center back for saterday

[Y21_Royal]

If Doobs isn't fit then I'd imagine it'll be Cisse who slots back. He's a more natural centre half that Gunnarsson and has more height.

[bootboy]

I'll go for experience over youth at this stage with Pearce on the bench maybe getting short run out if game allows for experience. Not sure who will be the experience though, probably Gunnar. We need to start bleeding the younger players over the second half of the season if our situation allows.

[Royalwaster]

I'd go for Pearce and then crucify him on here after the game when he balls up! I'd do the same for Henry and Cox.

[juanpablo]

bit worried, is carew playing? not an ideal player for a fill incentre back to handle?

[Fezza]

Excellent three of our slowest players in Ivar, Gunnar and Murts up against Agbonlahor and Young. Does anyone else reckon we're going to get rooted?

[PEARCEY]

Excellent three of our slowest players in Ivar, Gunnar and Murts up against Agbonlahor and Young. Does anyone else reckon we're going to get rooted?

The trouble is what are the other options? I would like to see Pearce start but I cant see that happening because SC did not bring him on until right at the end of the Spurs game.
I think Duberry will start and Gunnar will get the nod over Cisse...it does looky creaky.

[Fezza]

Excellent three of our slowest players in Ivar, Gunnar and Murts up against Agbonlahor and Young. Does anyone else reckon we're going to get rooted?

The trouble is what are the other options? I would like to see Pearce start but I cant see that happening because SC did not bring him on until right at the end of the Spurs game.
I think Duberry will start and Gunnar will get the nod over Cisse...it does looky creaky.

One of Cisse and Gunnar will go in the midfield (I really can't see the new lad getting into the team yet), perhaps he will use Dela at centre back again as he tried against Spurs???

[PEARCEY]

Excellent three of our slowest players in Ivar, Gunnar and Murts up against Agbonlahor and Young. Does anyone else reckon we're going to get rooted?

The trouble is what are the other options? I would like to see Pearce start but I cant see that happening because SC did not bring him on until right at the end of the Spurs game.
I think Duberry will start and Gunnar will get the nod over Cisse...it does looky creaky.

One of Cisse and Gunnar will go in the midfield (I really can't see the new lad getting into the team yet), perhaps he will use Dela at centre back again as he tried against Spurs???

Dont see why not. DLC has ben very unlucky not to have played more for the club as he has never let anyone down. Would be nice if he scored in similar vein again like he did against Villa last season.

[M0J0]

Saturday

HTFH

Hope this oxf*rd helps?

NOW THEN which one of you is Marcus, is it---- Doyle is a royal
or...........Jumpers
or............ Row Z



because only yanks spell centre like that

[rotherwick_royal]

all we are saying...

is give Pearce a chance


With the options we've got I'd say a 5 man defence isn't out of the question.

[Rawlie19]

Saturday

HTFH

It's centre-back as well, unless we are thinking of buying an American centre back?

[cmonurz]

I will be happy so long as a centre-back, not a midfielder, plays at centre-back at Villa.

[West Stand Flash]

I will be happy so long as a centre-back, not a midfielder, plays at centre-back at Villa.

You'd play Pearce over Gunnar Saturday?

[cmonurz]

I will be happy so long as a centre-back, not a midfielder, plays at centre-back at Villa.

You'd play Pearce over Gunnar Saturday?

Yep.

[West Stand Flash]

I will be happy so long as a centre-back, not a midfielder, plays at centre-back at Villa.

You'd play Pearce over Gunnar Saturday?

Yep.

Far to big a game to bring him in. Gunnar has played there before. I don't think he is great at the back, but wouldn't bring Pearce in & I'd be amazed if Coppell did.

[The whole year inn]

Could someone please do something about the thread title?

Please?

[cmonurz]

I will be happy so long as a centre-back, not a midfielder, plays at centre-back at Villa.

You'd play Pearce over Gunnar Saturday?

Yep.

Far to big a game to bring him in. Gunnar has played there before. I don't think he is great at the back, but wouldn't bring Pearce in & I'd be amazed if Coppell did.

I’d be amazed if he did too. But when will a game not be ‘far too big’ to bring Pearce in? For the foreseeable future, even in to next season, every point is so hugely valuable, and Coppell has already deemed the cups unsuitable for the youngsters.

Gunnarsson is an out of form, slow, midfielder who has already been given the runaround by Carew last season after Sonko’s dismissal. I’d sooner play a centre-back who has been playing in that position regularly, and playing well, by all accounts.

[West Stand Flash]

I will be happy so long as a centre-back, not a midfielder, plays at centre-back at Villa.

You'd play Pearce over Gunnar Saturday?

Yep.

Far to big a game to bring him in. Gunnar has played there before. I don't think he is great at the back, but wouldn't bring Pearce in & I'd be amazed if Coppell did.

I’d be amazed if he did too. But when will a game not be ‘far too big’ to bring Pearce in? For the foreseeable future, even in to next season, every point is so hugely valuable, and Coppell has already deemed the cups unsuitable for the youngsters.

Gunnarsson is an out of form, slow, midfielder who has already been given the runaround by Carew last season after Sonko’s dismissal. I’d sooner play a centre-back who has been playing in that position regularly, and playing well, by all accounts.

I am in agreement with you that Gunnar is old & too slow, but considering Coppell doesn't feel Pearce is ready to play in a reserve FA Cup team, the likelihood of bringing him in for a Premiership game is lil to none.

As we have all known for a long long itme - Local/youth players do not get given a chance at Reading.

Whether it is just Coppell's way of doing things or Pearce ECT simply are good enough is up to you to decide???

[cmonurz]

I just don't see Coppell as a risk-taker. Some managers actively develop youth players (see Southgate, admittedly under financial constraints, Spurs have generally had players come through, Wenger) and some place their trust in 'old-pros' who have done a job before so probably should be able to again.

[rg6royal]

Gunnar probably will start but would love to see Pearce given a run out.