Team for wembley

[davidpinder]

I'd be interested to see what team you'd play if you were picking it and the team you think DW will pick if a few injured players are available.

My Team

..................................simmo...................................

lowton............collins...............maguire............Hill

Williamson.....doyle...............McDonald.........Quinn

...................Cresswell...........Porter..........................

Subs
Howard
Monty
Taylor
Flynn
O'Hallaron

Got to be 4-4-2 for me big pitch need to strikers as i think we may need 3 goals to win it. I have gone for Hill as the back 4 have kept 2 clean sheets in a row.

What i think DW will do

..................................simmo...................................

lowton............collins...............maguire............Hill

Williamson.....doyle...McDonald...Quinn........Flynn

...............................Porter......................................

Subs
Howard
Monty
Taylor
Cresswell
O'Hallaron

Something tells me he will not change the side even if Cresswell is fit, he seems to type of guy to keep faith with the 11 that got us there.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

To be honest, I'd stick with the same team as Monday. Watching the game last night, Huddersfield play a standard 4-4-2 and look very big and solid at the back. I think we'd play into their hands if we went in with Porter and Cressy especially considering there's next to no pace and movement between them. MK ran round them with passing and movement so I think playing Squinny in that same position would be our best bet.

Other than the obligatory couple of crosses behind the goal, I thought Hill had his best game for us on Monday so no problems keeping the back four the same even though Rhodes et al will cause us more problems than Stevenage as they did earlier in the season.

 

[ZoneManWilf]

To be honest, I'd stick with the same team as Monday. Watching the game last night, Huddersfield play a standard 4-4-2 and look very big and solid at the back. I think we'd play into their hands if we went in with Porter and Cressy especially considering there's next to no pace and movement between them. MK ran round them with passing and movement so I think playing Squinny in that same position would be our best bet.

Other than the obligatory couple of crosses behind the goal, I thought Hill had his best game for us on Monday so no problems keeping the back four the same even though Rhodes et al will cause us more problems than Stevenage as they did earlier in the season.

I'm tending to agree with this, despite the fact I don't like us changing from the solid 4-4-2 which we've used for the entire of the rest of the season. 4-4-1-1 suits the squad we would be going in with, with our lack of striking options, and it probably suits the opposition.

The only issue is if Macca isn't fit, who are the 5 in midfield? Monty cannot start surely, on an open quick pitch, where retention of the ball in midfield so they can't get it forward to Rhodes quickly will be of the uttermost importance.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

I'm tending to agree with this, despite the fact I don't like us changing from the solid 4-4-2 which we've used for the entire of the rest of the season. 4-4-1-1 suits the squad we would be going in with, with our lack of striking options, and it probably suits the opposition.

The only issue is if Macca isn't fit, who are the 5 in midfield? Monty cannot start surely, on an open quick pitch, where retention of the ball in midfield so they can't get it forward to Rhodes quickly will be of the uttermost importance.

To be fair, Monty man marked better players than Rhodes out of certain games in the Prem season and I think that's the job he'd be given if he plays.

 

[Trigger Blade]

I'm tending to agree with this, despite the fact I don't like us changing from the solid 4-4-2 which we've used for the entire of the rest of the season. 4-4-1-1 suits the squad we would be going in with, with our lack of striking options, and it probably suits the opposition.

The only issue is if Macca isn't fit, who are the 5 in midfield? Monty cannot start surely, on an open quick pitch, where retention of the ball in midfield so they can't get it forward to Rhodes quickly will be of the uttermost importance.

Just looking at the interview that DW did after the game on Monday, he said that Kmac had a tight hamstring before the game and that he was taken off at H/T more as a precaution than because he was injured.

I was surprised by that, I assumed he couldn't continue, but it does make me feel a bit more optimistic that he'll be fit, or at least fit enough to start. I read on a message board that he was walking normally after the game, so fingers crossed.

 

[Sothall_Blade]

Just looking at the interview that DW did after the game on Monday, he said that Kmac had a tight hamstring before the game and that he was taken off at H/T more as a precaution than because he was injured.

I was surprised by that, I assumed he couldn't continue, but it does make me feel a bit more optimistic that he'll be fit, or at least fit enough to start. I read on a message board that he was walking normally after the game, so fingers crossed.

I have to say that sounds like a bit of a smokescreen to me.
With the tie delicately poised at 0-0, what was the point in taking McDonald off if he wasn't injured?
No point saving him for a final match that we might not have reached (shades of Sir Alf Ramsay).
I wonder if he'd have made the same comments if we'd been knocked out.
Having said that, I hope he is fit (McDonald not Sir Alf) as the wide open spaces of Wembley should suit his game.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

I have to say that sounds like a bit of a smokescreen to me.
With the tie delicately poised at 0-0, what was the point in taking McDonald off if he wasn't injured?
No point saving him for a final match that we might not have reached (shades of Sir Alf Ramsay).
I wonder if he'd have made the same comments if we'd been knocked out.
Having said that, I hope he is fit (McDonald not Sir Alf) as the wide open spaces of Wembley should suit his game.

