Zola Backing The Wrong Nags!

I am distinctly uneasy reading Zola's comments on the OS. It sounds to me like a guy who is going to meddle and try new things against Sunderland. Well, by new things, I mean the same old mistakes! His hope that Kovac or Noble can do "the same job" as Parker is absurd. Neither will provide the same drive from midfield, nor will they cover the same amount of ground. Can you see Kovac slipping through the sort of pass that won Cole the penalty against Everton? No hope!

Our ONLY hope today is to get down the flanks. Sunderland have injuries problems of their own and we have to attack their back four, putting them under pressure. That means exploiting the flanks. There are rumours that Diamanti has been ruled out and if so, we have problems down the left. The answer is NOT to move Stanislas there. An attacking threat down one flank, the right, is better than no attacking threat down EITHER flank!

If Diamanti and Behrami are both ruled out, and Behrami would be the Duracel alternative for Parker, then I would favour Daprela wide left of midfield. At least he would be operating on his strongest foot and, when Sunderland have the ball, could help protect Spector at left back.

If the injuries are as bad as are being suggested, Zola has three alternatives. Which of these teams will he pick?

Option 1

Green: Faubert, Da Costa, Upson, Spector (or Daprela); Ilan, Kovac, Noble, Stanislas; McCarthy and Cole

This team has an offensive "look" to it but we have seen that Ilan is NOT a midfielder and we KNOW that Stanislas is more effective on the right. My money is on this team being selected and I expect us to LOSE if Zola goes this way. We will play "narrow", come inside all the time, and McCarthy and Cole will have no space to operate in. Prediction 1-2

Option 2

Green: Spector, Da Costa, Upson, Daprela; Faubert, Kovac, Noble, Stanislas; Ilan (Or McCarthy) and Cole.

This team offers a threat down the right and keeps the goal scoring potential of Stanislas in the team. However, we would be VERY open down our left flank. Stanislas does not offer defensive cover so Daprela would be hung out to dry. I fear defeat if this side is picked. Prediction 2-3

Option 3

Green: Faubert, Da Costa, Upson, Spector; Stanislas, Kovac, Noble, Daprela: Ilan and Cole

This team offers the best balance. Faubert needs less protection than Spector or Daprela who could support each other with this set up. Daprela could cross off his stronger foot and so could Stanislas. Ferdinand, at left back, would dread facing a dual roasting from Faubert and Stanislas. Pick this team and I fancy us to win 3-1.

So, that's the state of play. And if you want to know who will win the National, read carefully!

Come On You Pick The Right Team And We Will Win Irons!