Two-match bans for Fellaini and Pienaar

Chris James
1 Posted 17/03/2013 at 08:10:05

These are going to be big misses in both matches - especially Spurs and although I'm not going to quibble with Peanut's marching orders vs City, it does mean that the absolutely terrible refereeing decision that saw him incorrectly sent off against QPR is the gift that keeps on giving - not only did it contribute to dropped points there, but now it means we're going to be light two genuine potential match winners for what could be the biggest crunch game of the season (i.e. we need to beat Spurs to have any chance of grabbing 4th).

My hope would be to go for it with a side like below, with strong flanks and 2-up front to keep Spurs defence pinned back as much as posible. I fear that the past-it Neville and frankly not up to it Naismith will feature instead. That said, if Oviedo doesn't play in this, he might as well start looking for another club.

Mucha
Coleman - Heitinga - Distin - Baines
Mirallas - Osman - Gibson - Oviedo
Jelavic - Anichebe

Subs: Vellios, Neville, Naismith, Hibbert, McAlney, Duffy

Chris James
2 Posted 17/03/2013 at 08:19:03

Oops, I totally forgot about Barkley there (still I'm not the only one, eh Davey!) - clearly another midfield option, but not sure if you can play Barkley and Osman together against a powerful Stoke side or the talented Spurs midfield?

Ajay Gopal
3 Posted 17/03/2013 at 08:19:28

Chris, I am pretty sure that Moyes will play this team against Stoke & Spurs. For Stoke, it looks a bit light-weight, but we don't have many choices.

On the bench, I am sure Hitz and Barkley will feature. Not sure that Hibbo is back ?

Stuart Gray
4 Posted 17/03/2013 at 08:46:39

The is no way that Naismith and Neville won't b back in. Naismith for Peanut and Neville for Fellaini. It's all too predictable

Paul Gladwell
5 Posted 17/03/2013 at 08:46:02

Cannot see him playing 4-4-2 he will throw Anichebe on the right Mirralas on the left and bring Jelavic in and no doubt Neville although I would go for Barkley and put him behind Jelavic.

Ian Bennett
6 Posted 17/03/2013 at 08:51:48

I would keep the same team shape, with the kid playing behind vic. Jelavic still on the bench for me.

Mucha
Coleman
Baines
Distin
Heitinga
Gibson
Osman
Mirallas
Oviedo
Barkley
Victor

Paul Humphreys
7 Posted 17/03/2013 at 09:24:24

Chris I think Moyes has the same problem as you...

"Totally forgot about Barkley there!"

The thing about Naismith is that he can't tackle, pass, run, shoot, head, take corners, cross... He tries hard so I don't blame him, he is very blatantly not Premier League standard. I do however blame Moyes for selecting him.

Give Barkley a chance... Or Oviedo. Jelly to replace Felli.

Phil Sammon
8 Posted 17/03/2013 at 09:41:16

Naismith will play against Stoke, if only for his aerial ability.

Brent Stephens
9 Posted 17/03/2013 at 10:32:21

Phil, that aerial ability of Naise - is that something to do with the way he does his washing?! I thought he was the one normally taken to the cleaners.

James Brand
10 Posted 17/03/2013 at 10:46:46

OMG...there are actually still people who entertain hopes of a 4th placed finish!!!???

I hate how fickle football fans can be...really annoys me.

Lads, season has gone. We never had a hope of finishing 4th with all the draws in first half of season. Then we had the debacle of the transfer window with a woeful past few weeks/months.

Beat the "Champions" all you want but nothing can polish the turd of last week. Ironically, I believe (due to the draw and other absentees in latter rounds) this was a better chance of silverware than last season (even tho we got to Semi's)

Start thinking about your summer holidays lads coz that's what the players and manager are thinking about (even the ones who intend on staying with us)

John Gee
11 Posted 17/03/2013 at 10:49:25

Against Spurs I would be very surprised if Neville doesn't play. Spurs have a very strong couple of players coming from the wing and the selection has to take that into consideration. If we don't stop Lennon and Bale, which will probably involve a lot of doubling up, then we won't win.

The team gave us all a wonderful response yesterday (I almost got a lump in my throat when Jelavic scored!) and with the absence of options on the bench, Phil Neville is as close as we've got to Lee Carsley and there is the hope that Neville will give a suitable response of his own against the Stoke Neanderthals and Spurs missing link.

Plus Moyes doesn't single out players for blame often and leaving the club captain out for 2, 3, 4 games is probably not going to happen as it could look like scapegoating (no matter how culpable he was in that game).

