Midfield reserves

[Bruce Wayne]

It looks like a five man midfield gets the best out of the team, with a busy period of games approaching plus the loss of Pienaar to the African Nations we look a bit thin on the ground in that area. Graveson can step in easily enough but after that we don't have much.

Will either of VDM or Da Silva play any games? Can Vidarsson step up?

I'd love to see Arteta and Cahill rested for a few non-important games but I'm not sure who would come in to replace them. A Graveson swap for Cahill could work but with VDM out in the cold we seem ill equipped to replace Arteta unless we go to a four man midfield.

 

[teppic]

please god not VDM. Da Silva has looked poor so far for the blues. i think the answer is a new face in January.

 

[micknick]

All games are important Brucie but I think the resting comes from games like Saturday. 3-0 up get arteta off, his job is done.

I would liek to see a midfielder in Jan and Pienaar signed up permanently.

 

[atrottel]

Haven't seen anything from Vidarsson yet. Faddy could come in and play either a Cahill role or a wide role. Gravesen, well, if we have to but I think we may have moved beyond the Mad Dog theatrics.

I agree that we could do with more cover and, to be fair, that's where DM said he would be looking in Jan.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

If we continue to do well in the cups we could see 50-60 games for the season. That's a lot for a midfield player to handle. We don't want Arteta injured from over use. The next UEFA game for instance would seem an ideal opportunity to give him a rest, but who would you put wide right that isn't already in the team (ie Osman/Pienaar)? VDM would certainly solve some problems if he was available but it doesn't seem likely.

 

[atrottel]

The problem is - and I know people are going to shudder at this - that Tony Hibbert is also going to be in the frame, so you also could see a return of Mr Neville to the midfield as earlier in the season, now that we are all happy he is at right-back.

 

[monty]

If we continue to do well in the cups we could see 50-60 games for the season. That's a lot for a midfield player to handle. We don't want Arteta injured from over use. The next UEFA game for instance would seem an ideal opportunity to give him a rest, but who would you put wide right that isn't already in the team (ie Osman/Pienaar)? VDM would certainly solve some problems if he was available but it doesn't seem likely.

My little source tells me that in all likelihood the drunk will go out on loan to Holland in Jan, he will not play for us again. Wait and see

 

[Sim]

McFadden can drop back down into midfield, Jagielka and Neville can also play there, Graveson as you mention too, keep Cahill and Arteta injury free, little ossie, at a push da silva and vdm. Now worries, plenty of cover!

 

[Bruce Wayne]

Sure, we have plenty who can fill in there but look how we did when both Arteta and Cahill were missing earlier in the season. It would be great if we could find a more reliable VDM type player in January.

 

[TX Bill]

Well VDM has apparently had some good games in the reserves but it seems that he's used up any goodwill that he might have had left which is really too bad but that's the way it goes sometimes.

 

[monty]

Sure, we have plenty who can fill in there but look how we did when both Arteta and Cahill were missing earlier in the season. It would be great if we could find a more reliable VDM type player in January.

Yep agreed, love paying out £22,000 a week for someone like that Bruce

 

[Sim]

I know what your saying Bruce, the cover isnt really good enough and I agree. We need at least a new winger and a new player to take over from Carsleys role.

Its funny how whenever we're on TV they always go on about Carsley being the unsung hero of the team, but he isnt really, cos by always calling him the unsung hero he is in fact not unsung at all.

 

[Tennessee Blue Mike]

What a difference this team is with Cars in the side. I wonder who could fill his shoes when he hangs up his boots.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

We're not too badly off in the holding role as Neville is experienced there and both Jags and da Silva can play there at a push. If Arteta goes we have no natural wingers in reserve.

 

[Tennessee Blue Mike]

Keeping a positive spin on things. I know we haven't seen the best out of Jags just yet. I know Neville brings some steel and experience but I'm not quite sold on him yet. Da Silva now there is a unknown I have to believe Moyes has him playing lower leagues for a purpose. I have a feeling hes our man. Jags with ultimately settle as a CB with Yobo being gone on location I hope he takes this opportunity with vigor.