Bonkers match....any changes required?

[Stretch]

I haven't seen anything as mad as that since the Battle of Bramall Lane to be honest. Shocking defending at times but also mistakes, strokes of luck and misfortune and let's not forget some genuinely quality pieces of play. We missed Coutts no doubt but I don't think the number of goals conceded is down to him, and our defence in general had an off night.

I don't think Brum have the same capability to punish us like Fulham did and a heavy defeat against Boro tonight could really dampen any misplaced confidence they may have.

Lots of ifs buts and maybes involved but here a few things to ponder in respect of any changes.

I think it is crucial that we have Baldock back. Bash gives everything and is a decent enough RWB but I wonder if last night would have turned out the same with him at CB or even in midfield. I think their counter attacks would have met more resistance had he been lurking somewhere rather than being out on the wing and having to track back.

CCV has been very good so far but he has a habit of slipping, I think he has done it several times now and on most occasions we have got away with it but not last night. Harsh to drop the lad but the questions needs to be asked.

Lundstrum did ok under the weight of expectation but in all honesty didn't really get to grips with the game. Again, it might seem harsh to drop him, based on one performance but it's also right that we explore all options while we can before the window opens again. We may just hit on the winning formula from what we already have, and that may include Lundstram, or it may be someone else.

Duffy has been one of our best this season so far but he was off it last night, tiredness maybe or perhaps just more susceptive to Coutts' absence? Not sure if he wasn't finding the space that he normally does or if the ball just wasn't reaching him? Everything seemed to happen so quickly last night that I struggled to keep track of individual players at times.



So with all this in mind would you like to see the same 11 go again or do we freshen it up for Saturday?



If Baldock is fit then I would go with this line up:

........................................................................Blackman.....................................................................................
......................................Steerman......................Wright........................JOC........................................................
Baldock...................................................................................................................................................Stevens
...........................................Basham............................................Fleck................................................................
..........................................................................Brooks....................................................................................................................................Sharp..............................................Clarke...............................................................


Bash give us athleticism and bite in the middle which affords more freedom to Fleck and Brooks to cause havoc. Steerman won't overlap [much] as a CB but Bash likes to get forward anyway, certainly more than Coutts ever did meaning we leave Wright and Steerman back most of the time to provide solidity. JOC will carry on as normal down the left and Fleck can drop deep as required.


If Baldock isn't fit then:


........................................................................Blackman.....................................................................................
......................................Steerman......................Wright........................JOC........................................................
Basham..................................................................................................................................................Stevens
...........................................Carruthers............................................Fleck............................................................
..........................................................................Duffy....................................................................................................................................Sharp..............................................Clarke..................................................................

Some may say that Carruthers isn't suited to a deeper role but I would disagree. He looks much more assured on the ball than Lundstram and can certainly drift past a player out of trouble. Duffy also tracks back more than Brooks so we get a little more bite back into the centre.


Harsh on those dropped I know but as said above, we have the squad to use and should use it. Steerman really shouldn't be sitting on the bench for too long if he is fit and in my opinion Carruthers is a better player than Lundtram on what I have seen.


Either way, can't wait for Saturday!

Edit - every time I try and put a formation on this sight the formatting goes all titty side up. But I am sure you get the idea.

 

[Ricky]

Blackman

Basham Stearman O'Connell

Baldock Carruthers Fleck Stevens

Duffy

Sharp Clarke


Basham to RWB and CCV at RCB if Baldock's not back.

 

[South Bucks]

Interesting that people are saying we need new players and more pace yet it was the way we played upfront later in the game that concerned me last night. At times in the first half we got forward reasonably quickly with a few passes and a shot as witnessed by our first two goals, but the more the game went on the more we would work the ball slowly up the flanks, our forwards would be like statues, no pass on, so the ball comes back to the half way line. (Something Fulham didn't do, lots of movement off the ball and looking to go forward quickly with each pass). Poor old Lundstrummy gets the ball at his feet on the half way line and looks up and again all up front like statues and man marked except except Flecky and the option of going sideways. Even a world class midfielder would struggle with no movement and no much on.