Kev Johnson
12 Posted 17/03/2013 at 11:09:21

Firstly, I agree with Phil. Naismith will play against Stoke to help counteract their aerial threat. Also, given the fact that Stoke normally play 11 lumbering giants, Oviedo is unlikely to get a look in. Expect John Stone to be on the bench.

Secondly, James - football fans are fickle, yes. The TW poll results have changed quite a bit in the last five days. A week ago, 52% did not want Moyes to renew his contract but that figure is now down to 47%. It doesn't make sense to me. Talk about short sighted!

I disagree with you about 4th, though, James. It's improbably but definitely possible. I have been swimming against the tide and saying that for a couple of months. Why? Because where we finish is not, repeat NOT, a pure indication of how good we are, how well we are playing or the ultimate good health of the club - it also depends on the form of our competitors.

Our rivals are very much up and down, so that gives us a chance. None of the teams from 2nd to 8th are showing consistent form. Spurs look good and Bale looks supreme at the moment, but I very much doubt they will continue like that until the end of the season. Also, don't forget that they (and Chelsea) are still in the Europa League, which will hold them back.

Matthew Williams
13 Posted 17/03/2013 at 11:52:24

Not a prayer on 4th or 5th, the Stoke game will be the usual stalemate battle than will drain the team of any energy left in the tank. The Spurs game will, as is the norm, be a real tester that I can't see us getting anything from unless we can change things around, which Davey won't do. Safety first, as is always the case, verses good sides will cost us again.

Richard Dodd
14 Posted 17/03/2013 at 12:04:08

A no brainer,this one. Whilst it would have been good to see more of both Barkley and Oviedo before now,Davey is most unlikely to place his trust in two `unproven`players against the yard-dogs of Stoke City.Almost certainly he will opt for the calming influence of Captain Phil and the beef of Big Victor
And why shouldn`t he?

Richard Dodd
15 Posted 17/03/2013 at 12:09:14

I should have added that Victor will be retained to support a returning Jelavic!

Kev Johnson
16 Posted 17/03/2013 at 12:09:29

Richard, perhaps because Stoke have better yard dogs than us but worse thoroughbreds, that's why! In a mongrel war they win; in a a classier contest, we do.

It's only a no brainer if you have no brain.

Charles Brewer
17 Posted 17/03/2013 at 12:04:58

Trying to look positively, it really does give Moyes a chance to try out the likes of Barkley and Oviedo from the start, and if it all goes horribly wrong quickly to switch back to the much questioned format.

For Moyes, the number one objective of Premier League survival has long since been safe, the secondary objective of a top four is, frankly pretty unlikely unless one of Arsenal, Chelsea or Spurs hits a really long losing streak and sadly Arsenal appear to be recovering a bit.

So finding the search for a replacement for Fellaini should be a major priority (assuming that he really has set his heart on going, and to be honest, like Lescott, he would be mad not to go for a guaranteed Champions League club).

Moyes must also know whether there are any others heading for the door (Baines?) and should be using the fag-end of the season to find out just what he may have to be starting with next time around. Of course, this may just colour his decision as to whether to stay or not ...

Barry Lambert
18 Posted 17/03/2013 at 12:03:35

I think Felli will be missed but I believe two weeks off won't do Pienaar any great harm and give him a chance to get his focus back. I would love to see Oviedo take left back and move Bainesy up to left midfield. I personally believe that's his best position.

I know this wont happen but look how Bale has developed since his move upfield. Bainesy's creativity and shooting prowess is there to be seen and a joy to watch. I cant get too excited about his defensive qualities. Oviedo will obviously replace him if, heaven forbid, we lose him in the summer. COYB.

Geoff Edwards
19 Posted 17/03/2013 at 13:22:34

ffs it's stoke city not barcelona, we should plaz our best players not our donkeys to counteract their donkeys. Oviedo and Barkley in for Pienaar and Felli please. After Pip's mistake last week he should be banished from the 1st team for 2 years and shipped out on loan to various yorkshire clubs. Let him iron out those mistakes in the championship.

I do agree with James Brand though. Anyone who thinks we have a chance at 4th is clearly deluded.

Geoff Edwards
20 Posted 17/03/2013 at 13:27:06

also, jelavic shouldn't be brought straight back just because he scored yesterday. He's been gash all season. Vic deserves the starting spot at the moment.

Paul Gladwell
21 Posted 17/03/2013 at 13:27:04

Richard we saw Neville's calming influence last week — that's why.

