Pardew has stated that the first player on the teamsheet is Cabaye. It has become abundantly clear that this must change. He had a reasonable game against City but the vast majority of the time he is hugely disappointing. Over zealous in tackling, moaning and complaining to refs, off the pace, average passing and his free kicks are a joke (is it in his contract that he must take them?). He wasn't missed yesterday and he shouldn't start against Hull. This will be the acid test to see if Pardew really wants to change things.

Personally I wouldn't change the team barring injuries. When Cabaye was signed I thought that he would be the lynch pin around which the whole team could be built but this hasn't materialised. Whilst your idea of moving him further forward might be inspired I worry that it will be another square peg in a round hole. Whilst these type of switches are inevitable when there is only one natural player at the club like Pape (with a 25 man squad this shouldn't happen barring 2 injuries at that position) too many and the team will struggle. Produces more confusion, something Cabaye's re-introduction might precipitate. I'm still unsure what position Cabaye is best suited to, the proverbial curates egg.

Edited by Booted Eagle (04 Dec 2016 6.35pm)

Edited by Booted Eagle (04 Dec 2016 6.38pm)

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