Starting team for next couple

[Pinchy]

Leon is suspended.

Against Bolton? I thought it finished on Saturday? Oh, well - play him anyway. The owners can pay the fine from their unlimited funds...

 

[LenTednTony]

I really hope that the inclusion of The Don will improve the scoring. As said before, we have created chamces but only put a limited number of them away. It's time for us to give someone a reight towsing! COYRAWWW

 

[snootyfenooty]

He's fundamental to the way we play. His understanding with Coutts and Fleck improves them both and he links midfield and attack very well.

Sunderland are a nervous team with nervous fans. We don't want to sit back too much and invite them on. We need to get at them, close them down, make them make mistakes so the crowd gets on their back. Stick Brooksy on when they're tired.

I said many times last season that when Duffy went off knackered after 65 mins or so, United instantly lost their shape. During more than a few games where we were coasting until he went off, we ended up in a backs-to-the-wall situation for the lasts 20 minutes. The only player with a similar style to Duffy is Brooks so I would interchange the two. Carruthers has actually been OK this season but the midfield doesn't seem to tick quite so well when he's in instead of Duffy.

 

[Sharrow Snuff Mill]

CW said Henegan is one for them to work with, so can`t see him being in the matchday squad. As Bushblade said, Brooks is one to bring on later when a spark is needed or the opposition begin to tire. Expect Duffy to start and be subbed later. Our settled team will hopefully give us a good share of possession, and deny them , who are as yet a changed set of individuals, too many opportunities to create chances. Should get something out of the game.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

This is how I would set up

...Blackman​

Baldock....CCV .Heneghan.... JOC
...................Basham....
.....Coutts .....Fleck .......Brooks
........Donaldson...Sharp

Have you been going this season Barney? Personally, I think it would be criminal to drop Enda Stevens. He was MoM for me against the dingles and very good against Derby (although he should have scored). Duffy has been very good too and doesn’t deserve to be drpped. Same could be said of Jake Wright and to some extent Freeman.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Can't believe folk are advocating dropping Duffy - for me he's been very good since he came back in.

Same team for me - with the obvious Donaldson for Lavery.

Couldn’t agree more. Duffy will probably come off after 65-70 minutes as he tends to at which point, depending on the balance of the game, it could be good to introduce Brooks.

 

[Grappler]

Duffy has to start, for me, thought he was outstanding against Derby, until subbed.

The only change, for me, would be Donaldson straight in up front.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Just the one change for Saturday.

Against Hoofiton, we'll need all the big guys we can get to counter their set piece threat. We might well see Big Ben start. He's match fit and has a reputation for winning everything in the air. It's possible we'll go with Leon and Clayton up front, again for the height and strength. CW is not afraid to change things around when we have three games in seven days.

Given the way we put them to the sword last season and particularly the joy that Billy had against them, I’d be surprised he didn’t start that one.


Agree we might look to be a bit more physical. Maybe pushing Bash into the midfield and bringing CCV in. Then again, we outfootballed them so comprehensively last time we played them that he might not want to dilute that footballing ability in midfield.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

It's the Brooks obsession. They can't wait to gerriminatallcosts. I blame Junior Computer Manager.

If it was an area where we were light on options, given what he’s shown so far, I’d advocate “gerrinhimin”. But Duffy has been a key player for the last year or so and I can see absolutely no reason to drop him. Brooks is a great option to have on the bench but there’s no need for change for change’s sake in the first team when the likes of Duffy are playing as well as they are.

 

[Barney]

Its certainly unfamiliar, but its also changing the entire defence and midfield to accommodate a system which may or may not work.

You may indeed be correct, change the system to something which is defensively minded away from home, however, I think, because of the unfamiliarity that we have with the system, the players would struggle to adapt, especially as you’re also handing out 3 debuts in the team you presented.

I’m all for change if things don’t work, so perhaps bring in one of the two new centre halves and try something slightly different, Evolution not revolution.

Our home form has proved that we are fairly capable, even at the back, conceding 1 goal in 3 games.

I’d also urge caution, last season, albeit in a division lower against shite opposition, we played some of the best football of my (almost) 40 years, we played with a system which exploited the wing backs and scored freely.

This season has been different, chances are hard to come by, but I also agree with Wilder, we need to be better up top and at the back. I also think there is room for improvement in the midfield and certainly at wing backs, because both wingbacks have struggled. However, I don’t think it’s a red flag to say that the system is wrong. We are still creating chances, but not finishing them. We’re defending ok, but also making individual mistakes.

5 games into a 46 games season, its not the time to radically overhaul things. Personally I think a return to a back four would be a mistake, the players aren’t at the club to make it work. And ironically, the back four is more familiar to most of us on here than the back three.

Playing a 3 at the back with wing backs worked well last season, but that was last season in a league that is totally different to the league we're in now. If we carry on using that system in the championship, I'm afraid we will get thrashed a lot of the time.

