... for the Liverpool game? "RLB has been handed a boost after Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki avoided yellow cards in the 2-0 victory against Wolves. The pair remain just two cautions away from a one-match suspension under PL rules. Any player who receives five yellow cards in their first 19 league matches is automatically banned for one game." Personally I'd allow them to take a ban for the Liverpool away game.
Nope, as mad as it sounds I don't see any reason we shouldn't be aiming to go there and get something. They're in horrid form, lost 4 on the bounce, and are only 1 point ahead of us. I'd rather we have our best players available for the biggest games, if they have to miss a game then hopefully it's an easy one like Newcasle or something... . Besides, they might make it all the way to 19 without racking up 5 yellows...
My worry is that they're booked at Liverpool which would mean they'd be risking a ban during the Man City ... ... I'd rather they picked up a card against Bournemouth then a second at Liverpool. I'd rather we have our best players available for the 'easier' games
They'd need to be booked twice, not once. They've picked up three in eight games ... ... they have seven games to pick up two more cautions. That's virtually on course for the Newcastle game.
Tbf I’d misread, thought they had 4 now for some reason. Wouldn’t mind their 5th coming in the Mags fixture.
At some point we’ll have Xhaka absent at which point other players will have to step up. I’d rather Xhaka took a hit for the Liverpool game, so he has a break, and is back for Man City and the derby. I hate to be the one to say this but the derby is much more important than either of those two games. It’s a better chance of three points and a win could define our season, put us above Newcastle and make Christmas a time of great joy If Xhaka misses the derby, through a fifth card at Man City I’d be gutted.
Xhaka to get a yellow will be in my bet on Saturday, midfield will be a battlefield at Stamford Bridge.
See what your saying, I'm just not sure I like the idea of playing for an intentional yellow to lose one of our best players for one of the biggest games of the season... Xhaka and Sadiki both might get through all 19 without a 5th card so why get them banned if there's no need? I'm not saying it's likely, but I remember years back Diego Costa was 1 yellow away from a 2 match ban for most of the second half of the season, and it was apparently a question of "when" he'll get banned not "if"... Well, he didn't pick up another booking for the rest of the year. Besides, we have to trust our squad. Xhaka is unreal, but a midfield 3 of Sadiki, Rigg, Le Fee isn't exactly awful, imo
Completely understand the logic of this but I'm not sure I would want them both missing together. Xhaka will definitely want to play against Arsenal so will have to ensure he doesn't get 2 consecutive bookings. I just think we should be going into every game trying to get something sovwould rather the inevitable bans were staggered. I guess it's a shame we are out of the league cup as it could have been used for this scenario.
Are we not forgetting O/9 in all this , he is the ideal cover for Granit imo. Some say he is not good enough, but he can defend and instigate attacks from deep. he is a leader and deserves a chance to prove he can cut it in the top flight , spreading the load is the way this season imo.. OaU
We've got Geertruida who can play there too. Don't want Xhaka and Sadiki banned at the same time though.
Me neither. If I could choose I'd have Xhaka miss the Liverpool game so he has a rest then Man City to get back in his stride. I think we have more chance of three points against Newcastle than a point at Liverpool or City. As I've said I'd make sure Xhaka is there for Newcastle, it's not just another game in my opinion ... ... it could be a defining moment in our season and beyond.
