SkySports, BBC (Gareth Crook) and The Sun, what do they all have in common? They all have Fab' in their team of the week. I think many fans unfairly singled out Muamba last year during our bad run of form. He was very much a scapegoat for our bad form but considering he was the only recognised CM we had playing some games is it any wonder his performance dropped so badly? The same happened to Robbo in seasons previous, (In which I am was one of the worst offenders) which I think we can all agree looking back was largely unfounded.
It's great to see what he can do when he is played right and when he has decent midfield partners around him. Once he and NRC found their pace (took about 20 minutes) we really dominated the midfield, so much so, that Adel Taarabt, one of the most technically gifted players in the lower half of the PL was basically moot until he was subbed circa the 70 minute mark.
He was involved in a couple of good 1-2 passing movements and really looked like a rejuvenated player, he took the goal very well considering 2 months prior he would of probably skied it. In short, I'm really chuffed for the lad to have such a good start and long may it continue.
I think he and NRC have to start against City. We are going to need them both breaking up attacks/counters if we are to have a hope of beating the attacking power of City. I would only make one change, that being Klas for Tuncay. I don't think he deserves to be dropped and I think he deserves a starting place this season, but we can't afford to have a player who doesn't put a defensive effort in against a team like City. The one thing i've heard about Tuncay is he can run all day which would be a great help to the midfield.
Muamba, Clean Slate?
posted on 15/8/11
I'm not sure it matters what side we put out - City were very impressive tonight. I'm hoping we can get a draw but you never know, if City have an off day, a very off day, we just might be able to sneak a win.
posted on 15/8/11
I dont think we should change that team either.
Citeh have 2 thugs in Yaya Toure and Nigel de Jong so we're going to need Muamba and Nigel to combat that if we are to have a hope of something for this game.
posted on 15/8/11
City are likely to go three in midfield, so I suspect we will need to look at that.. Eagles & Petrov seems a luxury to me.. I'd be tempted to go 4-3-3 also.. Tuncay & Eagles behind SKD and a midfield 3 of NRC, Muamba & Pratley..
posted on 15/8/11
Ps; Petrov, Mavies and Klasnic is then a decent attacking option on the bench if/when needed..
posted on 15/8/11
Robbo on Da Silva will be interesting!
posted on 15/8/11
Not really sure why Yaya Toure is being labelled as a thug?
posted on 15/8/11
Toure is quality.. Big lad who has developed from a defensive midfielder at Barca to a real box to box threat..
I like him. I'd also like 2 or 3 of his monthly pay cheques too..
Kerching...
posted on 15/8/11
Yep.
I think he can become as great as Vieira was. And that's saying something.
posted on 15/8/11
Yaya Toure is like a Terminator robot or something. Big job for the Sarge and Fabrice to keep them under control.
posted on 15/8/11
For the first time in a few years Muamba has got proper competition now from NRC for that defensive midfield position. Maybe this will get the best out of him.. Mallorca, a midfield of NRC Pratley and Muamba in the centre could be useful to stop Citys powerful midfield and to deal with the threat of Silva who was excellent tonight.