Not wanting Ben Arfa 'in the hole'

Will almost certainly be an unchanged lineup on sunday. If we go a goal down, expect Ben Arfa to come on sharp for one of the strikers.

 

Hmm, don't think we have any evidence of this - I certainly have never seen as an attacking minded winger as Obertan, and there are certainly very few occassions when he has "tracked back" and "dispossessed other players" this season. Just my opinion though - agree the free role would exacerbate the problem, but I'm saying it can't get much worse!

I do agree I think free role is probably best option though, it's his natural position, but I wouldn't be against him playing on the wing if Pardew decided that 4-4-2 is the best for our style of play - can't change it to accomodate one player.

 

You mentioned Cabaye as the Xabi Alonso type role, but look at when he had Gerrard beside him. Gerrard moved up to the "hole" and Xabi controlled the midfield and the pace of the game. I think Benni and Cabaye will work wonders together. Give it a chance first half in an all out attack against the yids and if not working out. Change structure to a more solid formation and keep attacking utilising the wings and Ba coming back to midfield to help the players push up.