hiya boys and girls, after another long week I am have to admit I am eagerly awaiting the Bolton match. I think we have all read on various sites that it looks likely that both Connor Wickham and Bendtner will start this weekend, and I'm really looking forward to seeing that. I thought I'd just put my thoughts out there as to what I hope to see and see if we can all agree....which extremely unlikely but nonetheless: 4-4-2. Compact in defense, and spread out in the attack, the basics if you will. I was really disappointed in Elmo last weekend, and I know he was very important for Bruce in that line up because we needed an aerial target man. Having said that with the two big boys set to start upfront I doubt his aerial presence will be a need. The focus point for me in this game will be who starts out wide. I think we've all had mixed information as to the availability of Larsson, who has been superb, but I think if available he is a must. For me Colback on the left and Sess on the right if Larsson is not available but if he is, Sess on the left and Larsson on the right. Precision crosses is a must as we are such a threat aerially, and I would also like to see a lot of early balls into the box. For me this weekend I want to see the forwards more involved. Get one of them involved in the buildup, then swing it out wide for the cross to create that little bit of space. I think Bendtner will most likely be the one dropping deep asking for the ball, and after his display against WestBrom I have no qualms with this. Cattermole is another must for me. I know I'm just a big admirer, and he has many critics but I thought his performance against Arsenal was definitely one in the right direction and if Vaughan is played along side him, we can also create a good tempo between the attacking four players. No changes in the back 4 and in goal, this is where we need a bit of consistency methinks. Slowly the understanding will develop and as terrible as people may Ricco is, I still think he provides the bit of pace to deal with whatever pacey winger Bolton thrust upon us (eagles most likely). I know he got some criticism for the first goal with his positioning but all in all I thought the way he dealt with Theo was brilliant. So at it stands what I would like, and expect to see is: Bendtner Wickham Colback Vaughan Cattermole Sess Ricco Brown Turner OShea Mig Even if that isn't the starting line up, the first 20 minutes will be pivotal. If we can get in there, keep it tidy at the back and create a tempo going forward there's nothing more we can ask for. I really hope to see the forwards being involved in the build up play, hit them once and then pass back on the turn. All good sides play passes and move, that's what I'm hoping to see.. a bit of movement and initiative to take a man on. Hoping for the best, let us know your thoughts.
I hope tomorrow goes exactly the way you have described, I really do! I am no fan of Richo in the LB slot, but I have to agree with you that he played a blinder against Walcott last week and kept him out of the game. For that reason, I can see him keeping his place ahead of Phil Bardsley, who will only make the bench tomorrow. I prey that big Connor hits the ground running should he get his first start tomorrow. I've got a feeling that he is going to do very well for us once he gets some game time in
