It looks as though Zola will, for the first time in his managerial reign, be able to put out a full strength side against Liverpool tomorrow (with the exception of Dean Ashton).
Ilunga will return at left back, while Behrami will return to the midfield with Diamanti slotting in to a front three. There is still a doubt over the fitness of Jimenez, mind you. If he can’t play, presumably the ever improving Xavon Hines will keep his place.
Yet again, I can’t get to the game as I have to attend a birthday bash in central London, and I’ll also miss the Fulham game as I will be in Manchester at the Tory Party Conference. I’m like a drug addict who can’t get his fix.
I don’t know about you, but I think a front three of Cole, Diamanti and Jimenez could be quite tasty, although I still think a 4-4-2 formation brings more out of Cole.
Another interesting question is who will make up the midfield three. Noble, Parker, Stanislas, Behrami and Collison will be competing for three slots. It’s a nice problem for Zola to have. My guess is that Noble, Parker and Behrami will win the day, but that means that we are worryingly short or width.
So, this is the team I expect to line up tomorrow. It should at least be more accurate than the team I predicted last week against Wigan!
Green, Faubert, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga, Noble, Parker, Behrami, Jimenez, Cole, Diamanti.
Funny headling in the mirror about Lucas Neill claiming he has landed on his feet at Everton, I guess thats more than most of the people he tackles can say!
Slightly disingenuous comments from Mr Neill tonight in my view. Implicit criticism of our club which will not go down too well with the faithful!
Headmaster given the general feeling that most fans have towards him I'd say that bridge was already burnt long before the interview. I have no grudge with him, he always gave his best and did an excellent job as a captain, I wish Upson was a bit more like him in that regard
Off message, anyone else get frustrated that when you refresh the page using the new format of the site, you have to scroll all the way down and then hit the 'next' tab to see the latest comments, or am I just being old Mr Grumpy again?
Hello, Headmaster. I posted a reply earlier but must have pressed a wrong button.
Yes, it's frustrating, no you are not being old Mr Grumpy.
If zola is playing 4-5-1 with COLE upfront im gonna go mad. Cole only scored 1 goal this season for us in like 5 games. He is never ever going to get 20goals a season.
Please play Diamanti and Behrami!!!!!!
tsk tsk Saesh – with anti CC posts like that, you'll draw Celtic in for sure!
I too hope that Diamenti and Behrami play but I can see no way that GFZ will leave Cole on the bench!
im not anti cole, the stats dont lie sadly. I want him to do well but i dont see it happening.
Maybe its the midfield? Not getting enough quality ball to him? Lack of width probally doesnt help aswell.
If i was zola, id be playing:
Green
Illunga Upson Tomkins Fabuert
Collison Parker Jiminez Behrami
Diamanti Cole
If he plays that we will have width down the right atleast
Point taken Saesh (and agreed with).
Only kidding, Celtic – honest!
im waiting for the annoucement.
Zola signs as a free agent. Player/Manager
He could still get goals.
saesh the best piece of football I saw at Wigan was Zola trapping a ball that landed in the technical area. Everyone around me looked impressed, Cole looked bewildered by what had just happened!
Headmaster I never believed it for a second mate!
Totally agree that Jimenez and Diamanti in the same team is an exciting prospect. We have missed a little creativity and bald faced confidence in the squad. Love to get Dyer into the mix. He isn't afraid to get involved and has a nice turn of pace (if we can keep him fit). Just not sure where he would fit in with Jimenez and Diamanti playing the attacking roles. Also agree that the club need to give us a little feel for the Ashton situation. Dean used to post to a fan site but I haven't seen anything for a while. Wouldn't mind him speaking up. Looking forward to a great weekend of sport. I'd like to see Collison in the team. I like Noble but I think Collison will give us a bit more offense and help make up for the potential lack of width in the current formation. I think we have the ability to turn Liverpool over if we play well. If we come out flat like last week we'll struggle.
You clearly haven't been reading this thread's page then have you mate? The press reported that Ashton is considering retirement due to problems with his ankle and now the BBC reort that Zola denies that anything like that has been discussed.
Yeah, I just started reading about that in the press. I just watched Zola's interview on WHUTV and I'm pleased he commented. I try to ignore all the rumour mogerers that call themselves the press these days! I'm not optimistic but I still hope for him and for the club that it all comes out well in the end. Cheers mate.
Apparently Jimenez is out so it looks like noble and parker in the midfield now.
Hopefully noble knocks in a 93rd min penalty to give us 1 nill win just like he did a couple of years ago.
