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Everton vs Manchester United

Lyndon Lloyd , 19 August, 68comments  |  Jump to most recent
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Three months and one week after Everton finished 2011-12 with a flourish with that impressive 3-1 win over Newcastle United, the new campaign is upon us.

The European Championships and the London Olympics may have ushered the 2012 close season along a little faster for fans champing at the bit to get the Premier League going again but with the Blues on a run of form normally reserved for Champions League qualifiers, the summer was something of an unwelcome disruption.

Of paramount importance, of course, is the fact that the summer thus far — we cannot, of course, reflect on the transfer window's business in its entirety yet as there are still 12 days to go — has, on the whole, been one of construction rather than destruction for David Moyes, albeit barely.

The number of outgoings from the senior and Academy ranks has reached double figures since May with just Steven Pienaar and Steven Naismith added so far, but in terms of Moyes's first-choice line-up, the team has been improved. What the squad is desperately short on, of course, is real depth, particularly with a couple of players potentially going out on loan.

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Jack Rodwell's departure was disappointing given his early promise, but there is no question that if the manager can add some real quality to the squad before the 31 August deadline, then the exit of an under-performing asset still finding his way back from a succession of injuries will have been worth it from Everton's point of view.

And, of course, despite all the speculation linking him with a move to Old Trafford, Leighton Baines kicks off 2012-13 as an Everton player.

More good news in the immediate term is that it looks as though Moyes will be able to name his strongest eleven for the high-profile season-opener against Manchester United under the Goodison lights on Monday evening.

Marouane Fellaini has shaken off a slight groin problem and the thigh strain that kept Darron Gibson out of Ireland's friendly with Serbia has also cleared up.

Given the small numbers in the squad, the line-up for United mostly picks itself, with the only real question marks being the central-defensive partnership, who plays right back and whether Naismith will play from the start in the Tim Cahill role.

Phil Neville's leadership and experience may get him the nod over Tony Hibbert at fullback and given how well Sylvain Distin and John Heitinga performed together, they might be the favoured duo in defence despite Phil Jagielka's goalscoring exploits for England in midweek.

Both defensive decisions will probably rest on where Fellaini is deployed and whether Heitinga or Neville are pushed into central midfield to provide more brawn. Fellaini excelled when pushed up behind Jelavic in the 4-4 draw at Old Trafford in April but Naismith's pre-season form linking up with his old Rangers strike partner may persuade Moyes to include both from the start.

For his part, Sir Alex Ferguson, already without injured trio Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans, looks to have suffered further depletion to his defence. Rio Ferdinand is a late doubt after reportedly picking up a groin strain in training on Friday which could sideline him for a month.

That could mean an unorthodox central defensive partnership of Nemanja Vidic and Michael Carrick for United for whom all eyes will be on new signing Robin van Persie. The Dutchman has had success against the Blues for Arsenal but Moyes will be looking to stifle his influence and ensure that the Red Devils' new £23m signing has a quiet debut.

It goes without saying that a flying start at a stage where the big teams have yet to hit their stride would be a fantastic tonic for Moyes's boys and really help get some momentum going instead of the usual slow start.

The Blues' recent record against the biggest clubs on opening day is not great but Everton have the firepower — and a potential 12th man in the stands — to put an early dent in United's attempts to recapture the title from neighbours City.

The anticipation built up over the summer after the impressive finish to last season will surely only add to the excitement of kick-off to the new campaign and that should ensure a raucous Grand Old Lady under the floodlights and in front of Sky's live cameras.

Lyndon Lloyd

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Reader Comments (68)