If we somehow end up getting a team of top end championship players, then yes, by all means pick up that all-out-attack style of play again, as we will have the calibre of players to minimise the risks with the system. Until then though let's walk before we run.

 

[RammyBlade]

Against Bolton? I thought it finished on Saturday? Oh, well - play him anyway. The owners can pay the fine from their unlimited funds...

Leon is free too play against Bolton - he served Derby, Leicester and complete against Sunderland so available for Notlob

 

[SwissBlade]

Playing a 3 at the back with wing backs worked well last season, but that was last season in a league that is totally different to the league we're in now. If we carry on using that system in the championship, I'm afraid we will get thrashed a lot of the time.

If we somehow end up getting a team of top end championship players, then yes, by all means pick up that all-out-attack style of play again, as we will have the calibre of players to minimise the risks with the system. Until then though let's walk before we run.

I disagree, its a system which still works. going 4 at the back is a big move to make when the transfer window has closed and we've bought the players for that system

 

[ChipButtyBlade]

Don Duffy must play.

 

[Boxer Blade]

I think Sunderland will be up and at us at the start, longer game goes on without them scoring the quicker there fans will get restless and the pressure will mount, we need to be patient, Middlesborough away a few weeks ago we were chasing them all over the pitch early on, Duffy came on and we started to hold the ball better and started to create things, I realise its a different game and anything can happen but for me hold the ball and be patient, let the pressure mount and kill them off with quality possession and passing, we know we have this ability, Duffy has to start.

 

[Barney]

I disagree, its a system which still works. going 4 at the back is a big move to make when the transfer window has closed and we've bought the players for that system

If we stay with a back 3 I fear it will cost us over the season but agree to disagree. All about opinions innit.

 

[SwissBlade]

If we stay with a back 3 I fear it will cost us over the season but agree to disagree. All about opinions innit.

We've conceded zero goals at home... it's not a disaster

 

[Barney]

We've conceded zero goals at home... it's not a disaster

It would be naive to presume that we aren't going to have some far tougher times this season.

 

[SwissBlade]

It would be naive to presume that we aren't going to have some far tougher times this season.

Agreed.

But it would be even more naive and possibly suicidal to attempt an entirely new systems with players that are untried in a tough away game when the sensible thing would be to make small changes if any.

Given the last two home games I'd at least give the current set up a few more games before we throw the baby out with the bath water

 

[Sothall_Blade]

Playing a 3 at the back with wing backs worked well last season, but that was last season in a league that is totally different to the league we're in now. If we carry on using that system in the championship, I'm afraid we will get thrashed a lot of the time.

If we somehow end up getting a team of top end championship players, then yes, by all means pick up that all-out-attack style of play again, as we will have the calibre of players to minimise the risks with the system. Until then though let's walk before we run.

We've already played two of our toughest away matches of the season.

Narrowly beaten by Boro and well beaten by Cardiff but not "thrashed" by either of them.

That and very comfortable victories against Barnsley and Derby suggest that we'll be just fine sticking to 3-5-2 and our attacking style of play.

I'd certainly hate to see us abandon it and go too defensive without giving it a chance first.

It hasn't failed us so far and I very much doubt we'll be thrashed most of the time. Not sure what you've been watching to be honest.

 

[Barney]

We've already played two of our toughest away matches of the season.

Narrowly beaten by Boro and well beaten by Cardiff but not "thrashed" by either of them.

That and very comfortable victories against Barnsley and Derby suggest that we'll be just fine sticking to 3-5-2 and our attacking style of play.

I'd certainly hate to see us abandon it and go too defensive without giving it a chance first.

It certainly hasn't failed us so far and I very much doubt we'll be thrashed most of the time. Not sure what you've been watching to be honest.

I'm not debating that it's worked so far. Let's hope it continues to work

 

[Dec]

I'm not debating that it's worked so far. Let's hope it continues to work

It's like you're trying to make an 'out there' point so that if it does go pear shaped and we start shipping lots of goals, you can be there to say you were right.

If you think it's worked so far, why the fuck change it?!

 

[Raythebs26blade]

As a new member first time I must say he can't drop Freeman or Duffy team must be same as but with Donaldson as the only change

 

[Houston_Blade]

I think we need a different option for away games against better teams. As Barney alludes to we are a bit exposed with the system that serves us well against lesser teams last year.

I don't think Barneys crazy, square peg in round hole option is the right one but I hope Wilder and Knill have one up their sleeves.

 

[SwissBlade]

I think we need a different option for away games against better teams. As Barney alludes to we are a bit exposed with the system that serves us well against lesser teams last year.

I don't think Barneys crazy, square peg in round hole option is the right one but I hope Wilder and Knill have one up their sleeves.

