The Trotters vs Mighty Russian Empire (Chelski away)

[Choppers]

You'd start Taylor before Petrov?

Every time at the moment, yes.

I'm a fan of Taylor's and think he always gets a lot of stick, mostly because people see him as "Megson's man". Any "lack of effort" has disappeared and the signing of Petrov seems to be the kick up the arse he needed.

He's a better crosser of the ball, better at dead balls (imho) and nowhere near as wasteful on the ball as Petrov. Also, he helps out defensively, which you need from a winger these days, especially against a team like Chelsea.

I find it horrifying people are so willing to sell him given how many goals he can get.

[jimbo]

You'd start Taylor before Petrov?

Aye, we need people who won't give the ball away easily and will work their knackers off when they do to get it back, rather than someone who tires easily and may just stay upfield if they feel a little tired. Save Petrov to exploit the space late on when they're pushing to get back in the game!

[Lofthouse Lower]

You'd start Taylor before Petrov?

Every time at the moment, yes.

I'm a fan of Taylor's and think he always gets a lot of stick, mostly because people see him as "Megson's man". Any "lack of effort" has disappeared and the signing of Petrov seems to be the kick up the arse he needed.

He's a better crosser of the ball, better at dead balls (imho) and nowhere near as wasteful on the ball as Petrov. Also, he helps out defensively, which you need from a winger these days, especially against a team like Chelsea.

I find it horrifying people are so willing to sell him given how many goals he can get.

Until this season

[Wandering Willy]

He's a better crosser of the ball, better at dead balls (imho) and nowhere near as wasteful on the ball as Petrov.

Not for me.

Also, he helps out defensively

Yes - but if you subscribe to "the first goal is key" theory, as I do, I would go for it and start Petrov.

[Lofthouse Lower]

He's a better crosser of the ball, better at dead balls (imho) and nowhere near as wasteful on the ball as Petrov.

Not for me.

Also, he helps out defensively

Yes - but if you subscribe to "the first goal is key" theory, as I do, I would go for it and start Petrov.

Agree on both counts.

Give me the exciting possibility over the boring probability

[Choppers]

Petrov has started 6 more games yet they have the same amount of assists, and Petrov has scored 2 more.

Like I said, some people have it in for Taylor for no good reason.

Aside from that though, optimism is great and we're doing well, but lets not end up like Newcastle fans eh? We're having a cracking season but we're still Bolton and we're still playing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

[Lofthouse Lower]

Or they have it in for him based on personal opinion backed up by experience of watching him.

[Choppers]

Or they have it in for him based on personal opinion backed up by experience of watching him.

Of course, yeah.

[Wandering Willy]

You'd start Taylor before Petrov?

Aye, we need people who won't give the ball away easily and will work their knackers off when they do to get it back, rather than someone who tires easily and may just stay upfield if they feel a little tired. Save Petrov to exploit the space late on when they're pushing to get back in the game!

It's a close call Jimbo but my feeling is that we have been better when Taylor has come off the bench to replace Petrov. Stats may or may not back this up - just my impression.

Can't be back heeling it outside our own box though!!

[Lofthouse Lower]

I think Rodrigo is a better bet for the closing-stages-pace-athon at the moment, especially if they play Ferreira

[boltonboris]

I'm hoping Ferreira starts.. Bosingwa is worse defensively, but offers a lot more width. They could really outnumber us in the middle third, if he pushes on

[Choppers]

Another reason not to play Petrov on the left (if Bosingwa starts) imho.

[Lofthouse Lower]

Aye, he could be used as an impact player in the final 20mins then.

Need someone pacy on the right to negate Cole, as shown by Walcott t'other night.

[Verbal]

I'm in the Taylor over Petrov camp. The former has been doing his duties well without fuss, whereas with Petrov hasn't been tracking back effectively (something you need with Chelsea's overlapping fullbacks). Petrov is alot better as an impact-sub IMO

[Worthy4England]

The Petrov V Taylor conversation is a bit moot.

When we have a decent Manager in charge as we have now, I'm usually happy to trust their judgement - similar to Allardyce with Andranik. They see them in training day in and day out.

I'd probably rather watch Petrov, but he's a lazy feck defensively and gives the ball away too much, which I suspect is why Coyle is playing Taylor in front of him.

I think he might switch them today and play both, with Taylor on the right.

[Tombwfc]

You'd start Taylor before Petrov?

Is there a sane person on the planet that wouldn't?

[Verbal]

Wouldn't be surprised if he put Elmo on the right tbh.

[Wandering Willy]

The Petrov V Taylor conversation is a bit moot.

When we have a decent Manager in charge as we have now, I'm usually happy to trust their judgement - similar to Allardyce with Andranik. They see them in training day in and day out.

I'd probably rather watch Petrov, but he's a lazy feck defensively and gives the ball away too much, which I suspect is why Coyle is playing Taylor in front of him.

I think he might switch them today and play both, with Taylor on the right.

Nail/Head there Worthy.

Just hope you are right about the relative positions. I am not sure it worked when we played Talyor left and Petrov right (Sunderland?).

[boltonboris]

Another reason not to play Petrov on the left (if Bosingwa starts) imho.

Cole is the main threat. And he's solid as a rock defensively.

Yes, Bosingwa may get freedom, but Petrov has the ability to absolutely muller him in one on one situations.

Cole on the other hand would have pretty much anybody in his pocket at the back, but still join in at the other end!

Taylor to curtail Cole. Petrov to have a go at Bosingwa

[Wandering Willy]

You'd start Taylor before Petrov?

Is there a sane person on the planet that wouldn't?

Me - wait, I see what you did there