* The Unofficial "Official" Boro v Villa, FA Cup, Match-Day thread *

I really liked the balance of the back five because both Engel and VDB can bring it out. I thought Engel had a great game and think Jones' best position is as a wing back.

It was similar to Venables' Christmas tree from back in the day. Azaz for Greenwood (I actually think he played well today) when he's available otherwise I'd be keen to give that team a run in the league
 
Diego said:
He shouldn’t. Clarke was exceptional. He’s a better player than Fry in my opinion and worked very well alongside Engel and VDB tonight.

I’d be a bit disappointed if he puts him on the bench after that performance.
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I agree that Clarke had a very good game and pushed Glover for MOM but I think you need to prepare to be disappointed, Fry will start.
 
Norman_Conquest said:
I agree that Clarke had a very good game and pushed Glover for MOM but I think you need to prepare to be disappointed, Fry will start.
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I don’t need prepare for anything. Clarke is making a case to be the main CB alongside VDB and in my eyes there are the best players we have for the position. Fry is weak and gets bullied and is out of form. Needs to stay out of the team as we look better defensively without him.

If he starts instead of Clarke after that I’d be surprised and disappointed.
 
Yearbyred said:
Not sure who the 3 behind the striker on Tuesday will be, given the suspensions and ineligibility?
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If Crooks is fit enough, it wouldn't surprise me to see the same back 5 and Hackney, Howson and Barlaser in midfield with Crooks just behind Josh.
 
Diego said:
I don’t need prepare for anything. Clarke is making a case to be the main CB alongside VDB and in my eyes there are the best players we have for the position. Fry is weak and gets bullied and is out of form. Needs to stay out of the team as we look better defensively without him.

If he starts instead of Clarke after that I’d be surprised and disappointed.
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It is obvious we disagree on this, we are allowed to.
 
dooderooni said:
I think he'll save LL for a straight swap again, but I wouldn't be against them playing together.
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Yeah I think so too. Just think if Crooks was in contention for a start Tuesday he would have came on for a bit tonight but who knows. We are certainly going to have to come up with something slightly different due to being without Greenwood and Rogers.
 
Diego said:
Who said we cant? You’re the one been condescending saying Fry will start and I have to prepare for it. Did Michael give you the team early?

Why would he drop our best defender on the night? Bizarre if he does. Only reason he possibly would is to keep managing Clarkes minutes. But for me, he plays.
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I'm not being condescending or hope I don't come across that way, I am stating my opinion. You did say you would be a bit disappointed if it happened and I was using that to make my point. I have been around football long enough to know that managers will play what they see as their strongest team and I feel that Fry fits that bill for Carrick.

We will have to wait until the Chelsea game to which way he goes.
 
Norman_Conquest said:
I'm not being condescending or hope I don't come across that way, I am stating my opinion. You did say you would be a bit disappointed if it happened and I was using that to make my point. I have been around football long enough to know that managers will play what they see as their strongest team and I feel that Fry fits that bill for Carrick.

We will have to wait until the Chelsea game to which way he goes.
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I think personally he’s undecided on Fry. I think he’s just playing a a lot due to the injury situation. VDB is a clear upgrade and Clarke bring more aggression and a natural balance due to his left foot. Carricks not daft, he will know Fry has been poor of late and Clarke put in a performance to show he’s ready to start consistently now.
 
Norman_Conquest said:
I'm not being condescending or hope I don't come across that way, I am stating my opinion. You did say you would be a bit disappointed if it happened and I was using that to make my point. I have been around football long enough to know that managers will play what they see as their strongest team and I feel that Fry fits that bill for Carrick.

We will have to wait until the Chelsea game to which way he goes.
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Think its because in your original post you said FRY WILL START
 
Diego said:
I think personally he’s undecided on Fry. I think he’s just playing a a lot due to the injury situation. VDB is a clear upgrade and Clarke bring more aggression and a natural balance due to his left foot. Carricks not daft, he will know Fry has been poor of late and Clarke put in a performance to show he’s ready to start consistently now.
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Tonight was the best game Clarke's had since his return and he is still trying to get up to speed.
sledge said:
Think its because in your original post you said FRY WILL START
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I do think he will start and if I have contradicted that it is by mistake.
 
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Diego said:
He shouldn’t. Clarke was exceptional. He’s a better player than Fry in my opinion and worked very well alongside Engel and VDB tonight.

I’d be a bit disappointed if he puts him on the bench after that performance.
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Even if that was the plan, surely he needs to reconsider after that performance.

He could go

VDB-Fry-Clarke

Jones Bangura
 
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