The Mail Bag
My team for Saturday
Comments (46)
Not a very original title for an article but I feel from hereon, choosing the team is not going to be straightforward. The absence of Mikel Arteta will be difficult to overcome. No one player in the squad can replicate his particular talents.
The back five pick themselves. Whilst Yobo played quite satisfactorily on Sunday, we will I'm sure revert to the tried and tested Howard, with Hibbert, Jagielka, Lescott and Baines.
The midfield will present the big problem. It is my feeling that, at this moment in time, if all are fit as we are led to believe they will be, Arteta's place will be most adequately filled by Leon Osman. A prerequisite of this choice is that, as with Arteta, his defensive duties are covered by Captain Phil Neville.
Now, whether to play four or five in midfield will initially be a decision that will have to be made. It is my opinion, that to commence the game we employ just four. The remaining two being, on the right hand side, Gosling and on the left, Pienaar. The forwards will be Cahill and Jo.
Depending on how the match progresses, we may find the chosen eleven not that good at scoring goals and West Brom should not present us with huge problems. Assuming all are injury free, I suggest that, from half-time onwards, Saha be called upon to keep Jo company up front and Cahill be drawn back slightly to play right midfield.
Left midfield, I would replace Pienaar with Fellaini, the latter is more of a goalscorer and we might need his head. In fact, the team is bristling with good headers of the football. Tim Cahill, Lescott, Saha, Fellaini are proven recently at the art and Jo, I feel will enjoy the odd good cross.
That leads us to one other problem. Who have we to supply those good crosses? Baines is a useful man on the left hand side of the field but, on the right? Let's face it, we are neglecting Andy van der Meyde. We all know why... but can we afford to do so???
People say he wouldn't last 20 minutes. What little I've seen of him lately suggests that that is not so and he can cross superbly. The problem would then be that we would have to either replace Tim with VdM or to bring off Saha or Jo,
I do feel we should play VdM for at least a part of the second half, a goodly part as well. Give the lad a chance to show us what we've been missing. It's going to be interesting to see how David Moyes deals with the team selection...
Tim Lloyd, Posted 24/02/2009 at 05:11:54
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Gosling doesn?t look comfortable in either wing position. Personally If I was playing him at all I?d push him into the middle with Rodwell and Neville ? but not at the expense of Timmy...
I?d play a middle three of Neville, Rodwell and Cahill... with Pienaar and VDM on the outside and Jo up top.
Our problems are more in the wing position than the centre... in the centre we almost have too much choice of similar players.... with not a lot of creativity.
There?s not a lot of faith in VDM, but he is a creative winger... and we are short of both creative players and wingers...
I?d play a middle three of Neville, Rodwell and Cahill... with Pienaar and VDM on the outside and Jo up top.
Our problems are more in the wing position than the centre... in the centre we almost have too much choice of similar players.... with not a lot of creativity.
There?s not a lot of faith in VDM, but he is a creative winger... and we are short of both creative players and wingers...
I?d go for Saha up front instead of Jo ? I thought his performance on Sunday against the toon was abysmal (hence the 3/10 given by The Sun ratings on Monday)!! Didn't chase anything and looked very lack-lustre!
If Pienaar is back, I?d go for midfield of Stevie P, Rodwell, Fellaini, Neville/Osman, with Cahill and Saha up top and a back four of Hibbert, Jags, Lescott, Baines. COYB
If Pienaar is back, I?d go for midfield of Stevie P, Rodwell, Fellaini, Neville/Osman, with Cahill and Saha up top and a back four of Hibbert, Jags, Lescott, Baines. COYB
Did anyone notice Neville’s comments in "Neville issues Rallying Cry" on SkySports ?
He says that Osman & Pienaar should be back "within a few weeks". That would mean that they are not available this weekend.
In that case, I would go with:
Howard, Hibbert, Lescott, Jagielka, Baines, Neville, Rodwell, Fellaini, Gosling, Cahill, Jo
Bench; Nash, Saha, AvDM, Yobo, Baxter, ??
Suddenly realised that we are REALLY short on numbers.
(Yak, Vaughan, Arteta, Anichebe, Osman, Pienaar)
He says that Osman & Pienaar should be back "within a few weeks". That would mean that they are not available this weekend.
In that case, I would go with:
Howard, Hibbert, Lescott, Jagielka, Baines, Neville, Rodwell, Fellaini, Gosling, Cahill, Jo
Bench; Nash, Saha, AvDM, Yobo, Baxter, ??
Suddenly realised that we are REALLY short on numbers.
(Yak, Vaughan, Arteta, Anichebe, Osman, Pienaar)
With Hibbert available again (and Moyes’ first choice RB) Lescott to LB, Yobo and Jags centre, push Baines left midfield and Gosling to his natural right side, leaving Rodwell, Neville with Fellaini or Osman (depending on fitness) in the middle and Cahill up top?
If Pienaar is back, start him on the bench, easing him back in.
Jo and Saha giving a stronger look to the bench as and when required against (on paper) weaker opposition).
If Pienaar is back, start him on the bench, easing him back in.
Jo and Saha giving a stronger look to the bench as and when required against (on paper) weaker opposition).
Neil
totally agree with you about Baines.I have said all season he is ideal in that position.He gives us width,gets up and down the pitch and creates danger when going forward.
It is doubtful that Fellaini will be fit on Sunday’s evidence and it may be too soon for Osman and Pienaar.
WE’re all only guessing but I would go with
Howard
Hibbert Yobo Jags Lescott
Gosling Neville Rodwell Baines
Cahill
Jo
With Saha,VDM,and whoever else is fit on the bench.
totally agree with you about Baines.I have said all season he is ideal in that position.He gives us width,gets up and down the pitch and creates danger when going forward.
It is doubtful that Fellaini will be fit on Sunday’s evidence and it may be too soon for Osman and Pienaar.
WE’re all only guessing but I would go with
Howard
Hibbert Yobo Jags Lescott
Gosling Neville Rodwell Baines
Cahill
Jo
With Saha,VDM,and whoever else is fit on the bench.