Can't help thinking we need more movement off the ball up front to create space, runs, and earlier efforts on goal, like Fulham and less of this lets go back the half way line stuff. Taking ages to get it into the box and behaving like statues just allows the opposition to man mark our forwards too easily.

 

[elgoog44]

I would still like to see CCV play in the RWB position and Bash at the back in his place, I think with CCV's pace and power could be quite useful down the right side and any unfortunate slips would hopefully be cleaned up by the back three.

 

[mancunianblade]

I would still like to see CCV play in the RWB position and Bash at the back in his place, I think with CCV's pace and power could be quite useful down the right side and any unfortunate slips would hopefully be cleaned up by the back three.

Think Baldock is back fit so I’d expect him to come into RWB and Basham to revert to RCB at the expense of CCV.

 

[elgoog44]

Think Baldock is back fit so I’d expect him to come into RWB and Basham to revert to RCB at the expense of CCV.

Cool, was not sure if Baldock would be back, but good to have him back

 

[wizadry]

I would firstly like to have some decent officials, I’ll let Wilder sort the team out.

 

[Worksop II]

I don't think Brum have the same capability to punish us

If a certain "Jug Eared Fucker" scores a Hat-Trick, a certain posters head may explode .............

 

[Stretch]

If a certain "Jug Eared Fucker" scores a Hat-Trick, a certain posters head may explode .............

I believe the preferred term is 'Jug Eared Cunt' but Tyler Durden may be able to confirm

 

[Scooter_mcgavin]

I'd have CCV at RWB just to snap him in half.

 

[ChipButtyBlade]

Whats the odds on "Pob" scoring and giving the Kop the shush sign.

He got a new barnet these days.

 

[RMBlade]

-----------Blackman-------------
----Basham--CCV---JOC----
Baldock---------------Stevens
-----Lundstram---Fleck-------
---------------Duffy--------------
-------Clarke-----Sharp-------

 

[Sheffsteel]

-----------Blackman-------------
----Basham--CCV---JOC----
Baldock---------------Stevens
-----Lundstram---Fleck-------
---------------Duffy--------------
-------Clarke-----Sharp-------

Agree, think that’s our best side with Brooks coming on as sub on 70 mins.

Not sure about Lundstrum because I rate the talent of Carruthers
but i’ll wait until he’s had a proper run in the team before making a judgement.

Lundstrum reminds me of a Basham type but Basham has proven me wrong and looks quality these days.
So I’ve no choice but to back Wilders judgement, he knows better than me,

 

[ForgeBlade]

Whats the odds on "Pob" scoring and giving the Kop the shush sign.

He got a new barnet these days.

Not fit to lace Leon's boots. Expect our defence to be back on form at the weekend, and him to spend 90 minutes desperately trying to extricate himself from Magic Jack's back pocket.

 

[RMBlade]

Agree, think that’s our best side with Brooks coming on as sub on 70 mins.

Not sure about Lundstrum because I rate the talent of Carruthers
but i’ll wait until he’s had a proper run in the team before making a judgement.

Lundstrum reminds me of a Basham type but Basham has proven me wrong and looks quality these days.
So I’ve no choice but to back Wilders judgement, he knows better than me,

I thought Lundstram did alright last night. He obviously isn't as competent on the ball as Coutts but I think he is the best replacement we have in our squad.

If he could play 5-10 yards ahead of where he was playing last night I think he would be a lot more effective. At times he was dropping into the back line to pick up possession from the CB's which reduced our options when playing our from the back.

A few more games under his belt and I think he will fine.

 

[HighfieldBlade]

Am I going bonkers, or did Gary Sinclair (or whoever) forget to give us the cue for the first line of the GCB at the start of the game?

 

[NotFallowfieldBlade]

Yes caruthers for lundstram

 

[sheffielder]

There is no need to panic, but we really do need Baldock back. Basham does a job but he's better at RCB

Lundstram to start again
Brooks with Clarke or Sharp

 

[Lower Drop Blade]

Moore
Basham Stearman O Connell
Baldock Carruthers Fleck Steven
Duffy
Clarke Sharp

 

[PokerBlade]

Baldock back in is the obvious one. Lundstram needs time and I wouldn't be quick to drop him. I think that we're more or less playing our best side and there's not a huge amount of difference between the other options for the back three (although I need to see more of Stearman before I make a judgement on him).

