[Nickosaur]

Quite right I do, why drop or not start possibly our most in form player??

It makes no sense at all to not start him.

I'm on your side mate, I want to see Jesse starting, to be honest think most on this forum want him starting too.
But we know Jose can be cautious in top 6 games, especially away. I think that's why some have predicted midfields 3s with Ander, Matic and Pogba.
Like I said, I know I'd have him in my starting XI, and I still expect to see him there on Wednesday night, but I can see why people are suggesting otherwise.

 

[Android1974]

We'll catch Tottenham when they have a big injury list for a lot of first team players, although none of them are completely ruled out: Lloris, Aurier, Alderweireld, Rose, Winks, Eriksen, Lamela.

 

[Nickosaur]

We'll catch Tottenham when they have a big injury list for a lot of first team players, although none of them are completely ruled out: Lloris, Aurier, Alderweireld, Rose, Winks, Eriksen, Lamela.

They've been without Aldy, Rose, Winks and Lamela for a long time (or at least for large parts of the season).
But if Lloris and Eriksen are out, that's a big boost for us.

 

[ayushreddevil9]

I see no relevance because those games did not feature Sanchez, and presumably this one will, so why look at games without him, and think that they are in way relevant to how we will or might play with him? It makes no sense whatsoever.

We will play differently with him in the side, then without him in the side, so if he is playing against Spurs, then I would honestly like to know why a game, or games in which he was unavailable to us helps us to think of how we might play?

Please just explain that bit to me, as it is something that just puzzles me.



Quite right I do, why drop or not start possibly our most in form player??

It makes no sense at all to not start him.

This is just wishful thinking. Jose won't change his tactics. We will sit back and play on the counter. We will also try to attack initially before taking foot off the gas.

Sanchez only enables us to execute our counters/attacking moves more efficiently. Jose won't alter his tactics. Its a given with him. I have been following him since Fergie retired and nothing has changed with his approach in the big games. You are in for a disappointment if you think otherwise.

 

[Trizy]

I see no relevance because those games did not feature Sanchez, and presumably this one will, so why look at games without him, and think that they are in way relevant to how we will or might play with him? It makes no sense whatsoever.

We will play differently with him in the side, then without him in the side, so if he is playing against Spurs, then I would honestly like to know why a game, or games in which he was unavailable to us helps us to think of how we might play?

Please just explain that bit to me, as it is something that just puzzles me.
.

So you're expecting Sanchez to start our first league game against a top side and think he'll preform to his best from the word go and us to completely change our attacking style to some sort of full on attacking football? This isn't Fifa mate. There is no denying Sanchez is world class but how many players join a new team and preform from the get go? I think that is wishful thinking. He looked a bit rusty against Yeovil and hasn't featured much for Arsenal in January, playing 90 minutes on the 3rd of Janaury and 24mins on the 10th.

Not to say he won't start or won't be the match winner but I honestly wouldn't be surprised if he didn't even start.

 

[RedRom]

I'm on your side mate, I want to see Jesse starting, to be honest think most on this forum want him starting too.
But we know Jose can be cautious in top 6 games, especially away. I think that's why some have predicted midfields 3s with Ander, Matic and Pogba.
Like I said, I know I'd have him in my starting XI, and I still expect to see him there on Wednesday night, but I can see why people are suggesting otherwise.

I can just about understand their viewpoint, but what is it with others putting Fellaini in??!!
He hasn't played for not sure how long now, but it is a good while!

If people are starting or putting say de Gea in our starting line up, then Lingard also should be in the team, as both are just as key at both ends of the pitch.

 

[RedRom]

So you're expecting Sanchez to start our first league game against a top side and think he'll preform to his best from the word go? There is no denying Sanchez is world class but how many players join a new team and preform from the get go? I think that is wishful thinking. He looked a bit rusty against Yeovil and hasn't featured much for Arsenal in January, playing 90 minutes on the 3rd of Janaury and 24mins on the 10th.

Not to say he won't start or won't be the match winner but I honestly wouldn't be surprised if he didn't even start.

I am expecting him to start yes, am I expecting him to play to his very very best, no of course not, as he is still getting used to us, and vice-versa.
But I do think that he is still very much capable of having a positive influence on the side, even not when quite at his fulsome best.

 

[Android1974]

They've been without Aldy, Rose, Winks and Lamela for a long time (or at least for large parts of the season).
But if Lloris and Eriksen are out, that's a big boost for us.

Specially Eriksen, who Mourinho had man marked in another game.