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Tony Cheek
2 Posted 19/08/2012 at 07:37:04
Just want to have something to shout about this side of Christmas! Still not convinced Bainesy will wear Blue all season and hope its not spin that everyone is fit...or is DM trying to give SAF the wobblies.
A win in this game would be a great way to kick off the season.
Not even going to try guessing the start eleven, just get it right Moyesy!
COYB!
Tony Cheek
3 Posted 19/08/2012 at 07:43:26
......Oh, and watched the RS get a drubbing yesterday. Dont worry, we are still best in town!
Anthony Flack
4 Posted 19/08/2012 at 08:22:02
Ahead of the RS on goal difference with a game in hand. I think they have far greater troubles than us, Rodgers is a fool, if he took the job under the condition they have to finish top 4, I reckon 6th at best......
Kieran Fitzgerald
5 Posted 19/08/2012 at 08:43:24
I would take a point and a decent performance from tomorrow's game. Anything that will breed confidence. West Brom, Swansea and Fulham have huge confidence after their big wins yesterday and Sunderland held Arsenal to a draw at the Emirates. A goal for Jelly or Naismith would be good too, just to open their accounts.
Nick Entwistle
6 Posted 19/08/2012 at 08:48:32
When WBA Liverpool is on MOTD first, something tells you its not going to be 1-0 to the reds.
Karl Masters
8 Posted 19/08/2012 at 08:52:17
I would also take a draw and a good performance. But, if we really go for it and get the crowd going, perhaps we can take all three points. I am just glad it is not one of those horrible lunch time kick offs when the atmosphere is so flat.
Karl Masters
9 Posted 19/08/2012 at 08:56:05
Sorry, bloody touch screen phones. My fingers are too fat for those little squares!
Shaun Sparke
11 Posted 19/08/2012 at 08:46:17
Fergie told the worlds press that he was appalled that his team lost the league on goal difference last year and promised that it will never happen again. He will demand that his team keep going for more goals when they have taken the lead. He will never tell them to sit back and defend a one goal lead. I realise that there is a vast difference in resources between us and them but I do hope that Moyes will adopt a similar policy.

When we are on top in some of the games this season I want us to really turn the screw and go for more goals. I don't want to sit through another season like we did last time out until February.. Oh, I am not another one of those moaning ant-Moyes gits. I just want to be entertained, I want to see our team try and play good attacking football regardless of who we have out on the pitch. If we lose some games on the way then so be it. And finally, if I hear our manager talk about reaching 40 points as the main priority then I swear I am going to go clinically insane. Lets set a minimum target of 65 points and consider anything less than that as a failure.

Tony J Williams
12 Posted 19/08/2012 at 09:03:57
Usual mind games from Fergie, start up the rumour that they want Baines just before the game to try and unsettle him.

I am like Tony too, I worry that Baines will be this years last minute transfer window sacrificial lamb.....hope not!

Danny Kewley
13 Posted 19/08/2012 at 09:03:54
You had one chance Karl and scored 4! Now that,'s magic!
If we take our chances tomorrow night in what I hope is going to be Fortress-Goodison this season we will hit the ground running and kick the season off with an almighty bang!!!--!
Jamie Barlow
14 Posted 19/08/2012 at 09:16:07
Shaun, maybe if United tried to hold on to a 4-2 lead instead of trying to score more goals against us at OT, they would have won the league.

I'm with you though. I hope we play like we did most of the second half of the season and attack a lot more but sometimes you have to sit back and try to defend a lead.

Shaun Sparke
15 Posted 19/08/2012 at 09:41:12
Quite correct Jamie. However, it is a general mindset that I am alluding to rather than any individual game. Utd scored 89 league goals last season compared to our 50 goals. Yes yes, I get the disparity in wages and who they can afford to buy and of course that does make a difference. But so does a general philosophy of how the game should be played.
Leung Chi Ho
16 Posted 19/08/2012 at 09:25:06
0-0 at 89th mins, a free-kick at the edge of the box, 25 yards, Baines gonna take it...

No, no, no... Hibbo wants to score, he takes it, BANG!!!!

1-0, game set and match!!!!!

Jim Knightley
17 Posted 19/08/2012 at 09:55:16
Fergie telling Manchester United not to sit back when they are leading Shaun would be suicide in some cases. That naivety lost them the league against us, which they have protected a two goal advantage and closed the match up.

And yes Shaun, obviously there mindset issues etc...but clearly there is so much more as you allude to. Last season, by September, we had no Arteta, no Pienarr, no Jelavic, No donovan, a past it Saha, no creativity except from Osman...etc etc. United had...Rooney, Berbatov, Hernandez, Welbeck, Ashley Young, Nani, Valencia....not to mention a plethora of central midfield options, if no world class ones. Not everyone has the ability to play great football, and for some teams their strengths are in defence. We have one of the best defences in the league, and it would be crazy to alter our system. This system, we need to make sure we keep it on the deck, and attack with a front four. I’d like us to play a 4-2-3-1, with Jelavic up top, supported by Pienarr, Naismith and hopefully Mirallas, and Fellaini as a link, and Neville or Gibson sitting. I think the 4-2-3-1 is the formation in football, and I think along with Barca and Real, we will see Spurs, Arsenal and Chelski play it domestically.