It's quite simple, the only way for us to make significant improvements right now is to bring in better players.

 

[Roygbiv]

I think Duffy will miss out on Saturday. Just with Wilder saying he didn't have his usual energy and the fact he often leaves him out when we have 3 games in quick succession. I can see Carruthurs starting

 

[Rob86]

I think the issue (not an issue but you catch my drift)?' is that we play so attacking and results like this (dare I say worse ones) are likely. Fulham were fully committed going forward (we saw glimpses of Reading doing last 15 mins) and were clinical. 2 errors yes, but after the first they stormed out the blocks and the 2nd error occurred. I can only surmise they haven't picked up more points because teams sit back against them to stifle any counter then get goals because there defence is clearly leaky.

In the view from I am sure a Fulham fan did remark they might have some success due to how attacking we were and it proved.

Change it - no way, fucking love it ! We batter teams that don't have the same level of counter attack as Fulham, but clearly if we keep conceding 3+ then maybe be a bit more reserved.

 

[him behind you]

"South Bucks, post: 1524132, member: 17650"]Interesting that people are saying we need new players and more pace yet it was the way we played upfront later in the game that concerned me last night. At times in the first half we got forward reasonably quickly with a few passes and a shot as witnessed by our first two goals, but the more the game went on the more we would work the ball slowly up the flanks, our forwards would be like statues, no pass on, so the ball comes back to the half way line. (Something Fulham didn't do, lots of movement off the ball and looking to go forward quickly with each pass). Poor old Lundstrummy gets the ball at his feet on the half way line and looks up and again all up front like statues and man marked except except Flecky and the option of going sideways. Even a world class midfielder would struggle with no movement and no much on.

Can't help thinking we need more movement off the ball up front to create space, runs, and earlier efforts on goal, like Fulham and less of this lets go back the half way line stuff. Taking ages to get it into the box and behaving like statues just allows the opposition to man mark our forwards too easily.[/QUOTE]
Absolutely agree with this but would like to add a thought I had as the game progressed relating to the lack of availability to receive a pass at times. One of our strengths this season has been the options available to players to receive a simple pass, particularly from Coutts as he brings the ball out.

Last night Lundstrum (and Wright at times) seemed to find Iit more difficult as the game wore on to find a pass due to no one being available resulting in them going backwards or sideways or even giving the ball away. What I couldn't work out was whether this was possibly
- down to their ability to see a pass quickly enough,
- due to them running with the ball more than Coutts does and therefore other players making runs before they looked to play the ball,
- due to Fulham simply working hard and closing off passes.
I'm not claiming that it had to be any of those but think it may be a mixture of them all. If I'm right, then it's a problem which I'm certain CW and AK will be able to sort fairly easily so I'm certainly not overly concerned at the moment.

 

[Jon Slinn]

I haven't seen anything as mad as that since the Battle of Bramall Lane to be honest. Shocking defending at times but also mistakes, strokes of luck and misfortune and let's not forget some genuinely quality pieces of play. We missed Coutts no doubt but I don't think the number of goals conceded is down to him, and our defence in general had an off night.

I don't think Brum have the same capability to punish us like Fulham did and a heavy defeat against Boro tonight could really dampen any misplaced confidence they may have.

Lots of ifs buts and maybes involved but here a few things to ponder in respect of any changes.

I think it is crucial that we have Baldock back. Bash gives everything and is a decent enough RWB but I wonder if last night would have turned out the same with him at CB or even in midfield. I think their counter attacks would have met more resistance had he been lurking somewhere rather than being out on the wing and having to track back.

CCV has been very good so far but he has a habit of slipping, I think he has done it several times now and on most occasions we have got away with it but not last night. Harsh to drop the lad but the questions needs to be asked.

Lundstrum did ok under the weight of expectation but in all honesty didn't really get to grips with the game. Again, it might seem harsh to drop him, based on one performance but it's also right that we explore all options while we can before the window opens again. We may just hit on the winning formula from what we already have, and that may include Lundstram, or it may be someone else.

