With Zenden out, who gets the other CM spot?

[Guest TK-421]

Remember when Hoddle got Jamie Redknapp to play sweeper? Typical arrogance from Hoddle and it was a right mess.

[The-Sir]

Rafa may not believe Guthrie or Peltier are ready yet, but im sure he dont think they are so bad he decides to play with only 10 players instead.....

 

i reckon we might start with one more player than that.

 

Whatever!

[Brodie]

I thought you made some good points Brodie, but I'd still play Carra there just because he's proved he could do a reasonable job in the past.

 

It doesn't always work out quite how you think it might, remember Gareth Southgate being asked to play CM under Keegan iirc and it was a disaster. Not that I'm comparing Rafa to cuddly Kev.

 

I know its not always quite as easy I made out, but a decent footballing center half who lacks pace, and a decent footballing holding midfielder that lacks pace are not that far apart. He would not be expected to do anything too spectacular. Just sit and protect the back 4, play it easy when he gets it and let the rest of the midfield do the attacking. Effectively playing 10-15 yards ahead of where he is normally. Didnt Rafa have some of our young center halfs playing in midfield in the ressies last season to improve their ability on the ball? He obviously doesnt see a huge difference in the positions.

 

As for Southgate, he was far inferior to Sami ability wise on the ball. And he was playing against Germany not a depleted Portsmouth team.

 

I just look at it and think moving Carra or Agger would weaken our defence, and as much as I love Carra, and recognise how much he has improved over the last few years, he is still nowhere near as comfortable on the ball as Sami, and certainly cant play a pass as well as him.

 

Suppose we will see tonight, and I'd prefer one of the ressies was upto the level required, but as they dont seem to be I reckon the Sami option is the best we've got.

[Guest TK-421]

Fair enough, I just worry because I haven't seen Sami play there before and don't want him to make a tit of himself. I think he's a good passer of the ball better than people give him credit for and he could probably do a job tonight.

[chorlton]

Always though Sami gave the ball away a lot. We only think of him as composed on the ball as out of him and good ol steph he was better on the ball, i worry he tends to lump it too often and gift possesion (IMO - Still love big sami before anyone gets tetchy)

[xabi400]

is it time to get Darren Potter back?

[thisisanfield]

is it time to get Darren Potter back?

 

It's a bit late now!

[coop]

Personally i think if no-one from the ressies makes the bench tonight then i think it shows just how much Rafa rates them.

 

Would like to think at least 1 is able to come in and get a place on the bench.

[thisisanfield]

I think Rafa should start either Peltier or Guthrie and see how they get on. Gives them better experience than a Carling Cup game.

[Sangria]

Personally i think if no-one from the ressies makes the bench tonight then i think it shows just how much Rafa rates them.

 

Would like to think at least 1 is able to come in and get a place on the bench.

 

I agree but do think at least one will be on it - Guthrie looks a cert. He took no part in last nights game and unless he is carrying a knock, I reckon he will be on the bench.

[Sangria]

I think Rafa should start either Peltier or Guthrie and see how they get on. Gives them better experience than a Carling Cup game.

 

Peltier played the for the reserves last night, so I would doubt we will be seeing him.