunity arises - unfortunately it's usually the same time as Adam, which has made us exposed - with Spearing, they should have more protection, making the need for Shelvey obsolete.

In my opinion of course.