aber

I agree with you mate, but Hiddink did such a good job, and his decision to play Bos on the left was a very good one. He was strictly instructed to stay in his position and i believe defencively played better than Ferreira would've. Its up to AVB what happens and who he plays where, but im sure playing Bos on the left is something he should at least consider. Lets just hope Ashley is fit for any important game and a scenario like this will not occur.

last time I checked, with Hiddink we shouldve been in the CL Final. Ferreira is slow, and not that good of a defender. I wouldnt be suprised if you only saw him in carling cup games this year.

dont think so mate. Hiddink used Bosingwa on the left against Barcelona in the first leg to play against Messi. He did a good job if you remember correctly. Personally i'd only use Ferreira if he was the only option i had

i hope Ryan will be given chances this year though if ashley is missing for an important game, its more likely that bosingwa will switch to the left, and ivan or ferreira fill in on the right.

Okay... so Modric bid failed, Meireles brought in for 12 Million on the 11th hour, you all know the story, but where will he play? This is also putting into consideration, what system AVB will play. In a 4-1-3-2 its is likely he will play with Lampard on the right, replacing ramires, where Mata plays behind the Strikers. Something like this : ------------Cech--------------- Cole Luiz Terry Bossingwa -----------Mikel--------------- --Meireles------Lampard--- -----------Mata---------------- -Torres/Anelka---Drogba/Sturridge/Lukaku- Here he would be replacing Ramires, who I believe is performing well so far. He could also replace Lampard, or even Mikel. In a 4-3-3 this is what our squad might look like : ---------Cech------------ Cole Luiz Terry Bossingwa ----------Mikel------------- -Lampard------Meireles-- ----Mata-----Drogba/Lukaku/Torres---- Malouda/Sturridge- I believe against Norwich when we switched to a 4-3-3 we played much better. Still not sure who should be replaced, though. Meireles will be asked to do whatever Modric was going to be asked. He may even replace Mikel and play as a deep lying playmaker, I do believe he has the technique. It is though still unknown to us if he will even get a place in the starting 11.

time will tell if hes a good signing or not. Cant say im convinced, although our buisiness seems to be good this window, Mata being the best buy. I hope Meireles will be able to bring the ball forward quickly and try creat some goals. Never really ever watched him at liverpool so I cant really judge, though he did seem to be their best player during that down fall.

We really cant rely on Josh. I like him alot, but so many youngsters have lost their way on the road, just wouldnt put all of my eggs in one basket. If a Modric-esque player is available before 11 Pm tonight (Like Moutinho, Hamsik or Sneijder) then I'd like to see us go for them. If our options are limited, then I'd simply prefer us to not sign a midfeilder, and keep Benayoun and Malouda.

Well the Modric deal does seem to be falling apart. Parreira seems to be in a sure signing now. I just hope Parreira is in to add depth to the squad rather than a plan b for Modric. Rumours about Ribery came out this morning.... not sure how true they are, and if they are im not sure he's the right man. Sure I'd me phyched if he came, but i dont think he would be the answer to our hunt for a creative midfeilder.

i hope to god he recovers to his full, though if he doesn't we should look for an appropriate replacement. Romeu not being appropriate.

lol how did England get up there.

"And Who the f**k is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain" brilliant!

i guess some players aren't cut for the chase in the premier league, but at the same time can be stars in other leagues.

wouldnt want to sign him. Would fill a gap in the midfeild, but wouldnt give us that class we are looking for in a player like Modric.

Since the days of Abramovich, our team is well-known for having a strong back line. Having payed 20 Million Pounds for Carvalho in 2004, and bringing John Terry through the youth ranks, they formed an amazing partnership. In 04-05 season we broke the record for the most consecutive clean sheets, and for the most clean sheets in a season. Under Jose Mourinho our defence was probably considered to be on the best around. That reputation since Mourinho left has had its ups and downs, but even so last year under Carlo Ancelotti we didnt only concede the fewest goals in the league, but we also conceded the fewest goals from set pieces. So far we have conceded 2 in 3 match, not a particularly bad record, though our defense doesn't seem to be the same. Against both Norwich and West Brom, our back line was caught out by long balls, our defenders (Alex and Ivanovic in particular) looked out of position, and leave gaps for opponent strikers to run through. We seem to be holding a high line (I presume instructed by AVB) and try to catch players offside. This wasn't ony ineffective but it could have easily cost us two wins at home that are supposed to be easy wins. I think our players aren't that used to playing an offside trap, and our center backs would be too slow to cover the ground quick enough, between the backline and the goalkeeper. Our fullbacks are often out of place, and also allow huge gaps for opposition to run into. We were lucky against Norwich and West Brom, but what happens against better opposition, like United and City who will punish us for things like this. Its something i believe we must get sorted out, or risk losing our shot for the title, and our reputation as a team with a good defense. (Not sure whether Luiz will change much btw)

Meireles does seem like plan b, though it would be a disappointment. From going to signing young players who have potential and can provide flair and change in a game like Lukaku and Mata, we go to signing a squad player, who i wouldnt guarrantee a starting position. We need Modric, his close control of the ball, awareness of space and ability to creat something out of nothing is what we need. He would link up superbly with Mata i belive. If we cant get Modric the next best thing imo would be Goetze, who is unavailable i believe, or Miralem Pjanic from Lyon, who apparently is available for 12 Million, although we are yet to show any signs of interest. The next 24 hours will be interesting, and i really hope Modric does come.