McDonald injury

[Lionel.]

If McDonald’s injury is anywhere near as serious as it could be I think it would be a massive mistake to risk him on Sunday, although I’m sure DW is fully aware of this. In the big picture we should have enough in our locker to beat them without him. However obviously that leaves big creative hole in our midfield. Montgomery is the safe choice. He has played so many derbies. However I think Saturday highlighted he can not offer anywhere near the service McDonald can, and it’s sad to say but he didn’t seem to fit in with the team at all. Passing moves were slowed down considerably when they went through him. For me Lee Williamson has to start in place of McDonald. He was the difference in the first half of the last derby. He has skill, flair an eye for a pass and never shirks a challenge. On his day I think he is our most effective player. I’m actually really surprised we have kept Willo as at the moment we can not offer him guaranteed first team football in league one (Flynn and him seem to be on a par selection wise).

Hopefully the result won’t hinge on this and player for player we should beat them whatever. However I’d like to see Wilson not hold back and give them the drubbing they’ve had coming for years.

Up the Blades.

 

[boo radley]

I also think Willo is just about our most effective player. Most wanted him in for McDonald on saturday and he is the obvious choice. however I tend to look a little deeper at certain times for answers as to why he wasn't played there. I would suggest that because he got the injury the week before DW was being cautious with him. He knew that it would be a battle against Preston so the challenges in midfield could have taken a heavy toll on Willo, so Monty it was. Flynn I beleive was only in because of the slight Willo injury. DW will always play Willo if fit.
When we played wendies at the Lane Willo was only taken off because he got booked (I believe) from that moment wendies got encouragment because Phillips is no good at defending and Willo can slow the game down and is very relaxed and confident in all situations.

 

[Pinchy]

If McDonald’s injury is anywhere near as serious as it could be I think it would be a massive mistake to risk him on Sunday, although I’m sure DW is fully aware of this. In the big picture we should have enough in our locker to beat them without him. However obviously that leaves big creative hole in our midfield. Montgomery is the safe choice. He has played so many derbies. However I think Saturday highlighted he can not offer anywhere near the service McDonald can, and it’s sad to say but he didn’t seem to fit in with the team at all. Passing moves were slowed down considerably when they went through him. For me Lee Williamson has to start in place of McDonald. He was the difference in the first half of the last derby. He has skill, flair an eye for a pass and never shirks a challenge. On his day I think he is our most effective player. I’m actually really surprised we have kept Willo as at the moment we can not offer him guaranteed first team football in league one (Flynn and him seem to be on a par selection wise).

Hopefully the result won’t hinge on this and player for player we should beat them whatever. However I’d like to see Wilson not hold back and give them the drubbing they’ve had coming for years.

Up the Blades.

A promising first post, spoiled only by the description of The Maestro, only ever a stride away from a free-kick to the opposition, as 'safe'.

Pass me that hand grenade, would you?

 

[alcoblade]

A promising first post, spoiled only by the description of The Maestro, only ever a stride away from a free-kick to the opposition, as 'safe'.

Pass me that hand grenade, would you?

Wow, a post where you refer to either Monty of Hoof. How completely original. If I had a hand grenade, I'd pull the clip out before I gave it you. Just to shw how much I love you.



UTB

 

[boo radley]

A promising first post, spoiled only by the description of The Maestro, only ever a stride away from a free-kick to the opposition, as 'safe'.

Pass me that hand grenade, would you?

FFS Pinchy, How many times do you have to turn any thread about any player where Monty is mentioned into this constant repetative hatred of him or as you see it his failings?
We all know your views and all the OP wanted was a bit of discussion.
I'm sure somewhere in the past on this forum you've made some worthwhile contributions to discussions? God knows it must have been some time ago? It would be nice if just occasionally you said something positive - maybe you have recently but it just gets lost in your total negativity to one person.




