STM

If we're relying on Viduka and Emre, we ARE fucked. Why? Who would you prefer in their place? well, this is the point. We didn't react to the fact we are struggling ? So you believe the reason we are struggling is solely down to the talent of the players? the reason we are struggling is fairly obvious mate. Not enough quality footballers, its as simple as that, particularly in midfield and up front. Do you believe Blackburn and West Ham have more quality in their sides? I cant think for a second that you believe that. Therefore, why are they further up the league and out of the relegation places?

Exactly. These are the people who have got us into the trouble in the first place.

If we're relying on Viduka and Emre, we ARE fucked. Why? Who would you prefer in their place? well, this is the point. We didn't react to the fact we are struggling ? So you believe the reason we are struggling is solely down to the talent of the players?

If we're relying on Viduka and Emre, we ARE fucked. Why? Who would you prefer in their place?

I hate the phrase "relegation scrap", it sort of says that it's no longer a game of football. No side has stayed in this league by "scrapping", they have stayed in by playing football. If we are going to stay in this league we need to be the best football side we can. Players like Viduka, Emre and N'Zogbia over Smith, Butt etc everyday of the week.

Thank fuck for that eh. Hopefully by next weekend him or martins will be upfront with owen.

I dont think Butts had a good season at all. The only thing Butt can do better than Geremi is tackle but DM is more about getting into the right places to sniff out the danger, than tackling as such.

Geremi should not be picked over Beye. However, i'd think about playing him in DM for various reasons. His abilty to keep the ball and play a good pass is better than most.

Pace is the wrong word to be fair. It's his ability to have a snap shop at goal. Smith doesn't even look at the goal in a game, where as Martins would shoot from 40 yards if it dropped right. Whilst he does have the ability to have snap shots, I think his pace is more of a worry to the opposition. He has genuine pace, and the ability and willingness to go past his man. Something that is lacking in the rest of our forward line and it's that pace that creates space for others when he goes on runs (With or without the ball). He certainly posesses that pace. With Owen and Martins in the side the threat is there, regardless of whether people think Owen has lost it. They are also both good in the air.

Worried ATM. However, i know once Keegan sees the likes of Beye, Martins etc perform he will stick with them. Consistancy seems to be on Keegans agenda ATM. However, we are consistantly shite TBF.

Pace is the wrong word to be fair. It's his ability to have a snap shop at goal. Smith doesn't even look at the goal in a game, where as Martins would shoot from 40 yards if it dropped right.

By far my biggest concern. Fuck partnerships with Owen, when Martins play we are more threatening, that's a fact IMO. I'd play them both and try and work on our delivery.

We couldn't have hit Man Utd at a more perfect time TBH. Normally they would be a wounded animal but i have a feeling this Man Utd side isn't quite as terrifying as when they had Van Nistelrooy etc (in the attitude sense). I hope Fergi plays more Nanis and less Giggs'. However, i must say if Scholes plays he will inevitably score.

I salute you, absolute nutshell. The only thing i'd pick you up on is Bartons city performances. I know a few people that work at city and i saw him play there a couple of times my self, he was good. However, there he looked like a chief amongst indians, now he looks like and indian among indians.

I was watching yesterday's matches closely for precisely this reason. I wanted to see if other teams gave up the ball when being pressed and the answer is they don't. Chelsea and Man U in particular either passed the ball before anyone got near them (often one touch) or they shielded the ball until an option became available, which they quckly did as there was so much movement off the ball. Our players, in contrast, pass it then stand still, only too relieved to have got rid of the ball. A more sorry bunch of losers it would be hard to assemble. Even the teams that some on here would (incorrectly) view as "beneath" us do passing and movement better than us. Its a worry. Out of those beneath i'd say that the mackems and Boro (now above) are the two that pass and move more consistantly. Apart from the that the others don't. The main reason behind this is to with consistant teams and confidence. Sure we've had some tactical disasters but noone could convince me that any of their squads are close to ours. However, i must admit, it's hardly less worrying.

We MUST have Martins in the first team. He will change things for us IMO. I dont think we will get relegated, infact i think we will dent Man Utds title hopes.

The reason we are conceding has nothing to do with the talent of the defenders but because of the pressure the midfield is putting them under. I agree that Faye is our best centre half but for me the choice is between having Cacapa or Butt on the pitch. I would choose Cacapa or Geremi over Butt. FAO Tachikoma, i wouldn't argue with your side either.

For me; Given Beye Taylor Cacapa Enrique Faye Emre Milner N'Zogbia Martins Owen For me the only question mark is over the strikers because we may need someone with a bit more power in the side, therefore i'd choose Viduka, who looks to score when he gets the ball.

I was down at Villa and i could see plain as day that even though we had a good first half we needed Viduka, Faye and Emre on the pitch. Alan Smith does work hard but apart from a decent ability to keep a hold of the ball, he's talentless. I can't wait fro Martins to return but i have a horrible feeling the KK will stick with Smith.

TBF Milner i still a good youngster, i think he has just been really tired this season. Last season he was class for us, you dont just turn shit over night.

I'd go with; Given Beye Taylor Cacapa Enrique Faye Emre Barton Duff Martins Owen and simply try and out play them. I think KK will go for; Given Carr Taylor Cacapa Enrique Butt Emre Barton Duff Smith Owen My only issues are Smith and Butt. Replace Butt with Faye and Smith with Duke or Martins and i will be happy.

I hope he isn't picked for two reasons. 1. He won't get injured 2. Might spark some passion in his play.

Why would KK go as far as to say the signs are that he's unhappy? What possible advantage would that have - will it not just stoke the speculation? He didn't it was the media shit stiring, full quotes are on .cock.

He's got well into next season IMO.

Can't wait for this game, making the trip down there. Given Beye Taylor Cacapa Jose Faye Emre Barton Duff Viduka Owen They have a few injuries and have just been beaten by fulham. Super sub Martins to win it.