Well it looks like we will have one ACN player back soon, Nigeria v Ghana, but who will it be? Essien or Mikel? Who would you want back asap? I would like to see Essien back sooner and to get that old form back for the run in. Mikel would probably end up with a red within 2 games.

Mikel because Makelele is getting on a bit and could probably do with a rest whereas Ballack is running the midfield expertly.

Essien.

Mikel because Makelele is getting on a bit and could probably do with a rest whereas Ballack is running the midfield expertly.

Eh?

Essien.

Mikel because Makelele is getting on a bit and could probably do with a rest whereas Ballack is running the midfield expertly.

Eh?

I'm saying that Mikel is basically in competition with Makelele for the holding role in midfield, whereas Essien is in competition with Ballack (as opposed to SWP or Lampard who generally play the most advanced of the midfield 3).

Makelele is in his mid-30s, has been playing alot recently and could therefore probably do with a rest, whereas Ballack is younger and just back from injury which means he is probably a little more fresh.

Therefore I would prefer to have Mikel back rather than Essien at this point in time.

No thought given to the calibre of the opposition in that decision? Or even the way maka has been playing? Or his experience?

If you're considering "like for like" roles, I would have thought Ballack was more in competition with Lamps than Essien?

Has Obi served his suspension while on ACN duty?

Regardless, I would prefer to have the ball hawking Essien return sooner.

This being said, good will to both Ghana and Nigeria in the semi.

Good arguments for both however, for me, it has to be Essien, if only because we haven't seen any thing like the form we saw last season and it is all to come in the latter bit of the season., whereas Mikel has shown his best and - for the moment - it ain't good enough (although i have full confidence it will be once he has matured).

I would take Mikel back. There is no way I would drop Ballack from the squad, and I think we need to rest Maka for the big games (he can't play week in week out for very long)

Essien. No contest.

Mikel might be world class in a few years. Essien is world class now. And he can cover any position in midfield or defence.

Essiens form has been far below his standard this season, but for me he is still the best player in the world.

Why cant Essien play in Makas position, or try Ivanovic maybe.

Still i just dont see Ghana loosing to Nigeria.

I have a Ghana shirt with Essiens name on it but this time i hope they loose.

Essien for sure.

Well I want Essien back more but I want him to succeed with Ghana as well. It is their home tournament and Essien is their biggest star.

Nigeria hasn't played well so I think Mikel will be back..

I want us to end our matches with all 11 men on the pitch, so for me Essien, preferably with a better form than he has shown lately.

Essien

Essien, but to play the defensive Makalele/Mikel role.

Mikel for me, but Essien will do.

Not being funny, as I do think he is a hugely talented player, but Essien 'best in the word?'

Not in this season's form so far he ain't, not be a long long way!

Having said that, I do agree we would want him back ahead of Mikel, as Maka is playing out of his skin at the moment.

Not being funny, as I do think he is a hugely talented player, but Essien 'best in the word?'

Not in this season's form so far he ain't, not be a long long way!

Having said that, I do agree we would want him back ahead of Mikel, as Maka is playing out of his skin at the moment.

Sorry i wanted to say one of the best allround players.

Ive been following him since he joined Lyon and he has exceeded my ecpectations untill the start of this season. Its really a mystery to me why hes been so bad this season, only thing i can think of is loss of a motivator in Mourinho.

has to be Essien, he can play anywhere in the midfield & doesn't attract red cards like flies round [st:1o1063ve]liverpool[/st:1o1063ve] sh*t

Essien for me too. He's more allround and he's better than Mikel. He also don't get as many cards (I think).

Still, I think we'll get Mikel back. I can't see Ghana losing to Nigeria at home.

Never mind Ghana vs Nigeria - lets hope for a shock win for Guinea that will send Drogba home early - ridiculously unlikely I know.

Nigeria just scored from a pen by Yakubu.

Nigeria just scored from a pen by Yakubu.

And late in first half Essien made it 1-1

Essien has equalised and having another fine game - Mikel very poor