derry Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 evidently from our previous encounter we cannot play them at their passing game, what we should do IMO is to adopt a more direct approach like we did in the first half against stoke. be aggressive and get in their faces and not allow them time on the ball and not just watch as they dance the ball around us. won't be pretty but what the heck we need all the points we can get at this stage. defense sorts itself out whoever's fit, punch on the right guly on the left with Ramirez behind lambert. think NA also needs to make a tough choice on who will be the keeper as KD still does not look very assured and I think there the previous game would be on the back of Davis' mind. may be time to bring boruc back from exile and give him a top game to prove what he's got. after all that's said, I still think arsenal has too much for us and will still win this albeit a smaller score line, hopefully we at least give them a tougher time unlike the last time out. I think the more direct approach could be the way except if we do that I think we need Rodriguez and Lambert up front. Interestingly the mail may have an inside track, they are saying Clyne with an ankle injury and forecasting a team with two changes from Saturday, Ramirez for Guly and Gazzaniga in goal. That is really out of left field as there is nothing to indicate Gazzaniga, because whilst there may be nothing in it, on the logic front a goalkeeping change wouldn't be a surprise, but the money would be on Boruc replacing Davis, however last week Adkins said he rates Gazzaniga highly. Personally from what I've seen of Boruc in the three games he has played I prefer Gazzaniga despite the errors.
JibMcdo Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Reckon Adkins might rotate in this game, maybe some fresh legs in midfield, either Davis or JWP. I would start Lambert but think Rodriguez could start up front with Ramirez. Clyne to come in too. I would like to see Ramirez, Clyne and Boruc come in and any rotation can come in the FA Cup on Saturday.
surrey1saint Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 KD should be dropped,Gazza I think is preferred option.
eelpie Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Two changes for me: Clyne for Hooiveld Ramirez for Guly Clyne is injured. Ramirez, yes, but not on the wing. He should be behind Lambert who needs the service, and put Rodriguez on the wing as he has the speed to worry Arsenals' wobbly defence.
Nexstar Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Clyne is injured. Ramirez, yes, but not on the wing. He should be behind Lambert who needs the service, and put Rodriguez on the wing as he has the speed to worry Arsenals' wobbly defence. Clyne is a maybe, Ramirez is a natural winger and J-Rod playing off Lambert worked very well at Stoke.
for_heaven's_Saint Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Clyne is a maybe, Ramirez is a natural winger and J-Rod playing off Lambert worked very well at Stoke. Ramirez is not a natural winger.
SuperMikey Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Ramirez is useless wide left. People have a go at Lallana for not giving Shaw enough cover, but Ramirez spends all of his time wandering around the outside of the box when he plays wide.
for_heaven's_Saint Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Ramirez is useless wide left. People have a go at Lallana for not giving Shaw enough cover, but Ramirez spends all of his time wandering around the outside of the box when he plays wide. Yup. Just look at Fulham's goal- a howler from Davis but it all came from Ramirez not tracking his man and leaving Shaw against 2.
Roger Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 KD should be dropped,Gazza I think is preferred option. No. He cost us four crucial points with errors vs Swansea and Norwich.
for_heaven's_Saint Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 See MLT has tweeted a photo of him on the pitch at SMS. Must be the co-commentator.
Nexstar Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Ramirez is not a natural winger. Plays there for his country and is far more of a winger than J-Rod.
DrunkenSaint Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 What ever team we put out today i reckon we will lose but i just hope that both Walcott and Oxo get very good receptions. I'm fair to say if they score they wont celebrate.
for_heaven's_Saint Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Plays there for his country and is far more of a winger than J-Rod. Doesn't mean he's a natural winger. And if it's a choice of having either Rodriguez or Ramirez in their best position, surely we would rather Ramirez was?
trousers Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Early kickoff update... @premierleague: West Brom looking the better side now and Lukaku almost makes it 2-1 as his right-foot shot hits the outisde of the post. #WBAFUL
Smirking_Saint Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 No. He cost us four crucial points with errors vs Swansea and Norwich. And Davis cost us Four cs Fulham and Stoke, as well as however many at the start of the year, so whats your point ?
trousers Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 @BBCSport: GOAL! #WBA 1-2 #Fulham (Alex Kacaniklic). Lovely turn and finish by Kacaniklic to restore Fulham's lead. Latest: http://t.co/glpb4GIZ
tobes8 Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Must go with 5 in the midfeld otherwise we won't get anywhere near the football. Teams that have gone 4-4-2 against arsenal have generally been hammered.
trousers Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 ------------------- Boruc ------------------- Clyne---- Fonte --- Yoshida --- Shaw ------- Schneiderlin --- Cork ------------ ---- Puncheon -- Ramirez --- Guly ---- ----------------- Lambert ----------------
Window Cleaner Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 ------------------- Boruc ------------------- Clyne---- Fonte --- Yoshida --- Shaw ------- Schneiderlin --- Cork ------------ ---- Puncheon -- Ramirez --- Guly ---- ----------------- Lambert ---------------- that would be good, bet the team isn't that though.
