We have got the draw that we obviously played for. Also, Harry did not suprise us with his "suprising selection" of the starting 11. But it did the job so there is all to play for on Monday. We need to win with home advantage. If I were Harry, I would play 4-2-3-1 and would put out this team: -----------------Green-------------- Simpson --Onuoha---Hill-----Yun--- -------- Barton-------Carrol-------- Hoillet-------Morrison------Traore --------------- Austin--------------- There is also a fair amount of scope with offenisve substitiutions: Benayoun, Krancjar,Doyle and Zamora. However I can bet Harry play a different back four as well as other suprises. Any thoughts on the team you would put out?
I don't see what Carroll offers which O'Neil doesn't. I think he'll play Benayoun over Hoilett (correctly) but keep Dunne in which will be a dreadful decision.
I'd go with that side, even though I think it leaves the midfield quite open, as we need to take some risks now imo. However, as soon as we look like we're in a winning position with, say, 20 mins to go, I'd have Henry on for Carroll.
That's my team too, Traore on the left is a must, as is Yun playing. And FFS get some crosses in instead of cutting inside into trouble.
Yes but he wouldn't offer pace, I'd either start him on the left or bring him on for Traore on 60 mins
Def play Yun. Did his goal at Barnsley get enough credit on here? OUTSTANDING personal effort - he is one for the future if we hold him And not play Carroll - prob Yossi
Dunne shouldn't be anywhere near the team as he was awful last night, but I guarantee Harry will play him
I've given up trying to pick teams. Harry never listens. Even when he does pick the right personnel he plays them in the wrong places. So here goes then................. please log in to view this image
That I could go for. I'm concerned that Wigan will catch us on the break, so Henry would be very handy. Harry will no doubt play Dunne, along with the pairing of Barton and Carroll. You in the pub before the game?
It all depends whether the girls come with me or not. One of them has exams in the morning and Mrs Nines isn't too keen on her being up too late. But I should be there at some point. At least we'll be outside. They dislike being in a packed pub.
Hoilett worried the Wigan defence and deserves another chance. Morrison didn't at any time and does not. The possibility that he might show up at a crucial moment is not a good enough reason to waste a place in the starting line up as far as I am concerned. I don't see what O'Neill offers and groaned when I saw he was playing on our way there last night. At best he plays simple but uninspiring passes and tracks back. Admittedly last night was one of his better games in a negative sort of way. He didn't do much wrong but then he didn't actually contribute anything of substance either. He rarely creates anything and his shooting is poor. Dunne is knackered and it was worrying to see how Wigan players rushed him every time he got the ball. Benayoun has played well in the last few weeks as has Doyle who seems to strike up an understanding with every forward he has been played with. Krancjar, when he came on looked a threat. I don't think Traore is fit. My changes therefore would be: Yun for Hill Hill for Dunne Benayoun for Traore Doyle for Morrison. If we need to change things around Krancjar and Morrison can be brought on. The little I saw of Petrasso at Barnsley suggests to me that he would not be overawed by the occasion and might be worth bringing on if Hoilett is injured or tires. Monday is more about mind set than anything else. The team that wants it more will win it. I'm not convinced our ambitions last night were more than to get a draw and a number of players went about their business with the aim of not giving anything away. We'll need to be a bit sharper and more adventurous
Yes indeed, I totally agree - he is definitely the right sort. Two thumbs up with that team selection Nines. Regarding outstanding personal efforts, I just watched one of those by Joe Garner of Preston, playing right now against Rotherham (Hitchcock on the bench), in their League 1 playoff 1st leg - fabulous effort.
Could Harry be dyslexic?... Well, why else would he play Traore on the right when his right leg might as well be wooden?...
I agree that we must be more adventurous. I'd be tempted to play Kranjcar in place of Morrison, as Morrison is not really a "creative" player, but more someone that can make something happen "out of nothing". I think we'd retain possession better with Kranjcar as part of a midfield central 3 behind Charlie. Then we could be more attacking with Traore and Hoilett each side. I wouldn't start with Doyle and Austin, as that would make it a genuine 4-4-2 and that would be too open imo.
Oh no, henry virtually plays as a third cb, Morrison doesn't put in any defensive effort so Barton would be alone in the middle. Wed get killed with that formation.
The club have put a mosaic on the seats, not sure if its just hoops or wording or which stands have it but it will be a first for me.
