Shak

Got to be 3 CM. Guthrie, Nolan or Butt on the wing is surely impossible, so we're either going with wing backs or playing the Keegan system with Duff and Shola up top.

------- Guthrie --- Butt --- Nolan --------------- Owen -------- Shola -------- Duff ?

The new board is brilliant tbh. By far the most nervous I've been about a match all year. Need something today, really hope Man U stuff Sunderland and Hull don't win against Boro.

Both have their strengths and weaknesses, not sure who'd I actually rate as a better player overall when all is said and done though. Point was that I think Barca would benefit from more of a focal point player, something which is particularly useful when you're up against top opposition and can't have it all your own way. An outlet type player that allow you to be that little more direct on the rare occasions that Xavi and Iniesta can't complete humiliate their opponents in the middle. Can't really do that with Etoo' leading your line, not if you expect any degree of success. Also could be useful if you come up against a top class, well organised defensive side ala Man U last year. Very hard to play the way Barca do and get success against the top defenses, as it's so hard to pass the ball through them. Would actually help Messi's game as well, someone for him to work off and get the ball back to him when he makes those lovely little give and goes.

What does 'ZOMG' mean by the way?

Remember watching Messi's first goal for Barca on Sky. Came on as a sub and scored a beautiful little lob. The confidence and ease with which he did everything was stunning, you knew you were watching something special emerge that night.

Eto'o's just a shit Andy Cole iyam. I agree about Zlatan at Barca, the only thing is his lack of pace would mean they'd have to change their style completely. I'm not sure it'd be much of a change tbh, there's still more than enough movement with the aforementioned players around for them to keep their style. If anything it'd help as it'd allow Messi, Iniesta and Henry to play balls into Zlatan's feet and make a run off it, with Etoo' it's not so easy as his play with his back to goal is nothing to get excited about by any means.

From reading this thread, I think Etoo' is a bit overrated. Don't get me wrong, he's a great goalscorer and his record speaks for itself. But I couldn't put him up there with guys like Torres or Drogba (when on form) who are much more complete forwards than Etoo' as far as I can see. Against the better opposition he struggles more as his raw pace and power aren't enough to overwhelm defenders. The two legs against Man U last year he was absolutely pathetic as every time he got the ball he didn't have the space he normally does. In games like that your first touch and footballing brain become crucial and he's just not good enough in those aspects of his game to be someone I'd consider the best. His first touch in particular can be absolutely woeful at times. If I were in charge of Barca (and God willing one day I will be) I'd honestly look to bring in Ibrahimovic or someone of that ilk in Etoo's place. Zlatan is wasted at Inter, sorround him with pacey, skillful, intelligent footballers like Messi, Iniesta and Xavi and I think he'd be an absolute monster.

The Nile Ranger thing is really, really gay. Not just directed at you btw Spin, just a general comment.

I get aroused watching Messi play. Feels good to finally admit that.

He'd have been perfect as one of the wide midfielders in Keegan's 4-3-1-2. Just sayin'.

Coaches challenges? Shearer pulling a red flag out of his sock and launching it on to the pitch would be a sight to behold.

Good work, titfister. Any need for the abuse? I'm just as pissed off as you are. Yes, but you're also directly at fault for what happened, while I'm not. Now go fist some tits, assballs.

Good bit over as far as I could see (game on Setanta Ireland), but no conclusive angle shown to be 100%.

Good work, titfister.

Very easy goal for them.

Coloccini you idiot.

Cech will be out with a mask for 2nd half after that.

Ryan Faylor.

The head on Malouda.

Honestly we've been pretty shit, need to get to half time before Chelsea wake up.

You've pretty much gauranteed a shitty decision going against us today with this thread.

About even so far but we've not looked like doing anything in the final third. On the flip side, our defense doesn't look solid at all. Need to step it up a bit.