Winston Williamson
22 Posted 17/03/2013 at 13:35:01

Kev, you have been swimming against the tide re. 4th.

I'd still chop off my left nut if we finish 4th!

Graham Mockford
23 Posted 17/03/2013 at 13:29:04

Richard

I think Moyes team selection spoke volumes yesterday, that was the first time other than when we have had to play two games in a week that Phil Neville has not been selected. Add that to being hooked at half time against Wigan tells me we will only see him off the bench for the remainder of the season. And I also suspect he will announce his retirement at the end of the season.
So I would be expecting Naismith and Jelavic to the side that started yesterday.

Tony J Williams
24 Posted 17/03/2013 at 13:40:27

Geoff, whilst I agree Jelavic has been gash, what's quite strange is that he has still scored more than Vic, albeit he has played a lot more. He is nearly top scorer too, isn't he? It's a strange stat and strange season.

Kev Johnson
25 Posted 17/03/2013 at 13:44:57

Winston - don't do it mate! You know what they say: two balls are better than one!

James Stewart
26 Posted 17/03/2013 at 13:54:26

Pienaar's was really stupid so he deserves his ban. Fellaini has received some very harsh bookings so that kind of ban doesn't seem fair.

Martin Handley
27 Posted 17/03/2013 at 14:55:41

My understanding is that both Howard and Hibbo are out for the season and that Jags is probably looking at getting back for the last couple of games.

I also thought that two yellows was a 1 match ban along with the same for the accumulation of yellow cards so why have Pienaar and Fellaini been landed with double.

Also I hope the FA suspend Probert after yesterday's shocking performance. I personally would check his twitter account to see if he follows City.

Noel Early
28 Posted 17/03/2013 at 15:06:25

I fancy moyes to go:

Howard
Hibbo Heitinga Distin Baines
Coleman Gibson Neville Mirallas
Osman
Anichebe

Very predictable

Personally I would replace put Osman cm and play Barkley in the role behind the striker but that isn't happening. Suddenly Moyes is flavour of the month on here.

How predictable was yesterday's result? When the pressure is off, plucky little Everton punch above their weight.

I watched the Sunday Supplement this morning and nearly choked on my cornflakes when a reporter said that we were blessed to have a man like Bill Kenwright as chairman.

Ian Campbell
29 Posted 17/03/2013 at 15:07:53

Martin if he follows City he probably would have given them a penalty wouldn't he?

5 yellow cards = 1 match ban
10 yellow cards = 2 match ban

2 yellows in a game = 1 match ban
2 yellows in a game twice = 2 match ban.

They add an extra game for persistent/repeat offenders.

Patrick Murphy
30 Posted 17/03/2013 at 15:07:28

I think if you receive 5 yellows and get a ban the first time around and then get 5 yellows in the second window you automatically receive a 2 match ban, however, it does seem harsh as Felli was also banned for his red card at Stoke, there was some dispute as to whether Felliani has indeed reached 10 yellows - I can only assume the red at Stoke is counted twice - but I stand to be corrected. As for Pienaar, he gets a two game ban due to it being his second sending off. I agree that Probert is becoming another in the long line of officials who are star-struck and how can it be right that he takes charge of Everton v Man City when the game at the Etihad had its controversial moments with him in charge. I was absolutely amazed when he didn't give a Penalty and send off Fellaini when the opportunity presented itself.

Colin Glassar
31 Posted 17/03/2013 at 15:28:47

Phil Sammon, what aerial ability? Naismith can't run, jump, pass, control a ball etc... All in all he's one of the worst players I've ever seen in an Everton shirt. I know Moyes will play him despite Oviedo being the natural alternative and a decent player.

ps: Pienaar only gets a one game ban doesn't he?

James Martin
32 Posted 17/03/2013 at 15:33:35

Colin in fairness to Naismith his aerial ability on goalkicks is quite good, for osmeone of his height he does win a fair amount of flick ons. If he continues to be played out of position then we will never see what sort of ability he has. Pehraps with Fellaini's suspension he'll get a run behind Jelavic but I can see Moyes playing Neville with Gibson, Osman right, anichebe left and Mirallas behind Jelavic. Would love to see Naismith flanked by Mirallas and Oviedo behind Jelavic but can't see Moyes ever going for it.

Susong Hermawan
33 Posted 17/03/2013 at 15:39:57

It's time for Barkley and McAleny to play. C'mon give the youngster a chance, would ya!

