In today’s lunch time press conference, Jol said that everyone has survived their International stints, although we might have to wait on Bryan who came off early in the second half of his game with a knock. Parker, Berbatov and Hughes are all due for a full training session tomorrow. So, Stekelenburg (of whom there was no specific mention) and Briggs are the sole (main) injuries. Dejagah, Jol said, was nearly 100% fit but the Palace game may be too early!?? I know statistics create mixed reactions. However there are three concerning the team at the moment which are indisputable and badly need sorting. The first is that we’re allowing the opposition far too many attempts on goal - over 20 per game. Primarily the reason is because we don’t close players down in the critical area between our own penalty box and the half way line. Also though, it’s because of the wide gaps we leave between the CBs and the midfield. We‘re often spread too thin and easily caught out of position. The answer is to strengthen the midfield line by playing three immediately in front of the CBs and one central player in front of them. The second statistic is that we don’t get enough shots away - less than 9 per game. Mainly because our attacks are in ’penny numbers’. They are either; an isolated player pushing forward and the opposition are able to stifle him by shere numbers; or slow/predictable making it easy for the opposition to get men behind the ball. Just as importantly though is that we don’t seem to be able to sustain attacks. We don’t harras the opposition enough in their own half and/or force them into making mistakes. The answer is the same as before. The third statistic is our accuracy of crossing - less than 16% of our crosses are successful. That’s in free play, not corners or free kicks (both of which are a concern and an issue in their own right. And the problem is in part technique but also because the potential crossser has few options. The answer is in coaching and practice. In any event I’m not sure our crossing ability is at stake against Palace. Currently they are third in the table of ‘winning aerial duels’ - ironically a position we have consistently bettered in the past! What we need is do is attack them head on and get beyond them. So the new watchword is strength. Forget ’balance’, in the sense that Jol has used it with high wide players. We should set up to hold them in the centre and push them back. My starting line-up would therefore be pretty much the same as I’ve been advocating for the last couple of weeks: …………………Stockdale………… ..Riether…Senderos..Hangeland…Amorebieta.. …Zverotic…….Boateng…….Richardson… …………………Parker…….. ……………..Kasami……… …………………..Bent…… Both Zverotic and Richardson will move in fairly straight lines; Boateng and Parker are interchanchangeable in which one moves forward and which one cover the central position. I wouldn’t play Sidwell for the simple reason that he spends his time chasing the ball and is a main factor in why the gaps appear in our midfield. As mentioned before, this team gives us pace on the flanks. But it’s strong right across the pitch. PS Bent is my choice. Berbatov will no doubt be Jol’s.
From the same interview: "We haven’t really played in the formation I had in mind but I won’t tell you which formation that was." The big man has a formation in his mind... intriguing the least... As for team selection... C58 you have to fit in Bryan in there some how, no matter what... and Berba... lol
I'm baffled as to what the mystery formation could be?! We've generally played a kind of 4-5-1 / 4-2-3-1 style with Sidwell roaming and wingers on the opposite side to their natural foot. It can't be 4-4-2 because we can could easily be set up that way with current personnel. Maybe 3-2-1-3-1 or 4-1-2-2-1
Well in his internal video interview the formation he wants is..noop, sorry still not sure. However he does cover at length the Berbatov and Bent issue. He also confirmed that Stekelenburg is available. And in his final piece about players for the future, pointedly ignores any mention of Dejagah. [video=youtube;OzkPA-sLxx0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzkPA-sLxx0&feature=player_embedded[/video]
I think Jol will go for …………………Stockdale………… ..Riether…Hangeland…Amorebieta..Richardson… ………..... Parker...Sidwell……. ........Ruiz.......Kasami………Kaca.... …………………..Berbatov....…… Not convinced Stekelenberg has recovered fully if he is I'd put him back in. If Dejagah is fit I'd have him in but Jol won't I'd like to see …………………Stockdale………… ..Riether…Hangeland…Amorebieta..Richardson… ………..... Parker..Boateng……. ......Kasami…….............Boumesca........... ................Ruiz............. …………………..Bent....…… Use Boumesca for his speed to do the same as Townsend did for England, run and cross or take on players, so that the Palace defense is back on their heels.
Adel just coming back from injury....... Bet you're glad you got Andrew Johnson and Zamora.......what's a matter with them? are they injured? ...that would make a change.....
How can he be injured when he wasnt fit...& TBH Id rather have AJ than Tarbs But what you say is correct, they are always injured Shame because AJ does do a lot of running, where as Adel...well lets just say he does like that running thing !
Not at all mate, please feel free to visit our board and read anything ive posted over the last 3 seasons about tarbs. All there will tell you exactly what my feelings are about Adel 7 we've had many very heated debates about him resulting in bans etc. Im not gonna get into it on your board with anyone, but i will say that i've been slagging him off for 3 years now. But thats only my opinion & doest really count for much in your board. think he very over-rated and really dont want him back in a hoops shirt when the loan is over. Good luck with him, you'll need it!
I think Queenslander has a point. Can we afford to carry him? I'd like to put Berbatov in that bracket as well at the moment. This one is going to be close. I hope Bobbyherrera gets his accumulator!
I'm just desperate for a result any old way even another Stoke performance would, this is for two main reasons 1. It will put a gap between us and the bottom 3 and it will be easier to work on our many problems than if we are right down there 2. Back to back wins might kick start confidence which could fix a few of our problems naturally If Fit Parker, Stekelenburg and Boateng all start for. Palace will see it as a great chance for a win and there fans and team will fly out the traps IF we can keep them out for first twenty minutes we have a chance
I Have to be optimistic as I'm going to the game with four mates, three of whom are Palace fans and a Spurs fan who is coming in the Fulham end with me for morale support I just think a win tonight would be huge for us and I'm happy to take it any old how with a crap lucky performance if needs be.
Cookie you are right, joking aside we need it no matter how we play. Hopefully the break has given the team enough time to gel better and get the result.
Our lads surely have got to realise they've got to come out fighting. And as Jol said, "We've got a great team spirit, we've got new players in, I've got all these players, 80 per cent of the players are my players and the other players are here for at least two years, so there's no problem."
