Just come on here to write a similar line up as you Roo.
I was thinking exactly the same re: Bale in the middle as we have no-one going forward from that position without Dembele. Admittedly last season he tried coming in to the centre from the left and it didn't work but if we put someone out there like Azza or Falque then he will be only responsible for the CM role. If I am not mistaken he played in a central role for Wales.
Hi B&W
I've only seen Bale on a couple of occasions in the centre and he's been very good. I remember when we played Norwich last season and he adopted a more central role for a part of the game, which led to that brilliant goal. His ability to run at the opposition is exactly what we need atm so we pose some sort of threat! - let's not forget that goal against united in the 3-2 win, either! - another central run.
The main reason why I think it's worth a go is because i've noticed in the last few matches that the opposition clearly don't think we have any threat whatsoever in the middle, so they are just capitalising in that area of the pitch. Huddlestone has been made to look v poor, but it's because we're not playing to his strengths. He's an incredible passer of the ball and he has an ability to calm things down and retain possession. The problem at the moment, is that because we pose no central attacking threat, he's being shut down from all angles very quickly and it's becoming very frustrating for him and us. I think by adding bale in a central role just ahead of him, it'll make the opposition think twice about how they will shut down our defensive 2, as it could leave Bale exposed in yards of space. 1 simple, accurate pass from Huddlestone, (or carroll for that matter if he plays) and bale could be long gone. no opposition will want to take that risk. With the pace of the wingers in falque and lennon, it'll help us to keep our width and shape, which thus creates even more space and helps us to open teams up. Ade is very intelligent when it comes to holding the ball up and finding intricate passes (hence double figure assists last season) and he needs to be utilised correctly. I can see Bale and Ade linking very well as they are both selfless players. if it doesn't work, we change it. It can't be any worse than the dross we've seen recently.
but I expect us to line up like this:
Lloris
walker Caulker Dawson Verts
Hudd Livermore (poss carroll)
lennon dempsey bale
Ade
if we do, it's very likely we'll see yet another game where JL, TH and CD do not work together. - unfortunately tonight, it could mean we're all but out of the EL.
FABRICE MUAMBA!! 