Neil

Very much agreed. As well as being a talented, athletic footballer, he strikes me as the type who doesn't brag about his lifestyle much and is fairly easy-going. Re: the Liverpool match, I think it'll be 0-0 or 1-1, thus sending the B-starreds through.

Ah right, got that one wrong. Seemed to think they employed an attacking 4-3-1-2 system with Senna holding. I blame Sky Sports Spanish Football for being inaccurate I still think he could work in a 4 man midfield, possibly a narrow one. His game is based on his intelligence, not particularly strong physical attributes, so the athleticism and stamina of the midfield around him would be a key factor in his potential success in that system.

Only works in any league in a 5 man midfield. Villarreal play with 2 strikers don't they?

We'll need that sort of game/goal again. All aboard the luck express. Daniel f***ing Amakachi still has the power to reduce me to tears . Think you lot have a genuine chance of winning it tbh. You impressed me at the Lane this season in a 'f*** me, we're never gonna score' sort of way. Let me ask you something, what's your opinions on Cahill? I happen to think he's quite a limited player who possesses the best headers in the league, but can only perform in a 4-5-1 where he's given the freedom to roam, and join the attack whenever he wants. He's tackling is on par with Scholes, but i don't think he's a nasty player in the slightest. What i'm trying to get at is i doubt he'll be anywhere near as effective in a standard 4-4-2, where the manager actually gives him set instructions. Have i got it wrong?? Average player who thrives on freedom. Technically he's mediocre. Shooting, anything harder than a short, basic pass, general control, are all not particularly good. When he's behind the striker or the striker himself, I think he relishes the responsibility and importance of him. His heading is outstanding, near enough the best in the league when you consider his height. His awareness of where to be in terms of being in the right place at the right time is also impressive. In a 4-4-2 though, he's invisible. Re: tackling, he's abysmal, and I can see why opposition fans think he's a little s**t, but I don't think he's that bad. Fellaini is an even worse situation; 12 yellow cards iirc, and I can't remember one particularly dangerous or violent challenge. In terms of the semi final, I just can't see it. Our midfield is at times shockingly inept and ineffective, Spurs midfield at times looks on a different planet to ours and when you consider the league positions it really emphasises how in need of help ours is. Seeing it being crippled with injuries time and again, as well as our best player by far being out injured doesn't help, but still, basic quick passing and movement is often beyond us. I think we'll be outclassed in midfield, albeit sturdy in defence.

We'll need that sort of game/goal again. All aboard the luck express.

I'd fancy our chances against Chelsea or Arsenal (no offence Hull). At least to give them good games. I just can't see us getting past Man Utd. The former 2 sides of shown weaknesses this season; whilst even if Ronaldo, Rooney etc had an off day, we have that defence to try and get past, not to mention the 3 or 4 other match-winners they have in their side.

FT, get in!

The question is, do you risk playing Martins because he looks dangerous? Ultimately if both are fit, Owen imo will do more damage because he's more intelligent.

Our positioning wasn't what it could have been, perhaps.

So do I but look at any major league. Exactly the same.

Blatter in anti-Premiership shocker.

Just to say, I'm not fussed what time it is really; I'm happy with whatever's easiest for the majority

Do you play for a Uni team yourself?

Was tried against Coventry and he sucked. That's far too responsive. Keep doing it for 6 more games, THEN realise it's not working, then do something about it. [/vaguejibe]

Is it worth giving him a try in the middle, perhaps in the 'hole' (cringe), behind Martins?

Is he? What I see is a player who is used extremely well by Ferguson, in matches and indeed positions where his work rate and industry is required. Perhaps he is an unsung hero, but I wouldn't say hes one of the first on the teamsheet. That said, it's hard to pick Man United's strongest midfield, such is the wealth of options they have

A very good defender who is made to look better than he is by having the team he does around him. Especially Vidic.

Same. Think we might need to beat them at Villa Park though.

Pompey, I think.

Utter daylight robbery, Fulham pummelled Hull for 90% of the match.

Oh my word. Hull score.

We've played s**t for a few games now, absolutely awful. aye i know but this time i want your mob to win. Without Arteta your no better than the rest of the crap in the league. We're better than most due to our defensive resilience. Offensively we're abysmal.

From what I heard Man Utd deserved to win but were made to work hard through a spirited effort by Newcastle.

We've played s**t for a few games now, absolutely awful.