 

[Android1974]

Just as a reminder of the team and system we played Tottenham at home earlier in the season, when they were playing great with 3 at the back, a not particularly bright game of ours but we nicked it:

de Gea
Bailly – Smalling – Jones
Valencia – Herrera – Matić – Young
Lingard(Mkhitaryan)
Lukaku – Rashford(Martial)​

 

[tomaldinho1]

Herrera should be backup to Matic, not the third midfielder. With him Matic & Pogba there's too much reliance on Pogba to create and drive our attacks.

Matic has been looking very jaded in some games so Herrera should get decent game time if they interchange but I'd hate to see us go to Wembley with a Pog-Matic-Herrera three as it's been too limited going forwards for us in the past (albeit minus Sanchez).

 

[Trizy]

I am expecting him to start yes, am I expecting him to play to his very very best, no of course not, as he is still getting used to us, and vice-versa.
But I do think that he is still very much capable of having a positive influence on the side, even not when quite at his fulsome best.

Ok but what has that got to do with our style/approach to the game? You mentioned we'll play differently with him, we won't. We're not gonna turn into City/Liverpool type of attack, attack, attack. We're gonna sit and hit on the break like Jose has done in our top 6 away games. Only positive of Sanchez is we will be more ruthless on the counter.

 

[Paul_Scholes18]

Think 3-5-2 can be interesting with Lingard, Sanchez and Lukaku as our most attacking players.

 

[Mickfoley]

Think 3-5-2 can be interesting with Lingard, Sanchez and Lukaku as our most attacking players.

I don't want anything on Martial's expense.

 

[RedRom]

Ok but what has that got to do with our style/approach to the game? You mentioned we'll play differently with him, we won't. We're not gonna turn into City/Liverpool type of attack, attack, attack. We're gonna sit and hit on the break like Jose has done in our top 6 away games. Only positive of Sanchez is we will be more ruthless on the counter.

Well I would hope that we would not turn into either City or Liverpool, and just continue to be ourselves, just with Sanchez added we can and should hopefully be more clinical.

I think that we have a much more complete style of play then either City or Liverpool, so adding Sanchez just takes us to another level, (once he gets upto full speed with us).

 

[BootsyCollins]

You hope to see Lingard dropped?? Why, that is just crazy!

Because i think that is the team that will do best away at spurs.

 

[Nickosaur]

Think 3-5-2 can be interesting with Lingard, Sanchez and Lukaku as our most attacking players.

Harsh on Martial.

 

[Paul_Scholes18]

Harsh on Martial.

Jepp I want all 4 of them, but I can see Mourinho being more defensive in this game. Hope we go for it a bit more.

 

[RedRom]

Because i think that is the team that will do best away at spurs.

So you think that the team that will do best is one that doesn't feature our most in form attacking player??
Okay.......

Presumably you are not going to start de Gea either then, as he is our most in form goalkeeper, as you are not starting our most in form attacking player??

Just seems a bit strange to not think of starting him that is all.

 

[JohnZSmith27]

So you think that the team that will do best is one that doesn't feature our most in form attacking player??
Okay.......

I fear for your sanity if Lingard doesn't start this game.

 

[Zlatattack]

I would play Sanchez on the right but can see Mou dropping Martial and playing someone else on the right.

Yeah seems like a very Mourinho thing to do.

 

[BootsyCollins]

So you think that the team that will do best is one that doesn't feature our most in form attacking player??
Okay.......

Yes.

Because i think we need to play three in the middle.
Sanchez is world class imo and must play, Martial been great and Lukaku wont be dropped, so its between Herrera and Lindgard.
And in this match i would start Herrera, to bring Lingard on later in the match either to chase a result(in for Herrera) or to bring in his energy over the whole pitch if we are a goal or more up(For Martial/Sanchez)

You could make the case for Lingard starting and Martial dropped with Sanchez moving out left, but imo Martial is a better footballer, and a greater threat, than Lingard, even considering Lingards form atm.

 

[charlenefan]

Harsh on Martial.

Is it? I rate Martial as much as anyone but we have options now and with Sanchez's arrival and in a big game we need to be looking beyond just getting all of our best attacking players in and look as to whether it's the best thing for the team in whole. I may be proven wrong but starting 4 attacking players in this game with Pogba and Matic as a two in midfield shows a little naivety imo

 

[Trizy]

Well I would hope that we would not turn into either City or Liverpool, and just continue to be ourselves, just with Sanchez added we can and should hopefully be more clinical.

I think that we have a much more complete style of play then either City or Liverpool, so adding Sanchez just takes us to another level, (once he gets upto full speed with us).

You're back tracking, lets finish the argument you started . You called me out on my previous big games reference saying very confidentially that previous games have no relevance and we'll play different because we have Sanchez. We won't so now you're just hoping we will? Which is it?

 

[RedRom]

I fear for your sanity if Lingard doesn't start this game.

