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The Mail Bag

Match fitness

With Yakubu, Bily, Beckford, having not played for a while now, let alone those returning from injury, surely their match fitness levels would be low.

With Cahill departing for warmer climates come January, it would be logical to replace him with Billy as this is his position in the Russian team. Speculation, I know but I feel that Billy hasn't been given the right chance to adapt to the EPL. Give him more match time before Tim departs for the Asia cup so that he can get his fitness level up.

The same for Yak, although I feel that he is being sold this January and if he is not then I wonder about Davey.

Dave Owen, Stockport Posted 26/12/2010 at 09:34:48

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Anthony Jaras
1 Posted 26/12/2010 at 15:51:50

If Moyes sells Yakubu, he needs to have someone decent lined up cos we are short on quality up front as it is.

I am dreading Tim leaving for January. Baines will miss him more than anyone and hopefully someone can step up to the plate in his absence and show some heading ability.

Lee Courtliff
2 Posted 26/12/2010 at 16:09:32

I agree mate. Bily definitely has something special if we can just get it out of him consistently. To do this, we must give him a chance in a central role. Like you said, no better time to do it with Tim leaving us for a while.

Can't believe we haven't got a game today! It's just not the same. At least we only have to wait 2 days until the West Ham match. Hopefully they will be a bit tired. Hopefully.

James Bernard
3 Posted 27/12/2010 at 03:08:27

Bily just needs a big warm embracing Everton hug. I think putting him in the middle will offer him more passes and more time on the ball which a player of his ability needs. I am a big fan of his and want him to be great just as much as anyone else.

Give him a chance Moyes, he seems to have got his head down and is at least making some impact when he comes on as a sub.

Norman Merrill
4 Posted 27/12/2010 at 08:37:27

The lad has got talent, played in his best position, and surely Moyes knows that. But the manager has a habit of playing players out of their natural comfort zone. At least Bily will not be put off by the weather.

Dave Owen
5 Posted 27/12/2010 at 10:02:58

Lee, I hope your Dad gets better soon and West Ham are tired too.

Getting back to Bily, there is something about him, a definite enigma with a cracking left foot. He looks very comfortable in the middle for Russia whilst running his arse off, yet having had 18 months of non stop football as well as playing in a very different league has had its effects on him. He's not had much of a look in this season and therefore won't be 100% match fit.

It's gonna have to happen sooner rather than later. What was that about square and round pegs? ;-)

Gavin Ramejkis
6 Posted 27/12/2010 at 11:10:04

West Ham played really well against Fulham yesterday and will definitely be up for it against us.

Lee Courtliff
7 Posted 27/12/2010 at 18:50:29

Thanks, Dave Owen. He's still in hospital, not sure what the problem is yet. He was more upset that the Birmingham game was called off and he's even more upset he's going to miss the West Ham game. That's what you call a true Blue! Come on Blue Boys, give my Dad something to smile about!!!

Andy Crooks
8 Posted 27/12/2010 at 19:32:03

Is this match fitness nonsense not becoming an overworked and, unfortunately , accepted cliche. These are overpaid, allegedly professional sportsmen. It's a tired excuse.

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