Midfield for Saturday

Gosling and even Perch have always been preferred to Smith this season, who has failed to make the bench on a number of occasions.

 

-----------------Krul-----------------
Simpson-----Kadar----Perch----Raylor/Santon
Obertan----Cabaye----Abeid----Jonas
--------------------HBA--------------
---------------Ba--------------------



Smith given a bus ticket on matchday to Middlesbrough and asked to find some glass hammers and tartan paint.

 

In the paper Simpson said they were training with 5 at the back, how do you like this (or something similar) :

Krul
Simpson Colo Santon
Raylor-------------Jonas
Abeid
Cabaye - Gosling
Benny

Ba​

 

it's Christmas so yeah

 

Aww poor Perch. Must've been so excited, getting a couple of games, CB injuries, his time to shine, Pardew changes the system to keep him out.

How about...

-------------Krul--------------
--Simpson-Colo-Kadar-Santon--
Raylor-------Perch-------Jonas
--------Abeid---Gosling--------
-------------------------------
------------Shola-------------

A narrow back four with two wingbacks and Perch sitting just in front of the defence. Two in midfield (defencive minded of course) and Ameobi up front getting on the end of long balls.
7-2-1

 

Bit of a drastic change in tactics, I've read that article as well and doesn't really elaborate on it other than
"We have been working as a back five in training, day in and day out working on things"
Do you not think he means a back five including the keeper?

 

Looking at it, you might be right. 5 at the back still possibly worth consideration though.

 

I've read an interview with John Carver, and he said they spend 3-4 days working on the defensive side for the game coming up then the last couple of days is the attacking side.

So would have thought he has worked out a back 4 for Saturday and has them working with Krul to get them familiar with each other and what is expected of them etc.