I will be fine, very disappointed, but I will live.

Yes.

Because i think we need to play three in the middle.
Sanchez is world class imo and must play, Martial been great and Lukaku wont be dropped, so its between Herrera and Lindgard.
And in this match i would start Herrera, to bring Lingard on later in the match either to chase a result(in for Herrera) or to bring in his energy over the whole pitch if we are a goal or more up(For Martial/Sanchez)

You could make the case for Lingard starting and Martial dropped with Sanchez moving out left, but imo Martial is a better footballer, and a greater threat, than Lingard, even considering Lingards form atm.

Lingard is our most potent attacking player at the moment, probably alongside Martial, so both really should start this game, plus Sanchez and Pogba, it is surely just commonsense to start with your best available side in a big game such as this one?

Why try and deliberately weaken the side, by not playing your best side (I say available as obviously Bailly is unavailable for this match)?
Our best side features Lingard currently, it really is that simple.

If we need a sub to bring a bit more energy to the team, then that could be Rashford, or even Herrera.

Is it? I rate Martial as much as anyone but we have options now and with Sanchez's arrival and in a big game we need to be looking beyond just getting all of our best attacking players in and look as to whether it's the best thing for the team in whole. I may be proven wrong but starting 4 attacking players in this game with Pogba and Matic as a two in midfield shows a little naivety imo

It doesn't show naïvety, it shows just how strong we are in that area, playing them together would pose and ask huge questions of an opposing teams defence, just how would a team go about stopping them?

 

[E-mal]

Is it? I rate Martial as much as anyone but we have options now and with Sanchez's arrival and in a big game we need to be looking beyond just getting all of our best attacking players in and look as to whether it's the best thing for the team in whole. I may be proven wrong but starting 4 attacking players in this game with Pogba and Matic as a two in midfield shows a little naivety imo

Martial will play, don't even sweat it.

 

[RedRom]

You're back tracking, lets finish the argument you started . You called me out on my previous big games reference saying very confidentially that previous games have no relevance and we'll play different because we have Sanchez. We won't so now you're just hoping we will? Which is it?

I am not backtracking at all, we will play differently with Sanchez, we will play more openly, whilst remaining as compact at the back as we have been if we can keep the same players playing there.

Past games without Sanchez available do not or should not have any bearing on how we might do going forward, so they are irrelevant in terms of trying to use them as any sort of basis of trying to look at how we might do in upcoming matches.

 

[Trizy]

I am not backtracking at all, we will play differently with Sanchez, we will play more openly, whilst remaining as compact at the back as we have been if we can keep the same players playing there.

Past games without Sanchez available do not or should not have any bearing on how we might do going forward, so they are irrelevant in terms of trying to use them as any sort of basis of trying to look at how we might do in upcoming matches.

I don't think we will. How about we revisit this conversation after Wednesday 2-0 win over Spurs and we'll see if either of us was right

 

[sunama]

I would take a draw for this one.

Absolutely no way.
Spurs are there for the taking and for the first time in years, I believe we are going into this game with a squad better than Spurs'.
We shouldn't even be thinking about a draw.

 

[BootsyCollins]

I will be fine, very disappointed, but I will live.



Lingard is our most potent attacking player at the moment, probably alongside Martial, so both really should start this game, plus Sanchez and Pogba, it is surely just commonsense to start with your best available side in a big game such as this one?

Why try and deliberately weaken the side, by not playing your best side (I say available as obviously Bailly is unavailable for this match)?
Our best side features Lingard currently, it really is that simple.

If we need a sub to bring a bit more energy to the team, then that could be Rashford, or even Herrera.

Yes it is.
And for me the best available side differs from match to match depending on how we set up.
And i think, in this match the team would be better with a midfield 3 of Matic, Herrera and Pogba, and with a front 3 of Martial, Sanchez and Lukaku.

 

[Canagel]

I don't want to see any negative tactics from Jose. We have the players and personnel to hurt an inferior Spurs team so let the horses run free and see how they deal with a front 4 of Martial, Lingard, Sanchez and Lukaku with Pogba behind. Those 4 can cause havoc in their defence and I'd be dissapointed to see Martial dropped for Sanchez on the left. City play with Sterling and Sane out wide and 2 attacking midfielders KDB and Silva every game home or away and they aren't lacking in balance so why can't we do something similar? For once lets start these games on the front foot and let other teams adapt to us and we will see some really good results. You can always shore things up and make a defensive subsitution later in the game to close it out if we're leading.

