Bad news. Tiote out.

Don't shoot the messenger!

http://www.nufc.co.uk/articles/20111118/tiote-out-of-city-clash_2281670_2519408

Fingers crossed Guthrie can continue his excellent form.

 

Stand forward....Danny Guthrie!

 

Gutted as he is a big player in a game like this. Have full confidence in Guthrie though based on his last few performances!!

 

i have full confidence in Guthrie due to how he's played recently, luckily cabaye's back though.

 

I'm stopping short of 'full confidence', there's a big difference between Citys midfield and Stoke and Everton (sans Cahill), but I think he'll put a shift in seeing as its his chance to properly prove himself.

Still fingers crossed this is a ploy from Pards though!

 

It's a blow that Tiote isn't playing as his quality will be missed but Guthrie has played well when called upon this season and hopefully he and Cabaye can run the midfield.

Simpson and Raylor will face thier biggest challenges so far this season but I'm confident that Jonas will assist Raylor when needed. That just leaves the right side of midfield to worry about. Who will play there?

Santon?
Gosling?

Whoever does has to assist Simpson as much as possible.

 

Santon would be good as his defensive qualities would help Simmo out. I think we need to have a go at them though so I would start Ben Arfa on the wing, In the words of Dave Benson-Philips its "get your own back" time!!!

 

I'd be more worried if we were playing a physical team like Wolves or Stoke without Tiote cos both Cabs and Guthrie seem to be a bit lightweight. But since we're playing City, they'll just have to do a lot of running and from what I've seen their workrate is fine. What bothers me is that if we play 451 we'll have to fill in some positions with players like Ben Arfa/Santon/Gosling/Sammy who are still lacking match fitness and experience ..

 

Good news is that it sounds like Best is available

 

Based on his last three games I've no problem with Guthrie continuing, and this spell in the team will do his confidence wonders. He's playing his heart out for a regular spot in the team, that's no bad thing.

 

It's a blow but let's face it, we're more than likely to get beat 2-0. With or without Tiote. Better to keep him on the sidelines till he's fully fit. There will be more important games we need him for.

 

A fully fit team v Norwich, Swansea, West Brom and Bolton all before Christmas (Bolton on boxing day) could = a big points haul......

 

We're going to have to rely on Guthrie to have the game of his life tomorrow mind.

I get the feeling that since Tiote isn't involved he will stick with 4-4-2 and I personally think we will be over ran by the ruthless City midfield.

Having said that I would be very tempted to try Ben Arfa out wide on the right, having him on the ball and cutting inside on goal could be a key factor in the game.

Best and Ba up front of course but is Best even fit? And if he isn't is Shola still out?

 

The article seems to list all the injuries/doubts, and doesn't mention Best. From that it looks like he's available.

Shola is available as well. For some reason I think he might have his second 15 minute spell of brilliance tomorrow

 

I think we'll get ****ed up now

But still say 1-1

 

Oh well, Guthrie it is. Hopefully he will continue his good form and not go back to his old habits and laziness/silly free kicks. This would be fatal against City. No reason to think he will and he's got a clean slate for me. I may not be his biggest fan based on his time here but I hope folk remember who we're playing this weekend. They have a midfield that can make any look silly (Tiote included if had played), so I wouldn't hold it against Danny if he is just outplayed on Saturday. as long as he is giving 100% its all you can ask. Their midfield options are ridiculous.

 

wonder what odds i could get on guthrie being first goal scorer ?

 

Probably not good enough to justify the bet. He generally has shorter odds off the bench than half our team for some reason.

 

Guthrie has been excellent, I just hope Cabaye lasts the full game this time. God forbid we bring Perch on again.

 

We all know that Tiote is a miss, but even more so in a game like this. The one thing about City's central midfield is that it is a powerhouse. Toure is a monster and Tiote would've been the perfect combatant against his strength. As good as Guthrie has been I fear he and Cabaye will be out muscled in this game.