really difficult one to predict as I have no idea what Newcastle will be like under Mclaren - although I am sure the scouts will have done their homework so will know what we are going to face. Going for a tough draw - number of goals depending upon our dm makeup and choice of cb alongside the fantastic Mr Fonte.
Apparntly newcastle will start with a CB partnership of Williamson and Taylor. If that's true the we will definitely be getting chances.
In games where Maya wasn't cold into the team, I've never seen him put a foot wrong. His only weakness is that it takes a game, sometimes two, but once he's match fit, I rate him as highly as any CB I've seen. Vin
Maya is a good CB and has the flexibility to play out of position...what manager wouldn't want such a reliable player (who also doesn't give him grief).
Agree with the good stuff said about Yoshida. And if anyone has ever watched Japan, he's the shining light in the team. I predict a 0 - 2 victory.
This has never been my reasoning for team selection. That said, I would be selecting Maya at CB as he is the best partner for Jose at this point in time.
I really do like Maya but he has a tendency to switch off and, either lose his man, or give the ball away in a dangerous position. His concentration levels aren't up there with Fonte and the likes of Alderweireld but he's a very solid player. Would start him Sunday but also hope for a better CB to come in during the window.
I don't rate maya, but credit where it's due he's been playing well lately. I'd probably start him for Sunday, and see if he can keep improving.
I like Yoshida as much as the rest of you. Seems like a lovely bloke and is happy to play anywhere with no fuss. And I bet he has the best looking girlfriend out of the whole lot. I'm tempted to get his name on my shirt before I head back to Korea. The Koreans hate the Japanese, which really pisses me off as they are the nicest people. Me and you, Yoshi, Saints brothers-in-arms!!
Think the Koreans might have a reason for that. The Japanese might be sweetness and light now, but some things are hard to forget....especially when many sufferers are still alive. Some Japanese are also trying to rewrite their history...not going down well.
Agreed Fran. The Koreans suffered hundreds of years of exploitation and racist cruelty from Japan, and they're not likely to forget it in a hurry.
Agreed. A side with a stronger goal threat than Vitesse would have punished us for that in both legs.
