So who starts upfront on Sunday?

[Neil McNab's Tash]

For me lads, we've got to have an eye an Wednesday, we need to get off to a flyer against Napoli.

I would rest the lads who played 90 minutes last night, see how the troops are when they report back today/tomorrow.

This is the point of a big squad.

Milner played a lot, AJ didn't for example.

Barry will be goosed, did NDJ play?

Aguero travelled half way round the world as did Zaba, Tevez was on holiday.

Many different options, we should have enough to beat Wigan, but i'd be surprised if we did start with the same team that beat Spurs.

 

[Millwallawayveteran1988]

Would imagine Zabaleta will have to play if Richards injured.

Balo and AJ didnt see much game time so would be in for me.

I would go.

Hart, Zabaleta, Clichy, Lescott, Kompany

De Jong, Yaya

AJ Silva Nasri

Balotelli

Subs Taylor, Savic, Kolorov, Milner, Barry, Aguero, Dzeko

Should be enough to beat Wigan at home.

 

[Stockton Heath Blue]

Never change a winning side! Both Dzeko and Aguero's confidence will be riding high after their respective starts to the season.

After taking their foot off the gas against Spurs, I would like to see them to go at Wigan and see if we can get that goal difference back in our favour.

Won't be easy though. 3-0 last year flattered us I thought.

 

[sbm]

My thoughts (not predictions):

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.” (<a class="postlink" href="http://www.football-italia.net/sep6v.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.football-italia.net/sep6v.html</a>).

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 (<a class="postlink" href="http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_ ... _table.php</a>).

PS: I posted the above earlier in the "... vs Wigan" thread on the Matchday Forum. But this is where the discussion is taking place.