Team for West Brom

[LondonBlade89]

Come on then - let's help each other get through this Friday. The team's not exactly picking itself at the moment, so it's probably worth a thread on this.

My main thinking:

• Our left hand side has been woeful of late. I think it's too soon for Max Lowe. He doesn't get forward and he leaves gaping holes at the back (the drilled pass to the right hand side has been a major outlet for recent opposition). If Stevens is back fit, and Ampadu isn't injured, you go with Ampadu LCB and Stevens LWB. With Fleck hopefully being a bit sharper than last week, maybe they'll click a bit better. Ampadu isn't left footed, nor is he the ideal LCB, but he's good defensively and he's got the confidence to get on the ball and step up and go forward.
• Start Brewster up top. He can be lively at least and looked sharper when he came on against West Ham. That through ball was a peach, and I think this game is a game for him. McGoldrick edges it for me to be his strike partner because McBurnie is so out of form and Didsy can find ways of bringing Brewster into the game. I also hate how one-dimensional we can become with McBurnie on the field. It just gives us licence to hoof it. Our passing strategy at the moment when we're building is 1) pass backwards, 2) hit McBurnie up top or 3) play a genuinely progressive pass. Obviously this is a bigger issue but at least without McBurnie it maybe makes us slightly more likely to make a good pass.
• Go Norwood again at central midfield. Imagine he'll have more time on the ball here. I did strongly consider sticking Berge here and Lundstram at RCM - or even dropping Berge (that's a separate discussion, I know he's one of our top players at the moment, but it warranted thought) - but I think this is the one to try again with Fleck hopefully sharper.
• If possible, ie. god forbid we're not chasing the game, give Bogle a go off the bench.

Starting line-up:

Ramsdale,
Basham, Egan, Ampadu,
Baldock, Berge, Norwood, Fleck, Stevens,
McGoldrick, Brewster

Subs: Verrips, Jags, Bogle, Osborn, Lundstram, Mousset, McBurnie.

 

[8lade]

I could go with that and I believe you have the subs Wilder will opt for too with the exception of Bogle for whom Robinson will fill in. It angers me however that either Jagielka (past it) and Lundstram (Mr 90%) are in the squad ahead of Sharp who may as well go on loan now. I know we have enough strikers but alongside Basham and Egan he is the only other guy who will give everything for the cause (I would say 101% but I know that triggers some people).
edit: Just reread and I suspect you mean Lowe not Bogle.

 

[JKBlade]

Ramsdale
Baldock Basham Egan Stevens
Berge Norwood Fleck
McGoldrick
Brewster Burke​

 

[LondonBlade89]

I could go with that and I believe you have the subs Wilder will opt for too with the exception of Bogle for whom Robinson will fill in. It angers me however that either Jagielka (past it) and Lundstram (Mr 90%) are in the squad ahead of Sharp who may as well go on loan now. I know we have enough strikers but alongside Basham and Egan he is the only other guy who will give everything for the cause (I would say 101% but I know that triggers some people).
edit: Just reread and I suspect you mean Lowe not Bogle.

I didn't actually think about the fact that I was completely dropping Lowe from the matchday squad, but I do mean Bogle and not Lowe. Osborn can cover LWB as necessary. I genuinely think Lowe is quite far from being ready to start for us and I'd like Bogle to get a go. I don't think it's what Wilder will go for, but that's what I'd do. You could probably drop Jags for Robinson on my bench. Lundstram is a decent player and midfield cover. We don't have much else.

 

[Wards]

Reckon it'll be:

------------Ramsdale-------------------

--------Bash Egan Robinson-----------

Baldock Berge Ampadu Fleck Stevens

--------Brewster McGoldrick-----------




In a parallel universe where we change the system:

-------- Ramsdale---------------

Baldock Bash Egan Robinson

----------Berge Fleck-------------

---Burke McGoldrick Osborn---

-----------Brewster---------------

 

[guancheblade]

Come on then - let's help each other get through this Friday. The team's not exactly picking itself at the moment, so it's probably worth a thread on this.

