Euphrates

I've got a feeling that his big problem with Crouch has been the off the pitch stuff, quotes attributed to him, his choice in companion, and alleged attitude. If that's the case, Stephen Ireland is a huge mistake.

I've thought that too. And it's not because I like the man, or even have a fondness for him, but I respect his ability. That was a decent Porto side he had, and while people question Chelsea's pragmatism (and money) he seemed to instantly realise what was required of a title winning side in this league. Then there's the people who object based on the Liverpool tradition of football. 2 words, Houllier, Benitez. *Disclaimer* I don't want to see Rafa leave, I think he's good enough to see of us out of this if backed and given free reign. It's just if he was to...

I've never seen Fernandez play and only seen Nasri in highlights, so I don't have a clue how good they are.

The reason I asked is based on what I've seen I'd get rid. But that's tempered by the fact that what I've seen has always only been about 10 minutes at the end of games when we're desperate and he just happened to be on the bench (probably in expectation of giving him a run out after we'd wrapped up the game).

He may be at his best but the argument is that the team certainly isn't. Until we have someone in the wide positions who is good enough, that's where he can contribute the most to the team. I look at it like this: the difference between Gerrard over Pennant isn't as great as the difference between Gerrard over Alonso/Masch/Lucas.

Petrov has certainly shown he can be good enough, I think he's just too lazy for Rafa. Gudjohnsen's a good shout, I'd almost want him just for the c*** thing he did to Alonso, we need us some of that. Plus he definitely has the intelligence and skill to be a foil for Torres, he's also probably disillusioned with Barca.

You need to answer the question why you don't see Gerrard in any other position rather than just say "end of". Or you need to give over.

xxxx = I'd like Petrov from City. Like that'd ever happen.

An attacking mentality is not measured by shots on target and corners. Shots on target can be largely inflated by a team having to take shots from distance, which would in fact be a sign of negativity. A better shots on target to goals ratio would mean 1 of 2 things (a) that our finishing was better, and that's hardly the case apart from a few players or (b) we created better opportunities. We need more movement off the ball in the final third, and we need better players. Edited because I wrote shoots instead of shots, because I'm f***ing stupid.

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The words GOALS does not spring to mind when thinking about any of our ****-****'s at the moment. Something needs to change, and it looks like it needs to change using the squad we have.

I'd agree with that. But wouldn't a 433 just show up Riise even more?

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Well there was a short period there where he stepped into Alonso's role and did well enough. I'm thinking mostly about the game against Newcastle where he laid much of the groundwork for Gerrard's truly brilliant display. There were a few other games that made me think he could become a regular. The in place of question is difficult though, if Alonso gets a run of games now and looks well, I can't see him getting a look in. But if Gerrard were to play out right Lucas would get more chances in the centre.

Dear Andy Gray, Why must Gerrard not play on the right? Is it because the balance of the team would be better? Is it because we do not have any other realistic option there? Is it because he scores goals from that position? Your Friend and Mine, Euphrates

Good point, which is why I think our best back four at the moment is Aurelio, Agger, Carra and Finnan with Arbeola filling in at either fullback. Except 3 of them have been injured for chunks of this season, Carra's been unfortunately poor (or maybe he's just been overworked). (This is essentially why I think we'll never progress with Riise in the side, we have other much, much more pressing issues at the moment but his lack of football intelligence and his wayward shooting whenever he sees the goal gets on my t***.)

The balance of power is shifting! No more of this boring full spectrum dominance s**** that seems to come with bumbling mismanagement.

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I'd agree with that. Although it's more to do with a lack of quality anywhere else, you listen to him on OTB and he's just using "common sense". I even have time for Brady and Dunphy, both of whom at least will attempt to raise interesting points and can spur on a debate (alright, melee).

I know he's got limited time so far, but does anyone rate El Zhar?

That game against Newcastle certainly convinced them that with our squad it's definitely workable. Maybe not for every game as then you'd probably get other teams expecting it and setting out to exploit us more on the wings. But I do think it suits our squad, Riise fits in well as a wing-back, Finnan is comfortable there and it would allow Masch, Alonso and Gerrard to play at the same time and still have two forwards. Not that I see a real impetus for AN Other to start alongside Torres...

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