Does Obertan go into the Arsenal line up (from AP's point of view)?

With Ben Arfa missing the start of the season and the intention to play 4-2-3-1, did we sign Obertan to play off Ba for the first few games? I'm completely unsure what to think of him but I have a feeling that he will play, as will Barton. So anyway, would you play Obertan, and more importantly, do you think Pards will?

 

I wouldn't. An impact sub would be ideal, he will have bags of pace to run at the Arsenal defence. I see a midfield of Barton, Cabaye, Tiote, Jonas & Gosling or Marveaux. Don't see Pardew playing him.

 

I think I'd do that too, maybe have Marveaux playing behind the striker, it's just we havent used him there in pre season and unfortunately Vuckic didnt do as much as I'd hoped yesterday.

 

Agreed. I think given he won't have had chance to train with the team very much he will start on the bench and bring him on second half to hopefully tear up the either wing, go on Oba

 

3rd that, def not a starter but possibly a sub around the 70th min mark

 

Definitely not. If Pardew plans to play him in the Derby we're ****ed as well.

 

on the bench for me

formation porn alert

.................krul

Simo......Saylor......Colo.....Jose

Barton.....Cabaye....Tiote....Jonas

...............Marv
.........................Ba

 

I'd be inclined to go for something like this, just surprised we havent tried Marveaux "in the hole" in pre season to see if he's any good there.

 

don't think we'll need to try him to see how he plays there when he's played there loads but i get where you're coming from don't think he's going to be used there would love to see it but think he's going to be on the wing

 

442 would be the best formation for us against Arsenal Ba Best/Ameobi go out there and bully there defence plenty of crosses
into the box, pressure and hustle them no time on the ball and don't let them play.

 

I think it highly unlikely that Marveaux will be in shape to start against Arsenal. Been used very little and has obvious rustiness to overcome. Doesn't matter how talented you are, 9 months without playing in a match is a long time.

 

He needs match practice to get fit, so dont play him? hmmm

 

He played in America and a little yesterday. If he needed fitness they would have put him in reserve games.

 

Is Tiote not gonna be missing for the opening game against Arsenal?

 

doubt we'd see anything from Obertan for the first few matches, as he hasnt trained with anyone yet he'll need to get up to speed.

 

Won't take long, he's been playing with Man Utd pre-season so his fitness will be fine. I'd expect him to at least be on the bench on Saturday.

Tiote? Who knows, but woe betide the Borders & Immigration bloke who tries to stop him.

 

Yeah, he'll be our new impact sub.

 

He might come on from the bench I suppose.

 

yeah, but it'll take him time to gel with his new teammates, for everyone to get to know his game and vice versa

 

I'm not convinced, look back at previous transfer windows and other clubs, we've put players in a lot sooner than after a weeks worth of training. Football is football, he'll pick it up quick enough, especially considering the squads been split in two through most of preseason anyway. Plus he's French...