Beef and I were criticized by some when we both said we should rest most of the first team for today's game. We didn't and it looks like we have now lost Jose before our six pointer next week. So what will Nigel do? 1. Play Jos? 2. Play Cork at CB? 3. Play Martin ? 4. Get a new signing in time for next week? Didn't see the game so don't know how Boruc did overall but can you retain him when he's just let in 5? Sound like Jrod or 3 goal did OK so should we start with him and Rickie up front next week? Thoughts?
Well we don't yet know the extent of the injury, and we didn't really have any choice but to play Fonte. Answer to your question is obvious though, play Hooiveld and Yoshida and hope for the best! I'm sure we're in the hunt for a new defender already, whether that's Astori or someone else. Rodriguez has 5 goals now by the way, if you're including cup games.
Get Astori in quickly lets not mess around if its possible, this our biggest game this season and if we can have a quality cb it will make a huge difference. If not just have to play Hoiveld and pack the midfeild to hope they cant run at him.
We need to get Astori in ASAP, I know this is going to be a bit reactionary, but if we are quibbling over 2mil, our Prem survival is worth a hell of a lot more than that, so cough it up and have him in training on Monday.
Hooiveld is a capable centre back, he was outstanding at times last season and people seem to forget this. His height against Benteke could be a good thing. I agree that loosing Fonte is a bad thing and we need to get a quality centre back long term, but it is not the end of the world playing Hooiveld against Villa.
Should Fonte's injury be serious - or even just enough to put him out of the Villa game - then all of the people who laid heavily into Adkins for his team selection vs Leeds have got exactly what they deserved. Unfortunately, the rest of us - the sane, sensible, understanding majority - don't deserve this. I'm not angry at Adkins in the slightest for playing a strong team. But I'd have preferred a weakened team. The league comes first, and this was always a possibility.
theres an argument for playing Jos to Boss Benteke anyway, beyond Villa, hopefully Fontes back, and we have secured a signing. Hopefully it will force us to push the boat out a bit more in the market. Dont think its the worst thing in the world, hopefully Clyne comes back at RB, then we have Maya, Jos or Cork at centre back, even Richardson if he is fit now? Not ideal, but not a diasaster, we can still play the two holders (Spider and Cork), then have Ramirez, Punch, Lambert and another. Should be enough to protect the back four and get at Villa. (fingers crossed)
Jos had a difficult start like everyone else. but, unlike Fonte, hasn't had a long run in the team to get the chance to improve. Playing him is certainly not a disaster, but hope Jose isn't out for long. What happens of Jos gets injured....need strengthening (as Cortese is no doubt aware).
Exactly what I was saying this morning. NC must not mess about, we need CB reinforcements ASAP. We've been lucky with injuries and suspensions, never going to last. Believe we will stay up but its going to be fine margins.
He bossed Stoke OK, he isnt as bad as people seem to think! I think he just struggles against neat and tidy touch and go football, which is to be expected? Hopefully either Fonte recovers, or we get someone in, but I dont think we should write off Jos too early!
As it is, Hooiveld-Yoshida with Martin on the bench. However, Astori may have signed by then, in which case place him on the bench.
I agree entirely. Lets say we did sign Astori by then - he won`t know his team mates - anyone know if he can speak English ? His communication with Yoshida in particular would be difficult !