Duffy has been one of our best this season so far but he was off it last night, tiredness maybe or perhaps just more susceptive to Coutts' absence? Not sure if he wasn't finding the space that he normally does or if the ball just wasn't reaching him? Everything seemed to happen so quickly last night that I struggled to keep track of individual players at times.



So with all this in mind would you like to see the same 11 go again or do we freshen it up for Saturday?



If Baldock is fit then I would go with this line up:

........................................................................Blackman.....................................................................................
......................................Steerman......................Wright........................JOC........................................................
Baldock...................................................................................................................................................Stevens
...........................................Basham............................................Fleck................................................................
..........................................................................Brooks....................................................................................................................................Sharp..............................................Clarke...............................................................


Bash give us athleticism and bite in the middle which affords more freedom to Fleck and Brooks to cause havoc. Steerman won't overlap [much] as a CB but Bash likes to get forward anyway, certainly more than Coutts ever did meaning we leave Wright and Steerman back most of the time to provide solidity. JOC will carry on as normal down the left and Fleck can drop deep as required.


If Baldock isn't fit then:


........................................................................Blackman.....................................................................................
......................................Steerman......................Wright........................JOC........................................................
Basham..................................................................................................................................................Stevens
...........................................Carruthers............................................Fleck............................................................
..........................................................................Duffy....................................................................................................................................Sharp..............................................Clarke..................................................................

Some may say that Carruthers isn't suited to a deeper role but I would disagree. He looks much more assured on the ball than Lundstram and can certainly drift past a player out of trouble. Duffy also tracks back more than Brooks so we get a little more bite back into the centre.


Harsh on those dropped I know but as said above, we have the squad to use and should use it. Steerman really shouldn't be sitting on the bench for too long if he is fit and in my opinion Carruthers is a better player than Lundtram on what I have seen.


Either way, can't wait for Saturday!

Edit - every time I try and put a formation on this sight the formatting goes all titty side up. But I am sure you get the idea.

Like the look of that. CCV seem to be either tired or somehow lacking confidence. Not the only one that mentioned it in the Westfield stand last night. Already mentioned Carruthers in for Lundstram. Onwards and Upwards.

 

[BorbokisKS]

Starting to lose a bit of confidence in Blackman I'd prefer Moore in net. Some have mentioned about his "great" save in the first half but the shot had no pace on it and it wasn't too far away from his reach he should be saving those with ease. Moore kept us in a lot of games last season with some top class saves, Blackman seems too easily beat in my opinion and has made a few errors this season with his positioning.

Like to see Carruthers start, he looked sharp when he came on. Not sure if Lundstram is really up to this level. Brooks to play just behind Clarke in an attacking mid role. CCV had a mare but think he deserves to start against Birm still, it's his first real poor performance this season. Stearman for Wright all day long.

 

[zablade]

Is Clarke injured? Thought he limped off at the end?

If he is fit then I would start Brooks and Clarke up top. Keep Lundstrum in, can't judge him on the Fulham game, even Coutts may have found that a tricky one.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

Although it'll be a completely different challenge on Satdi, Stearman and Samir for Jake and Duffy.

 

[John Street West Terrace]

Obvs we missed the main string puller in Mr Coutts & hopefully Baldock will be back def missed his width . Think we need to shuffle the pack a little and shore things up at the back .
I’m not knocking Billy as he had a quiet game last night but I’d like to see Donaldson play against his ex- employers as I’m sure he’ll have a point to prove alongside Leon .
I thought Carruthers played well when he came on and linked up well with Fleck so deserves his chance and ex Villa player element . I’d like to see Stearman back in if fit to shore things up .
Blackman

Stevens O’Connell. Bashsm Stearman Baldock

Duffy Fleck Carruthers

Clarke Donaldson

Def get Brooke’s involved earlier as an impact player earlier too

 

[derfblade.3]

Off topic but.......lucky twats scored in 94th to snatch draw.

 

[Benny and the Blades]

The attack scored 4 goals, the defence let in 5 . I'm just wondering if this fact may give some on here an idea on where the problem was ?......