ExiledGeordie

Latest from 5 live is that Colo will probably be playing

This. It is bloody frustrating but if it means we have a full 11 for the games where we should win then so be it. Just the way the stresses in the league effect players. There will always be periods where we are struggling with absentees. I have a feeling sitting in the pub today I'm going to be in the minority and will have to take a result massively on the chin in front of a load of Cockney/Irish REds including my mate

Injuries often take time and especially anything to do with ligaments. Even if he's been training in the week there's a difference between that and going into full battle against Man U at Old Trafford. Furthermore if you put someone into a match who isn't 100% you risk further injury. I see nothing odd about his absence other than pure disappointment.

:lol:

I'd be more confident with Kadar than with Perch.

Back spasm and back specialist called into Manchester last night according to Echo. They'll have done loads of massage last night and will then see how it's responded this morning. Doesn't sound too good but he's not definitely out yet.

Santon and keep Simpson at right back. Playing him at centre half is a ridiculous idea.

I'd rather have Santon as an emergency centre half than Simpson. Atleast Santon is 6,2 and good on the ball. Keep Simpson is his natural position.

This is why a quality centre half needs to be bought in January. It's all very well Pardew saying "we've got a strong squad" but the team goes from really solid to seriously weak in areas with the loss of key players.

Well if Colo is out it really is game over.

I think it's inevitable than Santon eventually comes into the side, it's just a question of when.

I hope I'm proved wrong but I think our undoing in this match could well involve Ryan Taylor again

We're missing Tiote, yes gutted. However if we were missing either Colo or Saylor I'd be far more pessimistic. Besides as Dave said I'd much rather we get everyone ready for a full tilt assault on Chelsea at home and then a run of games where we should be racking up some points. This game was always going to be a free game anyway so point forcing players to get back for this but no pressure in this match and Man U have to win really.

This is the type of game we need Ben Arfa for, he's coming off a good display against City and gradually building his confidence. He creates a lot of space with his movement and is very hard to pick up. Hope he can continue on saturday where he left off at City.

It's nice to be heading to Old Trafford with a genuine chance of getting something or atleast giving them a came. They may hit top form on the day but for far too long we've just been going there with a grim acceptance of a 3 or 4 nil defeat on the cards.

I always thought he'd probably be back for the Chelsea match to be honest as frustrating as it is.

Yep Ben Arfa has it in his locker to cause the top sides real trouble. A Man U defence that doesn't look up to scratch could be just the ticket for him on saturday.

Ian my Man U mate goes to a few pubs in Palmers Green NE London to watch all their games, I'm in Muswell Hill so not far. Think there's a few pubs showing them although I put up a question about pubs in London showing Toon matches so there maybe some options in that thread.

Rooney out :lol: I'm watching this with my Man U mate in a dodgy Irish pub in north london which shows all Man U games so no doubt I'll be in the minority, lol We genuinely have a chance to get something but as ever going to Old Trafford is a massive ask. With Cabaye and Tiote in midfield I'll feel a whole lot better about things though. As ever and evident last weekend it'll be whether we take our chances and don't give them any goals.

Will be MASSIVE if he's available on saturday

Pardew won't drop Raylor after one bad performance. A sucession of bad performanes (hopefully not because that'll probably mean a succession of defeats) will only see Santon coming in.

If Tiote and Obertan make it I think it'll be: Krul Simpson Taylor Colo Raylor Obertan Cabaye Tiote Jonas Ben Arfa Ba Man U have the ability to turn Raylor inside out so even though the lad has done well this will be another proper examination of him. Another costly mistake that leads to a goal and maybe Santon will get a chance. As others have said we might find that Santon allows Jonas to attack more, all ifs, buts and maybes though.

I don't want him to go at all, but the two clowns at the top of the club will always think of making £££ first with a sale.

Well he was only on for a few minutes but he gave the ball away 2-3 times and couldn't hold it up. What's more is Liverpool look for more threatening with him nowhere near the first 11.

Yeah I like the look of that lineup