The fight for 5th place

[Cal]

I think you'll be surprised, Cal. I reckon Moyes will have at least £10m to spend. My evidence is flimsy, though, and based on the facts that (1) Moyes signed his contract probably on the understanding that he would receive more backing; and (2) we actually didn't spend any money in the summer (considering our sales).

10 million should be able to bring in a good defensive midfielder.

 

[Nebbiolo]

I wouldn't say 4th is completely out of reach. One thing that has been clear this season is that each of the top 4 are taking points off of each other. So I can't see the champion having as many points as in previous seasons. A lot can happen yet. A few choice injuries or suspensions could change an awful lot, both for ourselves and others. That we're in this position despite playing below par is a great source of comfort.

I can't see it myself, Bruce. The weakest link is Arsenal who have just walloped Man Utd. The problem we have is that the team that is normally weakest, Liverpool, has had an excellent start. It will take some catching up to get near to them. At best, we must hope that somehow Arsenal's season goes tits up due to some type of problem at the club.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

No, it is unlikely but we're not that far behind so you never know.

 

[Cal]

No, it is unlikely but we're not that far behind so you never know.

Yes we are. I think the games this season has proved how far we are behind.

 

[Gazdalf]

Yes we are. I think the games this season has proved how far we are behind.

3 points off 4th after already playing Arsenal, RS and Man Utd and still only 3 points off 4th.

3 consecutive wins and a draw after being 1 down against Man Utd.

I understand your worries, but your melodrama is shining through again.

Maybe just be happy that we are getting results. The performances come afterwards.

Or just be happy slagging off all things about us. crack on.

Your choice Cal.

(This is not having a go at you Cal, I just see things a bit rosier.)

 

[ToxtethBlue]

Anything's possible, we'll just have to wait and see.

 

[Cal]

3 points off 4th after already playing Arsenal, RS and Man Utd and still only 3 points off 4th.

3 consecutive wins and a draw after being 1 down against Man Utd.

I understand your worries, but your melodrama is shining through again.

Maybe just be happy that we are getting results. The performances come afterwards.

Or just be happy slagging off all things about us. crack on.

Your choice Cal.

(This is not having a go at you Cal, I just see things a bit rosier.)

No, i'm very happy with the recent progress but i have alot of worries.

The central midfield pairing is probably the biggest thing for me. It could easily get run over when we have alot of pressure on us and alot of teams will be able to exploit it easily, it needs to be addressed.

 

[Gazdalf]

No, i'm very happy with the recent progress but i have alot of worries.

The central midfield pairing is probably the biggest thing for me. It could easily get run over when we have alot of pressure on us and alot of teams will be able to exploit it easily, it needs to be addressed.

Can't agree with you more there mate. That's why i am feeling lifted. we are getting these results without playing to deserve them. The midfield has not performed in the slightest yet. but when they do, defences are going to be shitting themselves.

Once we start playing well and keeping these results we will be a hardy force once again.

 

[Brownie]

Should've beaten Blackburn and Newcastle. We'd be level with Arse then. Apart from those two games, I can accept the rest.

 

[Gazdalf]

Should've beaten Blackburn and Newcastle. We'd be level with Arse then. Apart from those two games, I can accept the rest.

Puts it all in perspective really mate. good point.

 

[Cal]

Can't agree with you more there mate. That's why i am feeling lifted. we are getting these results without playing to deserve them. The midfield has not performed in the slightest yet. but when they do, defences are going to be shitting themselves.

Once we start playing well and keeping these results we will be a hardy force once again.

I'm not sure really, we don't have the right balance playing Fellaini-Osman, Fellaini-Cahill or Cahill-Osman.

Osman isn't a defensive midfielder, i think he's a smashing player but if i was going to replace anyone, it would be Leon.

I saw we were after Cana for 9 million, i don't think we will get him for that price but he's exactly a player we need. A good player, disciplined and an absolute shitbag in the tackle.

 

[Gazdalf]

I'm not sure really, we don't have the right balance playing Fellaini-Osman, Fellaini-Cahill or Cahill-Osman.

Osman isn't a defensive midfielder, i think he's a smashing player but if i was going to replace anyone, it would be Leon.

I saw we were after Cana for 9 million, i don't think we will get him for that price but he's exactly a player we need. A good player, disciplined and an absolute shitbag in the tackle.

My earlier post was that I agree with you about the midfield.

Arteta-Fellaini-Castillo-Pienaar

is the way I think it would be if everything fell into place, but like you say we just don't know the best combo yet. It will come though mate.

 

[ToxtethBlue]

It's got to be Castillo or Rodwell. Neither are perfect but they'll provide balance which will help.

We definatly need a new ball winner. I think we'll go back in for Big Ste Mbia personally.

 

[Cal]

My earlier post was that I agree with you about the midfield.

Arteta-Fellaini-Castillo-Pienaar

is the way I think it would be if everything fell into place, but like you say we just don't know the best combo yet. It will come though mate.

I know you agreed but you said once they start performing.

When they do start performing, i still feel we won't have a balanced midfield at all and can be over run and exploited big time.

I don't think Moyes rates Castillo at all.

 

[ToxtethBlue]

It's got to be Rodwell then.

Rodwell and Fellaini in the middle, Arteta and Pienaar outwide and the Yak and Saha leading the line.