gazza ladra

Right. Especially if we are not playing Emre. Who is going to take the free kicks?

To me Faye, Beye, N'Zogbia, and Enrique are the four that must start. (Enrique because Zoggy is wasted at LB). I can't see wasting Faye in midfield and don't think we'll move to 4-5-1. Besides Faye is someone that we need defending in the box. I chose Geremi over Milner. We haven't won a thing since Milner took over on the right wing. Though, Duff might be a better option. But from what I've seen, Geremi has unfairly taken the blame for a lot of our troubles-- but we only got worse when he was dropped. And we need Geremi and Emre out there because they are best we have for free kicks. Emre can hold and distribute the ball. Martins is needed to stretch the defence. And I picked Viduka because I think he'll do well for a team that plays football. He was wasted in SA's longball tactics. Might do well if he get's the ball to his feet. I think that for the benefit of the team as a whole both Milner and Owen need to be dropped.

Martins' rocket. Wait, was that this season? I can't think of anything.

Given Beye - Faye - Cacapa -Enrique Geremi - Barton - Emre - Zoggy Martins - Viduka

@Optimistic Nut I fear you are right. I pray we don't see N'Zogbia at right back. Quite sad. No chance of keeping him then.

I'll see your Derby and raise you a Derby.

I think that Carr had a couple of (relatively) good games. I'm hoping the reason he sat Enrique has something to do with him playing mid week, but I fear I'm hoping too much.

What has he contributed so far this season though? Milner is forever trying to go past his man, but can't, because he's simply not good enough. He has neither pace nor "a trick" to get him the extra yard to do something useful with the ball. On the rare ocassion he does get that extra yard, his crossing/passing is usually piss poor anyway. In terms of value to the team, compared to amount of money we could sell him for he should be first out of the door. I agree with the first part. Very sad that he looks our "best player" in many a game. Speaks volumes. The second part, I don't know. Do you really think we could get that much for him. He'd be a very good squad player.

Yes, by far.

Geremi should start. He's a kickdog for some, but he brings more to the pitch right now than Butt or Milner (or Barton for that matter) Not saying he's irreplaceable, but we are a better side with him playing. (We're not a good side. Just better)

We were the better team, but we were a goal up. Our frailties were very much in evidence. We were done for the minute they equalized.

@Mick We'd been better off with Barton - Emre, Barton - Faye, or Emre - Faye. Christ, I would've rather seen Smith out there in the midfield than Butt. Not a popular opinion I know, but I don't see that Butt offers us anything. At least Smith can run around like a headless chicken.

New thread. The Untouchable Nicky Butt. (Ship him off to Birmingham already.)

Can't wait next season. He has options now. When Martins and, yes, Geremi, return we could conceivably compete with a team like Villa. But not if Faye and Enrique are sitting on the bench.

Carr = Enrique, Edgar Smith = Viduka, Shola (FFS), and especially Martins ASAP Butt = Emre, Geremi (when he returns), Faye

Faye and Beye are the two players that I would consider undroppable. Can't fathom Faye's absence. And N'Zogbia. Maybe Enrique as well-- if only because we have no alternatives.

He won't drop Butt. Doubt he'll drop Smith. Will be shocked if Carr is not dropped. (If Carr starts against Manchester United, I'll be distraught. Relegation is a genuine possibility if he is that clueless)

FFS No one is calling for Keegan's head. But he does deserve criticism for his team selection today. Got it very wrong. Stephen Fucking Carr?

@ KaKa, Would rather see Duff attempt to dribble past players than dump the ball off to Carr.

Not this fucking thread again.

@Wullie, How pray is Duff responsible for this fiasco?

Yes, I don't think he's to blame. Too many weakhearts in the side. Paired with the right partner in midfield I think he would do very well for us. A better choice for captain than Owen, Smith, or Geremi to be sure. His position with the club has been compromised by his early injury, his offfield antics, and turmoil with the coaching staff. I expect him to succeed.

Even at 1-0 and when we were going ok in the first-half, you could see Carr having to cut in onto his right-foot, or not being able to hook the ball clear even with his left-foot, was going to cause us problems. Absolutely, Villa just ignored him as the game progressed. No worries.

I thought it was possible. Though, I assumed that Keegan would make changes at the half. I thought it was apparent to everyone that we needed someone to hold possession in midfield - Emre , needed the physical presence of Faye, and needed to replace Carr-- everyone in the stadium knew he was NOT going to offer anything coming forward. Enrique might have at least given them pause.

Given - 4 Falls over. His last season with the club? Harper - 6 Not to blame. Beye - 4 Toothless. Taylor -5 Cacapa - 4 Orange traffic cone. Carr - 2 Worthless. Waste. Of. Space. Milner -6 He tried. MOTM. Barton - 4 Can't pass. Butt - 4 See above. Duff - 5 Comparatively decent. Owen - 5 Goal. Zombie in second half. Not a team captain. Smith - 4 Always dangerous... wait. Keegan - 3 Poor selection.Made changes too late.