Stekelenburg and Briggs are still out and, allegedly, Dejagah has a calf injury. Hughes and Ruiz are subject to late fitness tests which, in the case of Bryan at least, is as well because I just cannot see a place for him in the side for Saturday.
A player that I believe must be selected is Zverotic but then of course I’d expect Riether to be an automatic choice. However, since Jol has no obvious right wing person at the present, this would be an ideal time to play Zveotic in front of Riether. Both can bomb up the wing and deliver crosses but, just as importantly, be strong defensively on that side. I say that because a definite threat from Cardiff will be Whittingham (someone I still think we should have signed the summer before last) on their left flank.
We’ll need to be equally strong on the right side with Bellamy out there and I would keep Amorebieta at left back. Harsh on Richardson maybe, since he had a decent game against Chelsea. I just think Amore gives that bit more, especially with his forward passing. And anyway, Senderos who would be the likely one to drop out otherwise, has been playing fine.
So that’s us sorted defensively - although I believe it gives us a deal of attacking pace up both wings. What about the main attack? Bent and Berba must play and I’d keep Kaca on the left, which leaves two midfield places. Parker will automatically take one. The other is between Sidwell, Kara and Kasami. We ought to be positive about pushing through the middle in support of wing play so I’d rule out Sidwell (not because but he won’t run forward but because his passing lacks vision and are too similar, positionally). On the basis of experience and the buzz he gives the team, I’m tempted to go for Kara but I just cannot see how Kasami cannot play after his recent performances.
My starting line-up is therefore -
………………..Stockdale………….
..Riether…..Senderos…Hangeland…..Amorebieta…
….Zverotic……Parker……Kasami..
………..Berbatov………………….Kaca…..
………………….Bent……….
A player that I believe must be selected is Zverotic but then of course I’d expect Riether to be an automatic choice. However, since Jol has no obvious right wing person at the present, this would be an ideal time to play Zveotic in front of Riether. Both can bomb up the wing and deliver crosses but, just as importantly, be strong defensively on that side. I say that because a definite threat from Cardiff will be Whittingham (someone I still think we should have signed the summer before last) on their left flank.
We’ll need to be equally strong on the right side with Bellamy out there and I would keep Amorebieta at left back. Harsh on Richardson maybe, since he had a decent game against Chelsea. I just think Amore gives that bit more, especially with his forward passing. And anyway, Senderos who would be the likely one to drop out otherwise, has been playing fine.
So that’s us sorted defensively - although I believe it gives us a deal of attacking pace up both wings. What about the main attack? Bent and Berba must play and I’d keep Kaca on the left, which leaves two midfield places. Parker will automatically take one. The other is between Sidwell, Kara and Kasami. We ought to be positive about pushing through the middle in support of wing play so I’d rule out Sidwell (not because but he won’t run forward but because his passing lacks vision and are too similar, positionally). On the basis of experience and the buzz he gives the team, I’m tempted to go for Kara but I just cannot see how Kasami cannot play after his recent performances.
My starting line-up is therefore -
………………..Stockdale………….
..Riether…..Senderos…Hangeland…..Amorebieta…
….Zverotic……Parker……Kasami..
………..Berbatov………………….Kaca…..
………………….Bent……….
