ExiledGeordie

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

This. You can't go to City and give them goals like that. That 2nd was a real killer too coming right at the end of the first half. Furthermore we missed a couple of great chances to take the lead and then get back in it at 2-0 and then the game is a different kettle of fish altogether. Still City are a ridiculous machine of a side, look at the players they have on their bench :lol: It'll almost be embarrassing if they don't win the title ffs, they've got a sovereign state behind them!

If Obertan is fit, his pace could be a great outlet on their pitch which is a big one. I think this game is suited to Ben Arfa too and he's showing promising signs after yesterdays performance, it could be very difficult to pick up for Man U. Tiote being fit for this will be massive really but I think he'll also probably stick with Raylor at left back. The problem for Raylor against the top sides is there's always a chance he's going to get shown up with his lack of pace and positioning. The lad has done very well up until now but a few more mistakes in the next couple of games and surely Santon will come in. Old Trafford will be another thorough examination for him but I don't want him to fail just so Santon can come in, far from it.

An offer in the mid to late 20s and he'll be gone, there's an obvious inevitability about it. At the very least he should be kept until the end of the season.

I don't think Santon right side of midfield is a bad shout really. He's quick and I remember seeing a quote from him saying how he can play in a more forward position either side of midfield. He'd also provide support for Simpson and the midfield especially with the possibility with Ben Arfa roaming.