Pre-match: Arsenal vs Newcastle
Finally, the season is underway. 8 games was played yesterday with some surprising results and some surprising comments. Like for example, after their 2 nil away win at Pompey, Spurs has been touted as a champions league 4th spot contender. I'm surprised at that but then again, perhaps their performance might proved me wrong. That's fine but if Spurs are on the up, just where does that leaves us? To make it worse, we are up against a Vieira-less Arsenal side that is still better than us in all departments except maybe our midfield are on par with theirs.
This time last season, we were struggling to field our first eleven against Middlesboro. Needing a defender to fill up the gap when Woodgate left, fast forward to a year later, we now need a striker (perhaps 2 strikers) to fill up the gap left by Bellamy and Kluivert. And much more worryingly, we are yet to replace Solano. And now, we also need to replace Robert. So all in all, we are pretty much in-balanced. Its too obvious that we need players in badly to avoid another calamitous season.
Injuries and suspension at this point of time does not help either. Bramble is out but there are cover for that. In midfield, we have adequate cover for everyone. Up front, Ameobi is suspended for 2 games while Chopra is out, possible up to 6 weeks. Left Shearer, to battle for himself. The area we will struggle if we don't find a replacement soon.
I presume that Given is fit to play. In defence, we are still short of a left back. Coco is a no go after he went back home despite Inter willingness to pay his wages for us. Babayaro is back, according to reports, but still lacking the heart to play for us. Elliot....err....
In midfield, i expect us to play a 5 man midfield or a flat 3. Emre will definitely play with Parker as the holding midfielder. Jenas could play if he is in theright frame of mind. Dyer could be push to play alongside Shearer. And as we all know, we need pace and power. Just look at the magical seasons we had with Sir Bobby, just what pace can do for a team. But with Bellamy gone, Dyer is the main man to provide the pace in the team. And lastly, i expect Milner to play a pivotal role in delivering the crosses for Shearer and perhaps getting one or two goal for himself.
At least with Bowyer, N'Zogbia, Harper on the bench. Not too bad eh....
I don't ecpect us to win but if we let Arsenal come at us and if they do score a goal, we must not crumble. Looking back at the team that we might put out tonight, i think we are good for a draw and also, better than a Spurs team. Howay the lads...
This time last season, we were struggling to field our first eleven against Middlesboro. Needing a defender to fill up the gap when Woodgate left, fast forward to a year later, we now need a striker (perhaps 2 strikers) to fill up the gap left by Bellamy and Kluivert. And much more worryingly, we are yet to replace Solano. And now, we also need to replace Robert. So all in all, we are pretty much in-balanced. Its too obvious that we need players in badly to avoid another calamitous season.
Injuries and suspension at this point of time does not help either. Bramble is out but there are cover for that. In midfield, we have adequate cover for everyone. Up front, Ameobi is suspended for 2 games while Chopra is out, possible up to 6 weeks. Left Shearer, to battle for himself. The area we will struggle if we don't find a replacement soon.
I presume that Given is fit to play. In defence, we are still short of a left back. Coco is a no go after he went back home despite Inter willingness to pay his wages for us. Babayaro is back, according to reports, but still lacking the heart to play for us. Elliot....err....
In midfield, i expect us to play a 5 man midfield or a flat 3. Emre will definitely play with Parker as the holding midfielder. Jenas could play if he is in theright frame of mind. Dyer could be push to play alongside Shearer. And as we all know, we need pace and power. Just look at the magical seasons we had with Sir Bobby, just what pace can do for a team. But with Bellamy gone, Dyer is the main man to provide the pace in the team. And lastly, i expect Milner to play a pivotal role in delivering the crosses for Shearer and perhaps getting one or two goal for himself.
At least with Bowyer, N'Zogbia, Harper on the bench. Not too bad eh....
I don't ecpect us to win but if we let Arsenal come at us and if they do score a goal, we must not crumble. Looking back at the team that we might put out tonight, i think we are good for a draw and also, better than a Spurs team. Howay the lads...
posted by Sher at 8:34 PM
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