Beat me to it, according to comments at the time, he was touch and go for the Wendy game but was then missing for 6 weeks. When he pulled up and went to ground, it didn't look like anything other than an injury.

 

[HeCanDoMagic]

- - - - - - - - - - - Simmonsen - - - - - - - - - - -

Lowton - - - Maguire - - - Collins - - - Hill

- - - - - - - - - MacD - - - Doyle - - - - - - - -

- - Williamson - - - Quinn - - - Flynn - -

- - - - - - - - - - - Cresswell - - - - - - - - - - -

 

[davidpinder]

To be honest, I'd stick with the same team as Monday. Watching the game last night, Huddersfield play a standard 4-4-2 and look very big and solid at the back. I think we'd play into their hands if we went in with Porter and Cressy especially considering there's next to no pace and movement between them. MK ran round them with passing and movement so I think playing Squinny in that same position would be our best bet.

Other than the obligatory couple of crosses behind the goal, I thought Hill had his best game for us on Monday so no problems keeping the back four the same even though Rhodes et al will cause us more problems than Stevenage as they did earlier in the season.

I fear doing that and hudds will find a goal then we will have the Burnley game all over again, for once we need to make a team worry about us.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

I fear doing that and hudds will find a goal then we will have the Burnley game all over again, for once we need to make a team worry about us.

Why do you think playing Porter and Cresswell up front means we are less likely to concede ?

 

[davidpinder]

Why do you think playing Porter and Cresswell up front means we are less likely to concede ?

i don't i think we have more chance of that goal we are waiting for.

 

[Revolution]

It'll be Monty and 4-5-1 and 2009 redux knowing our luck. What a cruel joke.

 

[Patrick Suffaux]

Simonsen
Lowton
Collins
Maguire
Hill
Williamson
McDonald
Doyle
Quinn
Porter
Cresswell

Howard
Ertl
Montgomery
Flynn
O'Halloran

Same starting 11 as in the opening post. The 4-4-1-1 with Quinn in the pocket worked very well against Stevenage but Huddersfield will be a different proposition. We dont want them taking the initiative on the big occasion. An extra man up front (an experienced one in Cresswell) will be vital to stamp our authority on the game. Wembley is a big pitch, we dont want the ball constantly coming back while Porter runs himself ragged.

 

[mekkyblade]

Simonsen
Lowton
Collins
Maguire
Hill
Williamson
McDonald
Doyle
Quinn
Porter
Cresswell

Howard
Ertl
Montgomery
Flynn
O'Halloran

Same starting 11 as in the opening post. The 4-4-1-1 with Quinn in the pocket worked very well against Stevenage but Huddersfield will be a different proposition. We dont want them taking the initiative on the big occasion. An extra man up front (an experienced one in Cresswell) will be vital to stamp our authority on the game. Wembley is a big pitch, we dont want the ball constantly coming back while Porter runs himself ragged.

Couldnt agree more we need to at least look like we are threatening to score a goal and as much as porter ran about he never once looked. like scoring until the goal which was a pinpoint cross from matty and poor marking from stevenage . We absolutely need to score first or i fear burnley all over again lets attack from the first whistle because i feel udders will definately score and with a 4 4 1 1 or 4 5 1 which is the same thing anyway we will struggle to score and only invite pressure. Please Danny dont be like blackwell and bottle it. UTB

 

[Jehovah]

Couldnt agree more we need to at least look like we are threatening to score a goal and as much as porter ran about he never once looked. like scoring until the goal which was a pinpoint cross from matty and poor marking from stevenage . We absolutely need to score first or i fear burnley all over again lets attack from the first whistle because i feel udders will definately score and with a 4 4 1 1 or 4 5 1 which is the same thing anyway we will struggle to score and only invite pressure. Please Danny dont be like blackwell and bottle it. UTB

He nearly scored after 5 minutes.

 

[Toronto Blade]

Simonsen
Lowton
Collins
Maguire
Hill
Williamson
McDonald
Doyle
Quinn
Porter
Cresswell

Howard
Ertl
Montgomery
Flynn
O'Halloran

Same starting 11 as in the opening post. The 4-4-1-1 with Quinn in the pocket worked very well against Stevenage but Huddersfield will be a different proposition. We dont want them taking the initiative on the big occasion. An extra man up front (an experienced one in Cresswell) will be vital to stamp our authority on the game. Wembley is a big pitch, we dont want the ball constantly coming back while Porter runs himself ragged.

The pitch isn't much bigger than what the Blades are used to Wembley 115 yards x 75 yards

Bramall Lane 112 yards x 72 yards

 

[Pinchy]

I agree with Patrick Suffaux, even to the extent of Ertl on the bench. His height and versatility (he can play poorly anywhere!) might be useful in the event of a narrow lead with 10 minutes to go.