Jim Knightley
18 Posted 19/08/2012 at 10:05:19
Also...Liverpool are fucked if Rodgers continues to try to implement his system so quickly...the players are not suited for it, and he cant expect to change individual players game in less than a season (if not ever in some cases). He is replicating the AVB error.
Kevin Gillen
19 Posted 19/08/2012 at 10:19:06
Just watched Sunday Supplement, the journos on there think the Baines transfer will happen. I think the fans will feel really done over if that were to happen. Baines is an incredibly important part of the team and a top class act.
Matt Traynor
20 Posted 19/08/2012 at 10:59:33
Kevin, I've posted elsewhere that Baines doesn't want to go.
If he does go, it will be the club pushing him out.
Though no doubt it'll be spun as demanding a transfer and taking a pay cut to make it happen.

And 90% of the fans will feast on this banquet of bullshit and clap Clegg's mug on the big screen.

Cos he's one of us, you know.

Brent Stephens
21 Posted 19/08/2012 at 11:05:32
Danny #240-241. I'd rather have Karl in my team - he scored 4 from 1, you only 2 from 1. Would you be happy to sit on the bench for a million a year?
Kevin Gillen
22 Posted 19/08/2012 at 11:45:16
Matt at 260.Thanks for that. I have got so used to being disappointed in the last few years that I've become so cynical. I don't imagine Baines wants to leave. I'm unhappy about letting Rodwell go but if we did genuinely reinvest the money I would understand that. Come Monday night I will be right behind the team whatever happens because you don't get to choose to be an Evertonian. I am so unhappy about the continued lack of investment and progress at the club.I do think Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs though are doing their best to cheer me up!
Chris James
24 Posted 19/08/2012 at 12:52:55
Wrote a long post yesterday looking at all the competitors for european slots this year but it got fecked when uploading.

The gist was that Utd, City and Chelsea are nailed on for top 3 slots again, but that 4-6th is wide open.
Arsenal and Spurs have both effectively lost their best players (VP and Modric - not to mention first teamers Song and Adebayor) and are likely to need time to adjust to new players/management style.
Liverpool have an even bigger rebuilding job ahead and it's unlikely Rodgers will be given time to complete it. Indeed the only team from top 6 which seems to have maintained stability or improved are the Toon army.

Ultimately my conclusion was that regardless of the Utd result, I feel we are going into this season with a team that has a very real chance of challenging Arsenal, Spurs, Liverpool and Newcastle for 4th and should at very least be able to finish about 2 of them for a Euro-slot.

COYB.

Colin Potter
25 Posted 19/08/2012 at 14:26:44
I hope everybody on TW who said Rodgers would be back in the Championship next season are right! In fact I may buy them all a pint!!!

3-1 to Everton tomorrow.

Tom Bowers
26 Posted 19/08/2012 at 15:02:07
Everton are always in with a chance agianst Manure as they always play open football and Everton will get a chance to get at them. The trouble is Manure can kill you as they have more scoring prowess. The fact that Everton have to contain Nani,Rooney and Valencia goes without saying. If we come up big defensively then we have a real shot at the 3 points.
Mohammed Horoub
27 Posted 19/08/2012 at 15:17:09
Assuming everyone's fit what's our best formation tomorrow?

Howard
Hibbert
Heitinga
Distin
Baines
Gibson
Fellaini
Pienaar - Left
Naismith - Right
Osman - Cahill role
Jelavic

Bench: Neville, Jags, Anichebe, Barkley, Junior, Vellios, Mucha

Based on the above and rumors that Barkley will be loaned out and Anichebe might be sold to Blackpool our depth is worrying and a few solid loan signings are needed in addition to Mirallas.

I'll take our 1-12 against anyone in the league. We need to work on 13-16.
Enjoy the game! Prediction:
Everton 3 Man U 2
NSNO

Christopher Banasko
28 Posted 19/08/2012 at 18:46:21
Does anyone know of any good bars in Toronto to watch the Everton v Man Utd game in??
Danny Kewley
29 Posted 19/08/2012 at 18:21:39
Well spotted piece of irony there Brent lad (262) and yes I wouldn't mind sitting on the bench to watch what is going to be our best football side since the 80s, when by the way we beat the mancs on a regular basis! To be honest I will be surprised if we don't beat them tomorrow. We are keeping our best players, and as Ian Dury might have put it "There are reasons to be cheerful 123"
John Crook
30 Posted 19/08/2012 at 18:54:16
I've just read a article on Newsnow that Ferdinand is out of tomorrow's game and they have no choice but to play Carrick as an emergency defender alongside Vidic who hasn't played for quite a while... Very interesting indeed. Hopefully we won't show too much respect and Jelavic and Felalini can batter their makeshift defence.
Jamie Crowley
31 Posted 19/08/2012 at 20:17:07
Howard
Neville Heitinga Distin Baines
Gibson Fellaini
Naismith. Osman Pienaar
Jelavic

