Magic8Ball

I'm not sure how berbatov will improve the mancs - he could help their strength in depth but that's not really improving them - maybe they're thinking that they don't want Tevez long term or they're planning for the loss of Ronaldo

on a side note: of all the teams that could compete for 5th it seems Pompey are the only one to have strengthened so far

wonder how long before O'neill threatens to join the party and complain to the FA - he was pretty vocal in the press moaning about how we approched the transfer

and the articles saying we need to sell xabi to get barry - and the articles that say we're struggling to afford keane and need to sell - also its typical that when a club needs to sell it tends to get offers for its better players first - so I dont get your complaint

Interesting argument, ( maybe this agrees with you) However I would argue the only backup players we have are Pennant and Voronin. ( I think Itanje has been sold, Carson is on the brink ). No ones beating a path to our door for either. So effectively we are selling "first team" players to raise money now. That's not how a team hoping to win the league should be acting.

so in one swoop our american owners turns us into a selling club. The world knows we have to sell before we can buy, expect us to get offers the the players we would sooner keep than the ones we want to sell. This is the situation bottom of the league teams are normally in. I don't see how Rafa can keep up with the top 3 let alone over take them under conditions like this.

if this is true, tell his agent we'll give him a decent sign on fee and have him wait

I see a 3 man midfield with Barry as a poor mans left footed Gerrard - Barry will attack but if asked to can sit and defend alonside Mash therefore we would be more of a goal threat from midfield I see keane as playing the attacking midfielder It's a more attack minded approach with support for Torres who will need that this season - as teams will have watches last seasons videos and have a better idea what he's got to his game at best with this formation the FB's will give width and goals will come from Barry, Gerrard, Keane and Torres that's 4 match winners - let alone what will happen if Babel clicks in

as Barry and Alonsa are virtually a straight swap we can afford to wait on this one

That leaves a net spend of 17m or so ---- sounds like great business by Rafa - begs the question who or what can we sell next season ?

so let's see We're saying Alonso is staying to send a message to Villa - Villa are getting nervous as we've not upped our previous bid and we're selling Carson and Pennant at lower than we wanted to fund a bid for someone

I know, but I doubt Xabi will be as sensational again ( at Liverpool ) as he was in his first season

the future liverpool will be all about the midfield diamond - one man to protect the back 4/3 (Mash) 2 CM's ( Gerrard, Barry) and the point of the diamond Torres (normally ) sometimes Keane Mash Gerrard Barry Torres or Mash Gerrard Barry Keane Torres Babel

from when's Babbel coming .... when's Barry coming ... how we've progressed so, when is Barry coming ?

that million could be a world of difference for us, so we need to fight over it - all the same I hope this deal is concluded soon and we can move on to other business

Degen on the right Dossena on the left

all he has to do is put in a transfer request

I know, I was like watching it the other day and it won the league.... TWICE !

WE'RE so going 433 next season - hope this comes off !

--------------------Reina------------------------ Degen-----Carra------Agger------Dossena --------------------Masch---------------------- ---------Gerrard---------------Barry------------ --------------------Keane---------------------- -------------Torres-------- Babel------------- width from the Full backs

agree with that, hope we get Barry and Keane but what formation? 41212 (433, 4312) with the FB's providing support would seem to be the way forward

so the question is: would Barry, Degen, Dossena and Keane be enough for us to win the title ?

hope that's true, Spurs have a 16m striker sitting on their bench who I would take in a straight swap for Crouch ( right now). Bent would be a good back up for Torres and may be also capable of playing RA

we lost to the mancs with 4231 Also I dont think Rafa's had a real chance - lack of funds and lack of time - lets see where we are in 2 seasons (especially if we can get rid of the Yanks and get someone in with money)

shhh don't let the secret out