Smirking_Saint Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 that would be good, bet the team isn't that though. Indeed, its the side I have wanted to see since ads' injury, gives Ramirez freedom to express, Guly balances that left flank better too
ExSt Peter Saint Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 I think it would be harsh to drop J Rod after his performance against Stoke, but Ramirez has the class to get through Arsenal, so I'd play him in the hole. We also need someone who will track back in the wide positions. I would worry about Jos playing in centre defence against the pace of Theo and others, so might be tempted to rejig and get Yoshida back in the centre. Gazza Richardson Yoshida Fonte Shaw Cork Morgan Puncheon Ramirez Guly Lambert Subs K Davis, Jos, Fox, JWP, S Davis, Reeves, J Rod This is all assuming Clyne and Lallana aren't fit, of course.
Avenue Saint Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 ------------------- Gazza ------------------- Clyne---- Fonte --- Yoshida --- Shaw ------- Schneiderlin --- Cork ------------ ---- Puncheon -- Ramirez --- Guly ---- ----------------- Lambert ----------------
Saint Scott Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Although NA never backs down I feel he has to be more reserved despite us being much better defensively than when we played them at the Emirates.... ...and now to contradict that I think this will be the sort of team he will pick for today ----------------------K.Davis----------------------- Clyne(if fit)-------Fonte------Yoshi-------------Shaw --------------Morgan---------Cork------------------ Punch---------------Ramirez---------------J-Rod---- ---------------------Lambert----------------------- Would like to see Mayuka get some game time though, especially if Mertesacker is playing.
Yate Saint Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Cork at RB is a worry. I remember him playing there against Notts Forest and had a bit of a mare! In Cork we trust though, he has been brilliant this season. COYR.
dvaughanwilliams Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Saints team: Boruc, Cork, Fonte ©, Yoshida, Shaw, Puncheon, Schneiderlin, S. Davis, Guly, Ramírez, Lambert Saints substitutes: K. Davis (GK), Hooiveld, Rodriguez, Ward-Prowse, Richardson, Mayuka, De Ridder
SFC Chris Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Surely against a team like Arsenal he'd be far more valuable in the middle of the park. Davis played right back on occasion for Rangers, perhaps he'll be there instead.
MOSaint Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Would rather have Cork at CM giving their midfield hassle TBH, Davis is a poor DM as he doesn't like tackling. good to see Boruc get another go though.
Saint Garrett Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Think we'll miss Cork in the middle if he starts at RB! Glad Boruc is in. Other than that pretty much strongest possible side.
Avenue Saint Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Would rather have Cork at CM giving their midfield hassle TBH, Davis is a poor DM as he doesn't like tackling. good to see Boruc get another go though. Would've preferred Richardson at right back and Cork alongside Morgan. Hopefully Boruc has a good game.
for_heaven's_Saint Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Boruc in. No gazza At last Indeed. Wouldn't it be great if Boruc had a really solid game.
Turkish Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Cork at right aback is just plain wierd. Not very good there and been a massive influence in midfield.
Leicestersaint Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Don't like the idea of Cork at RB - we need him in midfield. Why not Richardson? Why is de Ridder on the bench - where is Lee these days?
dvaughanwilliams Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Would've preferred Richardson at right back and Cork alongside Morgan. Hopefully Boruc has a good game. Totally agree. Would much rather see a specialist full back, rather than a makeshift. Hope Boruc is playing for a contract and puts in a decent performance.
CWD Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Clyne? Injured. Strange to move Cork out of midfield IMO, especially when we have a perfectly able right back on the bench.
grammy Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Last chance saloon for Boruc? Good performance today may save us a few bob in the transfer window.
CanadaSaint Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 I've not been convinced by Steven Davis yet. Works hard but always seems to be a crucial shade off the pace, and he tends to telegraph passes. Still, it was a choice between a seasoned midfielder and a very talented kid (JWP).
Saints boy in Leeds Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 All other games gone our way apart from Villa game who drew with Swansea, please saints, please !!
Dr. Kucho Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 I am not convinced with this line-up, like with Stoke, but that turned out ok. The only reason I can see Cork playing RB is because he has more pace then Richardson. With Oxo and Walcott Arsenal have some serious pace up front. COYR we can beat them.
grammy Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Utterly ridiculous. Why? If he has a bad game I would'nt be suprised to see us bringing another keeper in. Plays well then "Happy Days" I think most fans feel the Jury is still out on him. Past reputations count for nothing. Don't see what is utterly ridiculous tbf?
DT Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 I see Boruc's won the SFC goalkeeping selection lottery this week. Hope he has a stormer.
DT Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 Cork at right aback is just plain wierd. Not very good there and been a massive influence in midfield. Agree. Very odd decision. He was awesome v Stoke
Edmonton Saint Posted 1 January, 2013 Posted 1 January, 2013 I have an unusually optimistic feeling about today and reckon we will win... Glad that Boruc is in goal finally.
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