 

[ayushreddevil9]

I don't want to see any negative tactics from Jose. We have the players and personnel to hurt an inferior Spurs team so let the horses run free and see how they deal with a front 4 of Martial, Lingard, Sanchez and Lukaku with Pogba behind. Those 4 can cause havoc in their defence and I'd be dissapointed to see Martial dropped for Sanchez on the left. City play with Sterling and Sane out wide and 2 attacking midfielders KDB and Silva every game home or away and they aren't lacking in balance so why can't we do something similar? For once lets start these games on the front foot and let other teams adapt to us and we will see some really good results. You can always shore things up and make a defensive subsitution later in the game to close it out if we're leading.

We say this before every big game. Nothing will change.

 

[sunama]

This is just wishful thinking. Jose won't chacha his tactics. We will sit back and play on the counter. We will also try to attack initially before taking foot off the gas.

And you're trying to tell me that Sanchez is useless on the counter?
In our last game, Sanchez helped with a counter attack. I believe we went from defence to scoring a goal in about 10-15 seconds.
Fans don't seem to realise just how good Sanchez is and how he is a crucial part of the puzzle, which we have been missing.

Regarding Jose playing defensively in big games - he had to do that because we did not have the players available to do otherwise. Against MCFC, for example: we were not in good form and without Pogba. Against Spurs, Pogba is playing, our attackers (Martial and Lingard) are in terrific form and best of all, we have Sanchez!

And let's not forget, we are playing Spurs. This is the team who scored the most goals in a league campaign. Conceded the fewest goals and still couldn't win the league!

 

[charlenefan]

It doesn't show naïvety, it shows just how strong we are in that area, playing them together would pose and ask huge questions of an opposing teams defence, just how would a team go about stopping them?

Sanchez/Lukaku/Martial/Lingard is hardly like stopping Neymar/Suarez/Messi is it

 

[sunama]

And i think, in this match the team would be better with a midfield 3 of Matic, Herrera and Pogba, and with a front 3 of Martial, Sanchez and Lukaku.

Lingard simply has to play. He always scores at Wembley and he is currently in the form of his life. Literally, he has never played like he is playing right now. He has to start.

I don't think we will. How about we revisit this conversation after Wednesday 2-0 win over Spurs and we'll see if either of us was right

I'm going to remind you (if we do win).

 

[whatwha]

Who really cares what the bookies think, they do not determine things, Spurs have nothing to do with Wembley bar renting it, that does not make it their home ground, just that they get to play there, and be the designated "home" team.

From reading some of your other posts it is becoming clear to me that you are unable or unwilling to take in anyone else's viewpoints.

You seem to regard football and discussion as some sort of math problems where there is only one correct solution and you already have it.

 

[sunama]

I fear for your sanity if Lingard doesn't start this game.

He will start.
He was rested in our last game, coming on for the last 20 minutes (only). Same with Lukaku.
Martial and Pogba were completely rested.
I believe all players mentioned above will feature in the match.

 

[ayushreddevil9]

And you're trying to tell me that Sanchez is useless on the counter?
In our last game, Sanchez helped with a counter attack. I believe we went from defence to scoring a goal in about 10-15 seconds.
Fans don't seem to realise just how good Sanchez is and how he is a crucial part of the puzzle, which we have been missing.

Regarding Jose playing defensively in big games - he had to do that because we did not have the players available to do otherwise. Against MCFC, for example: we were not in good form and without Pogba. Against Spurs, Pogba is playing, our attackers (Martial and Lingard) are in terrific form and best of all, we have Sanchez!

And let's not forget, we are playing Spurs. This is the team who scored the most goals in a league campaign. Conceded the fewest goals and still couldn't win the league!

Umm, actually i said the opposite. That we will be playing on the counter.
I actually said that he will improve our counters...

 

[BootsyCollins]

Lingard simply has to play. He always scores at Wembley and he is currently in the form of his life. Literally, he has never played like he is playing right now. He has to start.

I almost agree, but still think we will do better with him as a sub this match.

Who would you take out?
2 man midfield or Martial/Sanchez on the bench?

 

[JohnZSmith27]

He will start.
He was rested in our last game, coming on for the last 20 minutes (only). Same with Lukaku.
Martial and Pogba were completely rested.
I believe all players mentioned above will feature in the match.

I'm not suggesting he won't start. I was simply joking with RedRom as he has quizzed anyone who had the audacity not to select him in their predicted line-up.

 

[Nickosaur]

Is it? I rate Martial as much as anyone but we have options now and with Sanchez's arrival and in a big game we need to be looking beyond just getting all of our best attacking players in and look as to whether it's the best thing for the team in whole. I may be proven wrong but starting 4 attacking players in this game with Pogba and Matic as a two in midfield shows a little naivety imo

Of course it's harsh for him to be left out, given the form he's in. But that's football. I'm sure he'll understand.