We must appeal that decision. Harsh decision that could be argued against for being excessive? Anyone know the rules on "excessive" red cards?
Won't miss him too much at Chelsea. That's why we have a squad. He'll be back for the big one against Stoke
I could be wrong, but don't think you can appeal a yellow card (or 2) apart from when it's a case of mistaken identity?
You can't appeal yellow cards or a red resulting from two yellows. Might be a blessing for next week where discipline in all aspects will be vital...
Tend to agree with ya swords. We might have to park the bus against chelsea. Personally i'd swap Adel for Traore and he would assist Taiwo in defending and have plenty going forward. Think Cisse must get some game time against scum so he is ready if needed against Stoke. Onuoha and Mackie on the right and Traore and Taiwo on the left amd 2 DCM in Diakite and Derry makes us pretty tight.
Oh well. By the way, saying that Taarabt is necessary for survival is a bit of an overstatement but he would be handy at Chelsea, I think.
Correct. We only lose him for Chelsea. But lets face it, we only really have one game left that really matters and that's Stoke. Win that and we should be safe, unless Bolton win 3 from 5 and Blackburn 2 from 3.
I think Clattenburg played a blinder there. Clattenburg realised that we would still win the game even without Adel. He also knew that his beloved Newcastle were in 'Pole position' for the final play-off spot, and he also knew that QPR would be stronger away v Chelsea without Taarabt, who dosen't travel well. He got him sent-off on purpose, ( and made out that he didn't realise it! ) thus relinquishing Sparky from a selection problem. We get a point or three v Chelsea leaving Clattenburg's beloved Newcastle a clear run on the final CL place. Smart guy, a very smart guy.
I agree that it could be a blessing in disguise. He'd be chasing shadows for most of the game v Chelsea, so he may as well be well rested for the home game v Stoke where he can be a real influence. Also agree with nuts that Traore could play in his place, although MH may try to get Cisse in the mix somewhere!
It will be very interesting to see what team Chelsea put out for our game In theory the least important of their run of 3 games
My guess is that Buzz will slip into Tarbs place and Cisse will be given run out against Chelski, giving Zamora a ret too (then he can make his choice of attackers for the Stoke game); Cisse will hopefully be fired up (not too fired!) to score and upset the noisy neighbours. How sweet that would be!
I would swap Mackie to play attacking left midfield and play Cisse as attacking right midfield but getting back with his pace to cover Cole's attacking play. Reckon that formation could work with Zamora playing the lone role further forward, but with those two supporting. Just need Cisse to avoid doing anything daft. A draw at Chelsea (I reckon 0-0) and a home victory against Stoke and I reckon we are safe.
Yep, agree blessing in disguise, again Cisse or Traore, obviously defensively Traore would be better but I'd go for Cisse as we will be looking to hit them on the break again so his pace and movement could be good. Adel fresh for Stoke game.
As I told my friends, Id play Traore there to solidify the left side. It would have been very harsh to drop Taarabt but this solves the problem. I think we will be set up the same way, defend in numbers and try to him them on the break or a set piece. Then bring on Cisse for the final 30 if we are losing.
I'd give Helguson a run out. He needs games to get his fitness back plus it will just be funny to watch Terry/Cahill/Ivanovic expressions when they lose absolutely every header. And then play Mackie and traore supporting him with barton, derry and diakite just behind.
What!!! We need to win all 3 games to ensure survival - each of the 3 games is massive! I doubt that 3 points will be enough, still think we will be OK with 40 points, but that may not be enough either
