Basel away is not going to be walkover however the way I see is that if it was the knock-out stages and we needed to draw away to progress, we will all be much more helpful. What is dreadful of course is the prospect of Thursday football if the plan doesn't work out. Lets hope it doesn't come to that!
Having said that I just wanted to make two points. One is regarding the offsides. Why can we not be a little more intelligent in this area? Most of our forwards are guilty of just getting caught too often. Chico and Berba are caught about 5 times every game. Even Young was guilty on Tuesday. It just breaks the whole rhythm of play and makes all the hard work go waste. Yes there is a fine line up front but surely we can improve in this area. I don't have the stats on this but would be interested in seeing how we compare in this area with other teams.
Second is about Valencia. I think he is just too predictable. In his first season he did provide a little bit of fresh air and more direct football that we needed. However when the chips are down and we are struggling, specially against good teams, he seems least likely to provide an opening. Giggs, even now, is a much better overall player than he is. In my opinion Valencia should only ever start the big games on the bench, if at all.
Lets hope for some good luck in Basel, and if we are being greedy, may be hope that Galati do some justice to their presence in Europe.
Waiting for the Basel game
posted on 24/11/11
Europa league would be a disaster and ruin our title challenge. I think we'll qualify, even if it is 2nd, I'd rather lose in the last 16 of the CL than have to put up with channel 5 footie
posted on 24/11/11
Hippo I agree partly but midfield was never the problem against Benefica. Our wingers are normally fine but Valencia just gets himself into a corner too often without having any idea about what to do next. Also his one-footed-ness becomes a problem when he does cut-in sometimes.
posted on 24/11/11
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posted on 24/11/11
That would be the only upside to the Europa, our reserves would get a lot of experience.
posted on 24/11/11
Reserves/youngsters
posted on 24/11/11
We all know we will not play the first team if we land in Europa. However it will still be a hindrance, will cause us to play on Sundays and will be demoralizing for the players when they see top-level European football going on without them being involved.
posted on 24/11/11
Europa league may not be the worst thing in the world.....Give morrison, tunicliffe, pogba, amos etc etc etc some first team action but i really hope it doesnt come to this!!
posted on 24/11/11
Reserves or Carling cup team
posted on 24/11/11
our wingers are fine it is central midfield where we are not superior to the likes of benfica or even basel.
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Its comments like these that make you look silly.
posted on 24/11/11
Some fans make me laugh. The football we played on tuesday was the best it has been for weeks! Carrick and Fletcher were excellent and on another night with a little luck we probably would have scored 4 or 5.