Who do we drop?

[irishspur]

Just interested to see how people would pick the team for old trafford.

[olly27]

Well it aint going to be Hudd or Modric, so those two options arn't viable - IMO anyway.

So if its Ekotto, Wilson comes into the centre with the Hudd, Modric moves to the left and Bale reverts to LB.

If not its stays the way it is now.

Ekotto has done well and Modric has been blinding in the middle, particularly today, but given this game is away I would like Wilson in for his grit and to match up against the likes of Fletcher. Plus Wilson has had a bit of rest now so would come in fresh and ready.

Bale has excelled at LW and LB, and we know he linked well with Modric before.

It must be very tempting for Harry to leave it the way it is but given that its at OT I think that will sway his judgement. Had it been at home I would be saying leave it as it is. At OT United will have a lot of the ball so a bill winner is imperative.

Its a tough call but my team would be:

Gomes

Kaboul (Charlie if fit)
Daws
King
Bale

Bentley
Palacios
Hudd
Modric

Pav
Defoe

Personally I think United's midfield has more enegry in it than Chelsea's. The likes of Gibson and Fletcher cover some ground. We need Wille in there for me.

[GQCoolest]

I thought BAE was exquisite against Joe Cole. Pacy and kept him in his back pocket all night. That said, Valencia is a different proposition. Much quicker, and BAE won't be able to outpace him. He DOES dovetail well with Bale, but Modric does as well, and on this form, Bale doesn't REALLY need to dovetail with anyone. I'd leave out BAE, just because we'll need Wilson against Fletcher/Carrick/Scholes/Gibson.

[TURKISH]

BAE needs to play against Valencia imo, who do you drop? God knows!:ahhhhh:

[olly27]

BAE needs to play against Valencia imo, who do you drop? God knows!:ahhhhh:

After thinking about it, I think your right Turk. This is a headache for sure, but a nice one...:santaclaus:

[Indianspur]

This is easy for me!
Bentleys not quick enough and with everyone being heros only bentley seemed to slow things down on the counterattack due to lack of pace.

Modric can play anywhere so put him on the RW and bale on the left.
We cant afford to drop BAE as we need both against the overlap.

we need ball retention on the rhs and modric is capable in helping kaboul who is our weak leak as he is unsure of positioning.

IF it doesnt work we can always change it at half time!
I initially said why drop anyone! Wilson can rest if he wants as he can lack in the passing department!

[olly27]

This is easy for me!
Bentleys not quick enough and with everyone being heros only bentley seemed to slow things down on the counterattack due to lack of pace.

Modric can play anywhere so put him on the RW and bale on the left.
We cant afford to drop BAE as we need both against the overlap.

we need ball retention on the rhs and modric is capable in helping kaboul who is our weak leak as he is unsure of positioning.

IF it doesnt work we can always change it at half time!
I initially said why drop anyone! Wilson can rest if he wants as he can lack in the passing department!

I wouldn't do that personally, first and foremost we need balance but I do see where you coming from. If Modric was effective on the right as he is on the left I would agree and it would certainly be worth considering.

[choda]

I think I'd leave it as is. That's the best performance we had in decades. We smashed the side at the top of the table, destroyed them in every part of the game.

All the elements are in that side for me. I'd fear getting overun in midfield far more against Chelsea than this current ManU team and the chavs couldn't handle us.

[Indianspur]

Never thought i'd see the day where thudd was ahead of palacios in the pecking order, but after this week his tackling, ball retention and passing has been great therefore he cannot be dropped.
palacios is much better at ball winning but also makes a few howlers and concedes freekicks.

Im caught in two minds, but one things for sure palacios will fire the team up when he gets stuck in from the off and sends a few players flying.

Hudd, bale a&e, modric all undroppable after this week so what can you.
Harry either keeps it the same or puts modric on the right to accomadate wilson.
Modric can play on the right as in my mind he is complete.obviously wont be effective cutting in but should keep evra quiet with his skill!!

Exciting times and hope Azza makes a substitute appearance!!

[Rojoknapp]

I voted BAE but now I don't know... I don't want Bale up against Valencia, brilliant though he's been recently his defending is still suspect and Valencia is top class. But I do want Wilson in the middle... but I want Modders there aswell... oh I don't know. Thankfully I trust Harry completely to make the right decision :001_smile:

[irishspur]

Its the biggest headache harrys had all season, i went for bae but as previously mentioned i dont fancy bale v valencia. I think utd will cope ok with bale because valencia is superb at doubling up with neville, that being said neville is shot for pace. I suppose harry could put bale wide right he showed he can use his right peg and hes effective anywhere in the attacking half. Fingers crossed azza makes the bench id be gutted not to see him ripping up defences at the world cup.

