Starting XI against Manure

[Brede Butter Pudding]

After our midweek excursions it was clear that the hefty toll of games is now taking its toll on the lads. Bob, Gera, Duffer all looked knackered by the final whistle, and I can't help but worry that the Manure game will come far too soon for a lot of the lads who really have put so much effort into the season so far. In addition, and before I say this I am by far a pessimist, but I can not see us getting a result against a currently rampant United and on-fire Rooney, along with a number of other in-form United players. I'm sure Uncle Woy won't do it, due to his strict, rotation-free policy, but I feel as though this is an opportunity for a number of players to rest for Thursday's big game against Juve. Furthermore, the rest will also mean they are sharper for both City and Spurs coming up, both of which we have better chances of winning. Yes, Manure are not invincible at home, and this term numerous teams who are far weaker than us have given them really good games. However, they have hit form recently, and I think it would be a mistake playing the same starting XI as was played in Italy.

Murphy hasn't played now for nearly 2 weeks and so will be well rested. Woy said that, had the Spurs game been a few days later, he would have played, and only missed the Juve tie through suspension. As a result, he should be fit for Sunday. Shorey was also not involved against Juve and Konch, understandably, looked like he needed a few more games under his belt, and as a result I would start him. Furthermore, Bobatov and Gera up front are certainly our most effective forwards, yet the effort they put into every game means that eventually they will 'hit the wall'. With games coming up that are, in all honesty, more vital for our overall season than United away, I would rest them both, maybe having both on the bench, and start Elm and Okaka, Elm with his height and physicality and Okaka with his pace and aggresiveness. It was also brilliant to see Demps back after what feels like a lifetime, although I don't think he is yet ready for a start, I think he should come on for 30 mins or so. This would be my starting XI:

       Schwarz


Baird   Hangeland   Hughes   Shorey


Riise   Murphy    Etuhu     Davies

 
         Elm    Okaka

[alfie]

I think i would consider giving Davies a rest and putting Demps or Konch wide on the left in front of Shorey would have a bit more attacking flair about it.

[Lighthouse]

Murphy I am taking it is still injured otherwise I would have him playing, I would rest Simon who is having an inner battle and is frustrated atm. I am also counting out those that were ill Thursday Riise and Elm

Swart
Kelly   Hughes Hang  Shorey

Duff   Baird  Etuhu   Konk

Zamo Okaka

We will be attacked wide so need as much cover that still allows the odd push wide ourselves.

Neeldess to say Roy will pick the same same up 11 with Shorey in for Konk maybe and wonder why we look  Knackered

[HatterDon]

Mr. Lighthorse,

Where did you hear that Murphy was injured? Last I heard he's only suffered a brain cramp against Shaktar.

[Brede Butter Pudding]

Yeah he's not injured I don't think and I expect him to start. Woy said that he only just failed his fitness test before the Spurs game, and had he not been injured he would have played in Turin. I therefore fully expect to see him in the starting XI on Sunday

[Lighthouse]

It was mentioned on the commentary (TV I think) that Murphy although suspended would not have made the game against Juve as he had not recovered from an injury he picked up in our last league game theat had Greening replacing him during it. He missed Spuds of coarse.

However only AJ, Pantsil are mentioned as missing and Dika is doubtful for United. So hopefuly Murphy will be ok. Although I can tell you that he is suffering with a groin problem still. Honest

[Brede Butter Pudding]

Ah my bad apologies I obviously read Roy's signs wrongly! In that case, unfortunately, I think we will see Greening and Etuhu in the middle. Hopefully Okaka start I'm praying

[FatFreddysCat]

Surely Okaka has to start this one, give BZ a rest, otherwise okaka is going to turn out to be anouther Jari Littamen.

[Brede Butter Pudding]

Yeah, although in the Saturday Fulham stuff there is an article on Okaka's happiness at being at Fulham so that's a good thing. But I completely agree, rest Gera and Bobatov and start Elm and Okaka. However, I'm almost certain that Roy will start with the same starting XI that played against Juve, maybe with Konch swapping with Shorey

[bobby01]

Sorry fellas i have to disagree with giving Elm a start, he reminds me of Shefqi combined with the aimless running of Joe.

[epsomraver]

Elm is just as quick as BZ and holds the ball up well, I have seen him on his starts and apart from doing a Gera in trying too hard and wasting energy he has great potential, I would put money on him getting goals for us if given a run in the team, watched him in the reserves as well and he shines.

[Brede Butter Pudding]

Interesting that you've seen him in the reserves Epsom, from the games that I've seen him play he's been superb, particuarly against Burnley. I reckon his height and Okaka's pace could cause the United back line some problems, and it would be a good opportunity to rest Bobatov and Gera`

[bigalffc]

Definitely rest as many as possible for this one. Give starts to Smalling, Reise, Elm, Okaka ,Shorey ,Murphy, Kelly maybe dempsey to help match fitness, play greening but don't start him again EVER and rest as many as possible who will be needed on Thursday.