AlanSkÃrare

Alex Gilliead selected for England U17. Also, the U18s played some cup at St Georges' at the weekend according . Pretty poor results overall, Adam Armstrong scored a hattrick against Aston Villa and won us a game against Southampton with the only goal of the game though. He sounds promising, was impressed with him when I watched that game in the Milk Cup as well.

Those of you who've seen him: What should we expect from Alnwick? Is he any decent? On another note: seems as if Freddie Woodman is first choice in England squads that he shouldn't even be included in looking at his age.

If we're going to keep hoofing, play Shola. Don't keep hoofing.

Is there a way to put money on us starting 442 and reverting to 433 within 10 minutes?

Good post - Barely noticed it was in the Tiote thread Too excited about the derby. I see pre-match threads whereever I click.

So seems as if Krul, Colo and Taylor might be back and Cabaye looks like he's fit as well. Let's go with this: Krul Simpson Taylor Coloccini Santon Jonas Tioté Cabaye Ben Arfa Ba/Cissé Ba/Cissé We seem to constantyl be in charge of games when we play like this. Ba and Cissé can take turns being in their preferred position. If not, I'd bench one of them and play Ferguson out there.

Aye let's play two in the middle.

Aye that's really weird. I'm not sure they count Simpson as purple though. I certainly wouldn't. Anita is the purple player for the RB position, hence the fact that we tried to get Debuchy.

Just found myself thinking about what fucking masterclass this man is. And what a huge difference he makes to our team. Was reading a piece about his inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year recently where they highlighted his curve, going from absolute flop to the hights of today. One of the best CBs in Europe. Please be fit for the mackems.

Relegation dogfight coming up.

I think he prefers 4-4-2 and whacking long balls to the front man. If he was really a 4-3-3 man there's no way he'd have spent so long last season and tried to start this season playing that type of football. He wouldn't be much of a manager if he changed his formation and entire football philosophy to keep one player happy. First time I recall us going 433 was in January v QPR, midway through the 1st half, when he surprised everyone by putting Ben Arfa on for the injured Cabaye. It had been an abysmal performance up to that point. It picked up slightly and we won the game. Don't think 433 had ever been mentioned as a possibility on here up until that game, it was entirely his own doing, and I reckon it was the best way of fitting Ben Arfa into the team at that stage of his development. Alot of posters on here at that time actually wanted him to get back to the tactics that got us unbeaten in 11 games. He then tried it in a few other games that month, but it didn't look great with Best out wide and Jonas sometimes used as an attacking central midfielder. So I wouldn't say hes opposed to it particularly. I just think that at the moment he wants to get 2 quality strikers near the goal as much as possible, but is finding it very difficult to make it work. Personally I was very impressed with the way he evolved the team last season: Started with a 442 with a front 4 of Jonas-Ba-Best-Obertan, and Simpson and Taylor at fullback, (that went 11 unbeaten). By the end of March he had successfully got Ben Arfa and Cisse into the side, both playing incredibly effectively (I thought HBA was quite poor this time last year) and he'd started to get Santon going as well. Got 7 wins in 8 with some decent football at times, sometimes in a 442 and sometimes a 433. So I'd say hes been extremely impressive as far as tactics go. We are struggling a little bit at the moment, but theres more than enough evidence from last season to suggest he will take steps to sort it out. Very good post.

Is it not possible that lots of companies are hesitant about doing business with MA?

Commercialism and the modern western society does not go well with any form of conservative religion. I think those who oppose themselves to our muslim players wearing the adverts need to be reminded of the context and the fact that football in general is surrounded by elements that some forms of Islam does not approve of. This is the case in many parts of the western society. No need to attack the religion in itself just because of this. I really hope this won't be any concern or kick up anything. These questions are very delicate and need to be debated with respect and mutual understanding, not finger pointing and a dramatic intolerant approach. Leave that sort of reaction to the EDL and all the other geniuses.

Anxiety and occasional relief encapsulates the whole concept of supporting a football club.

I can't wait for you to p*ss off and 'support' Man City. He already supports loads of clubs.

Should have signed Mathieu Debtuchy

James Percent I wish Loanmana Loan Loan was still here.

So happy to be a victim of this tremendous PR stunt. Already gone and liked them on Facebook. Now for loaning a shitload of money.

This fucking club

In with a shout? They better fucking play.

4-3-3 and pass the ball to eachother. Last season's home derby was similar. We played rubbish first half and were rightfully behind. Changed it at HT and brough Ben Arfa on (for good that time). Krul Simpson Taylor Coloccini Santon Tioté Cabaye Jonas Ben Arfa Ba Cissé With Cissé and Ba taking turns. = win

Campbell seems to score every game, shame his development will stop immediately when he's introduced to hoofball.

I'd play the 433 with Cisse in the middle. It's what we do best seemingly.

Main reason for our poor defending lately. Need him badly.

Aye Brendan, he's suffering from a reputation he doesn't deserve.