Assuming Wilson starts against Preston because Tomlin can't, what happens on Wednesday against Bournemouth? Can we afford to go all guns blazing with "on the floor" football by playing both on the pitch at the same time, or is it going to be one or the other? We know Wilson can play wide left and that would leave the No.10 slot for Tomlin (if fit enough). Hoilett would be the obvious candidate for the bench leaving Ojo holding onto the right side - any other combos?
I can see Wilson starting wide left although he is more effective roaming across/behind the line. Much depends on Tomlin's fitness. A nice problem to have for once. Both Wilson and Tomlin are ex- Cherries players.
Interesting point is they're both excellent dead ball free kick takers - one with his left foot and one with his right. If they're both on the pitch and we get a free kick awarded just outside the box, I wonder if it'll depend on which side of the goal as to who takes it? Or will Tomlin pinch the ball and bully his way to taking it wherever it is?
Wilson hits them harder from distance and with more whip - bit like Whitts used to hit them. Tomlin’s good at short range ones. But got to get free kicks in those areas first which have been as rare as hens teeth this season. As for where they play, Wilson for me is best in the hole - but Tomlins wasted out wide. Difficult conundrum for Harris but good that City could have 2 quality creative footballers on the pitch in the opposing half!
Its a long season and they will both be needed. Whether its on the pitch at the same time, we will see. Wilson could start or come off the bench as a 10 or out wide. He could start at 10 with hoilett left then move left with tomlin off the bench if tomlin is still not fully fit. Still like the idea of 4231, but we could now play 442 or 433 with the players we have. Harris needs to decide what plan A is first.
He could play a back 5 to get Benkovic on the pitch. That should allow both FBs to get up or even play Ojo as left wing back? 2 of Ralls, Pack, Bacuna and Vaulks in the middle with Wilson or Tomlin ahead and one of Murphy or Hoilett our wide with Moore or Glatzel up front. Plenty of options. Or am I overthinking it
All I can keep thinking is whether this is the beginning of us playing creative football on a regular basis. Would love to see them both together.
Is it too much to hope they could also bring the best out of Murphy? The boy has talent but's been something of a misfit on the pitch. Maybe Tomlin/Wilson/Murphy down the left/middle could tear up a few defences.
Its finding the right balance. The defensive side of the game needs to be taken care of as well. No doubt our attacking powers have increased during this transfer window. Just need to get them singing off the same hymn sheet. As an aside, our friends down west seem a bit miffed that Wilson chose a 'hoofball side' over them.
I think once you have a potent attacking force that can also hold the ball, you immediately take pressure off your defence anyway. However, I agree that working in tandem is key. I haven't analysed figures, but it seems to me that successful clubs these days have the ethos of scoring more than the opposition rather than the mindset of conceding less. If that makes sense.
Its why I like the 4231 formation. I might have mentioned it once or twice. A holding midfielder and a box to box man as the two helps protect the back 4 while letting the front 4 do what they do. One of baccuna or pack (did I really type that ) with one of ralls or voulks in front of the back 4 with quite a few options in front of them. I still have hopes that we may see an upturn in fortunes for Glatzel with a few more ball players arround him.
Glatzel could shine within that system - lumpball up to him is a waste of time. He has pace and vision to do well but he needs the ball on the floor not at head height every time.
I genuinely hope this is the ongoing evolution of the squad by Harris to get a more rounded team on the field. There is still a time and place to 'go long' but it should be part of a an holistic plan. We seem to be moving on the right (wrong?) type of player and bringing in the right type of player to move our style forward. The theory sounds good, just need to see it in practice.
I realise it's all about today's game right now with Tomlin banned and Wilson therefore expected to provide the "playmaker" option. Whatever the result, it will be very interesting how Harris appoaches the home game against Bournemouth on Wednesday. If Tommo is fit, will he try to shoehorn both him and Wilson in against a very good footballing team, or revert to "standard practice" as the best way to get a result?
Horses for courses. Play to win. There may need to be some ugly wins along the way but hopefully, in general, play that is easier on the eye.
Have we signed another player called Glatzel.?? What pace and vision.? Hes not exactly quick not very creative , not a great first touch and his ball striking isnt great. Hes still our player so I hope he proves me wrong but he looks way out of his depth.
Morning Hilts. It's difficult to argue with you given performances to date. However, I also have the impression that Glatzel has a bit to offer within the right system and with the right players around him. I guess it's down to how we all perceive things differently, but I agree with sparkey that balls on the deck are going to suit him far better than those launched at his head.
Agree he's been out of his depth so far, but that's as much to do with the way we play as much as hm - time for a change all round.