---------- Post added at 08:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:27 PM ----------

[/COLOR]

If McDonald’s injury is anywhere near as serious as it could be I think it would be a massive mistake to risk him on Sunday, although I’m sure DW is fully aware of this. In the big picture we should have enough in our locker to beat them without him. However obviously that leaves big creative hole in our midfield. Montgomery is the safe choice. He has played so many derbies. However I think Saturday highlighted he can not offer anywhere near the service McDonald can, and it’s sad to say but he didn’t seem to fit in with the team at all. Passing moves were slowed down considerably when they went through him. For me Lee Williamson has to start in place of McDonald. He was the difference in the first half of the last derby. He has skill, flair an eye for a pass and never shirks a challenge. On his day I think he is our most effective player. I’m actually really surprised we have kept Willo as at the moment we can not offer him guaranteed first team football in league one (Flynn and him seem to be on a par selection wise).

Hopefully the result won’t hinge on this and player for player we should beat them whatever. However I’d like to see Wilson not hold back and give them the drubbing they’ve had coming for years.

Up the Blades.

Lionel
Thanks for the discussion, its a good thread don't let certain posts put you off.

 

[sitwell]

Boring or what ? Not you Lionel.

I would play Monty anyway and create down the wings with Willo and Quinn ,both should be able to respond ,Beattie or Cresswell could be the target for crosses and Ched running at the monsters at the back and shooting from distance against Stephen Bystander who doesn't like to move. Save Macdonald for Scunthorpe as surely he wont be able to play twice in 3 days and that game would suit him/us better. Add to the mix the Lines/Monty confrontation and the pigs will fill Halseys notebook up before half time.

 

[Pedro Verde]

Boring or what ? Not you Lionel.

I would play Monty anyway and create down the wings with Willo and Quinn ,both should be able to respond ,Beattie or Cresswell could be the target for crosses and Ched running at the monsters at the back and shooting from distance against Stephen Bystander who doesn't like to move. Save Macdonald for Scunthorpe as surely he wont be able to play twice in 3 days and that game would suit him/us better. Add to the mix the Lines/Monty confrontation and the pigs will fill Halseys notebook up before half time.

Sounds sensible

 

[Swinging a Pig]

The pleasing thing is we have got some good cover if he isn't passed fit to play.

 

[shorehamview]

FFS Pinchy, How many times do you have to turn any thread about any player where Monty is mentioned into this constant repetative hatred of him or as you see it his failings?

All of them. Because at least in the Special Needs Section (Look At ME!!!! Subdivision) this endless repetition is hilarious.

For those of us who have graduated beyond GCSE Pant Wetting and don't get our moisture from glazing-based condensation it ceased to be funny or relevant a long, long time ago.

I bet (insert name of felcher here) loves it though. He loves all that drivel. He'll probably put a "top stuff, keep it up" post. And that says quite a lot, both about the tedious original or the endless praise for it.

 

[stannyblade]

The natural choice is for Monty to replace him. We all know that he isnt the same standard as Macca but given the game he is our best option and as already said let Quinn and Willo do the creating.

 

[Rodley]

All of them. Because at least in the Special Needs Section (Look At ME!!!! Subdivision) this endless repetition is hilarious.

For those of us who have graduated beyond GCSE Pant Wetting and don't get our moisture from glazing-based condensation it ceased to be funny or relevant a long, long time ago.

I bet (insert name of felcher here) loves it though. He loves all that drivel. He'll probably put a "top stuff, keep it up" post. And that says quite a lot, both about the tedious original or the endless praise for it.

Agree with that. It's sad that even though we're doing well the same childish crap is raked up over and over again.

 

[Ollessendro]

Agree with orignial post. As much as K Mac has been making us tick, I don't think he is worth the risk. I would sooner have him for the Scunny game or even rest him until Oldham. It's vital that he is fit for March. We've still got enough in the locker to get a result at the Sty and turn Scunny over easily. Wilson's thoughts below:


http://www.sufc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10418~2620224,00.html

 

[Lionel.]

It seems the general consensus is to get Montgomery in the midfield and keep Williamson out wide. However I do think it would be a tad unfair on Flynn who hasn’t done a lot wrong. On Saturday especially in the first half his passing and footwork were causing no end of problems for Preston. He also bravely supplied the pass for Ched’s first goal. I’d always choose Willo over him getting in the team but I think Flynn is getting better and better. Hence the reason I’d put Williamson in the middle.

What are people’s thoughts on Flynn? My first impressions of him were that he was lightweight and not very dangerous especially when running at defenders but I think he is turning out to be a cracking signing. His corners are usually well placed and he is very good at teeing up crosses for Lowton and putting his own in. Dropping him for the Derby I would see as a bit harsh.

