Depends where we meet I suppose. Got a feeling it'll be the Victory like, but I'll go where ever folk are happy with.
Been thinking about this if we were to stick with the 5-3-2. Whilst it suits Alonso down the left I don't think Bardsley has the crossing ability to really do the job on the right. could Larsson do a better job at rwb. Better crossing ability and two strikers to aim for in the box. I'd reluctantly go with Wickham over Altidore as we need the crowd 100% behind the team so we can't have 5,000 people jeering Altidore every time Oshea spoons a clearance 20 yards over Jozy's head and he "couldn't make it stick" ----------------------mannone---------------------- ---------bardsley------Oshea------brown---------- Larsson---------------------------------------alonso --------------cattermole----Bridcutt---------------- ---------------------------ki------------------------- -----------------Borini--------Wickham-------------
Im usually the same and I think he's diabolical in the middle but just have a feeling right wing back could suit him. Celustka did look good going forward early in the season and put some canny crosses in. Problem with Bardsley was that every time he got into an advanced position he wanted to cut in or back.
I suggested this on another thread ----------------------Mannone ---Bardsley---Celutska----O`Shea---Brown----Alonso -------------Cattermole--------Bridcutt ---------------------------Ki -----------------Wickham------Borini maybe with Celutska on the outside of Bardsley. If you`re going to use wingbacks that looks like a better formation to me.
Gus Poyet will be screaming for three points against West Ham (Picture: Getty Images) It seems to be an expression that I have been saying or hearing nearly every weekend whilst supporting Sunderland AFC. ‘Next weekend is massive, if we don’t win this game it surely means we are down.’ I think this season I have said a similar phrase to this about four times already but maybe the game on Monday against West Ham is the only one where it appears to be very true. Currently three points adrift from safety, poor results and performances against Crystal Palace and Norwich with time running out very quickly. We simply have to pick up three points or our season is all but over! It wouldn’t be typical Sunderland if they didn’t go and give us all hope after a rousing second half display against the dominant Liverpool at Anfield midweek. We almost seem to do it on purpose just to keep the supporters hanging in until the very last kick of the season. Gus Poyet was a John O’Shea flick from a corner away from securing a valuable point on Wednesday after the introduction of Ki and Johnson seemed to lift the team as they surged forward for goals. However, we still failed to pick up any points and all our focus and hard work needs to go into the next home game against Sam Allardyce’s men. This game is absolutely massive (see I said it again) as we look to try and overtake Palace who face a tough game against top of the table Chelsea on Saturday. The other reason why our clash against The Hammers is crucial for our survival is because our next three games are all very difficult. We have Spurs away and then Everton at home, who are in scintillating form and then a mammoth task at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea. If we manage to get out of the bottom three on Monday it will be a massive ask to stay out of it after those three games but we have to believe we can shock someone this season! West Ham were booed off the field on Wednesday, even though they won to almost secure another season in the top flight, if we manage to beat them on Monday there will be not a single boo heard in the Stadium of Light. Sometimes you have to wonder what certain fans are after, points or punditry! We should be confident of another good performance with the return of Fabio Borini, who should be partnered by Connor Wickham after his hour cameo at Anfield. We will also see Alonso return to left back and Ki and Johnson assuming their normal starting positions. We have a full strength team to head into battle so there can be no excuses if we cannot break down Sam’s men live on Sky. After all, it is the biggest game of the season…
I wouldn't want a back 5 at home Pops, but I can get on board with a back three. Plus Parker, I doubt seb's capability to run an entire flank on his own I'd go Mannone Bardo-------JoS--------------Brown--------Alonso Bridcutt---Catts Ki AJ-----------------Giacc Borini Or Mannone Celustka---JoS---Brown Bardo------------------------------Alonso Catts------Bridcutt Ki Jozy-------Borini
I understand what you`re saying Bri. I think I prefer the second line up (Probably because it`s closer to mine). I was thinking a bit more defensively because we`ve got buggerall up at the sharp end to do any damage. I do prefer Ki to be further forward, he seems much more effective. I think I might give Wickham some game time instead of Jozy. I`m afraid I`ve run out of patience with him and Connor seems the only viable alternative.
Fair do's, wouldn't let Whickam any where near the starting line up but I see the benefits for bringing him on off the bench. We need an early goal, we need to batter them from the off.