It's really tough to know what the line up will be with Diamonds looking the goods. Not to mention Zola's remarks about having to go after Liverpool. Sounds like a 433 or 451 maybe? Liverpool's defenders look a bit off, so maybe it makes sense to have The Beans buzzing around and getting past them. Tough to say really.
I has to stop posting this week as I couldnt keep up. SJ, sometimes less is more.
One thing for sure, with everyone fit, there is a selection headache for Zola. Trouble is, four matches into the season, not one of us really know what our best team is. Exciting though//
I'm not sure that Zola will start with Behrami as a full game might be too much after being out for so long. I think we have got to stick with Noble as he is the most likely of our midfield to pick out a decisive pass – until Jiminez gets more settled, maybe. I understand that Ilunga is not yet fully fit which is more worrying as left back has been a real weakness since he was crocked.
If Noble plays he will have a good game as he always seems to after he has taken some stick. But he has got to play in the centre as he is lost out on the right where he has played the last two games. We should remember the first match of the season at Wolves where he was outstanding.
Zola's interview about Dean Ashton yesterday painted a pretty gloomy picture.
He admits he has no idea if Deano will ever make a return and that the injury was far worse than anyone realised.
It appears the Sunday Mirror story of a month ago suggesting time was up for Dean may have been a lot nearer the truth than anyone dared acknowledge.
Was slighted surprised by Zola's remarks when he admitted he had rarely been in contact with the player as he is not at training.
Ashton's insistence on being treated by his own medical team clearly rankles with GFZ. All in all, very sad/
Read the BBC website Horters. It says "Zola rejects Ashton quit rumours" You're right it is getting worrying but scum journalists print anything for a story – true or not. We all know that but it's hard to know what is right and what is a lie any more!
Article in the Graun emphasises Zola's support for Ashton: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/sep/18/gi...
Article in the Graun emphasises Zola's support for Ashton: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/sep/18/gi...
Zola mentions his support, which is to be expected, but the underlying message is Ashton looks in deep trouble.
It's certainly a weird set of circumstances when the club are not overseeing the treatment of their own player, although John Green is clearly a top man.
Rio and Owen also use him big time.
Willtell…I draw my conclusions from the words uttered by the manager, not the spin or headlines.
Anyway you look at it, Zola is clearly ringing the alarm bells with comments like: "I am very sorry for the boy and I imagine what he is going through and that he is suffering a lot. All my thoughts are with him. I wish that he will find his way forward as soon as possible."
Blimey, if my doctor was saying that about me I'd be looking round for a cheap undertaker.
Horters, I posted last night re Ashtons injuries as is confirmed in2 articles in Times & Mail today. If the story is correct we are now looking to go down the insurance claim route.
It is very sad for DA as he could have been a very good striker for us & England
FISHY…sorry, mate missed your post. I suppose Ashton will try everything and every avenue before he finally calls it a day.
It will be devastating for him, particularly when you remember what a bloody silly injury started all this. A training ground tacle from Wright-Phillips of all people.
Insurance money will would be handy though especially if it goes into Zola's transfer kitty.
my 11
GREEN
Fabuert Tomkins Upson ILunga
collison noble parker behrami
Diamanti cole
if jimenez if fit i would play
Diamanti noble parker behrami
jim cole
I thought Zola's quote on Franco was interesting………that he was a lone striker. I see this as a little dig at Cole after his below par effort at Wigan.
I think Zola will start with Behrami today – Noble can always come on if he runs out of gas. He has already comfirmed Diamanti is starting, which will give us more potency from free kicks – I hope our players target this and look for fouls outside the box.
COYI.
No Jiminez, no collison, probably no Dyer so its going to be tough tonight but we could sneek a 2-1 Team
Green
Faubert, Tompkins, Upson, Illunga
Behrami, Parker, Noble
Diamanti, Cole, Hines
Subs: Kurucz, Da Costa, Stanislas, Dyer, Kovac, Franco, Nouble
One win in ten years against Liverpool but somehow I am confident. Torres limping at the end of their Champions League game may have something to do with it.____Remember that when those that boo direct it at former players they either play a blinder and/or score. Seeing as Yossi scored a hat trick last week keep it zipped if you feel the urge.
Nash, I never had a problem with Yossi, nor Masch. But then, I won't be at the game, except in spirit
I've said all along Cole would be a great attacking midfielder. But striker he ain't….
http://theboleyninheritance.wordpress.com/
Oops, I meant yes I do get frustrated, and no you are not just being old Mr Grumpy again.