Can Man Utd Handle Ben Arfa?

07 October 2012 11:13
Is Hatem Ben Arfa the player to take the game to Manchester United at St James's Park today?

The 25-year-old, outstanding so far this season, was an unused substitute, along with top-scorer Demba Ba, when Pardew’s team beat Bordeaux 3-0 in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Alan Pardew: “You need fresh legs for Man United – and bright minds.

“It’s bright minds more than legs – they’ll be sharp in the mind, and that’ll be important.

“Hatem will relish this game – he loves these games. He’s got ability that matches anyone in Man United, and I don’t say that lightly.

"James Perch and Mike Williamson could again deputise for Steven Taylor and Colo.

“They’ve played more minutes than everyone else, Perchie and Willo.

“The only thing that worries me a little bit is fatigue, not ability.

“Having said that, they were brilliant against Bordeaux. At the end of the game, we had a chance to rest, which was important. They didn’t have 20 minutes of bombshells in the box.

“They’ll be fresh for this one, and they need to be. They’re up against the best strikeforce in the league.”

Source: FOOTYMAD