Harper & Simpson Must Start Against West Ham
Three games left to save ourselves from the oblivion of relegation to the Championship.
I don’t care how Alan Pardew does it, as long we secure the 3-4 points we need to stay up. Then he can leave as he’s been found wanting this season on several occasions.
The 6-0 defeat to Liverpool was pretty devastating and some big changes need to be made for the last three games.
Firstly, Steve Harper. 197 appearances for our most loyal servant and the chance to get to 200. He bleeds black & white and with Rob Elliot’s confidence shattered after Liverpool, then why not bring Harper back?
Then, Debuchy’s stupid red card allows Danny Simpson to come back and I’d prefer to see him play the remaining 3 games, as despite being out of contract, he’s never lacked fight.
Coloccini can’t come back soon enough and HBA has to start from now on. Also, if we can get Marveaux fit again, then he could be another creative player to consider and it’s about time Tiote was dropped and Vurnon Anita given a chance. You don’t come through the Ajax academy without knowing how to pass the ball.
Plus, you’re never going to score if you don’t shoot and Papiss Cisse had nothing to go on against Liverpool, so give him the support he needs.
So, for the remaining 3 games, here’s the team I’d like to see Pardew put out to try and get us out of trouble and playing in a proper 4-3-3.
Harper; Simpson, Taylor, Coloccini, Jonas; Sissoko, Anita, Cabaye; Ben Arfa, Cisse, Marveaux
Subs: Elliot, Haidara, Yanga-Mbiwa, Tiote, Perch, Gouffran, Shola
Harper, Simpson & Coloccini to come into a fragile back four. Drop Jonas back to left back, as he’s a grafter and more defensively sound than Haidara.
Bring Anita into midfield and have Sissoko & Cabaye alongside, then have HBA and Marveaux(if fit) either side of Cisse.
If Marveaux isn’t fit, then play Gouffran and have Adam Campbell on the bench as an extra forward.
Hopefully, this sort of line-up could get the results at West Ham/QPR that we so desperately need.
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