[olly27]

The more I think about this the more I think we should leave it. **** I dont know, my head is sore thinking about it. Modric was pure class in the middle on Saturday and Huddlestone has played a blinder in the last two games. I really think Ekotto is important in terms of Valencia but I just cant decide on this. I want to say leave it the same, but I fear that Fletcher could be pivotal in this game. Its a massive call because we cant afford to get it wrong and go behind early doors.

Its doing my nut in, but is it wise to tamper with a side that has had a fantastic week - Hudd and Modric have been up against 3 in midfield twice and we have won both, impressively - particularly on Saturday? Many would say no, but my fear is that its away from home and the likes of Fletcher put a real shift in.

Intrigued to see what Harry does here if anything else.

[olly27]

Well here is a pretty big hint, could well be the same:


http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/centre-stage-180410.html

[olly27]

Ok I am talking to myself clearly, nothing new there but anyway...:santaclaus:

Isn't it amazingly ironic, infact make that incredibly ironic if we keep the same line up for next Saturday (bar King - fitness permitting) after all the fretting we did about Wilson's 10th yellow card and two match suspension?!

[mjbmedia]

Leave out Palacious end of question.

The midfield deserve to stay together, we can pass through Man U, but not with Wilson giving it away as much as he does.
The main area for concern is our right back, Giggs, Evra, Nani,Rooney V Kaboul = ouch , Bantley better have his defensive head on on Saturday or should we blood Naughton at OT?

[Chewy]

Naughtons out on loan mate.

[Baleinho]

If it aint broken, don't fix it.

Personally, having Bale BOMB down the left wing without any real defensive responcibilities is the only option I can see working. BAE is doing fine at LB, albeit he still makes me shit myself when he tries to faff around with the ball.

If things aren't going in our favour and we end up being overrun in the middle, then bring Palacios into the frame.... Otherwise don't.

[olly27]

If it aint broken, don't fix it.

Personally, having Bale BOMB down the left wing without any real defensive responcibilities is the only option I can see working. BAE is doing fine at LB, albeit he still makes me shit myself when he tries to faff around with the ball.

If things aren't going in our favour and we end up being overrun in the middle, then bring Palacios into the frame.... Otherwise don't.

Yes mate I think Harry will leave as it is and if we are getting over powered we can get Wilson on pronto. The only problem being that we could already be 1 or 2 down at that stage.

As it stands though Modric and Hudd were great against Chelsea and they are the league leaders so you have to take stock of that really. Leave it as it is and lets hope Bale runs Neville ragged.

[BaldBloke]

Leave Palacios out.

If it aint broken don't fix it. We've just had our 2 best performances of the season, arguably the best 2 performances since we stuffed Man United 4-1 15-odd years ago. If Palacios comes in that would probably mean putting Modric out of position (assuming it is BAE who gets dropped), and Modric has been a star in the last 2 games playing in his correct role.

Like-for-like would be dropping Thudd for Palacios, but that would be very unfair on Huddlestone. Palacios will have to win his place back. Dropping Modric for Palacios? Don't be silly, that would leave too much muscle in the middle and nobody who can get the ball down and play.
________
Wish (http://www.toyota-wiki.com/wiki/Toyota_WISH)

[olly27]

Leave Palacios out.

If it aint broken don't fix it. We've just had our 2 best performances of the season, arguably the best 2 performances since we stuffed Man United 4-1 15-odd years ago. If Palacios comes in that would probably mean putting Modric out of position (assuming it is BAE who gets dropped), and Modric has been a star in the last 2 games playing in his correct role.

Like-for-like would be dropping Thudd for Palacios, but that would be very unfair on Huddlestone. Palacios will have to win his place back. Dropping Modric for Palacios? Don't be silly, that would leave too much muscle in the middle and nobody who can get the ball down and play.

I agree with you although I wouldn't say Modric looks like he's out of position when plays on the left as he does well out for a prolonged period of time. But yes your right, and leaving out Modric or Huddlestone to accomodate Palacios would be unthinkable at the moment. The only solution was taking Ekotto out, but Modric was that good against Chelsea in the centre alongside Huddlestone it would be foolish to change it. The only difference is that we are away, at bleeding OT, but the same team should start in all honesty.

[Smurfitz]

I am hoping to be at Old Trafford on Saturday. Flight over to Liverpool from Belfast on Saturday morning but not looking good right now :-( I would stick with the same team to be honest. Confidence is bound to be at sky high right now. Need to approach United with the same attitude and to show no fear.

