Sam Allardyce looks set to have to decide whether he needs to lose Alex Song’s creativity or Cheik Kouyate’s energy from the Irons midfield for the clash against Manchester United.
With problems at the back in involving all three central defenders, one of the two look set to be pressed into emergency defensive duties.
James Collins looks the more likely to partner one or the other of the two at the back although both James Tomkins and Winston Reid will be tested before the game.
A source told ClaretandHugh: “Ginge is a real warrior and if it’s obvious we have a real problem he’s the one I’d be backing to come to the rescue even were he to need a pain killing injection to get through it.”
“However, should that not be the case we appear to be looking at the Joey O’Brien option in the centre of defence with Carl Jenkinson returning at right back.”
He added: “The injury situation is pretty bad but we can put out a semi-ok team.”
If Oxford was good enough for the bench last week, why do we have to play someone out of position this week. He is not even mentioned anywhere as a contender. Seems bizarre to me.
I agree with whitehp give Oxford a chance to prove he can replace Reid next year and for me if everyone tried as hard as ginge we would be top of the league and I would vote for him as player of the year just for what he gives week in and out for us supporters
Coy!
Oxford all the way.. But its just not our managers style to bring in talented young players, however when Oxford is 33 he will play him
not JOB in central defence plzeeeeeeeeeeee if thats is the case I shall not be going cos I ****en what the out come will be
No when he is 33 he will have won loads of silverware with Man Utd Or Chelsea after we have let him go for 8 million to Spurs and they have sold him on for 25 million,
Or Leeds like Rio or Johnson
What I don’t understand is how others like Everton put there youngsters in the team at 17 or 18 and no one blinks but us we have to wait until ther 23 or older.
Imagine the buzz for young Reece Oxford for same to say, 36k supporters want to see you tame Falcao, go get your boots son.
Tbh im not really for putting Oxford in the team.The lad has just turned 16 & if he did get shown up by RVP,Di Maria & the other manc strikeforce im worried it could seriously dent his confidence.Im not sure a televised match infront of millions against man utd is the time for him to make his debut.I just worry that at 16 it could screw him up a little.Im all for blooding him this season for sure,just aint comvinced this is the right match.I really dont understand why BFS is banging on about O’Brien playing C/D,Kouyate has played there for Anderlecht for much of his time in belgium & has played there against some of the best players in the world in the champions league.But yeah Sam,Joeys the obvious option isnt he.
Your right, I remember Cottee being destroyed after his Spurs debut.
Haha,nice bit of sarcasm 😉 Bit of a difference a forward making his debut so young.If he didnt score no one would really take much notice.If Oxford had a bit of a chasing it will be highlighted in central defense.Im not saying it would happen.Just think for the lads own wellbeing there are better matches to introduce him into the team.Anyway it is irrelevant,BFS will never pick him tomorrow 😉
If he selects O’Brien and Nolan tomorrow he has to go. He is not doing his job. My team would be Adrian, Jenkinson, Collins, Oxford, Cresswell, Noble, Song, Kouayte, Downing, Valencia, Sakho. I would be ok with Kouate starting centre half and Amal coming into midfield but I would put Downing to the left and Amal in behind the strikers. Just my thoughts but I know we all have different views – some of ye might agree with me but I know on person who does not have a clue and that is BFS. Proves us wrong Allardyce.
I like a bit of sarcasm. I also think I would rather have a tough time against Falco and Van Persie than risk being shown up by a lower league striker in a cup.
Well its only my opinion that i dont think he should be thrown into such a big game.Just think there are better opportunities to intergrate him into the team.Anyway,if he did have a blinder against Utd they would be tapping up his agent on monday 😉
Let me see if I’ve got this right,
Oxford is 16yo and has little or no premier league experience but he is expected to make his debut against Man U whose front five cost a minimum of £25 million+ each?!
And that’s ok for some people?