Barton & Faurlin pairing

[loftustoad]

Listening to Derry's Talksport interview, he gave the indication that it would be himself that could be missing from the starting 11 at the Newcastle game.

Neil at the beginning of the summer told him that he was bringing in somebody in his position and that turned out to be Joey Barton. So at first when I heard this I though right well Faurlin plays there too so either one of them could be replaced. But then Shaun went on to say that last season he was sure that Neil would have liked to give him a rest at some point but he couldnt because there was only 2 players that play in the 'anchor' role and the other one was Mahon who was injured all year. So judging by this, Neil obviously sees Derry's and Faurlin's positions differently despite them both being holding midfielders. I knew their styles of play were different but this clearly means the positions aren't the same either.

I'm sure that Barton is quite a versatile player so this could change after the Newcastle game quite easily, but for the Newcastle game I feel that Neil is starting with Barton & Faurlin in holding midfield.

Could be wrong, but just thought I'd share that.

[MYU]

Shift work.

[Morris]

I said from the start it would be Barton and Faurlin. Tough on Derry but that's football.

[qpr]

Sorry to go a little off-topic but can I just say 4-2-3-1 is my favorite formation and we've been so lucky to have Derry & Faurlin playing the defence midfield slots last season

[Fez]

Time for Faurlin to step up then!

[NW_Hoopz]

Time for Faurlin to step up then!

I really really hope he does, as my Dream Team is getting a real bashing

[Bluehoop]

Didn't he speak well though, great hour's entertainment and My Lord, you truly are a legend at the Bush even after such a short time

[mikeyhg]

When was he on from so I can have a listen tomorrow (later today)

[BennyBoyRs]

I'm not so sure. Derry has been our best player, whilst Faurlin has been less than impressive this campaign. I think Faurlin will be class in time, but I'd certainly go with Derry over Ali to start with, if it was down to me.

You play you're best / most in form team always.

[stainrod10]

Still maintain that AF is over-arated. Decent enough, but average.

[qpr4eva89]

Still maintain that AF is over-arated. Decent enough, but average.

Agreed

[2touch]

Still maintain that AF is over-arated. Decent enough, but average.

Don't you remember how our patch of poor form, which started with a home loss to Watford last season, coincided with Faurlin's injury lay off? He doesn't do a lot of spectacular things, so he is easy not to notice, but his passing and ball retention is very important for us.

[W12_Ranger]

Listened to the full interview wasn't given that impression, I find it highly unlikely that he would start announcing that Barton will come in for Faurlin.

Fans overanalyse the slightest comments too much, I think it's likely that our midfield will rotate and Derry and Barton will start many matches together.

Personally I think it will be Faurlin who makes way and will partner Barton long term.

[MattyRangers]

Still maintain that AF is over-arated. Decent enough, but average.

YOu can really only be making such a statement based upon Bolton & Wigan games?

Unargueably, last year he was a brilliant player with consistantly high quality perfromances. Agreed?

This year, against Everton he was superb, being described by 1 of their fans writing an article on the game as "a class act" (i think they were the words he used anyway!). Adapting to the PL will take time, look at David de Gea, Drogba, Dzeko: all were/are slow starting in the PL. Out of 3 games having 1 superb game is not a bad start at all, especially considering we are a new team to the league also.

He will, no doubt, become a key player for us.

[W12hoops]

Listened to the full interview wasn't given that impression, I find it highly unlikely that he would start announcing that Barton will come in for Faurlin.

Fans overanalyse the slightest comments too much, I think it's likely that our midfield will rotate and Derry and Barton will start many matches together.

Personally I think it will be Faurlin who makes way and will partner Barton long term.