Should we start Ben Arfa in the next 3 games?

Ben Arfa looks very promising but he's frustrated a lot of Newcastle fans since coming here. We can all see he has fantastic ability, but his decision making and lack of understanding that he cannot have so much time on the ball in this league, will frustrate him and a lot of us if he does not get used to it soon enough.

What he needs is more game time. The only way he'll get better is by starting games on a reasonably regular basis, the same as Colo, Jonas and Enrique.

Leon Best has been class all season, despite only scoring 3 goals. He's put in a shift every game and had impact. He deserves a rest and meanwhile Hatem should get more game time.

Line up for the games -

--------------------Ba----------------------

Jonas-------------Ben Arfa------------Marveaux

-------Tiote--------------Cabaye/Guthrie-----

Raylor-------Colo---------Saylor--------Santon/Simmo

------------------Krullington-----------------

 

Yes.

 

No

 

Yes let Ben Arfa run riot.

 

Marveaux's injured isn't he?

Next 3 games may not be the time to let HBA find out he's not going to get the time on the ball he's used to. I'd play Best if he's fit.

 

I'd play Best if he's fit and bring on Ben Arfa to help run the clock down towards the end/fresh legs depending on the situation. Best does a lot of donkey work running the channels, winning headers, holding it up and bringing his team mates into the game that will be vital if we're hoping to get something at places like Man City.

If Best isn't fit then yeah I'd look at starting the lad.

 

Yes. The only way we are going to beat a team like Man City is with a matchwinner type of player. One player who can produce something special out of nothing. Ben Arfa is that type of player.

 

This

And this.

 

Depends who is out really, although I think we should play 5 in midfield against City because they will run riot if we play 4-4-2 imo.

If the worst comes to the worst at all the players who are currently doubts don't play - this would be my team:

Krul

Simpson - Taylor - Coloccini - Taylor

Santon - Gosling/Abeid/Smith? - Guthrie - Jonas

Ben Arfa

Ba

I know, I know - I included Smith in that, hopefully Tiote and/or Cabaye will be fit and it won't come to that, but just say both missed out - would Smith be the player to play? I know he is dog ****, but he is an experienced head with defensive skills which we would need against City. Shoot me down if you like, but I just thought I'd put it out there

 

This.

 

I wouldnt start him personally, but defo bring him on.

 

No chance, we need 10 men that will defend like against Stoke, it won't happen with Ben Arfa on. He'll be better against the teams like Norwich, Swansea, Wigan, Blackburn etc as he'll get more time on the ball and won't be needed to track back.

 

Only in Tash's warped mind would a top-performing player being pushed out the XI because they 'need a rest' be a good decision.

 

Why would you play Raylor at LB & Santon RM? Swap them round maybe?

Bit harsh that! It's "deserves a rest", I'm sure if you ask Besty I'm sure he'll step aside as he feels he deserves a rest

 

Because our defence has been unchanged all season and I think it should stay that way.

Santon would add good protection to Simpson and would also add a good option to the attack imo

 

I never said he "needs a rest", i said he deserves one, and I only suggested it because if we start HBA we're not going to start Best. Best could still be on the bench.

I could understand why he wouldn't get played vs Stoke because of the narrow space ect, but against the likes of Man Citeh and Manure we might need him to produce that magic moment.

Just a thought mate, not saying it should defintely happen, that's why i said "Should we start ben arfa" not "lets start him naaaoooo". I was asking you what you thought on this.

 

Marv is injured, If Best isnt back in time this should be the formation I feel



-------------------------------Krul----------------------------
Simmo/santon-----Saylor------Colo--------------Raylor
----------------Guthrie-----------------Tiote---------------
Ben Arfa ---------------Cabaye----------------Gutierrez
-------------------------------Ba------------------------------

If not then Best for Cabaye and Cabaye for Guthrie. If Cabayes out, Guthrie stays, but it does seem like Marv will be missing the Man City game at least

 

I wouldn't say he's frustrated a lot of us. Everyone recognises his ability and the fact he's just been out for a year! Yes he needs game time and I disagree about defending with 11 men (not with you Tash with someone else below). If we defend for 90 minutes we will get beat. If Man City and United have a weakness, it's their defence. Lescott is poor so let's go out there and get at him! Come on the Toon, let's go out all guns blazing and not give up our unbeaten record without a fight!

 

My thought is that all of our thoughts are irrelevant because we're not the manager and have no connection to him.

 

Agree with it all apart from Lescott being poor. He plays week in week out for the best team in the country and also is an England international. Is a really underrated player imo.

I do agree that we should get at them as sitting back for 90 mins would be a big disaster and would end up being 5-0.