FAN ARTICLES

The Defense in Athens

David Moyes really has a problem with his defence tonight. AEK Athens is a game he really cannot afford to lose. Not just because it will dent our European ambitions but because he will be desperate to end this run of bad form. How many losses can he withstand before being booed during the games?

Unfortunately, luck appears to have deserted Moyes again because he goes into this game without many defenders.

Joseph Yobo is out (this might be a good form considering his terrible form) and there are also major doubts over Distin. So what are Moyes options?

OPTION 1. BAINES - DISTIN - HIBBERT - GOSLING

PROS: This is certainly his most experienced option. Hibbert is an experienced player and will hopefully be able to cope with the switch. This way Moyes can field four first team players.

CONS: In a four man defence you have two players out of position. Hibbert is undoubtedly better at right back and Gosling has in the past been a weak link in defence.

OPTION 2.

BAINES - DISTIN - DUFFY - HIBBERT

PROS: This way you have all four defenders playing in their usual positions. Hibbert will be more effective and will shore up the right hand side. Even though Duffy is young he'll have three experienced players in their proper positions to help him through.

CONS: This formation depends on the ability of Duffy. Just how good is this youngster? Although he'll be in his best position it's a big ask for a young player to start a game like this.

OPTION 3. (IF DISTIN IS INJURED)

BAINES - DUFFY - HIBBERT - GOSLING

PROS: Not many. Hibbert may be able to help Duffy but probably not.

CONS: Hibbert and Gosling out of position. Inexperienced Duffy in at the deep end with only Baines in his proper position.

OPTION 4. (AGAIN WITH DISTIN INJURED)

BAINES - MUSTAFI - DUFFY - HIBBERT.

PROS: Well at least you have all four players in their natural positions.

CONS: Mustafi and Duffy are too young to play together at the centre of defence.

I'm sure there are other options but I would say Moyes has a problem on his hands, especially if Distin doesn't make it.

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