Weekend Premiership Games : All pre/during/post match discussion here

The Rooster wrote: »

Jeez, I can't believe anyone is suggesting playing Plessis ahead of Alonso on Saturday.

Hi Rooster - Think it's me you're referring to here - Mucho confusion with the new match thread crap. Just to clear things up I am not suggesting Plessis is picked ahead of Alonso. I'm suggesting it's Gerrard over Alonso.

Due to the Olympics with Masch and Lucas away we are very limited in the centre of the park. I'm of the opinion that in the centre of the pitch Rafa likes to have one defensive midfielder and one creative midfielder. In the current squad the DMs are Mascherano and Plessis while the offensive ones are Alonso and Lucas. I think Rafa would like to play Gerrard in front of these two because this is the position he can do most damage in. However at the moment we are down to Gerrard, Alonso and Plessis - I don't think Spearing is seriously in the mix and would not be surprised to see him go out on loan once the Olympics are over. He is being kept around at the moment in case of injury.

The Rooster wrote: »

People don't trust Gerrard and Alonso between them to be able to track back, tackle and provide cover against Sunderland! We'd sacrifice a footballer for a mediocre plodder! The oul we'll take 0-0 rather than risk concending attitude. Beggars belief. I know for sure there is no way on earth Ferguson or Wenger would pick Plessis ahead of Alonso in such a game.

I'm of the opinion that Plessis will be in the team to track back, tackle and provide cover against Sunderland - That will be his job. This done he will be giving the ball to Gerrard, who while he will be playing deeper than ideal will be there to start (and hopefully finish) attacks. I don't think it is fair to call Plessis a mediocre plodder - he still young but he looks like a very solid player to me any-time I've seen him - not often given his three competitive starts to date but there is a decent player there imo - he is a bit raw and looked a little unsteady once or twice but I think/hope he should be able to cope with Sunderland's midfield (as long as he gets decent assistance). I don't in any way think you can argue that by having Plessis in the team Rafa will be going out to settle for a nil-nil draw. In my opinion given that it is down to a choice between Gerrard and Alonso, you could argue that Rafa is making an attacking choice by picking the more offensive Gerrard as opposed to Alonso in the centre of the park. I think a lot of this is dictated by the absence of Masch and Lucas. Possibly if both were around they might play with Gerrard in front of them. Of course this is all speculation on my part and I could be completely wrong but this is my thinking on the matter at the moment.

The Rooster wrote: »

I know for sure there is no way on earth Ferguson or Wenger would pick Plessis ahead of Alonso in such a game.

Just to be pedantic - you can't know this - it is only your opinion and while your are completely entitled to it, I completely disagree. I don't know for sure who Ferguson or Wenger would pick but I would believe there is a good chance they might pick Plessis over Alonso in such a game.

The arguement is likely to be rendered futile by the news on Alonso picking up a dead leg - see the Rafa interview in the other tread. One might argue that this suits Rafa a bit as playing Plessis ahead of Alonso wouldn't do much for Alonso transfer value at the moment.

Top form , its about time..........

Arsenal vs West Brom - Arsenal
Bolton vs Stoke - Bolton
Everton vs Blackburn - Blackburn
Hull vs Fulham - Fulham
Middlesbrough vs Tottenham - Spurs
West Ham vs Wigan - Draw
Sunderland vs Liverpool - Liverpool (4-0)
Chelsea vs Portsmouth - Chelsea
Aston Villa vs Man City - Villa
Man Utd vs Newcastle - United

karmafearie wrote:

We're supposed to confine all posts relating to specific matches to their own threads maybe?

Talking about the odds shoul be fine though, right?

Just the team line outs, and match updates and such.

If this post you refer to was against anything in the charter Im sure the Mod would deal with it swiftly.


In the words of another poster from today in reply to your special style of posting

Stop being so patronizing. You write your posts as if you know better than everyone else. As if you are a teacher and the rest of the posters are your students. Heres some info for you.

Be cool man,

Thanks
Mark

Arsenal vs West Brom - Arsenal
Bolton vs Stoke - Bolton
Everton vs Blackburn - Blackburn
Hull vs Fulham - Fulham
Middlesbrough vs Tottenham - Draw
West Ham vs Wigan - West Ham
Sunderland vs Liverpool - Draw

Chelsea vs Portsmouth - Chelsea
Aston Villa vs Man City - Villa
Man Utd vs Newcastle - United

Killme00 wrote: »

He didnt directly call anyone a troll. What he said was..

So you are being rediculous giving him a yellow card.

A booking for you too since you're not captain.

United v Newcastle looks like the big game to start off the season.

I also would bet on Villa taking City down with a big performance from Barry.

Arsenal vs West Brom - Arsenal
Bolton vs Stoke - Bolton
Everton vs Blackburn - Blackburn
Hull vs Fulham - Fulham
Middlesbrough vs Tottenham - Draw
West Ham vs Wigan - West Ham
Sunderland vs Liverpool - Draw
Chelsea vs Portsmouth - Draw
Aston Villa vs Man City - Villa
Man Utd vs Newcastle - United

Definitely think Arsenal are going to struggle tomorrow.
Just like the start of last season against Fulham.

With the Respect campaign starting today, who's going to be the first victim/scapegoat?

Funny watching them going on about respect for refs on Football Focus.

Can see some big names being snet off