My main thinking:

• Our left hand side has been woeful of late. I think it's too soon for Max Lowe. He doesn't get forward and he leaves gaping holes at the back (the drilled pass to the right hand side has been a major outlet for recent opposition). If Stevens is back fit, and Ampadu isn't injured, you go with Ampadu LCB and Stevens LWB. With Fleck hopefully being a bit sharper than last week, maybe they'll click a bit better. Ampadu isn't left footed, nor is he the ideal LCB, but he's good defensively and he's got the confidence to get on the ball and step up and go forward.
• Start Brewster up top. He can be lively at least and looked sharper when he came on against West Ham. That through ball was a peach, and I think this game is a game for him. McGoldrick edges it for me to be his strike partner because McBurnie is so out of form and Didsy can find ways of bringing Brewster into the game. I also hate how one-dimensional we can become with McBurnie on the field. It just gives us licence to hoof it. Our passing strategy at the moment when we're building is 1) pass backwards, 2) hit McBurnie up top or 3) play a genuinely progressive pass. Obviously this is a bigger issue but at least without McBurnie it maybe makes us slightly more likely to make a good pass.
• Go Norwood again at central midfield. Imagine he'll have more time on the ball here. I did strongly consider sticking Berge here and Lundstram at RCM - or even dropping Berge (that's a separate discussion, I know he's one of our top players at the moment, but it warranted thought) - but I think this is the one to try again with Fleck hopefully sharper.
• If possible, ie. god forbid we're not chasing the game, give Bogle a go off the bench.

Starting line-up:

Ramsdale,
Basham, Egan, Ampadu,
Baldock, Berge, Norwood, Fleck, Stevens,
McGoldrick, Brewster

Subs: Verrips, Jags, Bogle, Osborn, Lundstram, Mousset, McBurnie.

---------------------------------------Not Lundstram---------------------------------------
--------------------Not Lundstram - Not Lundstram - Not Lundstram-------------------
Not Lundstram - Not Lundstram - Not Lundstram - Not Lundstram - Not Lundstram
-----------------------------Not Lundstram - Not Lundstram-----------------------------

 

[bertieblade]

Just have a feeling that both Ampadu and Stevens will be unavailable

 

[guancheblade]

As per, my blend of what I think Wilder will go with and what I'd like to see given our injury situation

WILDER

Ramsdale

Basham - Egan - Ampadu

Baldock - Berge - Norwood - Fleck - Osborn

McBurnie - McGoldrick


Bench: Verrips, Jags, Robinson, Lowe, Lundstram, Burke, Brewster

vs

ME

Ramsdale

Basham - Egan - Jagielka

Baldock - Berge - Ampadu - Fleck - Osborn

Brewster - McGoldrick


Subs: Verrips, Robinson, Bogle, Norwood, Lundstram, Burke, Sharp


Regardless, if we are not winning by 60mins, Burke HAS to come on against his former club

 

[LondonBlade89]

As per, my blend of what I think Wilder will go with and what I'd like to see given our injury situation

WILDER

Ramsdale

Basham - Egan - Ampadu

Baldock - Berge - Norwood - Fleck - Osborn

McBurnie - McGoldrick


Bench: Verrips, Jags, Robinson, Lowe, Lundstram, Burke, Brewster

vs

ME

Ramsdale

Basham - Egan - Jagielka

Baldock - Berge - Ampadu - Fleck - Osborn

Brewster - McGoldrick


Subs: Verrips, Robinson, Bogle, Norwood, Lundstram, Burke, Sharp


Regardless, if we are not winning by 60mins, Burke HAS to come on against his former club

I like Osborn at LWB if Stevens isn't available. I see the value in Burke off the bench too, but it sounds like Mousset will be in the match-day squad. Mousset v Burke feels like a head-to-head for me unless you go three strikers in the bench (which you could against WBA). Not sure I like Jags at LCB though...

 

[DronnieBlade]

Cometh the hour, Cometh the man.

It’s Sharpie time

And not without time gaffer .

UTB

 

[MJM]

Max Lowe is just not ready I'm afraid. He doesn't look particularly comfortable on the ball and gives it away needlessly. I'd expect Stevens to come straight back in if he's fit, but if not, I think Osborn should play LWB.

Clearly Wilder doesn't feel it's appropriate to start Jags unless absolutely necessary, so I've a feeling Robinson will feature again at LCB. It's a shame really as I just feel a little more of an experienced head at the back might be what we need at the minute. Billic doesn't seem to have a problem playing the equally ageing Ivanovic at CB.

I am starting to see what a whole lot of Blades have been seeing regarding Norwood in midfield. He's slow, sluggish and gets bullied far too easily so if Amps is fit, he should start at CDM instead.

Berge right and Fleck left in the middle. Has to be. We haven't got anybody else.