Yeah I don't disagree with that, however despite individual errors I think the back three is as strong, if not stronger than a back 2. We have the players for it, I think we've seen that even perhaps those who were questioned marks have stepped up - Wright looks quality and Basham is really polishing his game.

I also think that despite freeman and Stevens being pushed out of games at Cardiff and bullied at boro, they still have the ability to do the job in away games as wingbacks

Leaving ourselves with 4 at the back makes a counter attack a little tougher and I honestly don't believe that we have the fullbacks at the club

1-2 strikers in away games is also flexible if we need to pack the midfield we can but also drop a striker out to fill the space between a deeper midfield two of coutts and fleck. I think the midfield will be where the difference is made.

Very few sides play more than 2 up front and certainly no more than 3, that being the case we would end up with more spare players sitting deeper and marking space.

 

[Houston_Blade]

Yeah I don't disagree with that, however despite individual errors I think the back three is as strong, if not stronger than a back 2. We have the players for it, I think we've seen that even perhaps those who were questioned marks have stepped up - Wright looks quality and Basham is really polishing his game.

I also think that despite freeman and Stevens being pushed out of games at Cardiff and bullied at boro, they still have the ability to do the job in away games as wingbacks

Leaving ourselves with 4 at the back makes a counter attack a little tougher and I honestly don't believe that we have the fullbacks at the club

1-2 strikers in away games is also flexible if we need to pack the midfield we can but also drop a striker out to fill the space between a deeper midfield two of coutts and fleck. I think the midfield will be where the difference is made.

Very few sides play more than 2 up front and certainly no more than 3, that being the case we would end up with more spare players sitting deeper and marking space.

I'd go with that, I also think a flexible 5-4-1 that could turn into a 3-5-2 if we were dominating would work. Keep the wing backs a bit deeper and have an attacking and defensive CM option.

However I've gone mad over the years when we've left a good goal scorer (Sharp or Donaldson now) isolated and if Sharp plays up front on his own all the "Sharp is shit" brigade will be back out in force. I do however think with 1 up top the striker understands that they're taking one for the team, it's some fans that don't.

I don't hold out much hope against Sunderland on the basis that on paper they look bloody good, however if we can get at them and ruffle a few feathers they'll lose interest. We need to score first away though and see how a team reacts as chasing the game at 1-0 down leaves us exposed.

 

[Dec]

If we're gonna change it to a 4 at the back for away games then I'd try:

-------------Blackman
Baldock CCV JOC Stevens
-----------Coutts Fleck
----Duffy---------------Brooks
-------Sharp Donaldson

 

[blade67]

Donaldson in for the Sunderland game, and that'll be it. I'm looking forward to seeing him, might be a short term signing but ultimately I think he's one of the few signings who will improve our starting 11. Also think he's a better partner for Sharp than anyone else we've got.

That's my take on it.

Baldock will push freeman
Ccv will push basham
Brooks goes another step up the ladder and will probably get on unless we get injuries during the game

 

[I should coco]

Playing a 3 at the back with wing backs worked well last season, but that was last season in a league that is totally different to the league we're in now. If we carry on using that system in the championship, I'm afraid we will get thrashed a lot of the time.

Barney, not like you to swallow the La Liga / mind the gap line.

I expected both Derby and Brentford to be top 6 or thereabouts and we despatched them at the Lane.

At the risk of sounding like Pinchy, let them worry about us. CW/AK have the sense to change if required so no cap doffing here.

#Bring'emon
#Bring'emallon

 

[SwissBlade]

I'd go with that, I also think a flexible 5-4-1 that could turn into a 3-5-2 if we were dominating would work. Keep the wing backs a bit deeper and have an attacking and defensive CM option.

However I've gone mad over the years when we've left a good goal scorer (Sharp or Donaldson now) isolated and if Sharp plays up front on his own all the "Sharp is shit" brigade will be back out in force. I do however think with 1 up top the striker understands that they're taking one for the team, it's some fans that don't.

I don't hold out much hope against Sunderland on the basis that on paper they look bloody good, however if we can get at them and ruffle a few feathers they'll lose interest. We need to score first away though and see how a team reacts as chasing the game at 1-0 down leaves us exposed.

Well thats the good thing with the 3-5-2, for the way we play:
- Defend in numbers
- Attack in numbers

It relies on a lot of hard work and organisation, i.e. when we lose the ball, we organise ourselves to get back in position behind the ball with 3-5 or 5-3. Clough actually started this system and bought players for this, to an extent

The key for us is not necessarily the formation, but the organisation to play within that system, players will know their role in the back 3/5

 

[SwissBlade]

At the risk of sounding like Pinchy, let them worry about us. CW/AK have the sense to change if required so no cap doffing here.

#Bring'emon
#Bring'emallon

Agree to an extent, we do that at home, but away teams are much more expressive that its hard to ignore the threat of the likes of Boro or Sunderland when they attack