Steady lads, lots of football to play before we know if we'll get a crack at a Wembley final. A fit AJ is good news either way.
Barton, to the best of my knowledge, has never played at Wembley. His one England cap (as a second half sub) was at Old Trafford. Never been in a play off or cup final or semi final. He has lots of prem experience, but so do a lot of others in the squad. The last really big game he played in was City v QPR, when you may remember we was sent off after attempting to assault 3 players. If anything he's a risk, but if he's fit I'm sure Redknapp will play him. If he has to play I'd put him on the right instead of Yossi, that's where he's played his best football for Newcastle, and leave Carroll and Henry in the middle. But what does he bring? Yossi can carry the ball forward at speed and get into goalscoring positions, Carroll can pick incisive short passes as well as longer ones, Henry at least knows his role. Barton runs around a lot, on his own admission has no pace, loses possession more than any other player, tries over ambitious long balls and gets booked. In fact if he racks up another booking or two he may well be banned for the play offs anyway.
I'm not sure if you're suggesting Carroll is a better player than Barton. Barton is quite clearly a better player currently. Ok, Carroll has played a few good games recently but Barton was pretty much man of the much for a couple of months at some point earlier this season. Carroll WILL be a good player but he's got a lot of learning to do yet and he's well on his way, which is why I think we should buy him (and send him to the weights room at the gym). When Barton went nuts at Man City, I said at the time I never wanted to see him in hoops again. But he's here and he's done well this season. He's also changed a lot in terms of managing his behaviour. He seems to talk less ****, too. So, whilst he's behaving himself and playing well, I'm happy but if I was in charge I would never have let him come back. Alas, he's here. And now I'm liking what he does and feel as though he's improved himself on all fronts. I think he'd be ok in the playoffs. I somehow don't imagine him going mad again but who knows!
Its just opinions but I don't see where you get Barton's 'big game experience' from. As is well documented on here I don't like Barton, but I genuinely don't rate him as a player either. I don't like Suarez, but recognise is is a truly exceptional player, likewise Ronaldo. It baffles me why people think he's great when there is no evidence for it, but let's not get into one of those dull debates about him. I would honestly pick Carroll above Barton every time, and play him with Henry in the middle. So let's agree to differ.
Therein lies the problem. Barton isn't a holding midfielder, which would mean a quite open, attacking midfield with him and Carroll in the middle. It was working well for 15 mins against Forest with Carroll and Jenas, so maybe it would be ok. They'd have to take it in turns to hold which is exactly what used to happen when everyone player 4-4-2. I'd want a bit of security in front of the back 4 so I'd play Henry in the centre with Carroll and Morrison ahead of them. Hoilett and Traore on the wings if fit.
I, too, would play Carroll ahead of Barton in the middle. Barton on the right if Hoilett isn't fit would work though.
sb_73 - I respect your opinions in regard to Joey Barton, and as you well know, I'm a great believer that he brings more than just pure footballing skills. Not least I think he has the respect of his team mates. I was surprised as no doubt we all were, sitting in the Coningham Arms on Saturday 3 August to see his name appear on the team sheet. I was one of many who also were doubting his motives believing that he was playing to impress the likes of West Ham United and earn a move to the EPL before the summer transfer deadline on Monday 2 September. Since then, I've seen a refined character. Hacked and provoked by opposing players in the autumn, he showed a maturity and an absence of red mist. When we did start conceding - as we did at home to Huddersfield Town, I saw him beat his chest and urge the team forward positively and latterly his mentoring of young Ravel Morrison - perhaps seeing in him a character from his own past. Contrast this to the admission of the broken dressing room that Jamie Mackie spoke openly of on the Open All Rs podcast earlier this week, perhaps illustrates perfectly the value of a committed and experienced player such as Joey Barton. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and we cannot change the decision of the past. But with so many other players who have more readily shown their indifference to the club, we should perhaps recognise, value and acknowledge those whose actions suggest they have a professional pride and desire whilst wearing the hooped jersey.
