Okay, bottom at Christmas. So what, we have everything to play for in the second half of the season now. Dossena did himself no favours at Cardiff for me and neither did the centre half pairing. Our midfield were abject too and in particular Larsson. I think he needs a rest. Also, Altidore had his hast chance for me and after a decent run with no return, he drops to bench as well. If JOS and Borini and Johnson are fit, they play for me. I'm going for a very attacking front 4 and two defensive central midfielders behind them. Manonne Celutska, JOS, Roberge, Bardsley Ki, Cattermole Giacherinni, Borini, Johnston Fletcher Pickford, Diakite, Dossena, Larsson, Colback, Altidore and Mandron.
It looks good, I think i would change catts with colback though. Can't afford to have 10 men in this game and colback protecting the back 4 will allow Ki forward. Catts on his day is immense but it's just the fear he brings of a card
You're like me, I'm always tempted to stick a 'T' in Johnson's name in the hope that he becomes as effective. TBH, I think the team has had enough disruption this season without too many more. Cardiff was a one off imo, we looked tired throughout the team after Everton and I think we'll look a lot sharper against Villa. I think Poyet will play Altidore and keep getting the midfield to push on and score as he seems to like. Who knows whether Fletcher is fit or not, I certainly don't.
The only changes I'd make would be to take Dossena off withBards and Celutska as full-backs. Replace Larsson with Colback, rather than Jinky who may not be fit. Push Ki further up behind the front 3. As for who goes up top, is Fletcher fit and strong enough for 90 mins? If so, he'd get the nod presently as he's more likely to nick one than Jozy. Over to Gus....
----------------Mannone------------------ Celustka----Diakite----Oshea----Bardsley ---------Ki---Cattermole--Colback--------- Borini----------------------------Giaccherini ------------------Fletcher--------------------- Dossena Roberge Larsson Altidore drop to bench. They'll look to sit deep and hit us on the counter with Agbonlahor's pace in behind. If its looking like Norwich all over then id bring Altidore on and go 4-4-2 with Borini and Giaccherini wide Johnson on.when one of them tires.
Think I'm still madly in love with the fond memory of 'magic' matey. Lol The reason I have changes is just picking up on Poyets interview after Cardiff. He said we needed all our players with such a hectic schedule and the need to keep it fresh.
I like that team however O'**** will be tortured by Agbonlahor and therefore i'd leave Roberge in as he is a bit faster, apart from that agree with that team
I don't think we could start with Johnson and giacherinni.we need more strength in midfield maybe colback in place of Johnson.possible bring Johnson on later in the game if needed .
If Fletcher is fit and able he starts, if he can just manage a 2nd half sobeit. I am not a fan of Johnson anymore, bring him on as a sub put Colback in his place. Yes if JoS is fit he plays and yes I agree Doseana was awful. Borini if fit plays. For the cup games none of our players should be in the teams. Especially FLETCHER.
------------- Manonne ------------ Celustka-Roberge-Diakite-Bardsley ------------- Cattermole ----------- Johnson---Ki--Colback--Giaccherini -------------- Fletcher -------------- Subs Pickford Dossena O'Shea Larsson Ba Mavrias Altidore Shouldn't play Borini just a few days after he's been to hospital, he needs to be rested.
Benteke and Vlaar are back in the team for our game after several weeks out. That's Villas two best players, IMO.
Manonne Diakite--Roberge Celutska-----------------Bardsley Colback-Catts Ki Giacc------------Borini Fletcher Pickford, Laing, Dossena, Cabral, Watmore, Johnson, Altidore,
I'd sooner rest JOS for the Carlisle game and get him back into his stride playing along with Wes. We have a monster fixture schedule and I think Celutska, Diakite, Roberge, Bardsley looks likely. I think Colback and Cattermole makes sense, as this will allow Ki to get forward. Giacherini has to play for the things he does do in games, in particular a great eye for a pass. With those 4 we have a real metal and quality, for the other 2 -out of Borini, Fletcher and Altidore, Larrson or Johnson who's gonna draw in defenders to create space to feed someone who can score goals? Larrson and Fletcher? ... just a hunch.
If Altidore plays against Villa & doesn't put in a decent performance does anyone think we might bring Wickham back in January? I know he hasn't done a great deal himself in a Sunderland shirt but seems to be doing the trick for Shef Wed at the minute & we might need every available resource for the next half of the season.
You seriously think we should go into a huge game like this without Cattermole? I think that's hysterical. Cest I am surprised at you picking Roberge(over Diakite) but otherwise I like it.
