Football

Whats happened to Zaha? Has he had any game time this season?

Feels like Moyes is playing it super safe, know the season is young, but no Kagawa, no Zaha (at least using him as an impact sub), Young instead of Nani (who I know is super inconsistent but he does have an impact on games).
Moyes selection leaves me befuddled.

Big match on the weekend. Turn over Cliveo and his crew and confidence will be sky high. Think chelsea will be in for a hell of a match..

So - you going to Villa Park, Corny?

Where are you sitting?

I can't care less about Moyes and his selection issues. What worries me more than anything is that Jose hasn't figured out his strongest starting XI yet.

To me Luiz, Azpilicueta and Mata should all be in the starting XI.
Van Ginkel ruled out for the rest of the season and the WC isn't good news either. Could be an opportunity to play Mata finally but knowing Mourinho he'll put either of Lampard or Essien there.

........
Feels like Moyes is playing it super safe.......

Moyes selection leaves me befuddled...........

*insert Nicolas Cage 'you don't say' face

I had 11yrs of it!

If David Moyes continues to not play Kagawa from the start, it would be a worry.
He is the most talented and creative midfielder Man United have and he hardly gets a look in

Agree. I'm not sure if it counts or not, but he was outstanding in the confederations cup of the matches I saw, so it was clearly as good as being there. Moyes is still shitting it bigtime - Fergie's been on the blower twice a week giving him the hairdryer. IF he grows in confidence then Zaha et al will play but until then it'll be safe bets all round. If I ever see Young play footie again, it'll be one time too many.

What happened to VanGinkel?

I would have Demba Ba upfront as well.

I would play Luiz but in a holding midfield position alongside Mikel/Ramires/Lampard

The three in front of that would be Hazard/Mata/Schuurle

When Chelsea play with width, they look super dangerous - another reason to play Azpilicueta.

I'd be giving Zaha and Januzaj more playing time.

You can see they are still a midfielder short, they could do a lot worse than signing Ross Barkley (Moyes likes to shop at Everton) or Michu.

Van Ginkel ruptured his ligaments against Swindon. I bet pisti had something to do with that.

Chelsea need width and as much as I like Ivanovic he's not giving that to us. He does contribute a handful of goals on the other hand. For me John Terry is not first choice. CB pairing should be between Luiz, Ivanovic and Cahill and with van Ginkel out now it should be Cahill with Ivanovic and Terry as back up and Azpilicueta as RB.

More succinct. I couldn't agree more with Tenderloin.

@ Ru, Press Box

It's a catch 22 for him. He does JUST enough to stay in the running for a place and blows hot and cold throughout any season. He has a pseudo first time place when Ferdinand or Vidic is crocked, which is a lot. Utd are weak for quality cover everywhere but up front (and maybe left back), so given their ability to attract top talent throughout the squad, so much so that they consistently have to turn away Europe's top players who turn up at OT on a daily basis, begging to play in the reserves for free (ahem), he is kept. So frustrating inconsistent that no one wants him. Don't you think if you've won the CL and the PL its hard to consider never having that chance again? I bet O'Shea is loving being on Tyneside/Wearside...whatever.

Sums him up quite nicely and if Jones and Smalling are not careful they'll and up in the same bargain bin as the aforementioned O'Shea. I guess Utd's problem is that Brucie is no longer employed at Sunderland.

I'd take Jones at Arsenal.

He's a big lump but I think he can be a terrific big lump in centre defence.

Yep. Jones is a keeper. Smalling shitting himself regularly last night - didn't have a clue what to do and panicked when people in front of him let him down. His caramel skin tone would look good in Hull's black and amber.

I thought Smalling looked good in the game that wasn't vs City last week sometime.
I don't understand why Rafael isn't playing.

I'd be giving Zaha and Januzaj more playing time.

You and everyone else in the comments section ANYWHERE.

He's a big lump but I think he can be a terrific big lump in centre defence.

You've got a big lump in Mertesacker, having 2 big lumps just seems a bit greedy.

Wouldn't it be lovely if Will.i.an came on and scored the winner at WHL, ideally around 2.25pm.

@ Ru, Press Box

Noice. Probably light on the balti pies there though.

Remember to ask the other 'journos' their views on pants-gate.

But, please for the love of God, don't write them down here.

Corny'll grab the seat behind the Guardian journo and crib over his shoulder.

Is there a good phone reception at Villa Park?

Have they ever heard of WoiFoi or Smartphownes in the West Midlands?

What will you be doing in the press box Corni? Can you do us a write up of the food please?

Can you see the pitch from the press box? I have often wondered.

Food thread >>>>>

Corndog won't stray away from his usual territory anyway.

You can get a good Balti in Brum, remember to go for the traditional option though, half and half.