Should we revert to a conventional 4-4-2 formation....

[Iver]

The side Rafa picked against Stoke yesterday was selected specifically with their physical, robust tactics in mind.

 

I would argue that for such games, we should choose a strong attack minded side, and let the opposition worry about us, rather than vice versa.

 

It is hindsight I know, but if the team that was selected for games such as yesterday's and also for West Ham, Fulham, Hull etc, was along these lines, (assuming a full strength squad to choose from) ;

 

Reina

 

Arbeloa

Carragher

Take your pick from Agger or Skrtel

Insua (merits inclusion ahead of either Dossena or Aurelio on current form)

 

Gerrard on the right, he would not be happy with this, but needs must, he offers infintely more in this role than Kuyt or Benayoun

Alonso

Mascherano

Riera

 

Torres

Keane

 

I think had we adopted this formation in games where the ownes is on us to go out and break teams down, who "park the bus", we would create much more, and our total points yield from these games would have been much higher.

 

The Robbie Keane situation baffles me - you pay over the odds for a 29 year old, and in games where you need a goal, he is left kicking his heels on the bench, as untried, unproven players such as N'gog and El Zhar are sent on in preference - it makes no sense whatsoever.

 

Compare Rafa's treatment of Keane to that of Kuyt.

 

Dirk has failed to score in two months, yet he has been an anonymous, ineffective fixture in the side since.

 

Robbie gets two on Stephen's day, we all rub our hands in anticipation, and he has sat on the bench since.

 

It beggars belief.

[Tommok]

The side Rafa picked against Stoke yesterday was selected specifically with their physical, robust tactics in mind.

 

I would argue that for such games, we should choose a strong attack minded side, and let the opposition worry about us, rather than vice versa.

 

It is hindsight I know, but if the team that was selected for games such as yesterday's and also for West Ham, Fulham, Hull etc, was along these lines, (assuming a full strength squad to choose from) ;

 

Reina

 

Arbeloa

Carragher

Take your pick from Agger or Skrtel

Insua (merits inclusion ahead of either Dossena or Aurelio on current form)

 

Gerrard on the right, he would not be happy with this, but needs must, he offers infintely more in this role than Kuyt or Benayoun

Alonso

Mascherano

Riera

 

Torres

Keane

 

I think had we adopted this formation in games where the ownes is on us to go out and break teams down, who "park the bus", we would create much more, and our total points yield from these games would have been much higher.

 

The Robbie Keane situation baffles me - you pay over the odds for a 29 year old, and in games where you need a goal, he is left kicking his heels on the bench, as untried, unproven players such as N'gog and El Zhar are sent on in preference - it makes no sense whatsoever.

 

Compare Rafa's treatment of Keane to that of Kuyt.

 

Dirk has failed to score in two months, yet he has been an anonymous, ineffective fixture in the side since.

 

Robbie gets two on Stephen's day, we all rub our hands in anticipation, and he has sat on the bench since.

 

It beggars belief.

 

he played against Preston and was generally rubbish though, no?