[Santoryo]

This big games myth about Jose.

People need to get their facts right.

Jose only plays very conservatively when he thinks the other side is superior or when defending a lead. Not saying this is right but it's just reality. If he thinks his team is strong enough, he sets them up to play on the front foot.

This big games myth about Jose.

People need to get their facts right.

Jose only plays very conservatively when he thinks the other side is superior or when defending a lead. Not saying this is right but it's just reality. If he thinks his team is strong enough, he sets them up to play on the front foot.

You couldn't be anymore wrong. Jose set up defensively even against weaker opposition, last year Europa league campaign is an example anyone could point out.

If anything Jose set up defensively depending on the importance of the game. The bigger the game with a lot at stake the more defensively set up Jose gets, that's his natural habitat and instinct.

 

[Silas]

The stats are skewed because he played with Barça on the right and La Liga have significantly higher numbers than the PL but I take your point (see this also @Dolf).

I wasn't thinking about cutting in like Robben but that it's intuitively easier to get into shooting positions as a right footed player on the left because you'll always be more open towards the middle and that's where the goal happens to be. On the right however you'll always be more open towards the flank.

But I think your line of reasoning also has some merit (not the independant article though that is useless or why has Wenger constantly played him on the left if that is the case? Haven't read past the headline mind you) and I guess we will just have to wait and see.

I understand your point, but if you consider the freedom Mata gets whenever he's on the right (at points in the Yeovil game, he even drifted over to the left with Sanchez), it doesn't seem like it would be a major issue.

Regarding Wenger, I guess the only explanation would be team balance. Playing Sanchez on the right might have had more cons than pros due to others having to move into less familair positions to accommodate him, whereas he is pretty good on either flank anyway.

 

[Dolf]

Not true at all. He can easily play on the right and play there with great effect, as these stats show:

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

He can play anywhere along the front line. That's what makes him such a great acquisition. And there's no way we should sacrifice Lukaku. That would be crazy.

Spoiler: Statistics

@Javi @SS

 

[matador]

I'm reading the Chilean media and they say he's going to start on the right. Is that right?

 

[Javi]

I understand your point, but if you consider the freedom Mata gets whenever he's on the right (at points in the Yeovil game, he even drifted over to the left with Sanchez), it doesn't seem like it would be a major issue.

Regarding Wenger, I guess the only explanation would be team balance. Playing Sanchez on the right might have had more cons than pros due to others having to move into less familair positions to accommodate him, whereas he is pretty good on either flank anyway.

Mata doesn't get freedom on the right, it's the only way he can play there given his weak physical attributes. I'm happy to concede that it can work out with Sanchez though.

 

[Greck]

Think RedRom should drop his address details with a mod so we know where to send the ambulance if Lingard isn't on the teamsheet

 

[Damien]

I'm reading the Chilean media and they say he's going to start on the right. Is that right?

Most likely (chance of playing centrally if we do go 4231). Some here are hoping Martial's dropped to the bench and Sanchez starts there but Martial along with Pogba are our in-form players in the league for January.

 

[RedRom]

Most likely (chance of playing centrally if we do go 4231). Some here are hoping Martial's dropped to the bench and Sanchez starts there but Martial along with Pogba are our in-form players in the league for January.

I would add a certain someone else is quite in form as well.

 

[Baby Groot]

I thought you only knew 3 words?

"I'm Groot"

 

[Akshay]

I would add a certain someone else is quite in form as well.

Aye DDG's been critical to our recent good run.

 

[Damien]

I would add a certain someone else is quite in form as well.

Ah yeah, 3 clean sheets for De Gea.

 

[RedRom]

Aye DDG's been critical to our recent good run.

Yeah he has, fair play, although perhaps someone else as well has been in good form, a certain English attacking midfielder?

 

[Damien]

Yeah he has, fair play, although perhaps someone else as well has been in good form, a certain English attacking midfielder?

As good as Lingard's been: 1 goal in the league in January compared to 3 goals + 1 assist for Martial and 4 assists for Pogba. Still been one of our best players - no doubt about that - but probably won't be in contention for PL player of the month (goals and assists count most there) whereas the other two will be.

 

[Santoryo]

I would add a certain someone else is quite in form as well.

Pogba and Martial are our most in form players in THE LEAGUE. League being the key word.

 

[Dobba]

Never noticed how much like the Renford Rejects' goalkeeper Harry Kane looks before.

 

[Trizy]

A bit crazy not to start Sánchez.

Is it though? He's had barely over 100mins of league football since early January. I won't be surprised in the slightest if he's on the bench.

The meltdown on here will be epic though!

 

[Pexbo]

Most likely (chance of playing centrally if we do go 4231). Some here are hoping Martial's dropped to the bench and Sanchez starts there but Martial along with Pogba are our in-form players in the league for January.

Think we'll see this personally:

De Gea

Valencia - Smalling - Jones - Young
Matic - Pogba
Sanchez - Lingard - Martial
Lukaku
​

You could make a case for playing a third midfielder instead of Lingard but I think you'll get as much off the ball work from Lingard with an added threat going forward and he's in great form and he just loves Wembley. Sanchez and Lukaku are no slouches when it comes to putting in a shift either so I don't think we'll worry about packing the midfield to beat them.

I think it's going to be a classic Jose smash and grab.

 

[Trizy]

Anyone on here think we'll play with 3 CB's and wing-backs?

Doubt it unless Spurs go 3 at the back. With Shaw and Valencia back, it could suit us very well. Those men run all game.