[olly27]

I just hope, if we do keep the same line up (in midfield) that its a repeat of Chelsea at home and not Sunderland away, I mean in standard of performance - it will have to be to get something.

My only beef is that this is away, and the toughest place to go in the League.

[mjbmedia]

Naughtons out on loan mate.
funny, im sure he played a few games back and was on the bench , think we've recalled him?

[olly27]

funny, im sure he played a few games back and was on the bench , think we've recalled him?

MJB keep up ffs lol. He was here until January then Harry loaned out Naughton and brough back Walker from his loan spell at SU.

[Gino Ginelli]

I'd put Bale back into LB, push Modric into LM and return Palacios to his regular spot.

Obvious, but you need your best possible central midfield pairing and Tom/Wilson is it for me.

[olly27]

I'd put Bale back into LB, push Modric into LM and return Palacios to his regular spot.

Obvious, but you need your best possible central midfield pairing and Tom/Wilson is it for me.

Thats what I thought immediately when the question was posed. But I am torn on the issue as I think many who are calling for it to remain the same are spot on. Modric's best display of the season, although he was pretty dam fine against Everton at home on the left, and played really well, as did Huddlestone - so as a partnership it was extremely effective and this was against the top side in the Country.

However the atmosphere and the fans also played their part in these victories and the players responded to that and the dissappointment of being put out of the Cup. The effort and commitment was second to none.

Huddlestone and Palacios have been terrific as a partnership over the course of the season so its more than a valid call to reinstate them as I initially went for.

I can see both cases personally. Also Ekotto has been very good as well, and I think he would handle Valencia - who is their supplier in chief.

For me though the crucial point here is that its away. But whoever Harry goes for we need to see the same workrate, desire and commitment into this game to stand a chance.

Personally I wont be dissappointed either way, if he keeps it the same or brings back Wilson.

[mjbmedia]

MJB keep up ffs lol. He was here until January then Harry loaned out Naughton and brough back Walker from his loan spell at SU.
ahhh its Walker I keep seeing then, wouldnt recognise either of them to be honest. Cheers

[matthius23]

Dont hate me... but...

I dont think we would have beaten Arsenal and Chelsea if Palacios had played.

BUT, I think he should play against Utd.

[choda]

Dont hate me... but...

I dont think we would have beaten Arsenal and Chelsea if Palacios had played.

BUT, I think he should play against Utd.

I want to see the same team because I was really impressed with central midfield and I want to see Bale right up on Neville, who he will crucify.

[olly27]

I want to see the same team because I was really impressed with central midfield and I want to see Bale right up on Neville, who he will crucify.

Dont be surprised to see Rafael starting, and even if he doesn't Valencia will cover with Neville. But yeah I agree we have to get the ball to Bale as much as possible and let him leave the Neviller in his wake!!!

Old Red nose will be plotting a strategy to deal with Bale. The thing is though I dont think its possible unless he can get away with handcuffing his ankles together...:santaclaus:

[choda]

Dont be surprised to see Rafael starting, and even if he doesn't Valencia will cover with Neville. But yeah I agree we have to get the ball to Bale as much as possible and let him leave the Neviller in his wake!!!

Old Red nose will be plotting a strategy to deal with Bale. The thing is though I dont think its possible unless he can get away with handcuffing his ankles together...:santaclaus:

Like the planet of the apes.

[BaldBloke]

In truth Harry will be damned if he does and damned if he doesn't if we lose. Even with our best 11 we will be lucky to get anything at OT, United always have the 12th man too - the ref! I'm more concerned Arseholenal will role over against City, in truth a defeat isn't the end of the world as long as City don't win. That said it would be nice to see us get a positive result going into the last part of the season.

I'd much rather see Bale further forward again than pushing him backwards. Sure United may double up on him, but that will only open up space for others and he's bound to get at least a few runs at Neville.

Pav and Defoe need to have their scoring boots on, finishing nearly cost us dear on Saturday when we should've thumped the chavs.
________
Yamaha raptor 660 history (http://www.yamaha-tech.com/wiki/Yamaha_Raptor_660)

[choda]

In truth Harry will be damned if he does and damned if he doesn't if we lose. Even with our best 11 we will be lucky to get anything at OT, United always have the 12th man too - the ref! I'm more concerned Arseholenal will role over against City, in truth a defeat isn't the end of the world as long as City don't win. That said it would be nice to see us get a positive result going into the last part of the season.

I'd much rather see Bale further forward again than pushing him backwards. Sure United may double up on him, but that will only open up space for others and he's bound to get at least a few runs at Neville.

