ANC: Us and our Rivals

Bruce Wayne · January 4, 2008

There's an interesting piece in the paper today that shows exactly who is losing who to the ANC.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/ma...V0?xml=/sport/2008/01/04/sfnafr104.xml&page=2

Interestingly, neither Villa or Man City (probably our two main rivals) are going to lose any players, with Liverpool only losing Sissoko. How important could this be do you think?

Namdrater · January 4, 2008

I think a lot will depend on injuries and the players we bring in January. Our striking department will look fine to me and Jags or Stubbs at CB to replace Yobo is also nothing to really worry about.

I think the creativity of Pienaar might be missed, but then again, I dont think South Africa will make it to the knockout stages

Does anyone know why McCarthy isnt in the SA squad, because that doesnt help the cause either.

Sres · January 4, 2008

I don't see much of a problem, we need to do a job on Chelsea in the first leg, a draw or a win would seal that tie in my view.

inertia3112 · January 4, 2008

at the risk of being called a lazy ****, can someone pull up relevant fixtures for the three teams while the anc is on?

SuitsBlue · January 4, 2008

no risk, its a certainty... your lazy.

everythingisgood · January 4, 2008

inertia3112 said:
at the risk of being called a lazy ****, can someone pull up relevant fixtures for the three teams while the anc is on?

I'm bored...

Everton

Carling cup semi final(chelsea)

Premier League
Man city H (12th Jan)
Wigan A (20th Jan)
Tottenham H (30th Jan)
Blackburn A (2nd Feb )
Reading H (9th Feb )

Man City
Premier League
Everton A (12th Jan)
West Ham H (20th Jan)
Derby A (29th Jan)
Arsenal H (2nd Feb )
Man UTD A (10th Feb )

Villa
Premier League
Reading H (12th Jan)
Liverpool A (21st Jan)
Blackburn H (30th Jan)
Fulhum A (3rd Feb )
Newcastle H (9th Feb )

Bainsey · January 4, 2008

I think on paper our games are the easiest there, due to the harder teams (City and Spurs) being at Goodison.

everythingisgood · January 4, 2008

Bainsey said:
I think on paper our games are the easiest there, due to the harder teams (City and Spurs) being at Goodison.

Yeah, city have a tough few matches but then they aren't losing any players.

Blackburn away won't be easy but we could have some players back by then if their countries get knocked out.

Bainsey · January 4, 2008

Think south africa will be back early, left their best player in Benni McCarthy out of the squad alltogether and they were given no hope with him in it, nevermind out of it.

chicoazul · January 4, 2008

That means Pienaar comes back early and lets face it, he's been acer than Arteta this year.

Im liking him, Im liking him a lot.

Bainsey · January 4, 2008

Indeed, without him and Mikel in the team, I can't see any creativity at all.

chicoazul · January 4, 2008

Phil Neville's stepovers are our only saving grace I reckon.

Tennessee Blue Mike · January 4, 2008

I agree with the creativity. Pienaar has been back heeling his way into our hearts. Just a different dimension when he and Arteta is on the pitch. I don't know about Chico comments on him being better than Mikel this year or just pulling my leg but I do agree the set pieces have been lacking

Dylan · January 4, 2008

Arteta hasn't been his brilliant self that much this season. So far, Pienaar has been more consistent for me. Arteta also need to relearn those set peices as the have been pretty bad for a while.

I am not taking anything away from Mikel, I just think he needs a little consistency to his game.

chicoazul · January 4, 2008

I reckon Pienaar has done better than Arteta this season easily (no wind up Mike, for once mate). Along with Carsley and Lescott, he has been one of our players of the season. Every time I get to watch him he really makes an impression on me, an absolute steal if we get him for under three million when you consider the quality he has and the impact he makes on our team.

He really is that important.