Perez

Big test for Pardew after the international break.

He must keep faith with Colo and Dummett at CB and if he replaces Abeid with Tiote it'll send out the wrong message.

Colo and Dummett were superb against both Man City and West Brom, I also like the fact that Haidara adds quality going forward.

Only place up for grabs should be Cabella's if Aaron's is back (don't think he is though).

 

Agree with this^^

 

Personally I thought Haidara did ok in those games, but I'd still like Saylor back in if he is fit. Dummett has shown he can do a job at centre back but I still think him/Colo could leave us vulnerable. Anichebe caused us a few problems with his physicality, and Austin will do likewise. I think Saylor has earnt his start by outperforming Haidara.

I agree entirely with the Abeid sentiment. I do fear Tiote will go straight back in which I think is a mistake and does send the wrong message. I'd change Cabella and Haidara if the option is there (Saylor and Aarons) as although they did ok, they still had problems. Haidara was wasteful in possession and still gets caught out defensively. Cabella is improving but still spends too much time on the floor looking for free kicks that don't exist. In both cases, its possession being lost I have a problem with. For the same reason I'd keep Abeid. Him and Colback look like they can control games from the central area as both rarely misplace a pass. Colback has been a revelation and I felt he was the best player on the park against WBA along with Colo and Janmaat.

 

Steve Taylor was playing well before the WBA game. I wouldn't mind him coming straight back in. Tiote needs to work hard to get back in, unbelievably, Colback and Abeid have rarely looked flustered since he was out.

One thing I do know is, it feels good to actually have a bit of competition and flexibility in the squad.