Manchester United vs Manchester City 2/10 [R]

Why didn't RofM make this thread?

 

http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=529760

 

Now I'm worried about this match.

 

Aye only top reds can start a match thread..

 

-----------VdS
Wesley---Rio---Vida---O'legend
------Carrick---Scholes
Nani------Ronaldo----Giggs
----------Tevez

 

How long before the first "What? No Rooney?" post?

 

------------Ronaldo
------------Tevez
Nani----------------------Park
------Scholes---Anderson
Evra----------------------Brown
-------Vidic-------Rio
-------------VDS

 

damn, Evra is out too?

oh and City will also be wearing shirts without sponsors:

 

Elano is out for them, suspended I think.

 

Any news on Neville? <not the usual 2-weeks stuff> or Saha for that matter?

It is a good game to give Park some play-time, we need him to be in top-form within the next month if we have to keep competing on all 3 fronts.

 

not sure how accurate it is but the physio room website is listing "no return date" for both Saha and Neville.

 

Because in my infinite wisdom I feel that Tuesday is too early to be a starting a match thread for a game that takes place on a Sunday.

 

I agree. When I saw the match thread I remember thinking "Wow, I can't believe its Saturday already." Imagine my disappointment.

 

Actually, 10/2 is 8 months away.

 

City being without Elano could be good, it could be bad. Lately, Elano hasnt exactly been playing as good as he was early on in the campaign. Then again, it could be a blessing for them having someone more steady in the team at the moment.

Im not sure if Bejani will be playing, or if it will be Sturridge. I've only seen just a little of him, but he's sharp. I wouldnt expect him to trouble Rio and Vidic on his own. Petrov on the left, Vassell/Ireland on the right, with Geovanni playing in Elano's spot. Honestly, that quartet doesnt bother me. It will probably be Gelson Fernandes and Hammann in midfield.

Personally, I'd field...

----------VDS-----------
-----Ferdinand--Vidic----
-Brown-------------Oshea
----Carrick--Scholes------
Park-----------------Giggs
----------Tevez----------
----------Ronaldo---------

Its unfortunate the boss chose to rely on our current group of strikers. It has us resorting to playing Ronaldo upfront. It looked good against Portsmouth, but Fergie has already said he doesnt intend to convert Ronaldo to a striker because of the loss of Penetration from midfield. It seems he has no other choice now.

I chose Carrick Scholes because I feel it would help us going forward. It just seems whenever they play, we pressure the other teams goal more. I think it would be wise to play keep Anderson on the bench as an attacking option. We know for sure one of Tevez, Park, Scholes wont play the whole 90. We would all be disappointed if we were losing in the 60th minute, and saw Michael Carrick, or John Oshea subbed on. Should we be winning, and Scholes still cant go 90 then Anderson could sub him out.

Im hoping Nani definately plays in this game, if not for rewarding his steadily improving play, then to provide another attacking option off the bench. Hargreaves could be bought in to help us defend the lead. I would start him if Elano were to play.

Ronaldo and Tevez upfront, it could be tasty. Not pinning all my hopes on it, but there is definately potential for it to work. If Scholes wasnt playing, then I think it would be a disaster. Scholes can get them the ball. They wouldnt have to drop deep and leave one another isolated. As long as Scholes can get going, I think they will be good enough for us to create some chances.

We are in good form, and they are not. However everyone knows with a local derby like this, form is thrown out the window. I dont think Fergie will have many problems getting them up for this game. Lets win this one in memory of the babes.

 

This being a United board we should observe Manchester conventions. That includes puting the day before the month, driving on the left and watching Coronation Street instead of Eastenders.

 

All things considered, it's about the best time to be playing City. They are in a horrible run of form, they are without one of their best players, and regardless of who Sven chooses to go with up front (Benjani/Sturridge), they will lack familiarity and consistency as Sturridge has only played a few games and Benjani has played none with the team.

The lack of fullbacks+Rooney is a concern especially if we get in a situation where we are looking for a goal with only 10-15 minutes left, but I think this will be a pretty comfortable 3 points. Hopefully, it gets locked up early and we can get some rest to Tevez/Ronaldo.

 

I know damn well Sven wont go out with two strikers, if they did that would be even better for us. Nery Castillo is injured as well, so they only have Geovanni who Sven likes to bring off the bench.

 

I would like to see Simpson out there - with O'Shea and Brown on the flanks we will have no attacking imputus from the fullback positions.

 

Feeling good about this one....Inspired United run riot on Shiteh after jackasses disrupt moment of silence....4-0

 

Benjani is supposed to be playing alone up front, according to SVE.