ExiledGeordie

If Ba is out he really should start with Ben Arfa behind Best. Will do my nut in of Lovenkrands starts in Ba's absence "if" he doesn't recover.

I like the fact we've got the players to get in their faces. They never like coming to St James Park and if they're going to leave with 3 points they're going to have to bloody well work for it. Be interested to see what their mettle is made of in this one, can't wait.

I'm starting to like the idea of Marveaux starting this match now, he can add some real craft and guile to the midfield. Obertan can always be used as an impact sub 2nd half with his pace. Either way it's great to have those options.

God there's some shite spouted in this thread :lol:

Lad is very close to the first 11, really liked the look of him in that first match against Suncthorpe. Cool, calm under pressure, a turn of pace, can beat a man, cross and clearly has a goal in him.

Ridiculous someone writing that King is poor He's absolutely colossal when he plays and he makes those playing around him better, namely Kaboul. That said with the players we have we can expose Kaboul. Spurs are a side full of confidence coming off the back of a derby win but no reason we should be fearing them especially at home. If we get beaten on the day then fair doos but lets just pile into them and see what we get out of it. One thing the pundits seem to be missing is that we are still improving as a side and have more dangerous players to come into the team. In that respect we haven't even got close to what we might be able to do offensively and for that reason we are a dangerous outfit.

Yeah thats what we should go for against Spurs, defo. Bring Ben Arfa in to cause some shite but keep the two up front who are working well together. In fact Best/Ba alone can cause their defence problems, I don't rate Kaboul or the left back.

Wouldn't be surprised if Ben Arfa played in a reserve match between now and then. Personally I'd like to see him play against Spurs, their defence isn't water tight to say the least and he's got the ability to cause major damage. At the very least I'd like to see Santon start the match even if that means shifting Raylor to right back at the expense of Simmo. Raylor has done admirably but he's going to get done eventually and a team like Spurs will be capable of doing that.

Got to respect Spurs but in no way should we fear them and traditionally we tend to do well against them at home. As pointed out when the stadium is rocking and we properly go for them they've shat it before and bottled it. They're central defence is still suspect and the left back isn't a world beater. I'd fancy Tiote against Parker but there are wicked match ups all over the park and it should be a quality match. I'd be tempted to start Ben Arfa instead of Obertan if he decides that Best/Ba have been playing too well together to drop. Obertan is the only one you could say deserves to have a rest. Be tempted to bring Santon in if he comes through his U21 matches as he has that extra quality that we'll need against sides like Spurs. I'd be much more confident with Santon in at left back.

Review of any of out decent play was non-existant on MOTD.

He kept losing possession 2nd half and the first goal came from him losing the ball. He gives us a great outlet with his pace but he's the only player not warranting a starting place right now. He strikes me as being much more of an impact sub right now whereas someone like Marveaux is a lot more stable, can create but also very good good on the ball.

Ba should've buried that chance to make it 3-0. Obertan was far too costly losing the ball second half as were others and those subs were atrocious, game should've been killed off before that nonsense at the end. Hate old Mick though so even greater to get 3 points, lol An away win is an away win too

There first shout for a pen was a pen, 2nd wasn't. Well played, they have to come at us now and we've got the pace to hit them on the break as long as we can weather a probable all guns blazing first 10-15 mins from them. Tailor made for Ben Arfa/Marveaux to come on and cause some shit with their pace at the right time.

Away in Corfu for a week from tomorrow but I know the hotel has satelite tv so hoping to catch some highlights/coverage somewhere.

Another solid option for midfield when needed

What is he, more of a box to box midfielder or more attacking?

Bang on., exactly my thoughts. Ben Arfa/Marveaux running at tired Blackburn players 2nd half plus it would also allow Ben Arfa to get a proper reception when he comes on the pitch What's exciting is with the likes of Ben Arfa, Abeid, Marveaux, Obertan we've got some real pace in the side.

Atleast it doesnt seem as serious as first thought in relation to cartilage. If he can get back to training without issue then great but a small keyhole operation to clear scar tissue isn't that bad and there's a two week break after the Wolves game anyway before a first real proper test against Spurs at home.

I think Pardew will start with the same time that won at Villa as they played well enough to warrant 3 points. But it's a safe bet to say that Ben Arfa and Marveaux will propably come on fairly sharpish 2nd half to give us that something extra. I think Blackburn will struggle against us but especially with the likes of these two coming on 2nd half. I'm fairly relaxed as to whether he starts with the same side against Villa or starts Ben Arfa but either way I think we should be able to have enough to get 3 points. Confidence will be high and this is the type of game we need to win.

Some good points with Ben Arfa, Marveaux but a weak as piss side in some other respects

what are they talking about? :lol:ffs

Excellent, a solid 70 mins and sounded pretty sharp too.

Got away with that one

some of the posts in this thread

I like what Collymore has to say generally, he seems to be pretty bang on with a lot of what he says.