Eddie McBride
32 Posted 19/08/2012 at 20:21:48
Shaun, it sounds very much to me that you are one of those moaning anti-Moyes gits. I know I am and I couldn't've put it better myself.
Brian Garside
33 Posted 19/08/2012 at 21:07:17
What is this? Someone has Osman to start! Is this Toffeeweb I´m reading?
David Pearl
34 Posted 19/08/2012 at 21:27:18
Christopher 421; Toronto Toffees meet at Scallywags downtown for all games. http://www.torontotoffees.net/

Most of the time I watch at Dizzy Pub on Roncesvalles though cuz it's closer for me to stagger home.

David Hallwood
35 Posted 19/08/2012 at 22:26:37
Just been on a Man U website and apparently they are close to signing the Vitesse Arnhem left back,Alexander Buttner if true hopefully Baines is off the Manc radar
Roman Sidey
36 Posted 19/08/2012 at 22:34:37
Christopher Banasko, as David said, Scallywags usually has the game on, but it can get a little cramped if you don't get in early for a bar seat. St Clair and Yonge. But really, with a Monday afternoon timeslot for Ontario, most bars will have it on, or put it on if you ask them.
Alan Bond
37 Posted 20/08/2012 at 00:54:09
Why are you talking about Liverpool?
James Stewart
38 Posted 20/08/2012 at 00:57:34
____________________Howard
Hibbert_______Jagielka_____Heitinga______Baines
____________________Gibson____________________
___________Osman___________Fellaini___________
Naismith_______________________________Pienaar
___________________Jelavic______________________

Looks good to me.

Keith Glazzard
39 Posted 20/08/2012 at 01:03:57
The City supporters name for the new Man U attack is Fatman and Robin.
Frank Duffy
40 Posted 20/08/2012 at 00:59:53
Chris 4-2-1. In Canada visiting my Daughter. Will be in the Gallow Arms, Isslington & The Queens Way, Etobicoke. Will be in from 2:30 pm (Canadian Time) with wife and 2 grandsons one a blue and sadely the other a red but sure I can persude him to be a BLUE.

Maybe the only blues in there!!!!!
Cheers

Conor Skelly
41 Posted 20/08/2012 at 01:36:04
James, agree with that line up looks good to me. Especially that you've left Distin out. I'm blue in the face telling everyone he's a calamity and I was saying it long before the derby but if anyone remembers I actually predicted his horror moment prior to the semi final. Wish Moyes would stick with Hetinga Jags pairing all the time.
Christopher Banasko
42 Posted 20/08/2012 at 04:14:04
Thank you very much David, Roman and Frank.

I'm staying just off Spadina/Dundas in a hostel. I think I will most likely be going to Scallywags as it's walking distance and will hopefully have more Blues than Manure fans.

Enjoy the game!!

Peter Thistle
43 Posted 20/08/2012 at 06:22:27
It's hard to be optimistic when playing the mancs but there's a buzz in the air about us in the last coupla months. Would love to see Jelly get off the mark with a winner, ala Big Dunc. Cmon !
Ernie Baywood
44 Posted 20/08/2012 at 07:00:49
Presumably they've got Carrick at CB and Valencia at RB.

Ever a better time to smash them?

Roman Sidey
45 Posted 20/08/2012 at 07:30:59
Chris, walking distance for you must be different to me. Spadina and Dundas to Scally's is a fair hike. Football Factory on Bathurst would be closer but they do tend to get a lot of Redshite support in there. Are you at Canadiana?
Roman Sidey
46 Posted 20/08/2012 at 07:36:09
However, right next door to Scallywags there's a fairly affordable "massage" parlour. Worth the walk.
Jamie Barlow
47 Posted 20/08/2012 at 07:40:12
I'm looking forward to tonight.
Utd seem to be having a bit of trouble at the back and with their noisy neighbours winning yesterday, there might be an added bit of pressure off the red fans.
As someone said above, the buzz seems to be back and if we can stop Fatman and Robin, we'll take the points.
Stephen Kenny
48 Posted 20/08/2012 at 08:29:04
Vidic and Carrick at the back will be the weak link for united. With Vidic missing a lot of competitive football and Carrick being a mid we need to set up to get at them to get the win.