I just hope that we put players out wide who are actually capable of playing there, and in an attacking sense. Which would be either Gosling (but not on the left) Pienaar/Osman (if fit) and ADVM. If we try sticking players like Cahill, Fellaini etc. out wide then we are buggered. Big Vic if fit has shown he can be useful too on the right I suppose, but again, will he be fit?? We will probably get away with it on saturday with it being West Brom at home, but Blackburn away on the following Wednesday will be a different story.
Team for West Brom (H):
Howard
Hibbert Jagielka Lescott Baines
Neville Osman Rodwell
Fellaini Cahill
Jo
Howard
Hibbert Jagielka Lescott Baines
Neville Osman Rodwell
Fellaini Cahill
Jo
Artetas place will bo most adequatley<
filled by Leon Osman you say Tim.What a pile of crap.Osman has been useless all season and as so many rightly point out he had a cracker against Florentina at home last February his last decent game.
Why do somany of you crave for this wasters return?Osman is SHITE fullstop.In the past few months we have played the RS 3 times,Man Utd,
and Arsenal and you would never know Leon was on the pitch in any of these games.Perhaps West Brom is his level because the division they are heading for is where Ozzie should be plying his trade.
It makes me wanna scream when I listen to some of our fans bigging Osman up.12 months since his last decent perfomance and thats good enough is it.?I hope he never pulls on a Blue shirt again injuries or no injuries.
What games you and Connor have been watching this season to think Osman should be an automatic selction puzzles me greatly.Rodwell is 10 times the player Osman will ever be and Jack is still a teenager.I would even take Shandy Andy over Leon.As a matter of fact I would put osman on a par with Simon Davies he is that crap but Tim thinks he can replace Arteta no problem.
Where do we find these fans who think this way as it really worries me they can be so blind?
filled by Leon Osman you say Tim.What a pile of crap.Osman has been useless all season and as so many rightly point out he had a cracker against Florentina at home last February his last decent game.
Why do somany of you crave for this wasters return?Osman is SHITE fullstop.In the past few months we have played the RS 3 times,Man Utd,
and Arsenal and you would never know Leon was on the pitch in any of these games.Perhaps West Brom is his level because the division they are heading for is where Ozzie should be plying his trade.
It makes me wanna scream when I listen to some of our fans bigging Osman up.12 months since his last decent perfomance and thats good enough is it.?I hope he never pulls on a Blue shirt again injuries or no injuries.
What games you and Connor have been watching this season to think Osman should be an automatic selction puzzles me greatly.Rodwell is 10 times the player Osman will ever be and Jack is still a teenager.I would even take Shandy Andy over Leon.As a matter of fact I would put osman on a par with Simon Davies he is that crap but Tim thinks he can replace Arteta no problem.
Where do we find these fans who think this way as it really worries me they can be so blind?
That is a very good team selection Tim Lloyd, injuries allowing. I might be tempted to give Fellanini a chance to fill Arteta’s boots against a weak West Brom side but Osman can do the job. What Tony Marsh seems to forget is that Osman like Architect, of this season has had his best games playing in the centre and not left out on the wings. I would quite like to see Baxter play the last ten minutes as well.
Osman is a good player. Not great, but good, and he compliments the other skilfull players by at least being on the same wavelength.
Why is no one mentioning Castillo?
Why is no one mentioning Castillo?
Nick Entwistle, good question. Castillo is an interesting one, I think from what Ive seen that the lad has it in him to be a good holding midfielder of the Carsley vintage. Not a play maker and to include him in the side begs the question who to drop. Really it means droping Neville or Hibbert. Since both these players are in outstanding form at the moment, I would not drop either. And personally I would play Rodwell ahead of Castillo as again he is in good form and the long term replacement for the role.
My team for West Brom:
Jo
Cahill
Pienaar Fellaini Neville Osman
Baines Lescott Jagielka Hibbert
Howard
That’s a highly talented and skilful and experienced team that should be good enough to comfortably beat West Brom and one that I Think Will keep us challenging for the top 5/4 and push for the FA cup.
Jo
Cahill
Pienaar Fellaini Neville Osman
Baines Lescott Jagielka Hibbert
Howard
That’s a highly talented and skilful and experienced team that should be good enough to comfortably beat West Brom and one that I Think Will keep us challenging for the top 5/4 and push for the FA cup.
Kiern Moran Osman has been playing in the middle since November has has stunk the place out in every game.It was embarrasing watching him in the Derby games against Gerrard and he went missing in all the other big games to.
If getting caught in possesion and passing to opposition is the done thing then Osman is a cracker.If having no pace and not being able to tackle and getting steamrolled when going for balls is what its all about then give the lad his shirt.
I thought you neede a lot more about you than Leon has got to play midfield in the league but maybe I am wrong.
If getting caught in possesion and passing to opposition is the done thing then Osman is a cracker.If having no pace and not being able to tackle and getting steamrolled when going for balls is what its all about then give the lad his shirt.
I thought you neede a lot more about you than Leon has got to play midfield in the league but maybe I am wrong.
Bit early to be picking next week’s team when we don;t know availability of at least half a dozen.
Tony M - Your love of Osman is well documented. I can see why others would suggest his inclusion. I know you don’t rate him, but I think it’s more complicated.
Osman plays fairly well, and often scores goals, against lesser teams, i.e. those that are less adept at marking or reading intentions. Despite his shortcomings the kid does have good feet & a good football brain. He gets let down by physique & pace, usually against better teams.
Rodwell is maturing better than anyone would expect, and I’d keep him in, but he has a long way to go with his decision making. AVDM must get an opportunity and the next 5 games offer the perfect platform.
We do not have an individual alternative to Mikel so, in my opinion, we think outside the box and use our resources in the best way. It’s called 3-5-2. Just about every team we play from now to Villa will have 1 man up front. So we don’t need 4 at the back. Having 5 in midfield offers best compensation for our loss in the centre.
