[han2503]

Taking the plunge by opening the first match thread of the season.

I think Balo will be ready for this one according to what's being said but there are doubts over Robinho, DS and Abate

Mexes is suspended

[han2503]

In what way am I going in line with Allegri here? In fact I'm saying I want the exact opposite. in that I want none of the 3 of them in the team, 3 players he picks regularly when fit.

De Jong has been one of the most in shape players in pre-season, he along with Monto are the only quality players in our midfield. Your personal dislike for him shouldn't cloud your judgment.

Second of all, you've been defending Allegri's decision to constantly play Muntari ever since he came here, no matter who the better alternative is, you've even went as far as to provide some terrible stats on Muntari's part to defend your stance.

Ideally neither of them would start, you're right there, but you didn't say that. You went into Muntari's defence and didn't say who you'd want to start instead of him

[KillerMax]

De Jong has been one of the most in shape players in pre-season, he along with Monto are the only quality players in our midfield.

I agree that de Jong is a good player, but you are contradicting yourself here when just a few posts ago you said: "And pre-season games don't count much in assessing performances."

[X-Offender]

I agree that de Jong is a good player, but you are contradicting yourself here when just a few posts ago you said: "And pre-season games don't count much in assessing performances."

True, but we're talking about his condition, cos we already know that he's a good player.