 

[Damien]

Think we'll see this personally:

De Gea

Valencia - Smalling - Jones - Young
Matic - Pogba
Sanchez - Lingard - Martial
Lukaku
​

You could make a case for playing a third midfielder instead of Lingard but I think you'll get as much off the ball work from Lingard with an added threat going forward and he's in great form and he just loves Wembley. Sanchez and Lukaku are no slouches when it comes to putting in a shift either so I don't think we'll worry about packing the midfield to beat them.

I think it's going to be a classic Jose smash and grab.

Yeah, that is what I think we'll see too. Seen mentions of Herrera but for most of the season his form has been pretty underwhelming. Played well against Yeovil but that is a League 2 side.

 

[Brightonian]

Still not really sure if I'd rather play Lingard or a third midfielder to push Pogba further up the field. Pogba in his best position could win us this game single-handedly. Lingard could score the goals to win us this game single-handedly.

Of course if we play Lingard, Pogba is still on the pitch, but against the top sides he has really struggled in that deeper role.

I'm glad Jose has to make the decision not me.

 

[Salus Populi Suprema Lex]

Think we'll see this personally:

De Gea

Valencia - Smalling - Jones - Young
Matic - Pogba
Sanchez - Lingard - Martial
Lukaku
​

You could make a case for playing a third midfielder instead of Lingard but I think you'll get as much off the ball work from Lingard with an added threat going forward and he's in great form and he just loves Wembley. Sanchez and Lukaku are no slouches when it comes to putting in a shift either so I don't think we'll worry about packing the midfield to beat them.

I think it's going to be a classic Jose smash and grab.

That's a very strong side; I hope you're right. It wouldn't surprise me to see Herrera picked as extra defensive cover, but I hope we play the more attacking formation you've chosen. Could even have Matic and Herrera together, with Pogba in the Lingard role. However, I don't think Lingard will be dropped to the bench.

 

[tomaldinho1]

Messe lingard hattrick tonight form the bench

 

[sunama]

It's crazy isn't it.
We get Sanchez and we immediately have the headache of not knowing how to bench/drop.
It's almost as if we have 2 or 3 attackers.

In any case, it's a good problem to have.

 

[matador]

Most likely (chance of playing centrally if we do go 4231). Some here are hoping Martial's dropped to the bench and Sanchez starts there but Martial along with Pogba are our in-form players in the league for January.

I certainly would not bench Martial. Sanchez can move all along the line of attack. Isn't that the cool think about him?

 

[NikSab]

Fellaini will start I feel to deal with Dembele or Sissoko or both.

4-3-3

----------------------DDG---------------------
Valencia Jones Smalling Young
------------Fellaini-------Matic------------
--------------------Pogba---------------------
Lingard------------------------Sanchez
--------------------Lukaku-------------------

 

[RedRom]

Fellaini will start I feel to deal with Dembele or Sissoko or both.

4-3-3

----------------------DDG---------------------
Valencia Jones Smalling Young
------------Fellaini-------Matic------------
--------------------Pogba---------------------
Lingard------------------------Sanchez
--------------------Lukaku-------------------

No Martial??!!

 

[haram]

Is Eriksen back?

 

[AngliaRed]

Lets be honest, you dont drop Martial whos been scoring and in form and you dont not start Sanchez who is world class. Start them both and have Martial LW and Sanchez CAM or RW. Bolster the midfield with Pogba, Matic and Herrera and we’re laughing. Rashford, Mata and Lingard are all very good options from the bench.

 

[Salus Populi Suprema Lex]

Fellaini will start I feel to deal with Dembele or Sissoko or both.

4-3-3

----------------------DDG---------------------
Valencia Jones Smalling Young
------------Fellaini-------Matic------------
--------------------Pogba---------------------
Lingard------------------------Sanchez
--------------------Lukaku-------------------

Perhaps a Jose defensive masterclass. Front six

-------Herrera----Fellaini----Matic------------
---------------Pogba----Sanchez----------
--------------------Lukaku----------

 

[haram]

I think Sanchez, Lukaku, Lingard & Martial all start.

 

[minoo-utd]

Martial and Sanchez to keep switch places like Nani and CR7 days

 

[Sassy Colin]

Martial, Mata & Sanchez behind Lukaku can be quite fluid.

 

[villain]

I would prefer 3 in midfield, we will benefit from allowing Pogba the freedom to dictate play.

But we’ll probably play 2 and Spurs will control the tempo.

 

[RedRom]

I think Sanchez, Lukaku, Lingard & Martial all start.

Plus Pogba presumably??

 

[SirAF]

Martial and Sanchez to keep switch places like Nani and CR7 days

Yes, please

 

[Donut]

Come on Jose, let's goooooooo for it!!!!

 

[SirAF]

I would prefer 3 in midfield, we will benefit from allowing Pogba the freedom to dictate play.

But we’ll probably play 2 and Spurs will control the tempo.

I agree. I'd definitely want to see Matic, Herrera and Pogba in midfield tonight.

 

[haram]

Plus Pogba presumably??

Of course

 

[crossy1686]

A narrow win for us tonight and City to drop points. Going to be a good night!

 

[tony54]

Fellaini will start I feel to deal with Dembele or Sissoko or both.

4-3-3

----------------------DDG---------------------
Valencia Jones Smalling Young
------------Fellaini-------Matic------------
--------------------Pogba---------------------
Lingard------------------------Sanchez
--------------------Lukaku-------------------

I'm not sure if Fellaini will start but think he will play a part. It's a good change to have the dilema of who to play. But the midfield needs to be strong and I prefer Fellaini over Herrara at the moment. Fellain playing will allow Pogba to be further foward.