Don't quite get the laugh SuperAl but here's one to join in the general bonhomie Please tell me however if you're laughing at me, so I can stick you on my ignore list
Parker is apparently fit for this one. Now comes a test for Harry. Does he ditch Sandro for Parker, or does he ditch someone else? Surely he won't let his beloved Scottie be benched? For me, as I've said should be the same team, but I can understand if Harry needs to rotate because of tiredness, etc. but rotate just because Scott is available .... mmmm. Big call for Harry.
I'm fine GH, it's just a bit of an unexpected turnaround for you, that's all. Sandro's done very well in Parker's absence, but three games in 8 days might be a stretch for him, having missed a fair chunk of the season with injury. I'd like to see both of them given time on the pitch ideally, though not simultaneously. As you suggest, it'll definitely be an interesting choice for Redknapp.
http://blogs.birminghammail.net/astonvilla/ Apparently they misheard the bouncer, he only asked if they fancied a relegation fight.
If Sandro plays I hope he doesn't eat all that pasta again before the game....don't fancy seeing that again!
Ssn are just reporting that walker will be playing with a broken toe on sunday, as he's determined to keep playing. That's the spirit, Kyle!
I hope to god Harry doesnt drop Lennon for Parker, Villa are dire going forward and 2 defensive midfielders are not required for this one. If (when more like) he brings Parker back in, it has to be from Sandro and keep the same shape as against Bolton.
Fair comments PNP. I tend towards pragmatism, Lennon played well at Bolton, so I think he deserves to keep his place. I'm not a fan of two wingers as you know, but when they work well then great. Bale did some effective drifting inside as did Lennon to a lesser extent. The big problem with two wingers and the main reason they fell out of favour in the 60s and continue to be out of favour on the whole with top clubs today is that they can get isolated and not affect the play enough. Do any of the four CL semi finalists play two wingers, I don't think so, may be wrong. Chelsea don't even play one, nor do Barca, both using wing back(s) as and when. Bale and Lennon avoided the trap of isolation at Bolton, so they can avoid it at Villa I believe. However Captain Scott's return may well change the whole mid balance. If it's Lennon Parker VDV Luka as part of the front 6 that's too many 'not big' players for me, and affects us defending set pieces as well as getting out muscled in the mid. If Parker plays, I wouldn't play Lennon, but I'm happy to keep the same 6 as started v Bolton, as long as they're fit, etc. They will have had three clear nights rest, so should be recovered. As ever tough choices for Harry.
for me, he's going to have to wait. Sandro has been quality for us since he's been given a chance. it sets a bad example if someone can come in and play 2 good games, then just be dropped because the "first choice player" comes back from injury. Harry seems to set an example to the players, which is to go out there and grab the bull by the horns when given the opportunity. Jake and Walker have both done it this year. Walker's been brilliant and jake's done very well for us when ever he's played. - That's probably why he's played so many games, despite competition for places. It'd be wrong for harry to drop Sandro. Perhaps taking him off after 60 mins against villa, as he will have played 2 and 2/3 games out of 3, might be the better option?
Bayern play with Robben and Ribery, GH. Real arguably use two wingers, in Di Maria and Ronaldo, too. It may not be the ideal formation for every situation, but it appears to be the system that works best for our current personnel. I'd be happy to see another one that worked as well, yet still kept Modric and van der Vaart in the positions that they're best at, but I can't think of one.
oh comon PNP,2 mre matches...he can bust his gut then the poor sod can have 2 months off!!! and if he does tail off in any of the 2 games..Parker should come off the bench..he should not be replacing Sandro who has looked like a beast again!! a good run in the team works wonders.
He might be fine Dona, but he'll be getting bugger all time off in the summer, in all likelyhood. I'd be very surprised if he didn't feature in Brazil's Olympic side.
true..and in all likelihood they will get to the final...thats a medal and another notch in his winning mentality stakes...bodes well for us next year...for once we have a defensive midfielder itching to get forward...he came close to scoring again against Bolton...and i was tempted to have him as a goalscorer for the Villa match..but i dont want to jinx him.....!
Another great article THFC - Thanks. I think we are playing the worse (or at least most negative) team in the prem on Sunday. Villa have been awful; even Wolves have tried to attack and win games whereas Villa seem just to play for a draw and hope for a lucky winner. As far as the Sandro/Parker debate is concerned I would keep Sandro in the team, he was excellent against Bolton despite the multi coloured yawn. The way Sandro has developed augurs well for the future. He will continue to get better and I think he will become a real premiership star in a season or so. Villa 1 Spurs 3. Norwich to get a point against the gooners. All in all a fine weekend.
It wouldn't be a problem to me if Harry went with Sandro on Sunday, but it wouldn't change my view that Sandro still has a lot of work to do before he can be considered a better player than Parker. Sandro is indeed the man in form over the past two games, but he has struggled a lot this season and many of his performances have been average to say the least. He has probably played when not fully fit, which doesn't help a player, but if it's down to a straight choice between Parker and Sandro for Sunday, then i would expect to see Harry go with Parker.