But please say NO to Pip and Naismith...

Jamie Barlow
34 Posted 17/03/2013 at 16:27:21

Colin, if you don't think Naismith is good in the air, you obviously haven't seen him play, or you just slag everything the lad does.

Martin Handley
35 Posted 17/03/2013 at 16:36:54

Thanks for the info guys also I forgot that he was in charge at the empty head stadium.

Also does anyone else think Mancini is a spoilt classless brat? Or is it just me?

Jackie Barry
36 Posted 17/03/2013 at 16:38:29

Neville and Naismith will be back in the team no doubt. As for Oviedo I would hand in a transfer request in all honesty, Moyes obviously has no faith in the guy despite his impressive showing that have been far more convincing than Naismith's offerings.

Sam Hoare
37 Posted 17/03/2013 at 16:38:23

Stoke are a big team but isn't Barkley 6 ft 2?

Why not bring him and jela back into yesterdays team to give us some presence?

Mucha

Coleman Heitinga (or Duffy?) Distin Baines
mirallas Gibson Osman Anichebe
Barkley
Jelavic

Douglas Turner
38 Posted 17/03/2013 at 16:46:04

We tend to do better when we're forced to play reserve players and the team gets a much needed fresh set of legs (Step a side Moyes lovies). And if The real Johnny Heitinga turns up (like yesterday) and Mucha turns it on again we just might get Bale's balls in a twist in a fortnight! Personally I'd be gutted if Oviedo didn't get a start against Stoke, the guy's top class! But with the current manager, who knows, Nev just might get the nod.... Again, and Nace will show his face for at least the 1st half to remind us why most of us want shut of DM!

Kev Johnson
39 Posted 17/03/2013 at 17:10:21

I wonder what happens if we finish 5th, above Spurs, but they win the Europa League? Do they qualify as holders instead of us?

Gareth Davies
40 Posted 17/03/2013 at 17:09:55

James Brand @119

It is fans with no belief that we can do better and finish in the top 4 like you who are symptomatic of the problems with our club. United believe that they can win and so more often do . Man City do not have that belief and so bottle it, just like we have in the past. 4th is still possible, we just have to beat Spurs and Arsenal to have any hope.

Mike Dyson
41 Posted 17/03/2013 at 17:16:42

Yes, we will miss Felli and Pienaar but we have managed before with out them. Why worry about size of Stoke, let's play football and get their lumbering centre halves turning instead of playing to their strengths

Agree with comment above we do seem to play better when limited numbers to pick from.

Philip Quilliam
42 Posted 17/03/2013 at 17:24:25

James #119 and Winston #180. That's spirit lads. While we're at why don't we admit that we aren't going to win the Premiership next season so let's not bother taking part in that. That will enable us to sell all our professional players bringing in several million quid and eliminating our wage bill. We will be solvent and have a positive bank balance and be in a position to do what precisely? If you are so keen to give up and go on holiday save yourself the expense of the next few matches and next years season ticket and have a fantastic summer holiday. Let those of us who still dream and believe anything is possible to live in our padded cells, with the odd outing to Goodison to support our team.

Susong Hermawan
43 Posted 17/03/2013 at 17:19:53

So glad, now people mentioning about Mucha. I hope DM can put him as a first team regular now, he is'nt skillful but he's so effective imo. Can we hammering Stoke City next week? COYB!

Thomas Newton
44 Posted 17/03/2013 at 17:32:58

Yesterday, I thought Fellaini was one of the least effective of our players, especially in the 1st half. Good of him to get that crunching tackle in in the first few minutes and get the crowd back onside. Personally it'll take more than that to redeem himself for being disinterested since January.

Similar with Piennar though his lack of form goes back further. Odd flashes à la Reading but poor in general, his break-up play was his biggest contribution yesterday — not his creativity.

Rob Smith
45 Posted 17/03/2013 at 19:28:55

Felli, least effective? ffs what games do some peple watch, didn't really deserve the yellow, that is true. Pienaar did, his stupid petulance may cost us plenty. Neville and Osman back in Midfield is a fucking nightmare thought after Wigan,Osman's mishit wonder goal and 2 good passes does not, back in form make. I hope Oviedo gets a go on the left, at least we will have some pace on both wings, give those lumbering Stoke thugs a run for their money.