Sure, it’s a long shot and there’s probably no chance of Moyes making such a radical change. But I would, especially against the WBA’s, Sunderland’s & Stoke’s of the world. We need to be on the front foot from hereon in. Chance to improve goal difference too (famous last words).
So, going back to Tim’s original point, here’s next week’s team.
Howard
Jags Yobo Lescott
Neville
Pienaar Rodwell Fellaini Baines
Cahill Jo
Neville joins the mid 4 when attacking.
That leaves Osman, Anichebe, Saha, Gosing, AVDM, Hibbert.
Time to go to work boys...
Tony M - Your love of Osman is well documented. I can see why others would suggest his inclusion. I know you don’t rate him, but I think it’s more complicated.
Osman plays fairly well, and often scores goals, against lesser teams, i.e. those that are less adept at marking or reading intentions. Despite his shortcomings the kid does have good feet & a good football brain. He gets let down by physique & pace, usually against better teams.
Rodwell is maturing better than anyone would expect, and I’d keep him in, but he has a long way to go with his decision making. AVDM must get an opportunity and the next 5 games offer the perfect platform.
We do not have an individual alternative to Mikel so, in my opinion, we think outside the box and use our resources in the best way. It’s called 3-5-2. Just about every team we play from now to Villa will have 1 man up front. So we don’t need 4 at the back. Having 5 in midfield offers best compensation for our loss in the centre.
Sure, it’s a long shot and there’s probably no chance of Moyes making such a radical change. But I would, especially against the WBA’s, Sunderland’s & Stoke’s of the world. We need to be on the front foot from hereon in. Chance to improve goal difference too (famous last words).
So, going back to Tim’s original point, here’s next week’s team.
Howard
Jags Yobo Lescott
Neville
Pienaar Rodwell Fellaini Baines
Cahill Jo
Neville joins the mid 4 when attacking.
That leaves Osman, Anichebe, Saha, Gosing, AVDM, Hibbert.
Time to go to work boys...
Howard
Hibbo-Jags-Lescott-Baines
Gossie-Rodwell-Neville-Pienaar
Cahill
Jo
Nash-Yobo-Baxter-Wallace-Saha-Fellaini-VDM.
Hibbo-Jags-Lescott-Baines
Gossie-Rodwell-Neville-Pienaar
Cahill
Jo
Nash-Yobo-Baxter-Wallace-Saha-Fellaini-VDM.
id go with the following -
_______ Howard _______
Neville Jags Lescott Baines
________Rodwell________
Osman Fellaini Cahill Pienaar
________Jo / Saha________
_______ Howard _______
Neville Jags Lescott Baines
________Rodwell________
Osman Fellaini Cahill Pienaar
________Jo / Saha________
If we cannot replace Arteta like for like [ which we can’t ] then a different style of play must be adopted.
we still have many injuries to contend with and i am unsure of players fitness , but assuming they are fit enough i would revert to a basic 4-4-2 , the back 4 pick themselves , the front 2 are the only options , leaving the middle 4 , these would be Cahill [ always] Neville [ insurance ] Pienaar [ wide man either wing] then Either Fellini or Rodwell [ Fellini if back to full fitness ] these are our best available players ,bench Nash, Rodwell , Yobo, Gosling, Osman, Castillo and Baxter.
Playing Jo and Saha up front against the weaker teams gives them a chance to get fit and gell together .
I know that 4-4-2 sounds risky but i do think that formation has it’s benifits
we still have many injuries to contend with and i am unsure of players fitness , but assuming they are fit enough i would revert to a basic 4-4-2 , the back 4 pick themselves , the front 2 are the only options , leaving the middle 4 , these would be Cahill [ always] Neville [ insurance ] Pienaar [ wide man either wing] then Either Fellini or Rodwell [ Fellini if back to full fitness ] these are our best available players ,bench Nash, Rodwell , Yobo, Gosling, Osman, Castillo and Baxter.
Playing Jo and Saha up front against the weaker teams gives them a chance to get fit and gell together .
I know that 4-4-2 sounds risky but i do think that formation has it’s benifits
The problem is both Pienaar and Osman are crap!!!! I'd stick with Gosling and Rodwell. If they're good enough then they're old enough and there's no doubting those two are good enough. Neither Osman nor Pienaar offer anything creative all season and are both too lightweight with zero end-product.
What about jacobsen on bench?
Tim
I think we can safely say your plan wont be put into operation.
You seem to want to put Saha on without anyone coming off, then you may bring him off again (or Tim, or Jo)and replace him with VDM
Sorry Tim lad, we’re going to struggle to get 11 fit men on the pitch . . . . but you’ve got 12
I think we can safely say your plan wont be put into operation.
You seem to want to put Saha on without anyone coming off, then you may bring him off again (or Tim, or Jo)and replace him with VDM
Sorry Tim lad, we’re going to struggle to get 11 fit men on the pitch . . . . but you’ve got 12
My Team Would Be
--------Howard--------------
-Hibbo--Jags--Lescott--Baines
-Peinaar--Fellaini--Neville--Osman
Cahill---Saha
Subs: Nash,Yobo,Jacobsen,Rodwell, Gsoling,VDM,Jo
--------Howard--------------
-Hibbo--Jags--Lescott--Baines
-Peinaar--Fellaini--Neville--Osman
Cahill---Saha
Subs: Nash,Yobo,Jacobsen,Rodwell, Gsoling,VDM,Jo
How has so many people lost faith in Jo after one game. I personally dont think he played that bad on Sunday considering the service. I thought he looked comfortable on the ball and held it pretty well when needed. He hasn’t played a lot so he will get better as every game goes by. Saha is not ready to start so Jo must lead the line againt West Brom.
I think we have enough quality to come out on top on Saturday.
Lets hope the boys can set Arteta off on the raod to recovery with a win and ensure we get into Europe so Mikkey can play at the top next year.
Come on Everton!!
I think we have enough quality to come out on top on Saturday.