It'll be interesting to see if Moose is fit and it'll give Wilder another selection headache. For me, if he's 100% fit and ready to go, he goes straight back in no question. I'm not expecting fireworks from the off, but we've really missed his pace up top. It's just a matter of who you play alongside him. I'd argue that Didz looked off the boil v West Ham and should probably be benched. I reckon it'll be Brewster or McB partnering, but I still can't fathom what Burke has done wrong to not get a run in the side. If he doesn't start, and we're losing/drawing after 60 minutes or so, he's absolutely got to make an appearance for me.

This is what I'd do:

Rammers
Gorgeous
Bash
Egan
Robbo
Enda
Amps
Berge
Fleck
Moose
McB

Subs
Verrips
Osborn
Lunnny
Norwood
Brewster
Didz
Burke

 

[8lade]

I think we're all getting that feeling about Max Lowe not being quite up to it yet but he's had 4 starts so I'm guessing he does well in training. If this is the selection criteria then there is a problem that is being overlooked ie the team isn't being changed based on game performances and is only being selected on training performances.

 

[McDonagh Blade]

Sadly McGoldrick isn't anywhere near Premier league quality as one of a front two as he very rarely offers any support in the penalty box. At times v West Ham when crosses came in Baldock and Lowe were supporting McBurnnie and their goal output isn't going to keep us up. Hope i am proved wrong tomorrow though.

 

[8lade]

Sadly McGoldrick isn't anywhere near Premier league quality as one of a front two

So who are you saying should start as a front 2?

edit: Same question to DronnieBlade

 

[bongleblade]

Play with our two most talented forwards, who have the most potential for making owt out of nowt

Ramsdale
Bash-Egan-Ampadu
Baldock-Berge-Norwood-Fleck-Enda
Mousset-Brewster

subs:
Mcburnie, Burke, Bogle, Lowe, Robinson, Osborn, Verrips

Bogle on for Baldock at 45/60 if it’s not clicking
McBurnie for Mousse at 50/60
Burke for Rhian at 75 as a last ditch effort

 

[McDonagh Blade]

From a very poor set of options admittedly, Burke for his pace and because it's against his old mob and McBurnnie as there isn't another target to hit on the books. Billy and Mousset if anywhere near fit on the bench.

 

[DronnieBlade]

So who are you saying should start as a front 2?

edit: Same question to DronnieBlade

You are aware what I would do.

You are aware why !!

As is everyone else.

Only spanner would be a fit and firing Lys, who would start with Dids in that scenario.

UTB

 

[Wincobank S9 Blade]

If fit I would try Mousset and Brewster up top if you’re a defender that would make you have a busy afternoon with them two on form with pace alone

 

[Rudders]

Play with our two most talented forwards, who have the most potential for making owt out of nowt

Ramsdale
Bash-Egan-Ampadu
Baldock-Berge-Norwood-Fleck-Enda
Mousset-Brewster

subs:
Mcburnie, Burke, Bogle, Lowe, Robinson, Osborn, Verrips

Bogle on for Baldock at 45/60 if it’s not clicking
McBurnie for Mousse at 50/60
Burke for Rhian at 75 as a last ditch effort

We would concede from almost every set piece against with that lineup. No McBurnie or Didz makes us immensely soft in the air. You would probably have to play Jags to counteract this. Oh and West Brom have got quite a few aerial threats.

 

[bongleblade]

We would concede from almost every set piece against with that lineup. No McBurnie or Didz makes us immensely soft in the air. You would probably have to play Jags to counteract this. Oh and West Brom have got quite a few aerial threats.

damn i didn’t consider that! tbh i wouldnt be opposed using robinson at lcb and then ampadu at CDM to give us some aerial presence, we might be able to afford robinson their vs west brom

 

[Champagneblade]

Come on then - let's help each other get through this Friday. The team's not exactly picking itself at the moment, so it's probably worth a thread on this.

My main thinking:

