I think we see Lampard off the bench if we're chasing a goal for Lopez, Mix starts for Bravo.
Mid-week both Lampard and Mix play with Harrison playing LW for McNamara.
And Eirik Johansen is going to play CF...
I think we see Lampard off the bench if we're chasing a goal for Lopez, Mix starts for Bravo.
Mid-week both Lampard and Mix play with Harrison playing LW for McNamara.
Maybe it's an opportunity to get to know the lads better or something. And explore another city.So is Lampard suddenly game fit, or is this being done for appearances?* I'm going to assume this is the latter unless I seem him in the 18. Hey look, he actually is part of the team.
* Which I would be OK with. I just posted yesterday that he needs to start doing things for appearances sake.
Maybe he's been reading this thread and he wants to check out the strip clubs and donut shops.Maybe it's an opportunity to get to know the lads better or something. And explore another city.
Maybe he's been reading this thread and he wants to check out the strip clubs and donut shops.
Finally! Someone tall enough to get his head on the ball in front of goal.And Eirik Johansen is going to play CF...
He only practiced with the first team for a little bit before hobbling off on his own. He's not playing. But just wait until he's listed as questionable like he has literally every other week, except for two, since he's been out.So is Lampard suddenly game fit, or is this being done for appearances?* I'm going to assume this is the latter unless I seem him in the 18. Hey look, he actually is part of the team.
* Which I would be OK with. I just posted yesterday that he needs to start doing things for appearances sake.
He only practiced with the first team for a little bit before hobbling off on his own. He's not playing. But just wait until he's listed as questionable like he has literally every other week, except for two, since he's been out.
I actually went back and looked at his injury designation:His status as questionable is questionable.
I said that week's agoAnd Eirik Johansen is going to play CF...
I don't think they rest their big name guys this game.I watched a big chunk of the last two Timbers games and our game is a big one for them. They bossed the first half and then gave up 2 goals in 2 minutes and really fell apart the 2nd. 2 games in a row they coughed up a lead and lost. It was really humid last night. Nobody is used to that yet and most of the players were more gassed than usual. I think their regulars are going to have tired legs. The flip side is I am expecting PV to rest some of our guys on the turf. With Bravo out it seems like this is a perfect game to put Mix or Grabavoy in for Pirlo and Villa has played just about every minute this season. Wondering if he is going to get a breather this game.
I've been thinking about this. Does Vieira actually care more about the derby? But seriously though, would he prioritize that game over another game? There's a 50/50 split in my head whether he would prioritize that game our would treat it like any other game.I don't think they rest their big name guys this game.
It's been a week since the last game and I fully expect Vieira to rest key guys like Villa and Pirlo against Toronto instead, simply so they're fresh for the derby.
Perfect.
#8 playing on that crap field in Portland = reinjuring the oft injured calf muscle thus returning to day to day for the next 6 weeks.
I suspect he does at some level because:I've been thinking about this. Does Vieira actually care more about the derby? But seriously though, would he prioritize that game over another game? There's a 50/50 split in my head whether he would prioritize that game our would treat it like any other game.
I fully agree and hope that he does indeed see it as a big game for us.I suspect he does at some level because:
(1) It is a home match against an eastern conference team which are the most important times to get three points.
(2) Simply as a human being and a competitor, he cannot be entirely immune to the extra import that the fans and likely some of the players will place on it, the environment in the stadium, the extra national attention that this game will get, the implications for marketing the team, etc.
So, my guess is that it means something to him, though I doubt it is nearly as distinctive from other matches for him as it is for us.
I fully agree and hope that he does indeed see it as a big game for us.
Not just because it's an Eastern Conference game but because it's Jersey.
He's played for Arsenal, he knows how big London derbies are, especially the North London Derby. If he doesn't put out our best team for the RBNJ game, he'll be eaten alive. ESPECIALLY if we lose.
I fully agree and hope that he does indeed see it as a big game for us.
Not just because it's an Eastern Conference game but because it's Jersey.
He's played for Arsenal, he knows how big London derbies are, especially the North London Derby. If he doesn't put out our best team for the RBNJ game, he'll be eaten alive. ESPECIALLY if we lose.