Lets hope the boys can set Arteta off on the raod to recovery with a win and ensure we get into Europe so Mikkey can play at the top next year.
Come on Everton!!
Tony M - Osman hasn’t been great, and could do better. Rather than start an arguement I want to know what starting 11 you would put if DM asked for your advice....
My team - from right to left. Bearing in mind we are playing West Brom...
Howard - due to lack of choice, I am not a fan.
Hibbo, Jags, Lescott and Baines
Osman - Neville - Fellaini - all fairly central
Cahill - Saha - Jo
Cahill and Jo playing wide similar to how Man U deploy Ronaldo and Rooney at times. We need to go for it. Shit opposition and following the blow with Arteta we could do with a good win too.
My team - from right to left. Bearing in mind we are playing West Brom...
Howard - due to lack of choice, I am not a fan.
Hibbo, Jags, Lescott and Baines
Osman - Neville - Fellaini - all fairly central
Cahill - Saha - Jo
Cahill and Jo playing wide similar to how Man U deploy Ronaldo and Rooney at times. We need to go for it. Shit opposition and following the blow with Arteta we could do with a good win too.
Tim some of what you say does make sense but you highlight something gapingly obvious. If we play Osman then we need to deploy someone else to run their ass off for 90 minutes to compensate for his inclusion. Carsley did that year in year out but he’s gone I’m afraid and Neville is no Carsley for that matter. Osman isn’t really a tangible solution - to some he’s a squad player to others he is Championship material. Tony sums him up in blunt terms as he invariably does but I’m in total agreement he’s simply not the player to be looking to as he invariably goes AWOL when the pressures on although he is capable of raising his game against the crap sides
I thought Neville was poor against the barcodes he continued to pass the ball backwards time and time again surely someone must have told him we had a man over. Fellaini would have been the clear choice alongside Rodwell but he’s clearly still suffering from an injury and is a shadow of himself at the moment. You’d think the penny would have dropped with some of our fans but seemingly not.
There is without doubt a selection dilemma Cahill could drop back to midfield but I believe he is crucial as the link up player to Jo up front and I’d prefer him there to be honest. A real plus could be the return of Pienaar down the left he’s always looking to play the early ball and if he can link up with Jo that could be very promising. Gosling down the right is a must with AVM in reserve. Technically our most gifted ball player now is Saha but I doubt he will be risked. Which basically leaves us with Castillo who has struggled but to be fair he hasn’t had any kind of run in the side. Disappointingly I suspect it may well be the dream partnership of Osman and Neville.
I thought Neville was poor against the barcodes he continued to pass the ball backwards time and time again surely someone must have told him we had a man over. Fellaini would have been the clear choice alongside Rodwell but he’s clearly still suffering from an injury and is a shadow of himself at the moment. You’d think the penny would have dropped with some of our fans but seemingly not.
There is without doubt a selection dilemma Cahill could drop back to midfield but I believe he is crucial as the link up player to Jo up front and I’d prefer him there to be honest. A real plus could be the return of Pienaar down the left he’s always looking to play the early ball and if he can link up with Jo that could be very promising. Gosling down the right is a must with AVM in reserve. Technically our most gifted ball player now is Saha but I doubt he will be risked. Which basically leaves us with Castillo who has struggled but to be fair he hasn’t had any kind of run in the side. Disappointingly I suspect it may well be the dream partnership of Osman and Neville.
@Thomas...not a fan of Howard? WTF? That was the strangest comment I have seen on here in a long time...
TM...Agreed on Ozzie. If everyone was fit, he would be sixth choice.
TM...Agreed on Ozzie. If everyone was fit, he would be sixth choice.
How can someone not be a fan of Howard, he's the best keeper we have had since Southall.
Sometimes i wonder if some of the people who comment here have ever even seen Everton play this season.
Btw, if Ossie is fit he will play; DM likes him and has faith in him, that's good enough for me.
Sometimes i wonder if some of the people who comment here have ever even seen Everton play this season.
Btw, if Ossie is fit he will play; DM likes him and has faith in him, that's good enough for me.
Paul Davey, i’m a huge fan of Howard but Martyn is BY FAR the best ’keeper we’ve had since Southall. 99% of the time with such comments i’m open to opinion but i think in this case that’s fact!
Despite a paper thin squad we still have a few welcome selection problems this weekend with the return of one or two. Adversity has helped us in the past and hopefully we’ll reorganise and do it again.
Despite a paper thin squad we still have a few welcome selection problems this weekend with the return of one or two. Adversity has helped us in the past and hopefully we’ll reorganise and do it again.
I can't see why Baines can't be pushed up to LM in the current injury crisis with him and Lescott overlapping. That would at least give us some width down the left. Down the right I would go with Gosling and Hibbo and give VDM 15 mins at the end to rest Gosling.
That would give us a CM of Neville and Rodwell with Cahil playing between MF and Jo up front with Saha coming on as fresh legs in the second half.
I seriously doubt Fellaini, Pienaar or Osman will be fit for this weekend so its pointless arguing over Ossie.
That would give us a CM of Neville and Rodwell with Cahil playing between MF and Jo up front with Saha coming on as fresh legs in the second half.
I seriously doubt Fellaini, Pienaar or Osman will be fit for this weekend so its pointless arguing over Ossie.
Baines can’t play wide left, he has twice and has struggled there against Blackburn and Spurs last season. It’s different to playing fullback, Baines plays off his winger and likes to link up. He’s not going to beat a fullback one on one. He’s a pass and run into space type player, he’d struggle there.
I?d use a combination of Neville and Osman or Neville and Rodwell in the middle, a player comfortable on the ball alongside a defensive midfielder, that?s when we are at our best. Fellaini and Neville is a big no for me, we don?t want two midfielders passing sideways all game, taking a touch and laying it off. It won?t work.
Hopefully Pienaar can come back and offer a bit of creativity, it?ll be needed.
