Guthrie/Ireland/Nolan

We have Nolan back next week and as captain, having played well this season, he comes back into the team. But Guthrie has done a very good job his last few games, getting a lot of plaudits for last nights and even a couple of MOTMs. So do we find a way to keep Guthrie in the side (4-5-1) or has he not impressed you enough? Then there is Ireland, who should be ready to start.

So basically what I'm asking is who do we play next game, more specifically midfield?

 

Barton - Guthrie - Tiote - Jonas
------------Nolan-------------
--------Lovenkrands----------

Ireland gets half an hour for one of Nolan/Guthrie/Tiote/Jonas.

 

Barton Tiote Guthrie Jonas
-------Nolan
--------Ameobi

Ireland could come on for either Guthrie or Nolan, depends on how the game is going.

4-4-1-1 might be seen as negative considering we are going to Blackpool, but Nolan is our biggest goal threat, and Lovenkrands (despite having a good game against Man Utd) is past it.

 

This!

 

---Ireland-----Tiote---
---------Nolan---------
--Barton--------Jonas
---------Shola

 

Put it this way: Who will offer more to the team? Guthrie or Ameobi?

I think Guthrie, which is why I'd put him in CM and Nolan behind the striker. I mean christ, if our Ameobi and Lovenkrands strikeforce are already scoring almost jack ****, we don't have much to lose.

PS: I'd actually bring Ireland on at half time. If he's feeling fit, give him 45 mins and see how he does.

 

Lovenkrands may be past it, that is up for debate, but Ameobi never had 'it' to be past.

 

Would choose Ameobi over Lovenkrands, Shola had a scorcher against Wolves and played some good flick ons to Ireland when he came on. Unfortunately i dont think lovenkrands is strong enough for the prem, aswell as missing a bit of a sitter last night!

 

Im sure he played 1 flick on to Ireland... which actually came off the defenders foot.

 

I think we have 3 good options and barring any knocks in training only 2 will be able to play, since Barton, Tiote and Jonas wont be dropped (quite rightly), so although it appears negative a 4-5-1 might be the best approach. Maybe more of a 4-4-1-1 where Ireland was off the striker last night? Guthrie's been good though so I'd say:

Barton Tiote Guthrie Jonas
-----------Nolan
-----------Shola*

Ireland on for whoever's playing worse of Guthrie or Nolan, or whoever's more tired (probably Nolan).

*Dont think Lover has it in him to play up front alone. Ideally I'd have Ranger in this situation but that wont happen so Shola looks the best bet.

 

I know, we really need Best .

Think Shola works better as a lone striker than Lovenkrands would, he doesnt really have enough presence.

 

My personal one :

Krul
Simpson Willo Colo Enrique
Barton Guthrie Tiote Guti
Nolan(Get Ireland on when he tires out or for Guthrie/Guti depending on the situation)
Lover(if it isn't working then put Shola/Ranger on)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCPD_B4sg78 The good things about Guthrie.

IMO he had his best game yesterday(this season anyways). He showed good passing ability, decent mobility(although he isn't the quickest), always put himself about and was usually available for passes, decent energy and box-to-box ability. MOTM IMO yesterday. Thought he'll struggle against Man United's midfield but he gave a accomplished all-rounded performance which was definitly worhty of a MOTM award.

 

Played a good flick on to Nolan in the Wolves match, aswell as scoring. Did alright last night considering he was playing with a nock and against the best CB in the league. Lovenkrands wont be able to play up front alone. If Ameobi was playing against Villa I think we could of got something out of that game...

 

Ameobi is too slow & lethargic IMO. Loverman may not have the presence or ability in the air which Ameobi posses but he works his socks off, has decent movement and good pace(not as sharp as he used to be though). Blackpool play a attacking 433 formation(there back four will usually play a high line/offside trap) and I think Lover's pace will trouble them(Catchcart? and Evatt are big/strong CB's but lack pace and I think they'll handel Ameobi pretty well). That's just me though. I think Lover suits this game because his pace will eventually break there offside-trap/high-line.

With Guthrie, Barton and Ireland in the team we can afford to play technical football not hoofball to ****ing Amadonkey and I think Lover will get a lot of service through Barton and Guthrie. Both two very good passers.

 

Ameobi is much more likely to score therefore id play him

 

No he isn't. He's scored 1 less goal is a couple less games. Similar records. With excellent passers in the team we need mobility up top, not a lazy useless striker.

Edit: Thats Loven who's scored 1 less in a few less games.

 

Yeah ^

 

It would be a shame to drop Guthrie, but since i see Nolan being in the starting lineup:

Barton - Nolan - Tiote - Jonas
------------Ireland----------
-----------McLoven---------

Ireland + Loven offer more pace and movement upfront to drag their defence about, then Nolan can pop up from deep unmarked and slot it home.

 

Ameobi 8 in 25
Lovenkrands 5 in 24

Shola has a bigger presence/ effect on the game.