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Writer: pompeyrug 
Date:Friday February 29 2008
Time: 11:00AM
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Defoe, Kanu, Baros - 1, or 2 from 3
Harry Redknapp had said that he wanted to 'wrap Kanu is cotton wool' to save him from a possible injury ahead of the United game but he is now considering unleashing both Kanu and Jermain Defoe against Everton this weekend.
Should Redknapp do this it 'might' even see him do away with the 4-5-1 away from home, although I would find this hard to think he will...
Kanu came on and changed the game last weekend, and his partnership with Defoe looked promising, so with Redknapp admitting that Defoe cannot really play the lone role he is considering starting the pair, but would he then push him out wide right?
To be honest I would rather we kept Kanu on the bench, yep the fella winds me up at times but he has that magic that I do think we will need against United - even though the thought of him playing the lone role at Old Trafford does not appeal to me that much - so we cannot really afford to risk him can we?
My own thinking would be to go with Milan Baros and Defoe again, and bring Kanu on from the bench - if needed - to either hold what we have, or try to unlock their defence to get something, or win the game.
It is a tough call for Redknapp to make, but it does seem like we are going to be positive and really do appear as though we are going to Goodison for the win... if we do go with Baros and he is used on the right wing then it would probably be just as well to start with John Utaka instead as his pace could cause problems...
It is certainly a selection headache - but it is a good one eh!
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Your Comments
It seems bizarre that HR would buy Defoe without considering that the resultant away formation enigma would have us all scratching our heads including HR himself.
ChrisW
ChrisW, good point, but I think a number of us were concerned with the forced going of the unmentionable for this reason as well as many others.
007
Defoe & Baros, followed by Defoe & Kanu.
storagematt
How lucky we are to have three quality players like this to choose from. But it is Defoe and Kanu for me and use Baros as your impact player.
eastneydave
interesting dave, as said i would be the otherway round - we'll soon find out i guess...
pompeyrug
I think Baros has looked shocking so far. I hope he proves me wrong and he is just getting used to the Prem again
imazav
Baros on his day was the best in the EPL, he needs a couple more matches as his game relies on fitness not outright skill.
ChrisW
totally agree with imazav and chrisw all baros needs is a bit of match fitness and one goal. EVERTON 1-2 PORTSMOUTH
stfc ballboy
i would start with defoe and kanu with maube utake for the last 30/20 mins to open them up with his pace because when he starts 99% he looks like he cant be arsed!
knocker
I don't see how you can PLAN on playing a super sub like Kanu or say Utaka... if you plan on needing them to come on and change the game then the match is all but lost before you kickoff. Much better to get in front then lock up - else you might run out of time... just like we did with six 0-0s at home...
ChrisW
Good points Chris. I especially agree about Baros needing a couple of games to get loose. Hope HR puts him and Defoe up front to start. Why not take a chance and stick Utaka on the right of Muntari, Diarra & Krunchie ? Lets get up by goal or two then get defensive. This is our most important match this year so far in my view.
Toronto4Pompey
Kanu! Has he still got it?
merlin
He has Merlin but not for ninety minutes. Came on last week and turned the game and the Sunderland defenders inside out.
eastneydave
Is this site the official Kanu bashing homepage? I don't get it, he scores double figures per season without being used for a full game, sets up many more, and his style and superb control are just wonderful to watch most of the time. He's just got that quality that is so natural and he won't lose it even as his fitness slips away. Who'd have thought he was capable of scoring that lone break away goal at the beginning of last season, yet he is still slated for being 'past it'. I don't care how good he used to be.. he is still a very useful unique and pleasing on the eye striker.
Liquor&Poker
nope its not the official 'kanu bashing homepage', just a site for opinions, some for kanu, some against him - and all other players at that... we do appreciate what kanu does do - how can you not, and to a large degree 'arry hasnt really used him in the way that he is most effective, hence why some get on his back, when really it isnt his fault... i dont think kanu did himself too many favours tho with his constant demands and threats last summer... either way when all is said and done tho he still has that magic, and as you say will never lose it...
pompeyrug
Nothing wrong with being a "super sub "". He still shows flashes of the magic and keeps inspiring kids such as the stellar Adebayor. May sound far fetched but he's my bet to get the goal which gives us a draw at Old Trafford and a chance to advance in the FA Cup once we get back home.
Toronto4Pompey
Liquor&Poker - If this was the Kanu bashing site I'd be the first to sign up as although I fully respect your point of view I have another.. but that's for another day... Given his recent performance I have to agree that he has changed the game and made a immediate impact, It's a tough call on the formation tomorrow as I don't see Defoe as a lone striker at all .. I'm going to throw in a wild card and suggest that Kanu will start as the lone striker backed up by a five man middle of Defoe, Davies, Muntari, Diarra and Kranjcar.. not everybodies cup of tea I know but we need the middle to run through Everton and Kanu at the moment is the best we have of holding up play.. Defoe and Krancjar will play off him with Davis holding the middle as one or the other get forward.. It's an interesting proposition.. but relies on everybody holding firm.. it'll also mean Herman and Glen NOT getting forward.
Chix
I reckon he will go for Defoe and Kanu in this one, Baros will still get a good half hour ay the end, you have to admit that Defoe came alive once Kanu came on against Sunderland
paultsmouth
Toronto4Pompey, its not as far fetched as my thoughts, he 'might' score the goal that gives us the win at old trafford... were gonna win that, then win the cup!
pompeyrug
the more i do think about it fellas, it probably would make sense to start with kanu and defoe, get things off to a good start let him terrorise their defence, hopefully give us a lead then bring baros on at the end to 'hopefully' use his extra pace to finish the job...
pompeyrug
this is a tough game, and perfectly suited for benjani to play alone upfront. unfortunatly, we sold him, and defoe just isnt that kind of player. kanu would be my second choice as a lone striker - but i agree with harry: save him for the cup - which brings it down to either defoe, aros, or both. if we start with just defoe, it wont work, he cant play as a lone striker, as he is just to short, and cant hold the ball up. If we pay defoe and baros, it will leave us much more open, and i dont know about anone else, but i would ather we got a draw than lost - which leaves the final option of just baros. OK, he hasnt settle, but he has the capability to play out of his skin, and he suits the role of a lone stiker. if harry starts with just baros, then baros' confidence will sore, and we could see the start of something special, which is why i would like to see defoe starton the bench, and play baros in the lone striker role. i just think the extra midfielder will give us a better chance of winning the game!
pompeycarpet
Carps .. I thought of that option too but I just can't see harry leaving Defoe on the bench... I think Harry will play Kanu as the lone stiker and play Defoe in the middle 5 but well forward to run past Kanu and pick up the threadedballs ... Just one question for you ... why do you think Baros hasn't settled ?.. He hasn't scored but I think his contribution has been pretty good so far ... no brilliant but better than ok
Chix
i think thre is much more to comefrom baros. I also agree, that the chance of leaving defoe on the bench is mniscule - however i honestly think it is the betoption. and kanu should be saved for the man u game, as i see tha as our easiest route to europe/success.
pompeycarpet
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