Can we play Whitts and Daehli together by leaving out Eikrem from the starting lineup? Medel and Mutch back in for Man U reduces the 5 man midfield options to any 3 from the other 9. Whitts, Daehli, Eikrem, Gunnar, Kim, Noone, Bellamy, Cowie (even Zaha?) Mason must be a non starter and Cornelius must have shot his bolt as an choice after that lot on Saturday. Berget must be an option off the bench, but Campbell/Kenwynne must get the one up front slot. I've never known such a choice of options at City. Ole needs to get the combo right - the Man U game is a bonus in my opinion. At the start of the season, no one would have expected us to get anything up there. Although things have gone relatively badly for them this season, realistically it should still be pencilled one of the "null point" games. OK, so let's have a go at that midfield. Eikrem had a bad 'un against Bolton, so it's...... ........Whitts, Medel, Mutch, Daehli and Noone for me, with Campbell to start up top. Ole seems to like Gunnar though, and I think he could start with him again leaving Daehli on the bench.
Still think Eikrem should have a chance personally. Havent seen enough of the lad. From what I hear about Daehli, lets give him a game!!
Zaha won't be allowed to play against Utd even if he's signed in time (thought they were announcing 3 signings today). Bellamy on the left and Noone on the right, with Medel, Mutch and Kim in the middle with FC up top. Eikrem, Daehli and Jones off the bench.
Remote - haven't been impressed by Kim lately. He seems to have lost that little bit of judgement that set him apart earlier on. Loses the ball a lot instead of laying it off. The lad is obviously talented, but just appears to be struggling to find form to me. If he does come good, he's definitley a potential match winner - at the moment, I'd leave him out in favour of Daehli.
I've thought the same about Kim. He's quick over 3 or 4 yards with great close control but is unable to sustain the pace over longer distances. Defenders are either standing off or doubling up on him, i.e. he's been found out. Still a good guy to have from the bench as an impact player. Time to try some new options now and as you say Sparks, we have plenty of them. I just hope the newbies can provide the quality missing when Gunnar and Cowie come on as subs.
For years it was said Whitts should be playing in the premiership, well it would be nice to see him start playing because so far he is wasting every free kick and corner he takes. Turner does not look as confident as he should be. Cowie tries hard but he is nowhere near good enough. Gunnar I like but he`s struggling. Kim and Mason had a poor game at Bolton but have shown quality. Medel has been taken off a few times and my heart sinks knowing Whitts is left on the pitch. However Ole will be actively on the training ground and who knows he might get the improvement out of the players who so far have not been good enough. I would think no matter what team starts we will have a very strong bench waiting to come on and change a game. We must have enough now to win games needed. jck
Agreed about Whitts to be honest guys. Obvious skill but severely lacking confidence in using it this season. Dead ball deliveries and goal attempts have been very poor. Like Odemwingie, Kim and Eikrem on Saturday, Whitts seems off the pace and has been caught in possession too often and lost the ball cheaply. He's got no zip about the pitch to help make up for these recent failings - I think he should be rested, but I somehow don't think Ole will. I asked in the OP if anyone thought we could play Whitts and Daehli at the same time. If they can't be, as young as he is, it would be a fair shout to start Daehli ahead of him as the playmaker, and introduce someone more solid around him like Gunnar of even Cowie.
I would play Marshall KTC, Caulker, Turner, Kev Noone, Medel, Mutch, Gunnar, Daehli FC I'd tell FC to run himself flat on 70 minutes to be replaced by KJ and look to replace Gunnar with either Witts or Cowie depending on how the match is going. RVP and Rooney coming back is a massive kick in the bollocks though and has removed all my confidence.
