Carlos Vela could start for Albion
Wednesday 20th April 2011, 12:16PM BST.
Albion loanee Carlos Vela is in contention for a start at Tottenham on Saturday.
Assistant boss Michael Appleton today confirmed the Mexico international is pushing hard for place in the line-up at White Hart Lane.
Vela has begun a match just once since his loan move from Arsenal in January but has hit vital equalisers against Wolves and Stoke as a substitute and impressed off the bench against Chelsea on Saturday.
Appleton said: “We were delighted with his 15 or 20 minutes on Saturday.
“He looks very sharp in training and he is a player who can play in two or three different positions and Tottenham is going to be slightly different to Chelsea, albeit they are a team who like to have possession a lot.
“So when we do win possession of the ball back I’d like to think we can be a little more clever than we were in the first half on Saturday and Carlos comes into that category.
“I’m sure he will be in the manager’s thoughts quite heavily after his appearance on Saturday.
“He has made an impact when he’s come on as a sub and I suppose when you have that ready to come on at any time it’s a bonus for anybody.
“He is a Mexico international, so he must have some ability, and he’s come from Arsenal, so we’re very aware of his talents.”
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I like him and think he deserves a strting place.
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Vela looked like quicksilver against Chelsea.
If he gets a run, we might get another session with him next season.
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(2)
Cyril,
I’ve heard Arsenal are clearing the decks in the Summer, Vela is in the list of players leaving.
Wonder what his fee will be.
BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.
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I hope vela starts Peter needs more support and think Vela more of a threat than others.
Its a game were a point would be a bonus they
will think its game won against us they were on top first half at our place but we deserved
better than a point. Hopefully they will be
less fresh having played tonight but we must
have a plan to stop Bale hopefully he will be
unfit to face us. Would like to see Jara used
in midfield Scharner needs a rest.
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Whatever his fee is, we should aim to sign him. The guy is a class act.
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We definitely need some other options in attack ; I think we rely on Peter Od too much at present.
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I’ve been impressed with Vela ever since I first saw clips of him on YouTube,and there’s no doubt he’s got bags of natural ability.
Having said that,I still think Roy will use him as an impact player,because he’s a similar build,and has a similar style,to Peter,so playing both together would mean having a player less in midfield (unless he’s used in place of Morrison,maybe?).
I’d love it if we signed him permanently,but in reality,chances are pretty slim.
Even if Arsenal were prepared to sell,I can see other top clubs making an offer that would pay him a high salary,and most likely a strong chance of European football.
Still,we live in hope,he may love the Black Country,who wouldn’t?
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(5,6)
WBA-Mad, Hatfield,
Certainly agree with you. Hope Spurs energy levels are low, having played midweek. I would give Tchoyi a place on the right and rest Thomas. Tchoyi’s height on the far post would be just the job for Brunts left wing crosses.
—————–Odenwingie——————
————Vela—————————–
Brunt—–Scharner———-Mulumbu—–Tchoyi
Shorey——–Olsson———Meite——–Reid
——————–Carson——————–
BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.
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3.Jack, I hope you’re right. Certainly Arsene is under pressure to win something soon, some of it self generated, so he may just ‘clear the decks’ as you aptly put it.
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Just read above that Roberto is fancied at Brentford. Good luck if he gets it and lots of success to him.
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(7)
Cantello,
Course he’d love the black Country, especially if he’s tried “Grey paes un baercun” and a couple of pints of ” Sledge Hommer”. Also his club Wouldn’t be in the same area as the Custard- Bowl.
BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.
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Hope Roberto Di Matteo gets the job with Brentford. Couldn’t happen to a better up and coming Head Coach. You’ll be back in the Premiership one day. All the best.
BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.
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