I?d use a combination of Neville and Osman or Neville and Rodwell in the middle, a player comfortable on the ball alongside a defensive midfielder, that?s when we are at our best. Fellaini and Neville is a big no for me, we don?t want two midfielders passing sideways all game, taking a touch and laying it off. It won?t work.
Hopefully Pienaar can come back and offer a bit of creativity, it?ll be needed.
Barring injury, I expect Moyes to pick the same team with the exception of Cahill for Saha that finished the game at Newcastle.
He is pretty much the same old dour Dave that he has always been and definitely not the adventurous type.
Despite praise heaped on Moyes in recent times it was injuries that forced him into most of his much acclaimed player selections and tactical moves. Had it not been for our injury crisis Jack and Dan would still be reserve team nonentities, Cahill would not be doing such a marvellous job leading the attack, Arteta would not have done such a good job in the centre of the midfield, Neville would not be in his best position as midfield enforcer, Lescott would still be left back and Jags probably would not even be in the side.
He is pretty much the same old dour Dave that he has always been and definitely not the adventurous type.
Despite praise heaped on Moyes in recent times it was injuries that forced him into most of his much acclaimed player selections and tactical moves. Had it not been for our injury crisis Jack and Dan would still be reserve team nonentities, Cahill would not be doing such a marvellous job leading the attack, Arteta would not have done such a good job in the centre of the midfield, Neville would not be in his best position as midfield enforcer, Lescott would still be left back and Jags probably would not even be in the side.
Baines would not be playing out of his skin at left back, Osman would be holding down the right mid spot and Jo would be in City?s reserve team. Moyes's safety first philosophy is set in stone and he cannot shake it off.
For example: It is late in a game and the result is evenly poised. Does he throw the kitchen sink into the fray and go all out for the win? Does he make unforced changes that may change the game? The answer in both cases is No.Any change he does make is brought about by injury or far too late and then only of a defensive nature.
If I have read Moyes correctly, except for Cahill, we can expect exactly the same team that finished the Newcastle game. Saha drops to the bench with himself and Osman coming on as second-half subs only if we are chasing the game.
Dick, based on what you are saying, this would be the team you are suggesting if Moyes had a fully fit squad:
Howard
Nev Yobo **** Lescott
Ossie Fellaini Tim Pienaar Arteta
Yakubu
Who would be partnering Yobo if Jagielka is probably not playing? And do you honestly believe he will play Arteta on the left instead of Pienaar? I cant see it somehow. When Hibbert is fit, he plays. So to suggest Neville would play right back is hard to believe.
Regarding the comment about Cahill not leading the line, I dont think he should. I would have Yakubu there instead of Tim every time. I think Tim is better just behind the front, not leading it. Do you honestly believe Tim is a better striker than Yakubu? I would have to disagree again.
I guess your last paragraph sums it up. You expect Moyes to play Jags at right back ahead of Hibbert in the next game. We will see how your reading of Moyes pans out. I think you are being qute harsh on the manager, who has got the team playing good football again when everything seemed lost.
Howard
Nev Yobo **** Lescott
Ossie Fellaini Tim Pienaar Arteta
Yakubu
Who would be partnering Yobo if Jagielka is probably not playing? And do you honestly believe he will play Arteta on the left instead of Pienaar? I cant see it somehow. When Hibbert is fit, he plays. So to suggest Neville would play right back is hard to believe.
Regarding the comment about Cahill not leading the line, I dont think he should. I would have Yakubu there instead of Tim every time. I think Tim is better just behind the front, not leading it. Do you honestly believe Tim is a better striker than Yakubu? I would have to disagree again.
I guess your last paragraph sums it up. You expect Moyes to play Jags at right back ahead of Hibbert in the next game. We will see how your reading of Moyes pans out. I think you are being qute harsh on the manager, who has got the team playing good football again when everything seemed lost.
Dan B, I confused matters by forgetting Hibberts return from suspension.
Taking him into consideration the team would be Howard, Hibbert, Jags, Lescott, Rodwell, Baines, Fellaini, Neville, Gosling, Jo, Cahill. Subs: Saha, Castillo, Osman, Baxter, AVDM, Nash.
Do you agree that Moyes ’inspirational’ selections were brought about mainly by injuries and a small squad size?
Taking him into consideration the team would be Howard, Hibbert, Jags, Lescott, Rodwell, Baines, Fellaini, Neville, Gosling, Jo, Cahill. Subs: Saha, Castillo, Osman, Baxter, AVDM, Nash.
Do you agree that Moyes ’inspirational’ selections were brought about mainly by injuries and a small squad size?
Sorry guys, but another daft thread.
No one’s accounted for the fact that there could be an injury picked up in training through the week as well, as is so often the case at EFC.....
Don’t know why I bother
No one’s accounted for the fact that there could be an injury picked up in training through the week as well, as is so often the case at EFC.....
Don’t know why I bother
ps...I thought you lot thought Moyes was good enough to pick the team himself, without your help??
I dont think anybody is praising Moyes for inspirational selections. And of course, his hand was forced due to injury. The praise he had recieved seems to be due to the fact that even with so many players out, he still instills belief into the players that they can get something from each and every game. It is about getting the players that are on the pitch, to perform to the best of their abilities. That is what makes a good manager. Tactical selections and substitutions are not Moyes strong point, I agree. I wish he would improve in that area, but I wont berate him for it and call him ’dour’. But this weak area is negated byt the fact he is an excellent motivator, and has worked wonders in the transfer market. All managers have weaknesses.
From what I can gather from other people’s views of Moyes, is that he is meticulous in his planning and his discipline. And I prefer that approach in football. Its called playing to your strengths. Our team’s success is based on being tight at the back, and fully utilising set pieces and counter attacks. The gung-ho cavalier style of ’take a gamble, see if you can get a goal’ does not compute with Moyes brain, nor any of the top footballing managers. If you analyse most of our conceded goals from earlier this season, you will see most are from being left open at the back. Now that has been fixed, Moyes is criticised for not taking enough ’gambles’. It seems quite unfair to me.