Either way it’s good to see DW with a selection headache especially after it being likely we will be without McDonald.

 

[Kenilworth]

It seems the general consensus is to get Montgomery in the midfield and keep Williamson out wide. However I do think it would be a tad unfair on Flynn who hasn’t done a lot wrong. On Saturday especially in the first half his passing and footwork were causing no end of problems for Preston. He also bravely supplied the pass for Ched’s first goal. I’d always choose Willo over him getting in the team but I think Flynn is getting better and better. Hence the reason I’d put Williamson in the middle.

What are people’s thoughts on Flynn? My first impressions of him were that he was lightweight and not very dangerous especially when running at defenders but I think he is turning out to be a cracking signing. His corners are usually well placed and he is very good at teeing up crosses for Lowton and putting his own in. Dropping him for the Derby I would see as a bit harsh.

Either way it’s good to see DW with a selection headache especially after it being likely we will be without McDonald.

Yep - lightweight when first arrived but improved a lot since.
Corners are a real bonus - SQuinny's corners are dreadful.
Flynn has always been pretty good at his defensive duties but I think he will be a sub on Sunday - something in the locker to change the game plan.
I think Monts will start instead of K Mac (this is just a smoke screen about him potentially being part of the match day 11) with Willo on right mid.

 

[sitwell]

Agree with all that ,I would prefer Flynn to Quinn in the long term ,and if he improves at the rate he has been doing we have potentially a very good player.
Interestingly all Wilsons signings have looked poor at first but improved massively while they have been here.

 

[judge]

I like Flynn but I feel the oinkers biggest threat will be there left back from set pieces so if willo plays down the middle I can't see lil Flynn being able to deal with a rugby league type such as retarda Johnson

 

[super_pig]

good point

 

[Swanseablade]

What are people’s thoughts on Flynn? My first impressions of him were that he was lightweight and not very dangerous especially when running at defenders but I think he is turning out to be a cracking signing. His corners are usually well placed and he is very good at teeing up crosses for Lowton and putting his own in. Dropping him for the Derby I would see as a bit harsh.

Either way it’s good to see DW with a selection headache especially after it being likely we will be without McDonald.

Agree with this - Flynn has got better and better. Remember seeing him away at Yeovil and thought I was quicker than him!
His confidence has grown with more games under his belt and he can finish well when he's in the final third.
I would play him and have Willo in the middle personally.

 

[Bergen Blade]

However we line up I think it's important that we learn from our poor performance at the Lane where we completely stopped playing after going two up. If we focus too much on just combating them they'll throw players into the box and put us under pressure.

I think the three points are there for the taking and we should look to maintain the rythm we currently have by trying to dominate the game.

 

[Ollessendro]

Willo in the middle. Easy choice. We should play to our strengths. That is football. Monty's shocking distribution will not help us at the Sty. Add to that him giving away lots of unecessary free kicks in dangerous areas and it is a recipe for disaster. The snort beats will be throwing themselves to the deck (like they did at the Lane) anywhere inside the first half. Don't need the meastro assisting that.

Don't buy this battle nonsense. Let's play them off the park ..... like we have done every team we have played recently (bar Birmingham).

 

[super_pig]

amen mate.. how do you find out your loyalty points.. do i have to ring the never answering helpline??.. i could go down i suppose (brentford ticket)

 

[Kenilworth]

However we line up I think it's important that we learn from our poor performance at the Lane where we completely stopped playing after going two up.

I got the impression that there was a lot of mental and emotional fatigue evident after we went 2-0 up and it was a real hard slog for the players to get over it.
I know I felt it in the crowd and there seemed to be a low ebb on the energy front from the fans during that period.
Anyone else get the same feeling?
Unlike the wave of adrenalin at other games that can spur you on and makes you sing more and convey that energy to the players - that day everyone seemed drained.

Probably just me getting older

 

[super_pig]

it's a good point actually.. we were in the middle of that monster comedy football moments phase and when we went two up everyone was thinking.. 'oh shit.. where's the catch. what is simmo going to do now?'.. it'll be different this time

 

[Lionel.]

