--------------------Gomes---------------------- -Walker--Bassong--Khumalo--Assou-Ekotto- -Lennon-----Modric---Huddlestone--Pienaar- -----------Van der Vaart----------------------- ---------------------Crouch-------------------- Subs: Cudicini, Hutton, Kaboul, Bale, Kranjcar, Palacios, Defoe, Pavlyuchenko.
Looks a bit weak defensively and there's a lack of pace, but there's a lot of creativity. Crouch will need to hold the ball up better than he normally does and it'd be nice to see a committed performance today, all round.
Would've liked to have Niko start instead Of Pienar. Suppose they have done it to keep the home fans happy.
Pienaar hasn't played yet, so I'm happy to see him getting a run out. I'd like to see Kranjcar getting a chance to play in the van der Vaart role in the second half, though.
Really don't like how Modric is captain again. Give it to someone who isn't dreaming of a move to Chelsea. Walker and Lennon together should be interesting though.
I hope that a decent pre-season should add a bit of sharpness to van der Vaart's play and that we'll find suitable back-up for him or use Kranjcar in that role more often.
2-0. Van der Vaart is put clear through on goal by a great ball from Assou-Ekotto. Hits his first shot quite well, but the keeper saves. He can only block it and the Dutchman chips the ball back over him.
One of the Pirates is down injured. He's wearing luminous lime green boots, with orange stripes and a purple tongue. I have no sympathy.
