RedHarvest

Re: points 3+4...I agree, and all this stems from not having a proper RW. I wonder would Rafa have played Kromkamp there at some stage today.

No way was he not arsed - we've played twice as many games as most of our opposition this season. Tiredness is being mistaken for lack of effort/application.

Well put. We've improved but are not yet good enough and wont be til Rafa gets two genuine wingers, two goalscoring forwards and a world class left back.

My guess is Crouch with Luis behind him, Stevie on the right, Harry K on the left. Gonna have a punt on Luis to be Chelseas nemesis again with 1st goal.

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Im a huge fan of Morientes, he's great to watch,an intelligent and classy if slightly slow and delicate player. The question is does Rafa see him and Crouch as doing a similar job for the team and who out em both is first choice in his mind? - the signs seem to point to Crouchy. When Cisse goes our forward line has no pace. Who makes way as collateral for Kuyt/Defoe/Owen/AN Other? Much as I like him it's probobly Moro.

Worringly a lot of betting pundits, including the Mirrors Derek McGovern are tipping us to turn them over. My head says draw. Come on redmen

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Crouch for me too. Apologies to the big man. (...but do a little work on your heading ability would you)

That seems to be the minimum requirement for a Benitez team - everyones workrate off the ball has improved no end.Thats a big part of our upturn in form. Thought Harry was good yesterday, my MOM, and his ability and effectiveness are showing more in every game he plays. Shows what a run in the team will do for a player. I wonder though if Harry would have got that run had Zenden not been out? For me he's by far the better option of the two at LM. I also wonder how that position will shape up if/when Gonzalez comes into the fold?

The consensus seems to be "Riise will do". I've never really liked him as a LB but he's been solid for the most part this season. His big pluses,apart from his rocket left peg and long throw, are his workrate for the team and his energy. Ideally we want another Finnan on the left - consistant, good distribution,comfortable on the ball,best crosser in the team. I'd be surprised if Rafa wasnt looking to strengthen LB, even if thats not officially on the shopping list.