This system might work with: ________________RvW_____________ _____Pilkington____________________ ________________________Snodgrass _______Surman_______Fer__________ Olsson_________Johnson____________ _______Bassong_Bennett_Turner______ _______________Ruddy_____________ Though I'd worry it would leave Snodgrass very exposed
For me it would have been more like: ________________RvW_____________ _____Hoolahan____________________ ________________________Snodgrass _______Surman_______Fer__________ Olsson_________Johnson____________ _______Bennett_Bassong_Martin______ _______________Ruddy_____________ But I think it's still got a bit of potential. My logic on the defence is that Martin can cover RB comfortably, and Bennett has filled in as an emergency LB so might be more suited to that side when Olsson leaves him exposed.
The trouble is that this is exactly what you do. If you want Hughton to take more responsibility for the performances in supporters' eyes then you also need to give him more credit when we play well, which you have steadfastly refused to do. You can't have your cake and eat it, I'm afraid. FWIW, I think Hughton's attitude after January was very poor, he struggled to cope with not getting his primary transfer target and couldn't turn the team round when confidence was sapped. He failed to have a plan B and allowed the players to play more and more defensively. The play was not exciting throughout the season and progressively got worse. His biggest mistake was to say how little faith he had in the players (or words to that effect). Nonetheless, when push came to shove, Hughton managed to pull himself together and really galvanised the team in the last two/three games. Credit where it's due, he got it right. Particularly against City who, even playing badly, should thrash us. So Hughton is very much on last chance saloon with me - if the style doesn't pick up significantly, I'm going to be calling for him to go. I like his work in the transfer market, I like what he has done with the defence (I think Martin in particular has really benefited from his instruction), and I think I can see what he's trying to do. He picked up a club in a tricky situation and steadied the ship - now he's got his chance to really take us to the next level. I'll give him that chance.
I can only assume he moves right out wide and forward. The front five look like they should work in a rotating wheel. The formation doesn't really suit Snodgrass because it looks to me like the wide midfielder should stay very wide and run up and down the length of the pitch, not cut in. Maybe Bennett would be better suited.
I like Martin there. I wanted R Bennett for his extra pace at sweeper, though Bassong works fine in the middle. I initially put Howson in Hoolahan's position, actually, but that would definitely be the substitution option with any one of the three of them going there, or even Pilks for Surman. Could alternatively put Snodders there and have E Bennett out wide. I also like the idea of putting Whittaker out wide because I believe he can play further up the pitch. This formation is made for us! Someone get Hughton on the phone!
The middle centre back is supposed to act as Sweeper, I remember Culverhouse being amazing playing in that position. I'd probably choose Bennett because he reads the game so well. Not so sure we could start attacks however, particularly with Johnson in front of them. I'd be more inclined to have Fer there with Hoolahan as the playmaker.
Good point. Maybe: ________________RvW_____________ _____Snodgrass___________________ _________________________E Bennett _______Pilkington_____Howson_______ Olsson___________Fer______________ _______Bassong_Bennett_Martin______ _______________Ruddy_____________ Howson offers a bit more than Hoolahan that deep. I know you might object to Elliott, but he is our only out-and-out right winger and if he stays very wide you might not have to see him get the ball too often other than running onto it behind the fullback...
On a lighter note, I know footballer's aren't always the brightest, but apparently Wessi got bored in an airport, so resorting to colouring within the lines. please log in to view this image And Rob, you appear to have solved several problems in that formation, but Snoddy on the left doesn't seem like the best of ideas. I think that spot would be ideal for someone like Quagliarella to come in. To throw another name into the ring, I'd love someone like Insigne who could play there perfectly.
Sometimes you have a point with the excessive Hoots-hate, but can we just give it a rest for a bit? I was enjoying this discussion with a critique of whether our team would fit that formation. Ps, love the picture DH. Saw it earlier and it confirms yet again that the squad genuinely have good banter and enjoy having a laugh together - particularly encouraging that the pic was posted by Becchio as it suggests he's managing to integrate finally.
I'd love to stick with Hoolahan and Surman but even I could see possible trouble playing away and and they are two of my favourites. Surman is much better when central than Pilkington. Pilkington needs space to run into, Surman needs space to pass into, he's lovely to watch when running with the ball which glides with him like Gareth Bale (although about 20 mph slower). I'd probably have Tettey, Fer and Hoolahan for away games.
Is this on the basis of us signing a second striker? I struggle to believe we would play Hoolahoops and two strikers for an away game. I would see those central three midfielders being a combo of any of Tettey, Fer, Johnson, Howson and Surman (could have Fox at the bottom if we were being really aggressive), depending on the strength of the opposition. Hoolahan is better further forward - the playmaker in the diagram looks to be more one who collects it from deep as well as moving forward, which is why I initially put Fer there.
I think Tettey and Fer in the same team is ample coverage, both have good acceleration which you need when your exposed for space. It does say the playmaker pulls back to defend so perhaps Fer would be the better choice. Also forgot about Redmond with Tettey and Fer and an advanced Snodgrass who would'nt have to catch up on the right would be very quick indeed. Not my cup of tea but it seems doable.
Are you suggesting Redmond wide right? Not sure he could play that left central midfield position. also, I think he is one for the future and won't be fully ready this season, unless Hughton's braver than I think he is. Your formation now leaves a missing DM. I think Fox could work very well there just behind Tettey and Fer, given you're not keen on Johnson there as he can't start play.
Going into next season I would go: -------Ruddy Martin--Bennett-- Bassong-- Olsson --------Fer---- Johnson Snodgrass---Wes----Pilk/Redmond ---------RVW The next piece of the jigsaw is a Attacking Midfielder/ Striker, means we can be more dynamic in attack. We can change to 2 forwards if we need to, plus a Toivonen type player will have confidence to time a run forward to support RVW. I think that can be Wes's issue sometimes, for an attacking midfielder he plays deep and you rarely see him with the ball in the box.
Pilkington needs players who can spot him, I lost count how many times I've seen him standing there shouting for the ball unmarked last season.
