From the BBC site: Adam Johnson (dead leg) and defender Danny Rose (ankle) are doubtful for Sunderland's trip to Manchester United tomorrow. Phil Bardsley and skipper Lee Cattermole (both knee ligaments) are not in contention but boss Martin O'Neill is hopeful Steven Fletcher can shake off a problem with his ankle.
it could be seen as good news though. If you expect to get beat then they aren't risked and should be back sooner than MON taking a gamble and one of the lads being out for longer. an odd approach I agree though.
Bardo & Catts we all know about and to a degree we all know Rose & Johnson would be struggling but as said they only have minor knocks. Rose is hard as nails though and I expect him to play through any knock that he has, what better stage to show he means business than Old Trafford! Johnson might miss out but at least he should be back for Southampton.
Hmmm, if all those mentioned are injured how do we lineup? Mig Gardner...Cuellar...OShea...Colback Sess...Larsson...Vaughan...McClean Wickham...Saha Westwood Kilgallon Bramble McFadden Campbell Ji Noble Doesn't fill me with confidence.
Even with a full squad available, I would expect a hammering. If anybody is 99% fit or under, rest them and have them fully fit for Southampton, which is a winnable game.
Why though? we havnt been hammered by Man U since keanes 2nd game against them in our first season back 0-4, We havnt beat them since then either but its been all by the odd goal or even draws. This season they are at their most Vulnerable I just dont think they have been as clinical as in the past and their defence isnt as dominant as it has been. I have us down for 2-2 but I have a feeling we may sneak it.
I'm with Steve I was hoping to take something from them. If Rose and AJ are out, methinks my bet on us drawing or winning are up **** creek mind. MIght end up a rear guard action but dont think we will get tonked TOO badly.
I was joking mate but honestly one of our best defenders, the bloke is average at best shocking against Chelsea and when he came on the other night we done nothing down that side, he cannot play a decent pass at all Gardner is a far better RB get a couple of good CM's in Jan, let Gardner play RB till the summer then a new RB with similar attributes to Rose on the other side is a must
............................Mig ............................. Gardner,Kilgannon, O shea, Cuellar, Colback Vaughn........Sess...... Sebb.......Mclean ........................Whickham......................... Got to keep the score down!.
I would go with.... ------------- Mignolet ------------- Gardner - O'Shea -- Cuellar - Colback Larsson - Sess -- Vaughan - McClean ------- Wickham --- Fletcher ------- Remember when we went for it with Bent and Jones and we should of beat them, we would of if it wasn't for the own goal in extra time If we go there and sit back they will get a few lets go there and be positive, play sess as an Orthodox CM, get Seb and McClean whipping it in for Wickham and Fletcher AJ on the bench
I agree about them looking a bit more vulnerable, they have been heavy scorers this season, RVP and Rooney have got 7 between them in the last few games. I don't go on previous records, I go on current form and situation, and I have a feeling it will be a very easy afternoon for them mate.
My point is though, they have a poorer team than in the recent past and our team is better than most of what we have had in the past 5 years (others will disagree and blame bruce but i dont think its that bad) so i give us a chance if we dont sit back but i have a feeling MON will. so we will get slaughtered.
