I know I might have rose-tinted goggles on where Benny is concerned, but he didn't have any worse a game on Weds than most of the others. His problems - and those for the team as a whole - were exacerbated by the strategy of playing Hudd and Parker. When we changed things around in the last 20 minutes, lo and behold the team as a whole were more themselves and indeed it was Benny's pass that helped set up the equaliser and his interception at the back post that prevented a 3rd for Chelsea. Only one player came off the pitch on Weds with 94 minutes credit in his pocket and we all know who that was!!!!
Lloris, Walker Dawson, Caulker, BAE, Holtby, Verts, Lennon, Bale, Sigs, Ade. Assuming Dembele is not fit....
What's happened to Kaboul, has he had a setback. I expected him to have at least got on the bench by now?
I've predicted a 1-1 draw. Unforunately for Spurs, Stoke are back to playing like Stoke again after a poor run.
I agree relayer. I didn't think he was that bad to be honest. We also have to bear in mind that the team went out to win the game, which was obviously going to expose the likes of Benny and Walker. - i didn't think either of them were bad considering. - Let's not forget who the midfield he was up against either!
Kaboul had a small setback in his 2nd (I think) U21 comeback game a few weeks ago, a different injury I think, but its ruled him out for the season, tbh it was hardly worth bringing him back when every game counts, he'd have been rusty as hell and basically run out games before full fitness anyway. I'd say its better he just recuperates the latest knock, has a hoilday, and builds gradually through pre-season with everyone else.
Some good news - that tool Lawrensen 'can't see us getting a win' at Stoke!!! He has us down for a 1-1 so that's one possible result we can rule out........
The last time I looked his seasons predictions had Liverpool above us, so I think I will stick with my original opinion about his prediction skills......
To get fourth, we need to hit a kind of perfecta: not drop points against lower-ranked teams, which we have a history of doing (especially Stoke) while Arsenal does drop points against lower-ranked teams, which they don't have a history of doing. We'll know a lot more in a couple of days. I guess I'm glad to hear Dembele is available, which I guess means he'll probably start. I say I guess because while I'm a huge Dembele fan (did you know he leads the PL in highest percentage of long-distance passes completed?) our tendency to start half-fit players is something I can't say I think has served us well, overall (except for Bale). Dembele will do his best, but it will be one of those games where he doesn't do much, and we're hoping his presence will make a big difference. Walker Jan Caulker Beni Dembele Holtby/Parker Bale Lennon Gylfi Ade
I wouldn't like to say. They have an advantage at present, but both Wigan and Newcastle are fighting for their lives.
I really rate benny but thought he was awful last saturday and on wednesday...he spent saturday hoofing the ball and was caught in positions several times on wednesdays. I think he'll regain his form soon as he rarely plays poorly for more than 1 match.
