It would be tempting to 'kick ass' and put out the same XI that started against Sunderland and say, "prove yourselves". But of course that won't happen and Rene said in a press interview that he is again going to give youngsters a chance. Stekelenburg still isn't ready though and although he said Hangeland is, I think it will be at best coming off the bench. Boateng won't feature this time around and Bent certainly shouldn't. His place ought to go to Dembele. Dempsey could do with another run out but again I'd expect it to be from the bench. So, the possible line-up: .............Stockdale..... ..Zverotic..Hughes..Burn...Richardson.. ......Kara......David...Chrsitensen.. ..Banya................................Kaca.. ..............Dembele...........
I think Dejagah might play on the right since he doesn't exactly need to be rested and if not would it not be more likely to be Mesca or Plumain than Banya that plays? I'd expect Kasami In there too, not sure where though. I think Burn, Christensen and David are definites, or should be at least. Anyone else will be a bonus.
Karagounis will add that extra bit of experience in th3 middle, the youngsters can do all the running about. Hughes and Burn played okay in the first leg. Giving the young uns' upfront a chance would be a positive step. I say again, we won't do any worse with this bl3nd of youth than the pile of pants that played Saturday!
.............Stockdale........... ..Riether..Senderos..Burn...Richardson.. ..Dejagah....Minkwitz......Sidwell.....Kasami ................Dempsey.......Taarabt..... I'd like to see Minkwitz given a game, heard good reports about him. Like to see Senderos and Burn partner each other. Zverotic got taken apart in the game up against Norwich, so Riether for me.
I'd like to see experience and youth combined in each area of the pitch. If Stekelenberg is fit, it might be good to let him have this game to blow away the cobwebs before the weekend, but I suspect that won't happen. Here's my hoped for eleven: Stek Brister Hughes Burn Amorebieta David Boateng Kasami Dejagah Dembele Dempsey Dempsey only makes the team so that he can add fitness. I'd rather see Christiansen or Kacaniklic otherwise. I'd be happy for Brister to be replaced by another youngster, but if Zverotic has been found wanting, let's not waste an opportunity on him. I'd like to have found room for Minkwitz too, but it sounds as if David did well enough to justify another go and there's a limit to how many youngsters it's sensible to throw in at the same time. I'd like to see more of them introduced as subs though.
I dont think Boateng will be starting as he is in talks with Watford over a proposed loan deal, which i don't think is a bad thing given his shambolic performance against Norwich before, he could barely string two passes together without giving the ball away!
I don't think that was down to him only, David was leaving him isolated, never moving into positions for him to pass, so he had to hold onto the ball. Remember the Etuhu Murphy combo, Murphy always gave him an outlet, for me David went hiding. It was no coincidence that the second half Norwich were the better team.
Interesting observation about David - that's the first time I've heard someone give him other than a positive review for the first game. Maybe it would be better to include one of our veteran seniors - Parker or Karagounnis - rather than Boateng to shepherd the youngsters in midfield. I'd be happy with either David or, given your comments above, Minkwitz alongside someone reliable and Kasami.
This is a game we should really be thinking hard about winning. Obvious as it sounds, as every game should be thought this way, but a good cup run could lift the spirits at the moment. With an away game against Sheffield United in the next round we could give ourselves a good chance of progressing. Stekenlenburg Riether Burn Hangeland if fit ( Hughes ) Amorebieta Parker David Plumain Kasami Dejagah Dembele Plumain was supposed to be very good in the second half and caused them quite a few problems. As already stated Dempsey will probably get the nod though. No Boateng or bent for me neither of them offer much, the same with zverotic. Redmond is a danger man, as was Murphy so we will have to work hard to keep them quiet, hence Parker in the middle and Amorebieta at left back. Really excited that this on tv and that the next round game against Sheffield utd is as well. COYW
For me no David or Mink. yes give some youngesters a chance .but not these 2 for me,thank you very much. Worth putting in Brister,a lad with speed very important at this level,and Dembele up front.
Agree David has no discipline position wise but he's strong and aggressive. Minkwitz is my favourite among the U21 midfiels but he's not ready to step up yet. Christensen played well when he came on in the first leg and is the more accomplished player, so he will be there or thereabouts. Interesting that Josh Pritchard played at right back for the U21s last week against Arsenal.
Another outing at the Cottage for the freeloader Mr Mason. please log in to view this image I think I mentioned last time, Chris Baird's 'V' sign to him.
Come on RM, show us you know what you're doing. Play a team with balance and drop billy big bollo**s Berbatov!
Starting XI is: Stekelenburg; Riether, Hangeland, Burn, Richardson; Karagounis, Sidwell; Dejagah, Kasami, Kačaniklić; Bent Good to see Brede and Steky back, COYW!
A good evening! Just a few observations.... * MOM was Steve Sidwell - he worked hard to create when things got bogged down, had interesting battles with the Norwich midfield including Snodgrass, and was there for his headed goal. * Stekelenburg was a welcome sight. * Good to see Brede back for a full 90 minutes; and Dan Burn impressed again with his awareness and skill. Could become becoming my pairing of choice. Reither remains Mr Reliable - where does he get the energy? * Interesting to see the Kasami/Dejagah combination on the right - a bit of a luxury we can't have for the Prem, but it worked including making Darren Bent's goal. On the other wing, it was a pity that Kaca did not score in the second half. * Finishing the match with a load of our youngsters on the pitch is also an encouraging sign. Always good to have a win, especially after being lax for the first few minutes, when Robert Snodgrass came close. COYW
