Good Old Midfield Again

Before the Copenhagen game it seemed certain we would see the Ronaldo-Carrick-Scholes-Giggs midfield for the first time this season. Giggs' sickness denied Fergie then but now he'll surely be able to field all four of them.

Of course, there is the possibility he opts against this line-up. Last time a really serious opponent came to Old Trafford, the boss deployed John O'Shea alongside Paul Scholes in the midfield with the obvious intent of breaking up Arsenal's attacks there. He might try the same trick again though it's fair to say it did not work last time. Now he won't need the constantly improving Fletcher on the wing, so he can partner Scholes and I'm convinced his tenacious, hard-working style could compensate Liverpool's physical superiority which was there to see in last season's correspondent fixture.

I would not be worried if the gaffer chose Carrick again. But I'm terrified of the thought he might opt for O'Shea again. He's simply not good enough against quality oppositions, his inconsistency can cause us huge problems. He can do a splendid job against the likes of Wigan and Newcastle but he was completely out of his depth against Rosicky and co, not to mention the shambles of a game at Stamford Bridge in April. The Irishman is a physical presence, he tackles well and no doubt that these attributes could make him a decent holding midfielder. But he moves and thinks as a defender - watch his horrible backpasses against Arsenal and you'll know what I mean...

So, for me, it's a question of Carrick or Fletcher? Ginger Prince is majestic this season, there's no reason to drop him AND he can score goals. Carrick's elegant passing or Fletcher's tireless running? Or maybe Fergie is going to disappoint me wit deploying O'Shea? If it happens, I hope the Irishman will prove me wrong.

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