bazz

I just can't see Pennant starting this game and therefore think his place will go to a striker instead and we will end up with this: --------------------------REINA-------------------------- FINNAN----CARRAGHER-----AGGER--------RIISE ------------MASCHERANO---ALONSO------------------ GERRARD------------------------------------KEWELL -----------------CROUCH----KUYT----------------------

Sounds like he could be on fire in training and giving Rafa the headache of what to do. I always thought Zenden would start on the left in order to bring experience to the starting side, but on comments such as these, maybe Kewell will start and then come off with 10/20 mins to go. Sometime you have to risk one of your most talented players if they are showing such great form (okay, only 1 game and training) - but Rafa has done it before with Kewell.

With all due respect, we recently had the most important game of our season in the semi final against Chelsea and Alonso was on the bench. How "vital" he is now, maybe needs to be looked at more carefully.

People have to remember that players do get injured you know! We are trying to win the Premiership which is a long,long campaign where key players can get injured or suspended and we need a strong squad in order to compete. I don't think players as important as Alonso/Sissoko are going anywhere and that will be indicated in their contract extensions. That said anything is possible especially if we are competing with the other top clubs in Europe for players such as Eto'o/Villa/Torres and a cash plus player (Alonso) deal, may just be needed. With the money we think we may have, I think in an ideal world - Rafa will want to keep all his current Midfield players and will only add a couple more attacking midfielders (Alves) and Strikers (take your pick) We can't have another pre-season of 4-5 players out and 4-5 players in - it will unsettle the squad/team too much. Im hoping Rafa has learned from last season in that we can't afford to start the season in October after allowing players to adjust - its just not appropriate if we are to win/challenge for the league.

Is correct. As much as everyone says how good Alonso is, no-one should be guaranteed a place in the team if they are not going to bring the club the premiership win. This is the season we need to be ruthless and push on this team to win the premiership.Our side is seriously lacking ball carrying players prepared to beat a couple of players and attack from midfield. As much as we all think our midfield is great, it is missing something to link it with the Strikers. We need more incisive pacy attacking play with players who can do something different to unlock defences. Alonso, Momo and Masch aren't these players. With Alonso Momo and Masch involved, you don't have players that are going to score or create enough goals for you as they play too deep and make the space between the Striker and Midfield too great and it allows oppposition defenders to step up and stifle any threat. Im not sure we need to sacrifice anyone as we don't need to sell to buy (we think) - so there is no reason to let any of our players go. We do need some top class attacking players brought into the team as our defence is sound. 2 or 3 attacking players are required and the link between midfield and the strikers is the main area that needs addressing and with Alves and Kewell on either side of a Masch/Gerrard centre pairing, that could be the solution. To feed off their service, we need a top class striker that can can attack at pace and link up play and most importantly score goals. Someone like Eto'o is that type of player we need. We don't want it to happen, but in order for us to win the title - we might have to sacrifice someone like Alonso, then who knows, it may have to happen....... Or something

http://youtube.com/watch?v=EYqKzNlxclw&amp...ted&search=

WOW, that guy looks some player! Based on this youtube..........we should break the bank to sign him - what a great addition he would be. Lets sign him before United/Chelsea do: I feel a first 11 coming on: Reina Finnan Carra Agger Riise Alves Gerrard Masch Kewell Cisse Eto'o Sorted

I believe we need 3 additions to take us closer to the title: Eto'o, Tevez and Alves 3 new players, but 1 already adapted to the premiership(Tevez), 1 world class (Eto'o) striker who can lead the line and play intelligent balls/layoffs to others and 1 outstanding rightsided player not afraid of carrying the ball forward. Realistically they will cost: Eto'o - 20million sterling Tevez - 12milion sterling Aleves - 12 million sterling Yes, alot of money - but should be "affordable" for the new owners. A potential first 11 for next year: Reina Finnan Carra Agger Riise Masch Alves Gerrard Kewell (fully fit) Tevez Eto'o Alot of pace and hopefully goals in that line up with always the options of 3 players coming on during a match Alves giving free reign to attack with Finnan covering, Kewell the same with Riise covering for him with Masch providing the cover for Gerrard to power on helping Tevez and Eto'o out with the goals. Either Kuyt, Crouch, Pennant coming on to keep the momentum for 90 minutes

This will be the team: Reina Finna Carra Agger Riise Gerrard Masch Alonso Zenden Kuyt Crouch After Rafa going all romantic on Zenden this week, he will start like he did against Chelsea. Kewell, Bellamy and maybe....just maybe Fowler (only if there is penalties) to appear from the subs bench

Finnan for me. Consistency is what we all want in order to win the premiership and he is the only one that has been producing top quality performances all season. If all the others were as consistent as Finnan, we would have been challenging for the title this year.

Thought that was Carra - wasn't it reported somewhere the other day?

Good points there I think we are in a much better (potentially) position in alot of areas compared to 2005 With the new owners money aswell and marketing ability, we should be able to capitalise more than we did in 2005 and really put our club on the world map and generate the extra revenue needed. Im getting a warm feeling about our future.... Dear Mr Owners, can we have Samuel Etoo now please.

I though he was very sloppy with his passes and nervy in his play last night. I thought he was immense in the 2nd half and the challenge at the left back's spot and the run back to position was class. That said, he was very,very lucky to get away with his stray pass that led to Drogba having his shot saved by Reina, if that had gone in we could be discussing him in a different light this morning........especially with the fickleness shown on here sometimes!

Zenden is one of the most experienced players in the squad, and Im certain that was one of the main reasons he was played ahead of Gonzalez etc.

f***ing amazing night!! I have a headache from the worry.

Between 3 and 2 Can't eat lunch at the mo because of the nerves and haven't any meetings in the afternoon to make it even worse. I keep thinking two completely different thoughts: 1) Its going to be another amazing night and we are going to the final 2) Chelsea will score and we won't score enough and they will go through and we will be shattered. Feck, now after writing it, I messed up even more......

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ffs - let the witch hunt continue And how many of these "offsides" are due to the linesman getting it wrong because of Bellamy's electric pace and "looking" onside when he receives the ball because he has timed his run, but was too quick. I have seen this happen numerous times. ....but sure don't let that get in the way of attacking one of our players

For gods sake Bellamy was running Barca ragged about 6-7 weeks ago and scored in the Camp Nou........... now he is s*** and people want rid. Fickle football supporters 2007 are a real pain in the a***!

Jekyll and Hyde?