I'd go with that too, Mackie will be essential for hassling their defenders and stopping them playing (and I've got him down to score to ram unwarranted criticism down various people's throats), Derry vital for just being Derry, although I would start Jenas ahead of Mbia if he is fit enough, and possibly consider Fabio ahead of Traore.
Can't really argue with much of that Roller. At least we some some options eh? Even more if we can keep Remy fit.
I think Fabio will start as he's a more solid defender than Traore and still gives us attacking intent. I also think Jenas might start in one of the DM positions as he is more of a box to box player and that might just get him the nod ahead of Derry. We have to look at getting the win rather than the draw and good as Derry has been Jenas may offer more if the game is there to be won...
Do you think Harry will go all out to win every game from now? I don't. I think he'll be happy with two draws in our next two games and then hope to start winning. Risky old strategy.
Problem is too many of the sides down with us are winning games and stretching the gap. Three draws only gives us three points whereas others are getting the three in one game. The strategy fails if in going for the draw we lose. I think we will still set up defensively and try to hit them on the break, Jenas could make some difference if he and M'Bia are disciplined enough to read the play...
I suspect you're right in that this is how he'll approach the forthcoming games, but I think he's wily enough to have changes of strategy up his sleeve depending on how matches are progressing. I sincerely hope that the post-transfer window approach differs from the pre-window tactics in terms of less pragmatism and more attack, though. If you look at what we've had to date with Redknapp, there were the early games where he did a bit of laissez faire where it became clear to him that the squad assembled by Hughes was nowhere good enough. Then we had the solid defence to keep us as close as possible to the pack until the window opened. In the meantime Redknapp took a look at the fringe players via the FA Cup and found he didn't fancy any of them either. So, he's done his business, brought in 3 players he knows, a giant central defender who does not represent a gamble in anybody's eyes, and a much sought after striker who we hope can stay fit. This team has to win games now. Everybody knows this.
Cheers. Wasn't counting on crosses as we rarely have anyone in the box to convert them. My thought was with Townsend looking to have a good shot on him I'd like to see him cut in from the right banging them in. And SWP could provide good backing for a defensively fragile Traore. Actually had Fabio in my initial imaginary team but forgot to put him in my team sheet Though I had him as a right midfielder to help protect the fullback with SWP helping out the other. But that would leave Townsend out which would be a bad move considering his strong debut. And in the end leaving us with a defensive team set up to battle for a draw, not my kind of approach. I'll swap Fabio with Traore as you pointed out. Give Granero another chance as I've seen improvement from him, and set us up, still solid but with more attacking intent. ------------------------Cesar------------------------ Onouha---------Samba-----------Hill------------Fabio ----------------Derry------------Mbia---------------- Townsend-------------Granero----------------Taarabt -----------------------Mackie------------------------
Reality is that despite digging in when required, we've had constant problems in terms of creativity in central midfield, caused, not least, by HR constantly playing Mbia and Derry together. I totally understand this approach as tightening up at the back had to a priority. But we've reached the stage now, in my opinion, where some additional risks are gonna have to be taken - and for me this involves playing either Mbia or Derry. Deciding between the two is difficult: Derry's pretty consistent, but sometimes caught out for pace; whilst Mbia is all over the place and prone to a wild challenge or three. Either way, one has to go.
We figured that one out, just dont fall asleep and make sure you score the 1st goal. Thats why the opening day confused us, you attacked without 74 passes needed to get across the halfway line.
Phil, its nothing against the Swans. I've the utmost respect for what you've done these past few Seasons. Its just a feeling I have with regard QPR. When we look like we're fu*ked and couldn't buy a goal, let alone a win, we sometimes pop up with a most unexpected result. Swansea are rightly favourites for this game but you just never know in football.
QPR FC ‏@OfficialQPR #QPR XI: Cesar, Traore, Derry, Samba, Hill, Taarabt, Mackie, Onuoha, Jenas, Townsend, Mbia #QPR Subs: Green, Park, SWP, Granero, Ben Haim, Zamora & Bothroyd
------------------------Cesar------------------------ Onouha---------Samba-----------Hill-----------Traore ------------------------Derry------------------------ Townsend---------Jenas------Mbia-----------Taarabt -----------------------Mackie------------------------ 4-1-4-1 ???
I must be psychic! See my opening post. The exact 11 I chose. Will either be Taarabt up top or Mackie imo.
