I can't bear the 'do a job' approach PNP, put the right bloke there or forget it, especially when time and time again they can't do a job. Why would you want Niko to do a job on the right???...when he himself said he doesn't want too!...have you forgot he said that, it was one of the reasons Harry went cold on him. No, no and thrice no, too slow and doesn't track back. A disciplined role does not suit him imo, he needs a free'er role so others can compensate his shortcomings. I can't think of anything worse than putting a player where he doesn't want to be, you not get the best out of him. If the issue was forced through injury/suspension it'd be the only reason for me. He only played the first half v Pool mate, the goals (bar Modrics) came 2nd half with VdV in his place.
You could say the same for van der Vaart playing in his current role, Notso. It worked against Norwich, but he's still provisionally on the right where he's done very little, time and again. The damage was all done in the first half and we played better, too. We slaughtered them til Adam's dismissal, then Agger cried off and Skrtel was living on borrowed time.
PNP "You could say the same for van der Vaart playing in his current role, Notso." I'm not picking on just Niko, I don't want to see VdV out there in 442 either. I'd disagree with VdV in his latest role as he's not needed to provide width, Ade, Bale interchanging and Walker give that. I don't see what he's done wrong there on the last 2 games. The right flank was empty for long periods v Swansea...VdV's fault, don't think so, we've both agreed he's no good out there, so why expect him to be now. Yes we did batter them, but more down the left because Skrtel was FB, Niko had one good half fair enough, as against many dismal shows there.
Somebody has to play out there though, Notso! I'd prefer to see van der Vaart and Modric back in their best positions, so I'd rather see someone playing in the right midfield role than a direct replacement for Parker. Kranjcar's the best choice for me, as I feel that his weaknesses are somewhat nullified by Walker's strengths. The 4-4-1-1 is my preferred system, as I feel it suits most of our best players. It also allows us to make easy changes if it's not working. If we need more up front, then a simple switch to 4-4-2 will do it. If we need to become more solid, then we can introduce Livermore for one of our more attacking players.
So far, 4411 has worked best i agree, until the opponents chuck en extra MFer in, then we're overran. The 433...ish thing against Norwich needs more time. I prefer creative players (Bale, Mod, VdV) given free roles tbh, if a system can be created within a team to allow that, thats the one for me. I honestly think there's far too much blah about formations on here, players win games, not pretty patterns. Defence is the only rigid shape you want to see really.
Its not worth repeating Luke, nobody seems to take it on board, I've said here Lennon has to be replaced like for like (with pace) to be as effective in that system. We have won without him, but with a different system though. As you have also said, I think we're over-cooking W.Broms current threat a bit too much. For the record, 4411 was pulled apart by Stoke 1st half, it doesn't always work. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/16021626.stm There again nothing works all the time.
I'm a bit disappointed we've lost Townsend, but if Harry isn't going to play him (and him being loaned indicates that), then I guess he may as well be loaned. I think he could play for us in the Prem now, but Harry's the boss. We didn't play well at Swansea, but that is a difficult place to go and a draw wasn't a bad result. I'm torn on the Sandro and Parker pairing, but if they start tonight I won't be unhappy. However we could bring in JD for one of them and I wouldn't be unhappy with that either. We should be able to beat WBA tonight, be fascinating to see Harry's call on this.
I agree smart, formations are where the game starts from, once it begins the other team has a say in what happens. If you have intelligent players in midfield and attack they will work out options and move accordingly. The manager can supplement this from the side by seeing things the players have not. Bale moving across for example means a response is needed by others, if it doesn't happen, Harry shouts. The same with players being pulled out of position by the opposition. All of which means that you can talk about formations all you like, when the game starts it's a different matter. Unless you are parking the bus of course.
I wholly agree but I also think our current best 10 outfield players are Walker, Kaboul, King, BAE, Sandro, Parker, Modric, Bale, VdV and Adebayor and there is no way that 4411 or 442 is the formation to get the best out of those
I saw on SSN earlier that Parker faces a late fitness test, but, intriguingly, King and Lennon may return. I didn't realise Lennon was close to being back but I guess he might be on the bench tonight?
Its all cloak n dagger Moorpheus...Harry loves nothing more than a late team sheet with surprise names on it, there's nothing more deflating for the opposition to see a name they thought was out, suddenly in.
Have just seen a clip on SSN of Defoe walking around WHL preparing for the game, he appears to have dyed his hair blonde
city and pool would be good if its a draw or even if pool win...and we win..thats 3 points off the top potentially tonight with a game in hand