• Our left hand side has been woeful of late. I think it's too soon for Max Lowe. He doesn't get forward and he leaves gaping holes at the back (the drilled pass to the right hand side has been a major outlet for recent opposition). If Stevens is back fit, and Ampadu isn't injured, you go with Ampadu LCB and Stevens LWB. With Fleck hopefully being a bit sharper than last week, maybe they'll click a bit better. Ampadu isn't left footed, nor is he the ideal LCB, but he's good defensively and he's got the confidence to get on the ball and step up and go forward.
• Start Brewster up top. He can be lively at least and looked sharper when he came on against West Ham. That through ball was a peach, and I think this game is a game for him. McGoldrick edges it for me to be his strike partner because McBurnie is so out of form and Didsy can find ways of bringing Brewster into the game. I also hate how one-dimensional we can become with McBurnie on the field. It just gives us licence to hoof it. Our passing strategy at the moment when we're building is 1) pass backwards, 2) hit McBurnie up top or 3) play a genuinely progressive pass. Obviously this is a bigger issue but at least without McBurnie it maybe makes us slightly more likely to make a good pass.
• Go Norwood again at central midfield. Imagine he'll have more time on the ball here. I did strongly consider sticking Berge here and Lundstram at RCM - or even dropping Berge (that's a separate discussion, I know he's one of our top players at the moment, but it warranted thought) - but I think this is the one to try again with Fleck hopefully sharper.
• If possible, ie. god forbid we're not chasing the game, give Bogle a go off the bench.

Starting line-up:

Ramsdale,
Basham, Egan, Ampadu,
Baldock, Berge, Norwood, Fleck, Stevens,
McGoldrick, Brewster

Subs: Verrips, Jags, Bogle, Osborn, Lundstram, Mousset, McBurnie.

Makes a lot of sense. If Stevens is not fit then Osborn there. He had a very good game against Liverpool and he's paying a little for his adaptability. If he was only able to play LWB he'd have been ahead of Lowe all the way in form.

Brewster looked handy and you can't lose sight that McGoldrick this year is top scorer. So you play those in form. Who knows, Wilder might throw a wild card out there and start with Mousset instead of Brewster.

Really looking forward to having Mousset. He was unplayable vs Man U last year and that's a pretty impressive boast to be able to make honestly.

 

[benn5712]

When have we had three forrerds with the pace of Moose, Brewster and Burke ?
Has to be some way of playing 2 out of3 or all three. Frighten the life out of some defenders. Moose also isn't bad with assists at the top of the pitch.
Set up 4-3-1-2 with an attack minded bench. Nowt to lose.

 

[ancientblade]

When have we had three forrerds with the pace of Moose, Brewster and Burke ?
Has to be some way of playing 2 out of3 or all three. Frighten the life out of some defenders. Moose also isn't bad with assists at the top of the pitch.
Set up 4-3-1-2 with an attack minded bench. Nowt to lose.

play all 3 when fit 433 or 343 nowt to lose this season we aint getting many points with the current system just go for it utb fto

 

[Jan Age]

play all 3 when fit 433 or 343 nowt to lose this season we aint getting many points with the current system just go for it utb fto

No point in playing any of them unless we stop hoofing it up field aimlessly and speed up our build up play to utilise their pace.

 

[Wards]

It all feels a bit like shuffling the deckchairs to be honest.

I think the main changes we need to make are to our mindset and willingness to be a bit braver - I'm not convinced chopping and changing the XI is going to do us many favours.

 

[8lade]

DronnieBlade You're saying Sharp McG unless Mousset is ready? I just wanted to hear somebody else say it (unless I guessed your intention incorrectly)

 

[bartman]

Why anyone would start McGoldrick is beyond me. Doesnt create( fancy flicks and turns on the halfway that dont lead to anything, gives ball away too easily,physically poor,slow) need at least one of Moose, Bewster or Burke playing so we can get behind their defence

 

[MJM]

It all feels a bit like shuffling the deckchairs to be honest.

I think the main changes we need to make are to our mindset and willingness to be a bit braver - I'm not convinced chopping and changing the XI is going to do us many favours.

Totally agree. I would've loved us to have tried to settle with the side that played so well at Anfield.

I will caveat though that we need to be playing our best XI and it's unfortunate that Wilder just doesn't seem to know what our best XI is and ultimately why we keep seeing so many changes to the side.

 

[DronnieBlade]

DronnieBlade You're saying Sharp McG unless Mousset is ready? I just wanted to hear somebody else say it (unless I guessed your intention incorrectly)

Yes.

The 38 goal pairing from the Championship, that hasn’t had a sniff in a year and a half !!

UTB

 

[Killamarshblades]

If we have everyone fit (with exception of long terms) id go

Ramsdale
Bash Egan Robinson
Baldock Berge Norwood Fleck Stevens
McBurnie Brewster

or for a change

Ramsdale
Baldock Egan Robinson Stevens
Ampadu Norwood
Berge McGoldrick Fleck
Brewster

I think he'll go

Ramsdale
Bash Egan Robinson / Stevens / Ampadu
Baldock Berge Norwood Fleck Stevens / Osborn / Lowe
McBurnie Brewster