Newcastle were indeed there for the taking, I agree. But I didnt think we had the cohesion or penetration to break them down. The players looked tired, and devoid of idea’s without our main playmakers on the pitch. Newcastle were down to 10 men, so obviously played defensively. Throwing more players forward would only expose the rear guard. And with Martins on the field, that may have been very dangerous indeed.
Regarding the much discussed point of Yobo being included as he is a ’favourite’, I think Moyes has to tread a fine line here. If Yobo does not play from now until the end of the season, I am 100% sure he will leave. He is a good centre half, and can get regular football at the highest level throughout europe. I couldnt blame him for wanting to leave to be honest. I think he is too good to warm the bench. That said though, I wouldnt start him every match, as Jagielka and Lescott complement each other better. We cant afford to lose a centre half, I think they have to be somewhat rotated. I know that most will disagree with that.
From what I can gather from other people’s views of Moyes, is that he is meticulous in his planning and his discipline. And I prefer that approach in football. Its called playing to your strengths. Our team’s success is based on being tight at the back, and fully utilising set pieces and counter attacks. The gung-ho cavalier style of ’take a gamble, see if you can get a goal’ does not compute with Moyes brain, nor any of the top footballing managers. If you analyse most of our conceded goals from earlier this season, you will see most are from being left open at the back. Now that has been fixed, Moyes is criticised for not taking enough ’gambles’. It seems quite unfair to me.
Newcastle were indeed there for the taking, I agree. But I didnt think we had the cohesion or penetration to break them down. The players looked tired, and devoid of idea’s without our main playmakers on the pitch. Newcastle were down to 10 men, so obviously played defensively. Throwing more players forward would only expose the rear guard. And with Martins on the field, that may have been very dangerous indeed.
Regarding the much discussed point of Yobo being included as he is a ’favourite’, I think Moyes has to tread a fine line here. If Yobo does not play from now until the end of the season, I am 100% sure he will leave. He is a good centre half, and can get regular football at the highest level throughout europe. I couldnt blame him for wanting to leave to be honest. I think he is too good to warm the bench. That said though, I wouldnt start him every match, as Jagielka and Lescott complement each other better. We cant afford to lose a centre half, I think they have to be somewhat rotated. I know that most will disagree with that.
Why do people keep banging on about Baines playing in midfield...FFS he is a FULL BACK and nothing else. If he plays out of position and has a stinker then all you people will be on his back...He’s playing well in his natural position...fucking leave him there.
As for Van der Meyde...love him or loathe him... he is still employed to play for our club...and as well as we’ve done over the past few months the team is crying out for a natural wide player and he’s the only one we’ve got...he’s made vital contributions in the last two games he’s been involved in...so I say play him....if not for the full game at least give him more than 5 minutes...we need width , he can supply it.
TM totally agree about Ossie...good footballer but way to lightweight for the Premiership...good squad player at best. As for Kissock...if you think Osman is too small and lightweight then he’s a GIANT compared to Kissock.Unfortunately if he was gonna make it in the first team then he would have been involved long ago.
Finally , IMO Yobo is the least best of our three centre halves...his lack of concentration and habit of giving the ball away in dangerous ares has cost us plenty of times. We just dont look as solid at the back when he plays. Why should we rotate ( thus making the defence weaker) just to keep him happy?... He should be professional and fight for his place like everyone else.
Dan...sorry but just can’t agree that he would get regular football everywhere else in Europe....France maybe... but in England , Spain & Italy he would only get signed by one of the lesser sides..all of which I would consider not as good as us...so why should he want to go....I’m not saying that he’s not a decent player nor that I would like to lose him....but he’s not great by any stretch of the imagination.
As for Van der Meyde...love him or loathe him... he is still employed to play for our club...and as well as we’ve done over the past few months the team is crying out for a natural wide player and he’s the only one we’ve got...he’s made vital contributions in the last two games he’s been involved in...so I say play him....if not for the full game at least give him more than 5 minutes...we need width , he can supply it.
TM totally agree about Ossie...good footballer but way to lightweight for the Premiership...good squad player at best. As for Kissock...if you think Osman is too small and lightweight then he’s a GIANT compared to Kissock.Unfortunately if he was gonna make it in the first team then he would have been involved long ago.
Finally , IMO Yobo is the least best of our three centre halves...his lack of concentration and habit of giving the ball away in dangerous ares has cost us plenty of times. We just dont look as solid at the back when he plays. Why should we rotate ( thus making the defence weaker) just to keep him happy?... He should be professional and fight for his place like everyone else.
Dan...sorry but just can’t agree that he would get regular football everywhere else in Europe....France maybe... but in England , Spain & Italy he would only get signed by one of the lesser sides..all of which I would consider not as good as us...so why should he want to go....I’m not saying that he’s not a decent player nor that I would like to lose him....but he’s not great by any stretch of the imagination.
Howard
Neville Jagielka Lescott Baines
Rodwell
Osman Jo Cahill Pienaar
Saha
I wouldn’t start Fellaini as I think he’s still struggling a bit with the pain in his back, and I’d to see Jo given a chance to shine against the leaky West Brom defence. Probably look to bring on Gosling and Fellaini for Pienaar and Jo early in the 2nd half, leaving Hibbert, Yobo and Castillo on the bench.
Neville Jagielka Lescott Baines
Rodwell
Osman Jo Cahill Pienaar
Saha
I wouldn’t start Fellaini as I think he’s still struggling a bit with the pain in his back, and I’d to see Jo given a chance to shine against the leaky West Brom defence. Probably look to bring on Gosling and Fellaini for Pienaar and Jo early in the 2nd half, leaving Hibbert, Yobo and Castillo on the bench.
For the first half of this season it was glaringly obvious that we missed a defensive midfielder. Carsley was sorely missed from the midfield and we leaked some silly goals because the defence was totally exposed, then Arteta found his position and made it his own. A quality defensive midfielder suits our style and is a huge factor into why our defence has done so well recently.