What I fear is that if we go a goal down or get frustrated for a period of the game our game plan will slip. If we start trying to out muscle them rather than out play them I fear for us as nobody can doubt that they are the bigger and stronger team (and dirtier). Fortunately for us that’s pretty much all they have going for them.

I’d like to see players like Ched, Willo, Quinn and even Cresswell take the fouls, niggles and trips they have ready and just take them, win free kicks and most importantly keep possession. Obviously we’re not going to get everything. Mark Halsey will try and let the game flow as a good referee should, this might not help us. The worst thing we can do is fall for their antics, get frustrated and end up conceding set pieces in our own half. There was a period against Preston where our strikers and midfielders seemed to be conceding a soft free kick every 90 seconds in the second half. Do that on Sunday and we could be punished big time.

Wednesday aren’t too different to Huddersfield in my opinion, direct but also pacey in positions (possibly not as much so without Johnson) and we wen’t there and nicked all three points, but it wasn’t easy I’m sure Sunday won’t be. Wilson has to get everything right. If he does it could be one of the best days we have had in years.

UTB

 

[blade too long]

What I fear is that if we go a goal down or get frustrated for a period of the game our game plan will slip. If we start trying to out muscle them rather than out play them I fear for us as nobody can doubt that they are the bigger and stronger team (and dirtier). Fortunately for us that’s pretty much all they have going for them.

I’d like to see players like Ched, Willo, Quinn and even Cresswell take the fouls, niggles and trips they have ready and just take them, win free kicks and most importantly keep possession. Obviously we’re not going to get everything. Mark Halsey will try and let the game flow as a good referee should, this might not help us. The worst thing we can do is fall for their antics, get frustrated and end up conceding set pieces in our own half. There was a period against Preston where our strikers and midfielders seemed to be conceding a soft free kick every 90 seconds in the second half. Do that on Sunday and we could be punished big time.

Wednesday aren’t too different to Huddersfield in my opinion, direct but also pacey in positions (possibly not as much so without Johnson) and we wen’t there and nicked all three points, but it wasn’t easy I’m sure Sunday won’t be. Wilson has to get everything right. If he does it could be one of the best days we have had in years.

UTB

be right as rain
Wilson has plan A and plans B and C, which is why we are improving week in week out

the defence has tightened up no end and should keep Rab C Madine in their pockets

 

[Bergen Blade]

What I fear is that if we go a goal down or get frustrated for a period of the game our game plan will slip. If we start trying to out muscle them rather than out play them I fear for us as nobody can doubt that they are the bigger and stronger team (and dirtier).
UTB

Thought we were very direct second half vs Preston. Is that what we must accept happens when McDonald isn't there to dictate play?

 

[JohnDenver]

Thought we were very direct second half vs Preston. Is that what we must accept happens when McDonald isn't there to dictate play?

PNE's meat grinder of a midfield had some say in that. But given McDonald is by far our best passing midfielder, then it's likely we'll go more direct without him. Until we've an equivalent player in reserve.....

 

[dingledog]

Does anyone really think DW is going to come out and say either way whether McDonald is going to play? Its all part of the mind games to keep them guessing. My gut ( and some on here would say substantial gut) feeling is that he is going to be playing, we will know for sure at midday on Sunday.

 

[boo radley]

Thought we were very direct second half vs Preston. Is that what we must accept happens when McDonald isn't there to dictate play?

I thought we still tried to play around them. There were lots of differences to the performance against PNE. take for instance why we loaded the right side of midfield with Quinn,not on his favoured left. Surley people don't believe he went there out of his own choice. He went there because the manager instructed him to. To me that's the pleasing thing that our game is adaptable to many different situations.

 

[Bergen Blade]

PNE's meat grinder of a midfield had some say in that. But given McDonald is by far our best passing midfielder, then it's likely we'll go more direct without him. Until we've an equivalent player in reserve.....

Does anyone really think DW is going to come out and say either way whether McDonald is going to play? Its all part of the mind games to keep them guessing. My gut ( and some on here would say substantial gut) feeling is that he is going to be playing, we will know for sure at midday on Sunday.

The real debate should be whether it's Monty or Williamson who gets picked alongside Doyle if McDonald is out.