Jumping for headers and dealing with long balls is meat and drink for players as good as Vidic no matter how long he's been out.

To get at them we need a bit of pace and a lot of movement. For that reason I'd like to see Jelly and Naismith both playing high up the pitch and our midfield and defence both pushing right up.

If we start sharp we're in with a real chance. If we're as flat and out of match fitness as we were against Arsenal a few years ago then it could be acutely painful.

Sam Hoare
49 Posted 20/08/2012 at 08:42:17
Have long learnt to dispense with first match optimism. Reckon we will be the better team for first 25 mins and then RVP will score a wonder goal and they will run out 4-1 winners...
David Denby
50 Posted 20/08/2012 at 09:12:55
Arrived in Crosby from North Devon last night armed with my first season ticket and I'm 35! Wasn't going to line Bills pocket but I lost my Dad last year who is the reason why I'm a blue and thought sod it, I'll get up as often as I can (incidentally I was born and lived in Liverpool for ten years before we moved). Simply can't wait for tonight, thought it was Christmas for a minute when I woke up this morning!

I know alot of the pundits don't think we'll do much tonight but it you have to play Utd at some point and Goodison at night, on the first match? Bring them on. If Carrick has to play CB then I'm happy with that. Can see a few goals tonight and am torn between 2-1 to us and 2-2.

Enjoy it lads. Oh and Michael Owen,why? Reckon Bill will parade him (if he signs) with Kev just so some of the boos might get drowned out!

The men who come from Merseyside to sail the seven seas, will hear the call of Everton come riding on the green.

Nick Entwistle
51 Posted 20/08/2012 at 09:23:47
3-0, Naismith. 200/1. That's where my money is.
Guy Hastings
52 Posted 20/08/2012 at 10:25:27
And as Utd have signed Buttner that should put the Baines to Old Trafford bollocks firmly back in the box.
Brian Denton
54 Posted 20/08/2012 at 12:35:12
David Denby

"Come riding on the breeze", surely?

Chris Davies
55 Posted 20/08/2012 at 12:33:31
I think Moyes will go like this tonight..

_________________Howard_________________

Hibbert______Heitinga____Jags______Baines

_____________Neville_____Gibson______________

Naismith________________Fella______Pienaar

__________________Jelavić___________________

Everton 3-1. Jela 2, Naismith 1 - Fatman 1

Amit Vithlani
56 Posted 20/08/2012 at 12:01:03
Excited and nervous.

The Pro's: Game is under lights, crowd will be up for it, half time intro for Mirallas will fire everyone up.

The Cons: Utd will be up for it big time, they aren't gonna start slow given Citeh won, RVP's arrival will spur their forwards.

I expect us to compete for 70 mins and then run out of puff - simply not enough games pre-season. I don't blame Moyes for this. A small squad does not allow him the luxury of losing or two through injury prior to the start.

Tactics wise, centre mid is key - we were superb in this department at Old Trafford. In my opinion, the result probably hinges on the fitness of Felli and Gibson.

Tom Bowers
57 Posted 20/08/2012 at 13:52:40
Chris (#610) I like that line up. Yes, Pip is getting up in age but he plays well against his old club and can help defensively.

I don't think Carrick and Vidic will be weak for Manure. On the contrary, I don't think Ferdinand is what he was and would have preferred him to play to be honest. It will be a tough game and, as I mentioned earlier, we need a big game from the defence to give us a shot at 3 points.
David Denby
58 Posted 20/08/2012 at 13:59:10
Apologies Brian, did say was over excited! Don't think I'll ever get 'Kopites are gobshites' wrong though!

Anyway, just been up to the megastore and saw the short sleeve top in the flesh,err...........Probably been said before but it just looks like they ran out of blue cloth and tacked on the white bands to make it longer. Went for the long sleeve version myself.

Are we there yet?

