WBA? Wigan loose and we get a life line - now we must win against WBA, but how? What formation should be adopt - we now we have only Holt, Beechio and Jackson as strikers. Should we play young Josh Murphy with his trickery and possibly earn a/some penaltie(s)? Should we bring back Ruddy? WBA sit higher in the table than Aston Villa and we could not beat them, but they have now lost two games on the trot, but only just to Man City away this evening. They have lost 10 and drawn 3 away from home. Can we conjure up a win to probably keep us in the Prem?
We have to score one more than WBA on Sunday. It's no good pussy footing around with this one. The passes and crossing to the front men have to be better. We had enough possession in the right places Saturday but created little. We certainly need and extra man in the box and they need the service and we will win. For me, it has to be the diamond. Whether it is Wes (my choice) at the head of that diamond or Howson, is going to be important.
--------------Ruddy---------------- Martin--Bennett--Bassong--Whittaker ------Howson----Johnson----------- Snodgrass---Hoolahan------Pilkington --------------Holt------------------ Whenever the ball is wide, I want Holt Snoddy/Pilks and Howson in the box, with Hoolahan picking up the pieces ready to smash home from range and Johnson hanging back to cover off any counter-attacks. Is that too much to ask?
Just watching the high lights on sky of Man city v WBA tonight. It's not going to be easy WBA have played some great stuff, they play that well on Sunday we're in for a nail biter! Don't think my tickers going to take much more !
As much as it pains me to say it, I think we have to play horrible football on Saturday to get a result. Firstly, Hughton has no faith in the players' ability, so I think it would be counter-productive to try to play properly now - everyone would freeze under the pressure (especially Hughton). Also, our players probably aren't good enough compared to West Brom. Secondly, the result today means I don't think it is quite as desperate as it would have been if Wigan had drawn or won (saying that Wigan will probably go and beat Arsenal now...) it is imperative that we avoid defeat though. Thirdly, West Brom have suffered against Wet Sham and Stoke this season, whereas they've been fantastic against ball-playing teams (Southhampton/Liverpool). Our style revolution can wait til next season - staying up matters more. **** football pays against West Brom. So we need Becchio up top (what a way to rescue a transfer disaster that would be...) and wingers pinging in balls from the side. We still have to go for it, though, so I'm going for 4-4-2. Ruddy/Bunn (I'm not going to opine on this because presumably they know something about Ruddy's fitness we don't) Martin R Bennett Bassong Whittaker E Bennett Howson Johnson Snodgrass Becchio Holt It won't be pretty and I know Snodgrass plays better on the other side, but we need him crossing the ball in early. E Bennett crosses have been our most dangerous weapon recently, he deserves it. On Snodders - I wonder if he's still carrying a knock from Stoke because he wasn't comfortable against Villa? If so, a big call to leave out our best player, but start Pilks. Either way, Pilks/Snodders, Hoolahan, Tettey and Jackson available to come on early (I.e. 55-65 mins) to change our style dependant on scoreline. Unfortunately, I suspect it won't happen.
Thinking positively for a second, both Man Utd and Arsenal sit higher than WBA, and yet we managed to beat them. You never know
A point will do.The Pie Eaters are shagged now.Swansea have shown that Bobby Brown Shoes has been wearing not the cloak of invincibiltiy but the Emperor's Magic Clothes all along.If they defend like last night The Gooners will run up a cricket score
Bringing Ruddy back will give the team and fans a huge boost. Playing two up top and getting balls in to them will at least give us the opportunity to score. Hopefully Holt will have taken some confidence from scoring and playing pretty well on Saturday. I would like to see us fight tooth and nail for an hour and then bring on Wes for some guile and creativity against a tiring opposition to give us a late win.
although a draw would probably be enough, we must play for a win. i wouldn't be surprised if CH approach to the game may well change given the win for swansea last night - back to the 'do not lose' attitude
I would go 4-4-2 as well. Am I right in thinking that Johnson will be suspended after receiving his 10th yellow? Bunn/Ruddy Martin, R.Bennett, Bassong, Whittaker/Garrido E.Bennett, Howson, Tettey, Snodgrass Holt, Becchio E. Bennett for his crossing and pacey tracking-back ability. Wes, Pilks and Jackson as impact subs as their players tire after the mid-week match. OTBC!
No No No, that's our normal formation. We need to try something different .............?????? Here we go, what about this? Keeper. Right back Left back. Right half. Centre half. Left half. Right wing. Inside Right. Centre forward. Inside Left. Left wing. This is how football used to be played, 5 up front.
