looking to get 1 stoke and 1 liverpool midfielder in my OFL squad

so for £8.5m which pairing do you think will do best or are they too close to call?

A+P over the first few weeks, consiering Gerrard is out (meaning Adam gets more scoring opportunities) and Etherington has rib problems (allegedly)

D+E might be the better bet beyond that. Difficult to call.

No strong view between Adam and Downing, but prefer Etherington to Pennant. On the basis that A&E was not allowed, I voted D&E.

I prefer Downing to Adam simply because so many of Adam`s points came from penalties and I doubt he will be taking them this year. Overall I would call these alternatives too close to call and as I will have a handful of teams I will cover the bases and make some switches if and when it becomes clearer which players are the best bets.

I agree with Biscuitman....and if it had been offered Charlie Adam,Matty E....I think is the best pairing...but if I cant have that its Downing & the E man

Snout - who says ME has rib problems? Source?

it has been reported that he had a cracked rib, but is expected to be fit for thursdays europa game

http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10310~2408194,00.html

thanks for your votes so far, seems pretty conclusive

Would also go adam and etherington and take the small cost hit... Otherwise Downing and Etherington for me!

Pretty conclusive already this, but Downing and Etherington for me.
From start I would prefer Downing over Adam (even with Gerrard out), no guarantees Adam will take pens because of Kuyt (or Suarez/Carroll or even Downing!). Downing also more of a nailed on starter long term, really not sure what'll happen with Adam when Gerrard's fit.