Pav and Defoe need to have their scoring boots on, finishing nearly cost us dear on Saturday when we should've thumped the chavs.

If they double up at half time I'd switch him to left back with Wilson coming into the middle and Modders moving to the left. That would be a real spanner for there tactic as well with Bale overlapping into space and Modders drifting inside.

It's amazing to think we have more options in more places than they do. Does Valencia, Fletcher, an old Scholes&giggs, Rafael/Neville, Berbatov, Macheda worry you? I fancy this, I really do. United are crap compared to their usual standards and are getting tired with a lack of depth, aging players and relience on Rooney before.

[olly27]

In truth Harry will be damned if he does and damned if he doesn't if we lose. Even with our best 11 we will be lucky to get anything at OT, United always have the 12th man too - the ref! I'm more concerned Arseholenal will role over against City, in truth a defeat isn't the end of the world as long as City don't win. That said it would be nice to see us get a positive result going into the last part of the season.

I'd much rather see Bale further forward again than pushing him backwards. Sure United may double up on him, but that will only open up space for others and he's bound to get at least a few runs at Neville.

Pav and Defoe need to have their scoring boots on, finishing nearly cost us dear on Saturday when we should've thumped the chavs.

I think you have summed it up well there. Although I dont think Arseanl will roll over, had it been at City I would of been a lot more worried. They will need to outscore City though, which they are capable of doing. Arshavin and Song should be back for them, with RVP being involved as well.

They will be like a wounded aninmal and the sight of Adebayor will surely add to the atmosphere. Infact Arsenal rolling over is the last thing I expect. You normally see a reaction from most Clubs after a very dissappointing spell and its at the Emirates so one would expect them to be up for this.

[olly27]

If they double up at half time I'd switch him to left back with Wilson coming into the middle and Modders moving to the left. That would be a real spanner for there tactic as well with Bale overlapping into space and Modders drifting inside.

It's amazing to think we have more options in more places than they do. Does Valencia, Fletcher, an old Scholes&giggs, Rafael/Neville, Berbatov, Macheda worry you? I fancy this, I really do. United are crap compared to their usual standards and are getting tired with a lack of depth, aging players and relience on Rooney before.

If Rooney still isn't 100% I fancy us as well. Although will they go 4-4-2 to match up with us, and to use Berbatov to support Rooney or do you think they will go 4-3-3?

I also hope Nani doesn't start, on his day he can hand out a spanking and he's been much better of late. Aside from Rooney and Nani, they dont scare me.

[Gino Ginelli]

I never stop worrying about what Giggs or Scholes can do, even if they were 87. They've been proving that all season.

[choda]

If Rooney still isn't 100% I fancy us as well. Although will they go 4-4-2 to match up with us, and to use Berbatov to support Rooney or do you think they will go 4-3-3?

I also hope Nani doesn't start, on his day he can hand out a spanking and he's been much better of late. Aside from Rooney and Nani, they dont scare me.

Yea, I didn't mention him deliberately because for all his problems fulfilling his potential he is extremely talented and can kill you in a few moments with his pace, skill, and delivery or shot.

But we've three of those match winning midfielders in Bale, Lennon and Modric. And if Rooney is out our strikers are far more dangerous too for me.

[choda]

I never stop worrying about what Giggs or Scholes can do, even if they were 87. They've been proving that all season.

Great players, but they are getting on mate. Scholes has been particularly way below what he was this year and Giggs is looking tired at this stage. He badly missed a few great chances the last day. I look at most of their team now and it is 'meh'.

This united team is nowhere near the good ones of a few years ago and 99 for me, nowhere near. The league is not that strong this year, they were all knocked out before the cl semis and deservedly so, they didn't have a hope of winning it either.

If we get it right in our transfers and selections next year we will be as good as anyone in England imo. In fact, we could have challenged this year if we did a few more things right.

I can't remember a time before when I looked at the teams and fancied more than just giving them a right scare or nicking a win at old trafford. I think it is 50/50 at the moment and we are away. We could actually dominate large parts of the game.

[Gino Ginelli]

And yet it still doesn't change the fact that they can, and have, change or win a game in a heartbeat, as saturday proved...

[choda]

And yet it still doesn't change the fact that they can, and have, change or win a game in a heartbeat, as saturday proved...

Indeed, but they could also be totally swamped in general play and not have the chance to do that against a team that isn't in the cl. The fact that is a real possiblity at home is amazing for united imo.

I look at them now and think if Ferguson wins the league with this team he deserves to be made prime minister on the spot.

[deadleyledley]

as choda said. these twoo performances have been the best for yinks. so why break the winning formula. think we should leave it the same and if we are getting run over then palacios should come on.