Play to our strengths and keep it 4-5-1, but who will fill this massive void created by the loss of Arteta?
Howard in goal ? Nash on the bench, please stay fit Tim.
Defence ? Hibbo, Jags, Lescott, Baines with Yobo and Jacobsen on the bench.
Midfield - I think Rodwell and Neville can both fill this role and work together to protect the back 4 with Castillo on the bench as cover. We need to find some creativity on the flanks and that gives us Osman, Pienaar, Gosling, AVM to choose from if fit.
Attacking midfield ? Definitely Cahill with cover from Fellaini and Anichebe if required.
Attack - 1 up front from Jo, Saha and other options including Baxter, Anichebe or Fellaini for the lone role.
We have players who can play in a number of positions to provide cover i.e. Neville can play right back, Cahill can play up front or in midfield etc.
Arteta is a massive loss but when you really look at what we have left then things don?t seem that bad after all COYB.
Play to our strengths and keep it 4-5-1, but who will fill this massive void created by the loss of Arteta?
Howard in goal ? Nash on the bench, please stay fit Tim.
Defence ? Hibbo, Jags, Lescott, Baines with Yobo and Jacobsen on the bench.
Midfield - I think Rodwell and Neville can both fill this role and work together to protect the back 4 with Castillo on the bench as cover. We need to find some creativity on the flanks and that gives us Osman, Pienaar, Gosling, AVM to choose from if fit.
Attacking midfield ? Definitely Cahill with cover from Fellaini and Anichebe if required.
Attack - 1 up front from Jo, Saha and other options including Baxter, Anichebe or Fellaini for the lone role.
We have players who can play in a number of positions to provide cover i.e. Neville can play right back, Cahill can play up front or in midfield etc.
Arteta is a massive loss but when you really look at what we have left then things don?t seem that bad after all COYB.
This is how it will look
Howard
Hibbs Jags Joleon Baines
Fellaini Neville Gosling
Cahill
Jo
Howard
Hibbs Jags Joleon Baines
Fellaini Neville Gosling
Cahill
Jo
Andrew Fletcher - I know Everton are missing bodies. But not so many to start with only 10!
Nick Wall, you realise Jo?s a striker right? My team (not necessarily the team I think we?ll see):
Howard
Hibbert--Lescott--Jagielka--Baines
Neville
Gosling--Cahill--Rodwell--AVDM
Jo
I?d like to see AVDM given a chance and maybe bring him off at half time since I get the feeling he?s not fit enough for the full 90 minutes. Jo wasn?t amazing in the last game but it?s not like he was Angell-esque, I like the lad and can see him doing well this season although I can?t see us stumping up the cash for next season.
Yobo cannot be brought in to keep him happy if we?re gonna keep the defense ticking over, I just don?t trust a Jagielka-Yobo centre back performance and seeing Jags go from 2nd best cb in the Prem to average would not be good, I also much prefer Lescott at CB than at LB, and Baines has been a revolution, Neville has been solid in midfield (can?t believe I?m saying that after how bad he looked there last season) and Hibbert looks like Englands second best RB atm IMO so I can?t see Neville moving to RB.
Howard
Hibbert--Lescott--Jagielka--Baines
Neville
Gosling--Cahill--Rodwell--AVDM
Jo
I?d like to see AVDM given a chance and maybe bring him off at half time since I get the feeling he?s not fit enough for the full 90 minutes. Jo wasn?t amazing in the last game but it?s not like he was Angell-esque, I like the lad and can see him doing well this season although I can?t see us stumping up the cash for next season.
Yobo cannot be brought in to keep him happy if we?re gonna keep the defense ticking over, I just don?t trust a Jagielka-Yobo centre back performance and seeing Jags go from 2nd best cb in the Prem to average would not be good, I also much prefer Lescott at CB than at LB, and Baines has been a revolution, Neville has been solid in midfield (can?t believe I?m saying that after how bad he looked there last season) and Hibbert looks like Englands second best RB atm IMO so I can?t see Neville moving to RB.
Rodwell should start and, whilst I do think alot of the praise Gosling is getting is mostly because of the goal, he has looked lively and has been putting in some good crosses and I?d certainly put him ahead of Osman, I like the lad but he?s been stinking the ground out recently.
Didn?t expect quite so many of your comments. Quite gratifying actually.
As expected, most found some of my suggestions not to their liking. Very many revolved round Leon Osman. Unfortunately for Leon, I am broadly in agreement with many but with one small reservation. Not unnaturally I had the game against West Brom very much in mind when I picked Leon to fill Mikky?s role.
Leon is not another Arteta, more?s the pity... but I do feel when he has a good game, he is more inventive than most of the others. When he is on his game he must play centre of the park, he never impresses me as right or left midfield. I do feel, if fit, he might give us one of his better games against West Brom and I like the presence of Neville as a defensive midfielder.
Enormously impressed with Jack Rodwell but.......he is only 17! He has had quite a bit of First team football this season and I feel he is due a break. I get the feeling , if the squad had been bigger, people like Rodwell and Gosling would have been used more sparingly. Moyes likes to nurture his young stars to avoid any chance of a premature burn out. I?m not sure myself that they have come to any harm, on the contrary, I think their experiences to date have been invaluable.
Now we are back to strikers. We have three good strikers in Jo, Saha and Cahill. Cahill is not a natural leader of the line, he is like a will-o-the-wisp. He suggest somehow he is not too dangerous but, as the cross is about to be taken, watch his movement. I would be loath not to have him on the field, somehow!
Jo and Saha. Both natural strikers. Are they fit enough to be on the field for the 90 minutes. Jo, yes I?m sure he is and his two games for us will have encouraged him. Saha, difficult to be sure. He missed a lot of games but ,in my opinion, he is a really class player and should be on as soon as Moyes feels he can play what?s left of the game.
Finally AVDM. Here i am convinced that, no matter what has gone before, he must have at least 45 minutes. The second half I suggest, so that our natural headers of the ball can be supplied with good ammunition.
