Team for Derby (away)

Under Ollie we have developed so many possible options of formations which are very flexible that it is quite difficult to accurately predict a starting formation and team, which is great!

For this away match I would be adventurous and would focus on fast counter attacks with width, thus would include both Yeni and Paweł. I also expect us to continue to play with the three central defenders which has been very effective. As a result, I opt for a 3-4-3 formation for offensive play, which will be 5-4-1 in the defensive mode and plumb for the following team:

--------------------------------- Smithies-------------------------------
---------------Onuoha------------Hall-------------Lynch------------
--Furlong -------------Luongo -------Freeman-----------Bidwell--
------------Wszołek -----------Smith ------------Yeni-------------

This also leaves us with a strong bench which includes Sylla, Washington, Manning and Mackie.

I look forward to watching the match (on TV) whatever the formation. COYR's!!!!

 

Looks good that, Ski!
I hope we go for it like we did at Massive. The points are there for the taking.

 

Yes, a lot has happened for the better since we were last on the "box". It will be interesting to see. Especially Washington now apparently a come good striker, but though always industrious, was otherwise terrible when I've seen him play as a striker alone or in a two, and only of nuisance value out wide left.

 

Much as I like this team, I believe suspect that we may see Manning in the starting line up to have "more bite" to the midfield (at the cost of "width").

 

Oslo, I admit that I am looking forward to seeing the match. I have listened to most radio commentaries and have watched the highlights, but it its not the same as watching a game lives on the box.

I expect Connor to be rested for this match after his International active involvement, although he may be used as a late substitute.

 

Yeni, Sylla, Pawel are all on International duty too though only Yeni played at all and him only 15 minutes. But maybe they will play before Friday. Luongo played for Australia and may again before Derby, so he must be a doubt with a lot of travel time for him too.

 

Paweł travelled to Montenegro but he did not play in Poland's 2-1 win. So he should be match fit.

 

Not sure Luongo will play as Australia played UAE this morning which means he probably won't get back until Thursday, so I really can't see him being involved after travelling 20000 miles.

Like the side Ski put up in the OP but with Luongo not involved move Hall into the holding midfield role and Perch in on the right side of a back 3.......

 

no way should Washington be rested/dropped

 

Changing the subject entirely for a sec, just heard Michael Caine on TV explain where "cor blymie" comes from "God Blind Me". Ok back to the team news.........

 

I missed that. If that is the case then he will be definitely resting.

 

If we correctly rest Yeni, Luongo and Washington after active international duties, then Nines, I agree that your team is the one that I would chose.

 

Why rest them, Washington played Sunday, not Wednesday which often happens with internationals

 

It is true that he could probably play if uninjured. But then again, there are fully rested players available and Washington could then play the full game on Tuesday against Villa. Ollie does seems to be rotating and using his full squad and picking his team for particular games.

But to fully answer your question, it is nothing more than "speculation".

 

I'd play Washington, he's scored for NI, let build up some momentum. If he has to come off before the end, so be it.

 

No way Washington doesn't play
Smith Washington manning luongo freeman are undroppable
Pavel is unlucky the other two are subs Lua Lua yeni
Mackie should drive the bus and lead the sing song on it

 

They as good players. But if we play them all at the same will we have width?

 

Totally agree
We need Robinson fit