WHAT NO SQUAD?

[neonleon]

With the latest injury to AJ, we now are down to 12 outfield players, that have experience of playing in the premiership.

yes twelve. 12.

Most squads go into premiership/european campaigns with about 26!

For the record they are;

Hibbert, Yobo, Stubbs, Jags, Baines, Lescott, Valente, Arteta, Neville, Osman, Carsley, McFadden.

if we include Pienaar, which we probably should (even though he's cutting his teeth in the prem), its thirteen.

Not included VDM, as he's either injured, unfit, banned or out of favour. If we play him it will be via desperation not deliberation.

Sure players like AJ should be back soonish and Anichebe (who can hardly be considered an experienced player), Cahill in the next few months and we can blood some youngsters, but still.

bare bones. I'd like to see us bring alot more players.

Fernandes and a striker already seem imminent (well they all have to be imminent). What about cover for stubbs and yobo at the back - a loan deal.

And grab Vogel additionally. What happens when we have to start rotating 13 players for european games?

 

[FCConnecticut]

Stubbs 'is' cover but I don't disagree with you in general.

I'm of the opinion that Mr Arteta's loss of form at reading was directly related to having played three matches in a week. This sort of thing will become more common with UEFA and Carling Cup fixtures on the horizon though we can certainly all agree that the Carling Cup is fodder for the reserves to get PT.

 

[neonleon]

Stubbs 'is' cover but I don't disagree with you in general.

I'm of the opinion that Mr Arteta's loss of form at reading was directly related to having played three matches in a week. This sort of thing will become more common with UEFA and Carling Cup fixtures on the horizon though we can certainly all agree that the Carling Cup is fodder for the reserves to get PT.

stubbs is starting currently so he's hardly cover, lescott is cover but one injury to centre back and with yobo going to the african nations, its a complete necessity to get someone back there as cover.

As for the carling cup, I think this year Moyesie will have to make a decision to play the kids and the reserves in the CC. He doesn't normally but if we are still in europe (please) it'll just be too much for our squad to take.

 

[FCConnecticut]

I think stubbs is starting because Baines isn't. With Baines in our central D is Yobo and Lescott with Stubbs as cover.

 

[neonleon]

I think stubbs is starting because Baines isn't. With Baines in our central D is Yobo and Lescott with Stubbs as cover.

the issue is whether we have sufficient cover in the middle of the defence.

Stubbs, Yobo and Lescott can play there. After that its round pegs in square holes - jags, neville, hibbert etc.

What do you think?

- silvestre is up for sale and can play both left back and centre half?

Ingersson?

someone on loan?

 

[heatmeiser]

I'm sure Lescott and Yobs will be first choice. Jags and Stubbs as cover. Not too bad. Maybe Dm is thinking of bringing in that Ingimingamarrson as cover aswell.
Could be worse, could be better admittedly, but could be much worse. (Think Carl Tiler and Tony Thomas)

 

[TX Bill]

Bring in Bikey !!!

 

[chicoazul]

Bikey was a maniac on Saturday. I liked him.

 

[heatmeiser]

And he looks like Jason Lee after 7 years on 'roids.

 

[Robert Jarvis]

Leon, you can add the Yak to that list.

 

[Blue Wiz]

With the latest injury to AJ, we now are down to 12 outfield players, that have experience of playing in the premiership.

yes twelve. 12.

Most squads go into premiership/european campaigns with about 26!

Not sure all teams have about 26 players with PL experience. But I see your point though.

 

[neonleon]

Not sure all teams have about 26 players with PL experience. But I see your point though.

yes possibly not. But there a huge gulf between the two, that even two players would make much odds.

Still, on the up side, dead wood is at an all time low - (VDM aside), and if we do get fernandes and yakubu in, we potentially have some of the best players in the league at alot of positions now.

Howard, Yobo, Lescott, Baines, Neville, Arteta, Cahill, Fernandes, AJ, Yakubu.

Fairly impressive I think you'll agree.

 

[Blue Wiz]

yes possibly not. But there a huge gulf between the two, that even two players would make much odds.

Still, on the up side, dead wood is at an all time low - (VDM aside), and if we do get fernandes and yakubu in, we potentially have some of the best players in the league at alot of positions now.

Howard, Yobo, Lescott, Baines, Neville, Arteta, Cahill, Fernandes, AJ, Yakubu.

Fairly impressive I think you'll agree.

Oh, I agree. If we get those two we'll have one heck of a lineup with all the team fit.

 

[neonleon]

Silva gone on loan, after what, five minutes of football for the blues?

another one bites the dust.

Presumably Vogel and Fernandes are signing.

as well as the Yak.

Otherwise, as I keep saying...mighty light for a european squad.

 

[jon_efc]

he has only gone on loan, he can be recalled. but it gives him so good challenging football to practice