Don't shoot me down but... Wouldn't it make more sense to play Osman alongside McCarthy with Barkley further forward and Naismith and McGeady/ Gerard either side of Lukaku.
Don't see the point in bringing Barkley deeper who makes things happen for us, when Osman is a made replacement...
After the Sunderland game in December, I simply don't trust Osman to play in the deeper roll. He's great when he has possession but he's simply too weak and doesn't win enough 50/50 challenges. He is always liable to get caught in possession, and I would prefer that happen further up the pitch with more of our players behind the ball when it does happen. Barkley is a bit stronger, competes better for the ball, and gives the ball away slightly less often.
I wouldn't mind a 4-3-3 of sorts though, Martinez usually does it with Barry, McCarthy, and Barkley/Osman, but it could work with McCarthy Barkley and Osman. Naismith Lukaku McGeady/Deulofeu up top in front of them.
When is Gibbo back?
The thought of Osman vs Toure is killing me
I think Toure will be out mate, thank god. The thought of Lukaku vs Demicheles is quite exciting on the other hand.
