Oxford away

[Balham]

There's already a thread about beers before Saturday's game (here) so this is one about the game itself.

It'll be relatively tough: Oxford managed by an ex-Blade in Chris Wilder and are on a good run of form; unbeaten in 10 in all competitions and having won their last 4. However, they're still only 13th in the League Two table.

I know that there are some significant financial incentives to consider but I'd still like to see this game being used to give some of the younger players some more experience while resting some of the senior pros.

Balham's preferred line up (4-3-3/4-3-2-1):

Long
McMahon Maguire Kennedy Hill
-----Whitehouse--McDonald--Doyle-----
Blackman-----------------------Flynn
Ironside
Subs: Willis, Higginbotham, Westlake, McAllister, Murphy, De Girolamo, Kitson​

A bit of a thankless task for Ironside admittedly but the challenge would be on Blackman, Flynn and Whitehouse to support him.

 

[Greenwich Blade]

There's already a thread about beers before Saturday's game (here) so this is one about the game itself.

It'll be relatively tough: Oxford managed by an ex-Blade in Chris Wilder and are on a good run of form; unbeaten in 10 in all competitions and having won their last 4. However, they're still only 13th in the League Two table.

I know that there are some significant financial incentives to consider but I'd still like to see this game being used to give some of the younger players some more experience while resting some of the senior pros.

Balham's preferred line up (4-3-3/4-3-2-1):

Long
McMahon Maguire Kennedy Hill
-----Whitehouse--McDonald--Doyle-----
Blackman-----------------------Flynn
Ironside
Subs: Willis, Higginbotham, Westlake, McAllister, Murphy, De Girolamo, Kitson​

A bit of a thankless task for Ironside admittedly but the challenge would be on Blackman, Flynn and Whitehouse to support him.

I'd be happy with that!

 

[Ollessendro]

Did we learn nowt from getting hammered 4-5-1 and getting battered for 70 mins at Donny. What changed things? Ironside and 4-4-2.

I would keep Maguire 'rested' after his stupid indiscipline that almost cost us. I would prbably rest Flynn too and play Chappel out on the wing. Or why not give this Murphy lad a first run out (start him or bring him on). He might not have been great, but the experience will do him good. A good chance to give LJF a run out too? I would also give a fringe striker the chance to put pressure on the others. With Cofie deemed useless and Miller injured I would play Porter (if fit) or Cressy and say 'give me a selection headache'. I would also be tempted to get Girolamo on (rocket needs putting up K Mac's arse n all) but it may be too many changes. I would certainly be looking to give him a decent run out. Olle's team:

------- Long

McMahon Kennedy Higginbottom Lecs (Hill if he is not fit)

Blackman Doyle K Mac Chappel/Murphy

----- Ironside Cresswell/Porter

 

[LardSardine]

Did we learn nowt from getting hammered 4-5-1 and getting battered for 70 mins at Donny. What changed things? Ironside and 4-4-2.

I would keep Maguire 'rested' after his stupid indiscipline that almost cost us. I would prbably rest Flynn too and play Chappel out on the wing. Or why not give this Murphy lad a first run out (start him or bring him on). He might not have been great, but the experience will do him good. A good chance to give LJF a run out too? I would also give a fringe striker the chance to put pressure on the others. With Cofie deemed useless and Miller injured I would play Porter (if fit) or Cressy and say 'give me a selection headache'. I would also be tempted to get Girolamo on (rocket needs putting up K Mac's arse n all) but it may be too many changes. I would certainly be looking to give him a decent run out. Olle's team:

------- Long

McMahon Kennedy Higginbottom Lecs (Hill if he is not fit)

Blackman Doyle K Mac Chappel/Murphy

----- Ironside Cresswell/Porter

According to the official site, De Girolamo has joined up with the Italian U20 team this weekend.

 

[DazBlade88]

De Girolamo is unavailable.

I think he'll start Ironside, and give Murphy a run with Flynn on the bench getting a rest.

I'd be surprised if Maguire didn't start with Higginbotham at the back too, because I think we'll play our strongest back 4 with McMahon and Hill at full back.

 

[norfolkblade]

Did we learn nowt from getting hammered 4-5-1 and getting battered for 70 mins at Donny. What changed things? Ironside and 4-4-2.

I would keep Maguire 'rested' after his stupid indiscipline that almost cost us. I would prbably rest Flynn too and play Chappel out on the wing. Or why not give this Murphy lad a first run out (start him or bring him on). He might not have been great, but the experience will do him good. A good chance to give LJF a run out too? I would also give a fringe striker the chance to put pressure on the others. With Cofie deemed useless and Miller injured I would play Porter (if fit) or Cressy and say 'give me a selection headache'. I would also be tempted to get Girolamo on (rocket needs putting up K Mac's arse n all) but it may be too many changes. I would certainly be looking to give him a decent run out. Olle's team:

------- Long

McMahon Kennedy Higginbottom Lecs (Hill if he is not fit)

Blackman Doyle K Mac Chappel/Murphy

----- Ironside Cresswell/Porter

I'm almost in full agreement with this Olle, but I'd play both Chappel AND Murphy, and not pick Cresswell/Porter.

Harsh to drop Kennedy after Donny I know but I'd consider starting with Harry with Higginbotham, as that will be a partnership that needs to gel quickly.

By the way, won't be joining you this weekend pal.

 

[DazBlade88]

Does anyone know how many we've sold? I bought my tickets last week and expected us to take a decent following but it doesn't seem like we are...

 

[super_pig]

agree with Olle and Balham.. put all of them in.. they've done ok in the league games.. the big bang approach

 

[cooperblade]

Does anyone know how many we've sold? I bought my tickets last week and expected us to take a decent following but it doesn't seem like we are...

400 left - don't know how many we had in the first place though!

 

[broomhillblade]

De Girolamo is unavailable.

I think he'll start Ironside, and give Murphy a run with Flynn on the bench getting a rest.

I'd be surprised if Maguire didn't start with Higginbotham at the back too, because I think we'll play our strongest back 4 with McMahon and Hill at full back.

We have to start with Maguire and Higginbotham to give the pair some match practice together.

 

[Hartley Hare]

I think we should field a strong side for this match. The chance for a lucrative tie against "another" big club and a big payday, not to mention the prize money at stake make this a must win for me.

Apparently we are the fourth best team in the league for 2012. On this basis we should get to the semi-finals at least.