As for the team selection, it obviously depends on who is fit. Assuming that the not too badly injured can play, at least a part of the game, I suggest we start with:
Howard
Hibbert Jagielka Lescott Baines
Gosling/Rodwell Arteta Osman Pienaar
Cahill Jo
On the bench:
Nash Yobo Fellaini Saha AvdM Castillo Baines
Just before I go. Nice to have your snide (as ever) comments Tony but where was your suggested side?
As expected, most found some of my suggestions not to their liking. Very many revolved round Leon Osman. Unfortunately for Leon, I am broadly in agreement with many but with one small reservation. Not unnaturally I had the game against West Brom very much in mind when I picked Leon to fill Mikky?s role.
Leon is not another Arteta, more?s the pity... but I do feel when he has a good game, he is more inventive than most of the others. When he is on his game he must play centre of the park, he never impresses me as right or left midfield. I do feel, if fit, he might give us one of his better games against West Brom and I like the presence of Neville as a defensive midfielder.
Enormously impressed with Jack Rodwell but.......he is only 17! He has had quite a bit of First team football this season and I feel he is due a break. I get the feeling , if the squad had been bigger, people like Rodwell and Gosling would have been used more sparingly. Moyes likes to nurture his young stars to avoid any chance of a premature burn out. I?m not sure myself that they have come to any harm, on the contrary, I think their experiences to date have been invaluable.
Now we are back to strikers. We have three good strikers in Jo, Saha and Cahill. Cahill is not a natural leader of the line, he is like a will-o-the-wisp. He suggest somehow he is not too dangerous but, as the cross is about to be taken, watch his movement. I would be loath not to have him on the field, somehow!
Jo and Saha. Both natural strikers. Are they fit enough to be on the field for the 90 minutes. Jo, yes I?m sure he is and his two games for us will have encouraged him. Saha, difficult to be sure. He missed a lot of games but ,in my opinion, he is a really class player and should be on as soon as Moyes feels he can play what?s left of the game.
Finally AVDM. Here i am convinced that, no matter what has gone before, he must have at least 45 minutes. The second half I suggest, so that our natural headers of the ball can be supplied with good ammunition.
As for the team selection, it obviously depends on who is fit. Assuming that the not too badly injured can play, at least a part of the game, I suggest we start with:
Howard
Hibbert Jagielka Lescott Baines
Gosling/Rodwell Arteta Osman Pienaar
Cahill Jo
On the bench:
Nash Yobo Fellaini Saha AvdM Castillo Baines
Just before I go. Nice to have your snide (as ever) comments Tony but where was your suggested side?
I think anyone walking will get a game
Really though this is a big chance for Fellaini to drop deeper and be a playmaker ? it's now or never for him to start showing us some £15m class...
Really though this is a big chance for Fellaini to drop deeper and be a playmaker ? it's now or never for him to start showing us some £15m class...
Tim,
To be honet I thought your selection was going to be far more creative having read "I feel from heroin", but I soon realise my mistake. However,I did think you may have been under the influence of something string in your suggestion of two subs (Gosling <-> Saha & Pienaar <-> Fellaini) AT HALF TIME!!! Then suggest VDM get on for at least 20... given DM’s record and the manner of Sunday’s injuries I would guess we won’t see any unforced change until about 80 mins and the only way we’d use three subs is if we get more crocked players.
I’d also like to see Baines tried at LM as certainly it’s his attacking attributes which make him a decent player.
To be honet I thought your selection was going to be far more creative having read "I feel from heroin", but I soon realise my mistake. However,I did think you may have been under the influence of something string in your suggestion of two subs (Gosling <-> Saha & Pienaar <-> Fellaini) AT HALF TIME!!! Then suggest VDM get on for at least 20... given DM’s record and the manner of Sunday’s injuries I would guess we won’t see any unforced change until about 80 mins and the only way we’d use three subs is if we get more crocked players.
I’d also like to see Baines tried at LM as certainly it’s his attacking attributes which make him a decent player.
I wil not labour on the blow of losing Arteta, we all know that he has been the primary creative force in midfield, and one of the most influential players in the premiership.
I have grave concerns about shuffling the back four. Jags and Lescott are clearly the best centre back pairing we have, in the top two or three in the league. Neither are as effective when played out of position.
I am also amazed at the universal approval of Stevie P. He undoubtedly has strengths, but how often do attacking moves break down with his little flicks to no one, misplaced passes, stupid moves ( which have cost us games- notably against arsenal with 30 seconds on the clock)
If the rumours of a 6.5 mill bid are correct I would snap their hands off.
Rodwell has been a revelation, Fellaini is not a front player, Jo should be given a run( not just for his striking, but for his link up play), Avdm could be useful from the bench. Hibbert is in the form of his life at present.
My starting line up would be:
Howard
Hibbert Jags Lescott Baines
Neville Fellaini Rodwell Gosling
Cahill
Jo.
With AVDM, Saha and Pienarr useful subs should we need them.
I have grave concerns about shuffling the back four. Jags and Lescott are clearly the best centre back pairing we have, in the top two or three in the league. Neither are as effective when played out of position.
I am also amazed at the universal approval of Stevie P. He undoubtedly has strengths, but how often do attacking moves break down with his little flicks to no one, misplaced passes, stupid moves ( which have cost us games- notably against arsenal with 30 seconds on the clock)
If the rumours of a 6.5 mill bid are correct I would snap their hands off.
Rodwell has been a revelation, Fellaini is not a front player, Jo should be given a run( not just for his striking, but for his link up play), Avdm could be useful from the bench. Hibbert is in the form of his life at present.
My starting line up would be:
Howard
Hibbert Jags Lescott Baines
Neville Fellaini Rodwell Gosling
Cahill
Jo.
With AVDM, Saha and Pienarr useful subs should we need them.
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I appreciate that with the forced changes brought about by the injuries to Arteta and Anichebe, Moyes took a chance. But on Saturday, at home, we may see the Dutchman get a game.