[Welsh Spur]

I think you have summed it up well there. Although I dont think Arseanl will roll over, had it been at City I would of been a lot more worried. They will need to outscore City though, which they are capable of doing. Arshavin and Song should be back for them, with RVP being involved as well.

They will be like a wounded aninmal and the sight of Adebayor will surely add to the atmosphere. Infact Arsenal rolling over is the last thing I expect. You normally see a reaction from most Clubs after a very dissappointing spell and its at the Emirates so one would expect them to be up for this.

For more optimism:

I'd like to point out that if Arsenal DO lose to City then they will have lost 3 on the bounce, and in the league.

When was the last time that happened?

[Indianspur]

Hope lennon is fit for the last 20 mins because you all see how evra overlaps to try and get the winner at the end stage.
With lennon he will poo himself and hangback as he know spurs are probably now a faster counterattacking team then them. This proved with the 10 chances against chelsea and arsenal in the last 20 mins.

May have to battle this one out for a 0-0 at half time then kill them when their fans get on their back to attack. This should open up the spaces for bale and defoe!

[olly27]

For more optimism:

I'd like to point out that if Arsenal DO lose to City then they will have lost 3 on the bounce, and in the league.

When was the last time that happened?

Must be quite a while back thats for sure.

[Baleinho]

In truth Harry will be damned if he does and damned if he doesn't if we lose. Even with our best 11 we will be lucky to get anything at OT, United always have the 12th man too - the ref! I'm more concerned Arseholenal will role over against City, in truth a defeat isn't the end of the world as long as City don't win. That said it would be nice to see us get a positive result going into the last part of the season.

I'd much rather see Bale further forward again than pushing him backwards. Sure United may double up on him, but that will only open up space for others and he's bound to get at least a few runs at Neville.

Pav and Defoe need to have their scoring boots on, finishing nearly cost us dear on Saturday when we should've thumped the chavs.

Honestly, after the Adebayor vs RvP earlier in the season I think the Goons will be right up for it, especially as its at the emershits.

Cant see the Goons dropping points there.

[Gino Ginelli]

Gooners have a point to prove it's sure. Wenger (quite rightly) could care less about local rivalrys when there's still a shred of a chance left to climb even an extra place.

[olly27]

A nice little article discussing what we have all been discussing in this thread.

I do think sticking with the same is probably the way to go though, for a few reasons:

1) For none other than what has just happened this week
2) Bale has been left mid twice, scored twice and generally given his opposite number nightmares
3) Neville is old, there to be got at and this is were we will hurt them most
4) This is crucial for me, if Bale plays at LB he will most likely get caught out up field on the over lap and United could punish us...through Valencia breaking at speed. We need Ekotto I think at LB.
5) Hudd and particularly Modric have been fantastic in the middle of the park.

But I still think Wilson would be vaulable against the likes of Fletcher.

Anway:

http://www.tottenhamjournal.co.uk/content/haringey/tottenhamjournal/Tottenhamhotspur/story.aspx?brand=TWGJOnline&category=THFCNews&tBrand=TWGJOnline&tCategory=defaultTHFC&itemid=WeED20+Apr+2010+12%3A31%3A18%3A870

[Gino Ginelli]

The more it's argued for, the more I'm leaning towards sticking with the tried and tested...

[olly27]

Another crazy option...stick Wilson at RB! Did well against Fulham, I think it was them in the Cup, recently.

Kaboul has done well at RB - in the tackle anyway, and adds height in defending set peices which could be useful against the likes of Vidic and Ferdinand - but he lacks being able to support Bentley properly. Wilson could get the up the wing quicker but the problem is his passing hasn't been great either, but he could certainly cope with Evra.

Cant see Harry doing that all, no way but just thought I would mention in it.

Keep a winning side going. I am losing the plot!

[irishspur]

Another crazy option...stick Wilson at RB! Did well against Fulham, I think it was them in the Cup, recently.

Kaboul has done well at RB - in the tackle anyway, and adds height in defending set peices which could be useful against the likes of Vidic and Ferdinand - but he lacks being able to support Bentley properly. Wilson could get the up the wing quicker but the problem is his passing hasn't been great either, but he could certainly cope with Evra.

Cant see Harry doing that all, no way but just thought I would mention in it.

Keep a winning side going. I am losing the plot!

Thats an excellent idea he's far more mobile than younes why not!

[Gino Ginelli]

Wilson out of position would still be loads better than Kaboul anywhere. He's been relatively disciplined but is capable of switching off at any second.

[apr82]

leave the team as is except palacios for kaboul at right back.