My thoughts (not predictions):
Gareth B. has had the most demanding season so far (with onerous roles in games for us + in the internationals) and, being a key (underrated) player, he should be rested on Saturday. Looks as though Nigel should be available (http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php).
As a Mario fan, I reckon that watching Edin and Kun knocking in the goals in our first three games should have been a salutory experience for him (and perhaps being rebuked by Prandelli for his attitude last Friday may also have been beneficial). But I think that it is important now to give Mario an opportunity, if at all possible. He would benefit from significant playing time on Saturday before the Napoli game; though not an automatic starter in the latter, he will be desperate to play and Napoli will be very nervous about facing him. Mario got a good right-up for his performance as a late sub vs Slovenia last night. After the game, Prandelli said: “Now let’s give Balotelli time to grow, the important thing is he came on with the right attitude.” (http://www.football-italia.net/sep6v.html).
Edin Dzeko is a difficult one. A case could be made for resting him on Saturday. But, assuming he is fully fit, I would play him: (1) it would be great for him to get yet more goals vs Wigan and further boost his confidence; (2) the system with him genuinely 'leading' the attack is still work in progress; (3) most importantly, I would like to see Edin have more playing time with Samir before our crucial CL debut ; and (4) I have a non-trivial bet at 30 to 1 on him to win the Golden Boot. :-)
With Edin, Mario and Samir in the starting line-up, I would also go with Kun. He has had quite a lot of travelling but not much game time in the Argentina games. Again the more he gets to play with Edin, Samir and Mario the better.
I would rest David (have him as sub but to be used only if really necessary). I think that he is such an intelligent footballer that it is less crucial to give him playing time with Samir and Kun.
Gareth B. has had the most demanding season so far (with onerous roles in games for us + in the internationals) and, being a key (underrated) player, he should be rested on Saturday. Looks as though Nigel should be available (http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php).
As a Mario fan, I reckon that watching Edin and Kun knocking in the goals in our first three games should have been a salutory experience for him (and perhaps being rebuked by Prandelli for his attitude last Friday may also have been beneficial). But I think that it is important now to give Mario an opportunity, if at all possible. He would benefit from significant playing time on Saturday before the Napoli game; though not an automatic starter in the latter, he will be desperate to play and Napoli will be very nervous about facing him. Mario got a good right-up for his performance as a late sub vs Slovenia last night. After the game, Prandelli said: “Now let’s give Balotelli time to grow, the important thing is he came on with the right attitude.” (http://www.football-italia.net/sep6v.html).
Edin Dzeko is a difficult one. A case could be made for resting him on Saturday. But, assuming he is fully fit, I would play him: (1) it would be great for him to get yet more goals vs Wigan and further boost his confidence; (2) the system with him genuinely 'leading' the attack is still work in progress; (3) most importantly, I would like to see Edin have more playing time with Samir before our crucial CL debut ; and (4) I have a non-trivial bet at 30 to 1 on him to win the Golden Boot. :-)
With Edin, Mario and Samir in the starting line-up, I would also go with Kun. He has had quite a lot of travelling but not much game time in the Argentina games. Again the more he gets to play with Edin, Samir and Mario the better.
I would rest David (have him as sub but to be used only if really necessary). I think that he is such an intelligent footballer that it is less crucial to give him playing time with Samir and Kun.