Ruddy; Martin, R Bennett, Bassong (c), Olsson; Snodgrass, Tettey, Johnson, Gutierrez; Elmander, Hooper. SUBS: Bunn (GK), Whittaker, van Wolfswinkel, Fer, Pilkington, Becchio, Redmond.
I hope I'm wrong but I suspect that's indicative of our approach to today's game - not going there to win, but instead being set up not to lose.
Gutierrez with more experience and CH knows him from his Newcastle days I guess, I have no problem with him starting, thought he played well last time. Midfield does worry me a bit though. Can't really say I'm overly confident we will win, but lets hope we do.
That's the brief for every game since he's been in charge ! CH comes out in the press today backing RVW to come good then drops him to the bench in place of "Goalmander" how the hell is going to do that from the bench? I can semi understand Fer being dropped he had a stinker against Newcastle but Jonus for Pilks? Deep sigh........ !
If Pilks is fit to be on the bench Rob he's fit to start? I'd argue start him if that's the case then swap him if he fades? And Jonus is no fitter with the game time he's had at Newcastle? I thought he looked pedestrian in his debut.
Its not too bad a line up. Hooper and Elmander have linked up reasonably when they have played, and Fer has not been in great form so a rest may do him good. It is very much set up to play out to the wings, with Johnson and Tetty holding firm in the CM positions and JG and Snoddy left with the task of creating chances. Don't think Cardifs full backs are very good defensively so that may not be a bad ploy. Will have to see how their new boys settle in.
Can't understand keeping Johnson in place of Fer. Stinks of going there with no intention to score goals. The Tettey/Fer combination is the best we have! Did CH not see Johnson's performance at the weekend. Other than tackle he did nothing of note then got himself sent off!
Hmmm, not too convinced by the formation but we'll see. We're not set up to dominate possession, and I fear Gutierrez, Tettey and Johnson will end up playing so deep it's a back 7. Fingers crossed that Snodgrass has a storming game, and him or Hooper can conjure up an individual moment to win us the game.
You know that's not true. Teams often put a key player on the bench even if not quite fit. Pilks was forced to play last match, didn't play well, and has only just come back from injury. I thought Gutierrez was good
It's a shame that the only way we can see our team winning is if one of two players can conjure some magic. CH is going to Cardiff to do exactly what Cardiff did to us. Park the bus and hope to snatch a goal. Maybe Cardiff, being at home, will be over adventurous and we can snatch some goals on the break but all I can see is a backs to the wall mentality from the start with that formation. We'll probably make Cardiff look as good as we made Newcastle look!
I agree that it is not a pretty set up. But as we don't create much from central positions (or try to according to some) then you just make sure we are solid in that area and create our attacks from wide instead. As mention there is the danger of sitting to deep (which we often do) but with 2 up top if the wingers help out attacking it should be fine. The set up is ok but the only thing that matters is how the players perform on the pitch.
My real issue is the dropping of Fer for Johnson. Neither had a good game against Newcastle but it was pretty clear to me that Fer improved in those last 15 minutes alongside Tettey. Makes me almost wish Johnson's suspension hadn't been rescinded! Having said this Johnson will probably play a blinder and score the winning goal!
Firstly I agree Fer is a better player, but we don't know why he has been dropped, he may have a slight injury or any number of reasons and he has not been in good form either so a rest may do him good. I can see the sense in playing Tetty and Johnson to make us solid in the centre of midfield even if it lacks creativity, especially if we play 2 up front. On the plus side our bench looks a bit stronger then it has done.
Fair point about the solidity. And it is nice to have a strong bench. But if Fer was injured you wouldn't expect him on there. I just don't expect us to create any chances with this formation. Our wing player hasn't barely produce anything all season!
I'm certainly not convinced it will be pretty, but you never know. A win is the most important thing.
