Next week

HBA for Obertan, Santon for Simpson. Anyone think that was a sign when Santon came on for Simpson and not Raylor?

 

I'd say so

 

Krul
Santon Taylor Colo Raylor
Tiote Cabaye
Marv HBA Jonas
Ba

edit; actually yeah drop simmo

 

Thing is, is that a good thing or a bad thing? Raylor did improve when Santon came on though.....

 

Would be happy with Raylor or Simpson(preferedly) on the right, but Santon on the left.

 

That probably means we will be going for a LB in Jan

 

This, Raylor made some mazing runs, holding off players, seemed like a man on a mission, I was very impressed

 

give Raylor and Simpson 45 mins each next week to determine who's the best?

 

I have high hopes at Wigan

 

For me, Marv in for Ober, Benny in for Best and Santon in for Raylor next week and Wigan should easily get a pounding, in my opinion. A poor Bolton side beat them. I've not felt more confident of a win all season to be honest.

 

I heard Santon's two-footed?

 

Bloody better be. I'd be pissed off if we ever bought an amputee!

 

Probably means we're going to lose

 

Unfortunately, I can definitely see it happening

 

Back on topic, not sure what to read into the full back situation. We have three right backs really, I'm sure Santon must've played LB for Inter just because they have Maicon. Simpson's been a steady performer for the last couple of years and while he doesn't set the world alight he does deserve his place. Taylor seems to be growing into the role a bit more but I think he'd prefer to be on the right. I'd probably give Santon a few more sub appearances on the right and the left and then make a decision based on that.

Ben Arfa has to find a way back into the side, It's tough though because the two strikers are doing well and right wing isn't his preferred position. Worryingly I think Shola might work his way back in after that goal. Credit to him for a fantastic finish but Best and Ba are both ahead of him.

 

Any time I've seen Santon he's looked very one footed. Tries to do everything with his right, I'd like to see Simpson dropped for him!

 

No, I think it was becuase Spurs were getting tired, so was very likely they'd, concede dangerous free-kicks for Raylor to score from (like he nearly did).

 

Pardew said he took Simpson off because he'd had a "tough week" and "looked tired" at that point, so dont be too sure.

 

!!

 

Krul
Santon Colo Saylor Raylor
Marv Tiote Cabaye Jonas
HBA
Ba

Thought Raylor had a solid game and I'd rather see Santon on the right as he's less likely to cut inside and leave space. Wigan should be our easiest game so far so think it'd be right for Benny to start - they have an awful defence which he can exploit. It's obviously not a formality but I see the Wigan game as a chance to experiement slightly.