Mike Hughes
59 Posted 20/08/2012 at 15:19:16
According to the BBC website, Fellaini and Gibson are doubtful.
MU have 4 central defenders out.
I'm positive for this season but would be happy with a draw tonight.
First game and all that.
Still, after a couple of drinks, I'll probably start thinking about how many we'll put past the Mancs and even start to feel sorry for them just for turning up. COYB.
Kevin Tully
60 Posted 20/08/2012 at 15:22:22
Chris # 610,

Like the line up but can't see it myself. I think he will play Felli deep, just in front of the back four, 4-1-4-1 with Osman in for Naismith, and 1 up top with Jelavic ( Stranded, & looking for scraps )

Denis Richardson
61 Posted 20/08/2012 at 15:24:48
Really really hope at least one of Gibson or Fellaini (if not both) is available tonight. We cannot surely start the season with a central midfield of Neville and Heitinga! Especially against Man u.

Given Jags is fit, presumably Moyes will try to fit all three senior CBs into the side.

Paul Mackie
62 Posted 20/08/2012 at 15:44:55
I'm so nervous about the game tonight. With a fully team I think we can snatch this. What a start to the season that would be. It will really send out a message that this season we're afraid of no one.
Christopher Banasko
63 Posted 20/08/2012 at 15:26:46
Roman - No I'm not staying there I am just up the road in a student accommodation that is rented out as a hostel over the summer months.

Haha yeah it is a bit of a hike....but at least I can be relaxed in the massage parlour next door :) Football Factory maybe the better option for me, I just hope its not full of load mouthed mancs.

Andy Stevens
64 Posted 20/08/2012 at 15:50:10
Just seen Alexander Buttner is set for a medical at Man U - does this mean Baines is off SAFs radar?
Barry Rathbone
65 Posted 20/08/2012 at 15:38:30
Feel a Nostradamus moment coming on, so in case I can't post tonight.

Well done Moysie a good 2-0 win against the mancs particularly pleased with the creativity.

I and similar minded fans aren't in this to say "we told you so" just keep up what we've been preaching and we'll say no more about it.

(If it goes tits up - "effing 'ell Moyes will you never learn)

Nick Entwistle
66 Posted 20/08/2012 at 15:47:41
Howard
Neville Heitinga Distin Baines
Gibson Fallaini
Naismith Barkley Pienaar
Jely

That would be the more obvious and conservative Moyes selection. I can see it happening, I really do. Actually with a number of CBs out for Utd will Moyes use Ossie to pick them apart or physically pull them in every direction with Fallaini playing off Jely?

Dan Owens
67 Posted 20/08/2012 at 16:42:17
Howard
Baines Jags Heitinga Hibbert
Gibson Neville
Naismith Fellani Pienaar
Jelavic

Nice and attacking with a solid core. COYB. Literally can't wait.

Also blues, for those that fancy a flutter, Paddy Power have 100/1 - for EFC to win 2-0 with Jela to score 1st. That must be worth at least £1.

Shane Corcoran
68 Posted 20/08/2012 at 16:55:06
I think most posts are close enough to the team that will or should start. But I have this niggling pessimistic feeling that Moyes will shit it and do something like stick Neville or Heitinga in midfield and/or Anichibe instead of Naismith.
Here's hoping that it's pretty much as Mohammed Horoub has it.
Mathew McKay
69 Posted 20/08/2012 at 17:18:27
Looks like UTD are signing a left back.. would surely put baines out of the picture?

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11667/8005307/Buttner-closes-on-United-move

Mathew McKay
70 Posted 20/08/2012 at 17:21:12
Oh and just noticed others have already commented about this.. damn I thought I was in the know.
Al Reddish
71 Posted 20/08/2012 at 17:19:42
This is the team I think Moyes will send out.
Howard,
Hibbert, Jags, Distin, Baines
Gibson, Neville
Osman, Fellaini, Pienaar
Jeavic. I think he might push Fellaini up behind Jelavic for this one after he did so well there against United last season. Neville will hold with Gibson to stop United for 70 mins, then Naismith will come in for Neville. Fellaini will drop back to make room for the new Scot on the block. 1 -1, Jelavic and Van Persie.
(I believe in Mirallas.....where you from, you sexy thing!)
Michael Kenrick
72 Posted 20/08/2012 at 18:55:03
Okay lads un lassees... Are we ready to Rumble???!?!

I've switched over the recent posts to the new thread and opened up the Live Matchday Forum

Anto Byrne
73 Posted 19/08/2012 at 08:38:30
Rodgers is going to struggle with that line up. He better get the cheque book out and buy Swansea.

I like that song they sing by Neil Sedaka:

"Oh Carroll, you are but a fool
Don't ever leave us, though we treat you cruel."

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