 

[Ollessendro]

Hmmm, I am torn on this one. The last thing I want to see is United fail to score in another play off final and even more so, I just could not take a meak, weak and cowardly defeat. However, I stand by the old cliche 'if it aint broke, then don't ix it'. You need a pretty good case for justifying chaning a winning team. Now there is a strong argument for dropping (the inneffecive and lightweight) Flynn and bringing in an experienced and dangerous stiker in Cresswell.

Does Wilson gamble on Cressy and hope we score first? We could always go 4-5-1 if we get our noses in front. Or does he play the team that got us here and stick with 4-5-1? If we were to go behind, we could throw Cressy on for impact. His running and hard work might actually be more effective later on, as the Huddersfield defence tires. That said, his hard work and pressing might actually protect us just as much as if we were playing 4-5-1. Interesting dilemma.

The fitness of K Mac might also come into it. Would we really want Monty and Doyle as part of a 5 man midfield? If they start together, then you might be better going with Cressy and playing Quinn out wide. Except the latter has flourished in this role.

You can see I cannot make my mind up. We have to put our faith in Wilson. His tactics have been spot on before and hopefully he'll out fox Grayson. I don't actully think the formation matters massively, it will be more tactics, luck and potentially plan B (i.e. making changes early if it is not working). The main issue for me is that we need key players to step up to the plate. Lowton needs to bomb forward like he did in the last 20 against Stevenage, Quinn needs to show the form of the 2nd half against Stevenage and earlier in the season and Williamson will also be key. If K Mac is fit, then he needs to step up and control the midfield. Most importantly Collins and Maguire (plus Hill and Lowton) need to be rock solid and have the games of their lives. If we don't concede, then we have a great chance of winning. Obvious I know, but stopping Jordan Rhodes is going to be one hell of a task. This will be the key for me. if we nullify Rhodes we win, but if he plays well and scores then I think we'll lose. Unfortunately (the cynical me) I feel it will be the latter.

 

[ListerBlade]

He nearly scored after 5 minutes.

Think it's more he 'should' have scored after 5 minutes, not nearly.

 

[davidpinder]

Hmmm, I am torn on this one. The last thing I want to see is United fail to score in another play off final and even more so, I just could not take a meak, weak and cowardly defeat. However, I stand by the old cliche 'if it aint broke, then don't ix it'. You need a pretty good case for justifying chaning a winning team. Now there is a strong argument for dropping (the inneffecive and lightweight) Flynn and bringing in an experienced and dangerous stiker in Cresswell.

Does Wilson gamble on Cressy and hope we score first? We could always go 4-5-1 if we get our noses in front. Or does he play the team that got us here and stick with 4-5-1? If we were to go behind, we could throw Cressy on for impact. His running and hard work might actually be more effective later on, as the Huddersfield defence tires. That said, his hard work and pressing might actually protect us just as much as if we were playing 4-5-1. Interesting dilemma.

The fitness of K Mac might also come into it. Would we really want Monty and Doyle as part of a 5 man midfield? If they start together, then you might be better going with Cressy and playing Quinn out wide. Except the latter has flourished in this role.

You can see I cannot make my mind up. We have to put our faith in Wilson. His tactics have been spot on before and hopefully he'll out fox Grayson. I don't actully think the formation matters massively, it will be more tactics, luck and potentially plan B (i.e. making changes early if it is not working). The main issue for me is that we need key players to step up to the plate. Lowton needs to bomb forward like he did in the last 20 against Stevenage, Quinn needs to show the form of the 2nd half against Stevenage and earlier in the season and Williamson will also be key. If K Mac is fit, then he needs to step up and control the midfield. Most importantly Collins and Maguire (plus Hill and Lowton) need to be rock solid and have the games of their lives. If we don't concede, then we have a great chance of winning. Obvious I know, but stopping Jordan Rhodes is going to be one hell of a task. This will be the key for me. if we nullify Rhodes we win, but if he plays well and scores then I think we'll lose. Unfortunately (the cynical me) I feel it will be the latter.

Believe it or not the one other thing Huddersfield have going for them other than Rhodes is we haven't played against them under Grayson, Grayson hasn't managed against us this season granted but the squad has played against us so they will know everything about us but potentially we could know nothing about there new game plans. As obvious as it sounds i think the first goal is so crucial because i really don't want us to be casing the game with a 4-5-1 formation and having to change tactics. We lost 3-0 at the lane but the game was very open and we had more than enough chances for that to be much closer, we won 1-0 at there place and defended really well in a tight game so this is really hard to call. I still think the 4-4-2 option is a better one, i think the chances are we will go behind anyway but if we stick to our game plan from the start i believe we won't only score but will have a great chance of winning it.

 

[super_pig]

To be fair, Monty man marked better players than Rhodes out of certain games in the Prem season and I think that's the job he'd be given if he plays.

you mean Frank Lampard .. that was yonks ago btw

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

you mean Frank Lampard .. that was yonks ago btw

Frank 'spear-heading another England campaign' Lampard, that's him

There was one game at the Lane and I can't quite remember who it was, might have been Viera against the Arse but it was Monty's finest hour.

 

[super_pig]

let's hope his finest hour is yet to come