Dean Adams
46 Posted 17/03/2013 at 19:48:46

Nuts was a bit unlucky with his cards, the ref was very poor again. Just amazed how many bad decisions we get, but I guess the other 19 clubs will have similar thoughts about their teams. If Moyes has any intention of getting top 4 then surely Oviedo will get a game or two and Neville can spend all day running up and down the touchline, watching like the rest of us. Fingers firmly crossed that Jelly will now go goal mad for the next 9 games, helping us win at least 7 of them!! A new record points total for us in the prem and 4th place will see Moyes staying and the so called MOB being hushed, until the next major cock up. The guarantee of a cock up will always be there when Moyes cant manage to change a game that is in play.

Pete Anthony
47 Posted 17/03/2013 at 19:48:13

Regarding our chance for 4th: Do we have any chance? Clearly, yes we do.

Is it an especially likely, odds on, chance? No it is not.

Plenty of points to play for though and we are playing most of our rivals for 4th (all away from home though).

Can we do it? Yes.

Will we do it? Unlikely.

Will the boys in the royal blue jerseys have more chance if we back them with all we've got? I think so.

Dean Adams
48 Posted 17/03/2013 at 20:14:44

If we don't aim for getting 4th and don'y believe we can get it, then I doubt we ever will. Spurs losing today opens the door wide. It is in our hands, we can get 4th by winning our games. It is that simple.

James Brand
49 Posted 17/03/2013 at 20:32:53

Gareth Davies #234

It's got nothing to do with belief! Man Utd have a fabulous winning mentality (which I think is what you're getting at) but that mentality comes by winning previous titles, having the best players, manager etc...we cannot even put ourselves in the same sentence as them as we haven't achieved anything like them to get "used" to winning...
You honestly think beating Spurs and Arsenal away will grant us 4th? We have to go away to ALL our CL rivals (including that lot across the park and Chelsea).

Martin Handley
50 Posted 17/03/2013 at 20:38:14

If Chelsea win Europa cup and FA cup but still qualify for CL next season does that open up another European slot?

James Brand
51 Posted 17/03/2013 at 20:42:45

Phillip Quilliam #245

Actuallly, it's a separate issue but for what it's worth, yes I would sell all on-field assets if it ensured there would be a club for my grandchildren to support (I'm 30). Maybe it's the Scottish in me but I hate debt and I would take 5-10 years of mediocrity/rebuilding if selling Baines, Felli etc cleared our debts...
But back to point in hand - who said I wouldn't be going the match? All I said was I would enjoy going to the remaining matches not worrying at the back of my head whether or not we were going to make 4th. IT WON'T HAPPEN (yes it's mathmatical, but come on...). Just enjoy the rest of the season without putting yourself through the torturous pain that pinning hopes onto our beloved football club will and has brought.
Yes I hoped for 4th but after all those draws I knew our rivals would hit a bit of form and our lack of transfer activity has left us found wanting...

James Brand
52 Posted 17/03/2013 at 20:48:31

Obviously in a minority here...feel like an Austin Healey bet coming on...come on £1 from the lot of ya we don't finish 4th!!

Gavin Ramejkis
53 Posted 17/03/2013 at 20:38:13

Doddy, Neville would get murdered by those yard dogs, Hitz or Barkley would be a better option, pity is Moyes doesn't usually do clarity and the obvious. Out of the two, I think Stoke will be the tougher game as they play hoofball and alehouse yard dogs clattering our defence whereas Spurs will play in a similar way to Man City, i.e. passing football

Brian Garside
54 Posted 17/03/2013 at 20:54:06

They will be back for the Derby rested an hopefully straining at the leash. This is more of a must win game than spuds.

Frida Ericsson
55 Posted 17/03/2013 at 22:23:28

Fellaini must love sitting out of matches. I mean it's like he intentionally goes out of his way to get booked almost every match, what's wrong with his brain? We've always had problems with him, and this year he is back to his original yellow / red carded self.

Pienaar though, should really know better, than to pull fouls like he did yesterday, he is a much better player than that.

I do sympathize with the team though, they almost no protection against city, who where fouling like mad men possessed at times, and yet despite some of their late and nasty tackles drew barely any yellows at all from the reff, in fact I was suprised how several of the repeat offenders for city hadn't been handed straight red's for some of their challenges and off the ball shenanigans.

But, non of this, should ever make our players lash out in anger...it's us that gets hurt, not the opposition.

They have an albeit tiny outside chance of finishing in 4th, and trying to qualify for champions league football next season, and now we have 2important players out, for exacly the same thing. The mind boggles.

