LDN Blue

In answer to the main question, damn right we need Mikel. I don't know if this is a cycle of attacking the players, I guess Ivanovic is next. But Mikel has been vital this season & last. His role is clear "deep lying play maker" which is exactly what he does, he'll sit deep, covering for the bombing wing backs, and when he gets the ball, he'll hold it. He'll allow the attackers to get in good positions before delivering an exquisite long pass. He can also slow the tempo of a game down, if ask to, when we're suffering waves of attack, it will be Mikel who will receive the ball and with composure, get it into the opposition half. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but does Mikel currently have the most touches on the ball for us this entire season? Mikel is a better DM than Essien, he's more disciplined & smarter, not that I'm taking anything away from Essien's football. But when you have a team where all the midfielder players are focused on attack, you need the extra man to help with the defence. Some may argue that's Ramires's role, to be the link between attack and defence, but I wouldn't agree, because I like Ramires' attacking flare more than his defensive one. The problem I find with Essien at DM is, he goes on those long, forward runs, he's famous for. But when the opposing team is on the counter he leaves that huge gap at the back, the full backs have already bombed forward so if the opposition is smart they can counter a 3/4 vs 2.

Ah yeah I remember now. Whatever the case, I hope you're right about the new guy bringing the loanees back.

you actually think it?

Drogba?

^

Hmm, if we're saying start Sturridge then perhaps move Josh to holding (as Carlo does) and put Lampard with Ramires. Bringing on Kakuta later for Ramires. I'd say no more than 4 youngsters to start, otherwise it may become too young.

Brilliant article from The Guardian (yeah them again!) about how Josh is already being compared to Pirlo! http://www.guardian....lsea-liam-brady

All the fans recognised his debut was almost perfect. Had a very good game, him vs Heskey was a miss-match from the off, but he handled him very well (aside from the goal) but sometimes that happens. The Guardian (I think it was) blamed him for not beating Heskey, I don't and I'd argue with anyone who suggests he should've had Heskey.

The big question is though, what will he do vs Ipswich next week? Personally I want a mix, because I still want the win over that scumbag Keane.. Turnbull Bosingwa - Bruma - Terry - Van Aanholt Mikel McEachran - Lampard Kakuta - Drogba - Zhirkov/Malouda Starting 4 of those guys will be fresh to see, but they'll also be supported by the experienced guys. I'd like to see Sturridge & Clifford to come on off the bench for either one youth player & one experienced player or both youngsters. Hasslebaink got it spot on when we played Zilina.. You can't field a full team of youth players, that's not how they'll learn.

LOL indeed. Carlo even went on record last week saying "I saw Ronaldinho's decline"

Indeed, 7 players over 30. And this fixture schedule, is by no means easy. Player who are 30+ should not be playing 2 games within a week, it's club & career suicide.

Number 3 makes me laugh a bit

Anyone fancy David Bentley for a potential winger?

Personally I don't see us winning the title but I do see us being a thorn in the sides who do look like it. We can close down Tottenham and jump them for 3rd and from there be a nuisance

Yeah but they're not as old & thin as our squad But you're right about the 2nd part.. A win on Wednesday will do us a world of good, especially if Tottenham drop points. Since we have a game in hand over Manchester City, I'd love for them to beat Arsenal, we'd still be behind them, but not by much

:lol:

Don't even think it's true, I've only seen The Metro report it, even Goal have stayed quiet on it.

LOL I know, people don't actually realise that if this deal goes through, Manchester City will be deadly in attack. We should move in for Silva

John Terry back stabbed his friend in the back & broke the one rule guy's have. Don't do your mate's ex.. I understand it . But he's not paid to keep his private life in check, he's paid to perform on the pitch, which he does day in, day out.

He's right. To be honest, I think Cech was at fault.

We're too old. With this mid-week schedule it's actually no wonder we're in a slump. Drogba, Anelka, Terry, Lampard & Cole are all 30 or over, this sort of hectic schedule (mixed in with the cold weather) is not good for these players. Physically it's taking a lot out of them, and they can't have a rest because we've got no-one to come in a fill up these places that would be left open. Certainly not Terry (with Alex out), can't replace Drogba & Anelka because then only Kalou and Sturridge are left. We could replace Cole with Van Aanholt (but Carlo would never do it) Drogba is 32. He's had a prolonged case of Malaria and in the last 2 months we've played 11 games. 11 games, 8 weeks. He should not be playing 180minutes a week, at his age it is simply too much of an ask. Same applies to Lampard & Terry, both have just come back from injury and long spells out (in Lampard's case) and now they're playing too many matches. THIS is the biggest flaw of our thin squad, it's that the main XI are simply too tired. It won't surprise me if we see a very lethargic performance on Wednesday.

Adam Johnson was 22 when City signed him, Bothroyd is 28 But you're still right, I don't mind giving him a chance tbh.

the sad thing is.. He still remains our top scorer in all competitions.

Like all economic sectors, the football market is a bubble. Some say it'll burst in the next few years, the first sign of this was when Setanta went down in the UK.. FIFA & UEFA are in for a shock soon.. http://fourfourtwo.com/news/england/23108/default.aspx http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2007/sep/30/money.sport That last one was written in 2007. Imagine how worried they are now, after the fee paid for Ronaldo.