Selection headache?

[WHUFC83]

I just wanted to see what everyone's opinion of our resurgant defense is.

What do you think the back line will look like against Arsenal (and beyond)?

I think Upson has been the suprise of the season at West Ham. He's gotten so much stick about his fitness (and ability) his entire career and I'm really glad he's got some of it off of his back. Neill, McCartney and Gabbidon have all been good, and sometimes better than good.

But now Spector is pushing for a first team spot, Ferdinand is coming back in seemingly fine form, and even (shock!) Paintsil turned in a good performance. That's not even counting Collins, who is rumoured to be returning soon. It looks like Curbs might have his first selection headache.

Personally I'd like to see
Spector-Upson-Ferdinand-Neill
for the Arsenal game, although if the midfield injuries are serious I suspect that Spector will play LM. Wouldn't mind seeing him in a holding midfield spot once we get the midfield back into working order.

[hammer_scout51]

I think our best defence is Neill, Anton, Upson, Macartney. Spector is obviously improving but i really only see him as a squad player at this stage.

[norwaytips]

You can't drop McCartney. He is, at the moment, the best left back in the PL. The man will be a super hero at Upton Park. You can see how confident he is. He points and shouts at the other players and he runs his legs off. No, you can't drop our Linda.

[blainehammer]

The midfield for L'Arse will be Pants, Noble, Mullins, Spector, Freddie. Unless the two injuries to Parker and Solano are not too serious.

[taffhammer]

Personally I'd like to see
Spector-Upson-Ferdinand-Neill
for the Arsenal game, although if the midfield injuries are serious I suspect that Spector will play LM. Wouldn't mind seeing him in a holding midfield spot once we get the midfield back into working order.

are you mad? i don't know who you've been watching all season?
mc cartney has been brilliant at left back this season, and Mullins has been just as good at the holding midfield role. why would you play Spector in either of those posistions?

[west_ham]

Am I right in thinking that we don't have a fit LW and our only fit right winger is Ljungberg?

If so the midfield should be Ljungberg on the left again and Paintsil or Spector on RW. Probably Paintsil as this leaves Spector on the bench as good cover for any defensive area. Noble and Mullins in the center.

The starting defense should be the ever reliable Neill, Gabbidon, Upson, McCartney, if Gabbidon is fit. If not then Ferdinand. Keep it simple and stay with what we know works.

Up front there is little to debate about. Ashton and Cole. AC may choose to start with 4-5-1 but this relies on us having enough midfielders fit. If not then we may see both Paintsil and Spector drafted into midfield at some point.

Is there anyone I have forgotten about?