The end of the world? I do not think so. Fellaini isn't exactly world class, and the people who think he is, should stop taking cocaine or heroine :p

In all seriousness though, it's not the end of the world, we've won matches before, when he's been out for 3 or 4 weeks, and the same can be said for Pienaar, because Ovideo can replace him and I think the young costa rican needs a run in the team. I wouldn't be surprised if Ovideo will one day be much better than the over hyped Pienaar no one but us wanted :p

Whn you look at the table, we have played 29, while spurs have played 30 and so have the neighbours...both being beaten this weekend.

As stupid as this may sound, spurs don't bother me in the slightest, they have been slipping up a couple of times now in the league, we are 2 behind arsenal, and only 7 behind 3rd placed chelsea, we know that all 3 of those teams above us are really unstable at the moment, and we have to go to all 3 of them..right now, i'd bite your hand off to play spurs and arsenal, and against chelsea they are not so hard as they seem, if you don't show them the respect they do not deserve...don't sit back and defend and you can win..which reminds me.... I could see golem in the crowd where I was sitting urging everyone forward near the end.. and the Jelly goal, absolute peach..but a deflection..he won't mind though

Ernie Baywood
56 Posted 17/03/2013 at 22:52:10

Wouldn't be surprised to see this at Spurs:

Mucha
Neville
Distin
Heitinga
Baines
Coleman
Osman
Gibson
Oviedo
Mirrallas
Anichebe

Mirrallas in the attacking mid/2nd forward role. Neville and Coleman on the right to do a job on Bale.
Oviedo gets a game on the left.

He won't trust Vic on the right - that player needs to backup the right back against Bale.

Ben Jones
58 Posted 18/03/2013 at 15:21:22

So... Fellaini and Pienaar are suspended for the next 2 games. Who goes in?

I'd go for Oviedo and Naismith (only if he plays in the middle).

Final thing: I hope Moyes does not put Neville in. I know that will happen, but I hope Moyes sees some sense.

Steve King
59 Posted 18/03/2013 at 15:30:15

I haven't necessarily agreed or disagreed with Moyes handling of Barkley up to now. However I think if ever there was a time to give him a shot it is now. Straight swap for Fellaini and Oviedo on the left for Pienaar.

Unfortunately as those above have observed, its almost certain to be Neville and Naismith who get the nod.....this is why people get so frustrated with the manager!

Tom Bowers
60 Posted 18/03/2013 at 16:17:50

Moyes will still go with his faves in Neville and Naismith. A leopard does't change it's spots and Moyes isn't likely to as his past record proves.

The fans' opinion of him doesn't amount to a hill of beans and he doesn't learn from his past mistakes. Therefore, it will be a let-down at Spurs, sorry to say, as Neville no longer has it and Naismith never has.

Brian Harrison
61 Posted 18/03/2013 at 16:29:27

Whoever is chosen then they will be the right person, Moyes sees these guys day out and day in at training so he will choose whoever shows the most desire to play.
Nothing to do with favourites that's a childish comment managers want winners.

For all those suggesting Barkley should play I would suggest you listen to Stubbs comment on his last game for the under 21s, not very flattering to say the least. But what does he know I guess will be the cry from those who want kids to play at any cost.

Ray Roche
62 Posted 18/03/2013 at 16:52:14

Ernie Baywood @ 373

Ernie, Bales appears to be playing more down the middle than on the left these days.

Ross Edwards
63 Posted 18/03/2013 at 20:08:38

I think when we play the rugby side next week I'd replace Pienaar with someone powerful and quickon the left, maybe Tuilagi of England? And for some solidity in midfield I'd replace Felli and play maybe Jonah Lomu. And to kick the points, er goals i'd have Johnny Wilkinson in.
That should beat them.

Tom Bowers
64 Posted 18/03/2013 at 20:49:11

Desire to play is no criteria for being selected, it's ability to perform for ninety minutes.
Of course Moyes has his favourites! We all do and would all pick a different eleven if in charge.
Naismith has done nothing worthy of note in the Prem.except score a goal in the derby match.
I am sure every player in the squad has the desire to play but what they do in training and what they do on match day could be two different things especially those who may feel they are a shoe-in and will never get dropped as I feel several players should have been in recent months despite the performances against City.

Ian Campbell
65 Posted 18/03/2013 at 23:24:45

The Arsenal game is the big one for me.

Spurs have actually got 4/5 tough games in a row now:

Swansea (a), Us (h), Chelsea (a), Man City (h) & Wigan (a).

Not inconceivable that they could lose 2-3 of those and draw another.

Arsenal have got a much better run-in so need at least a draw there.