Slim Man
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- Apr 5, 2010
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Van Gaal needs a win, he's going to put out a strong XI. We need to be prepared, and for me it's a time now to change the team a bit.
If we're going to beat them we'll need to hit them on the counter, as it stands the players we put out haven't got enough pace to do that.
We must play 2 of JCR, Done, Scougall and Che. This wouldn't weaken our side as they are all a similar level, but if we drop Woolford (been playing well...) and Sammon (not so much) for 2 of these we could possibly have enough pace to at least ask questions. JCR is a big game player, look at the performances away at QPR and Spurs - he played out of skin. and our record with him in the side away from home is great so for me he'd be a shoo-in in place of Woolford.
Now it's down to who replaces Sammon for me, Done or Che? Che is a match winner on his day but they are far between, Done gives you 90 minutes of running and commitment which we will need both of. It's a tough choice between the two but for me Che shades it for his unpredictability. Bring Done on later on if that isn't working. Both can tuck in on the wing if we're getting pinned back to give us a 5 in midfield. That's important against this calibre of opposition.
On the other hand, the important part - stopping them.
All of the defenders and midfielders will have to be performing at an 7 or 8/10 at the very least for us to stand a chance. The midfield have to stop the playmakers, be it Carrick, Schneiderlin or Schweinsteiger. Gulp. It will involve a lot of ground covering, is Hammond up to that task? We know Bash can run all day but they'll give us the run around if he isn't quite up to scratch.
I'd keep the defence the same simply because we havebn't got any scope for improvement. I would've liked to see Wallace at left back but McEveley has done enough lately to warrant his place. If he struggled with Lamerias at the Lane he's going to struggle 10x that with Ashley Young. And John Brayford will only have the £50mil rated Anthony Martial to deal with... No pressure.
The centre halves have to stay strong and follow any runners. If we concede early it's game over.
George keeps doing what he's been doing lately and he'll be fine. No funny business, just quick reactions and lots of commanding the area will do me.
They aren't invincible but this will be the toughest game of all the FA Cup and League Cup games we have played. They are a wounded animal on recent form and Van Gaal is a man under pressure. Keep them quiet while half time and you know what? We might just stand a chance. They'll panic and we might just get a chance or two.
COYRAWW
If we're going to beat them we'll need to hit them on the counter, as it stands the players we put out haven't got enough pace to do that.
We must play 2 of JCR, Done, Scougall and Che. This wouldn't weaken our side as they are all a similar level, but if we drop Woolford (been playing well...) and Sammon (not so much) for 2 of these we could possibly have enough pace to at least ask questions. JCR is a big game player, look at the performances away at QPR and Spurs - he played out of skin. and our record with him in the side away from home is great so for me he'd be a shoo-in in place of Woolford.
Now it's down to who replaces Sammon for me, Done or Che? Che is a match winner on his day but they are far between, Done gives you 90 minutes of running and commitment which we will need both of. It's a tough choice between the two but for me Che shades it for his unpredictability. Bring Done on later on if that isn't working. Both can tuck in on the wing if we're getting pinned back to give us a 5 in midfield. That's important against this calibre of opposition.
On the other hand, the important part - stopping them.
All of the defenders and midfielders will have to be performing at an 7 or 8/10 at the very least for us to stand a chance. The midfield have to stop the playmakers, be it Carrick, Schneiderlin or Schweinsteiger. Gulp. It will involve a lot of ground covering, is Hammond up to that task? We know Bash can run all day but they'll give us the run around if he isn't quite up to scratch.
I'd keep the defence the same simply because we havebn't got any scope for improvement. I would've liked to see Wallace at left back but McEveley has done enough lately to warrant his place. If he struggled with Lamerias at the Lane he's going to struggle 10x that with Ashley Young. And John Brayford will only have the £50mil rated Anthony Martial to deal with... No pressure.
The centre halves have to stay strong and follow any runners. If we concede early it's game over.
George keeps doing what he's been doing lately and he'll be fine. No funny business, just quick reactions and lots of commanding the area will do me.
They aren't invincible but this will be the toughest game of all the FA Cup and League Cup games we have played. They are a wounded animal on recent form and Van Gaal is a man under pressure. Keep them quiet while half time and you know what? We might just stand a chance. They'll panic and we might just get a chance or two.
COYRAWW
