Matth will still make one. Probably 2 or 3 when the mods are busy, so it's a risky strategy. But I agree quality thread 100 times better than Matths.
Blind and Fellaini deserve to have a longer run together. Di Maria and Januzaj too. If Falcao is injuered, then it is RVP and Rooney at the front. This is a tasty attacking force and we have players on the bench who can make the difference if change is required. We haven't had this level of resources for a very long time (going back to the time Ronaldo left even). It is now up to players to avoid stupid suspensions (like Rooney's) and injuries. Looking forward to meeting City even at the Etihad. Let's hope our imnprovement continues. If we can keep Silva and Toure quiet and Aguero is not on one of his storming forms then 2-2.
------------------DDG Rafael---Smalling----Rojo----Shaw -----------------Blind -Mata/Herrera-------------Di Maria -----------------Fellaini -------------RVP------Rooney
The mad thing about this side is that it doesn't contain Falcao, Januzaj, Carrick and potentially one of Mata, Herrera or Rooney, assuming Fellaini plays. In other words, loads of options to work with. Once that lot really click.........
To be honest Chief - Carrick will be lucky to get a look in now as your replacements look better, and they like to move the ball quickly up the pitch rather than slowly and sideways. He'll have to really impress in training to get back in your starting 11 imo.
Indeed. We're only a couple of players away from being a very good side. Who would have thunk that at the end of last season.
A couple of players and some time for the team to gel. There IS a potential for a good side. And there is competition for places. Before, it was a given that RVP, Rooney, Carrick etc would play. Now if their form drops they can be replaced. We need to get a good stable defensive line up in front of De Gea. I think this team passed the Chelsea test at OT. On to the Etihad. I don't think LVG will go there with fear. No matter what the result may turn out to be.
Yes maybe, but for the last eight or so seasons he's been more or less our main CM and now he's a reserve. Which kind of emphasises the point I'm making. Which is that things are gradually appearing more rosy.
I've not been a fan of his in recent seasons precisely bcos of the reasons you've stated. I also wanted the end of him by latter part of last season. But looking at our team now, instead of what he can offer us going forward (which you're right, his replacements are offer more) he can now just focus on breaking up play, reading and intercepting passes, and protecting the back 4. I'm kinda thinking he's had too much on his plate over the last 3-4 seasons. Maybe now, he can be master of one role in midfield (something he's good at) instead of judged on being jack of all trades. At the least I'd like to see.
I did. He said in terms of results. He could have worded it better because even with better results, it don't make a Club bigger than another. He never was the sharpest tool in the box, old pink hooter