Does anyone consider that SC should make any changes to the starting eleven in order to freshen things up? Or change the formation to see if that will stop us conceding as many as we have lately? Personally, I would take 0-0 tomorrow to get us back on track defensively. NB. This is not a criticism of any of our defenders because defending is something that all eleven are responsible for just as goal scoring is also a collective action.
Depends on how Barnsley are likely to set up. We could go 4-4-2, giving the wing backs a rest, or Promote Cunningham and Osborne at the expense of Little and Bryan. That's not criticism, just thinking that things need freshening for the players own long term good. Also Wilbs cannot carry on giving at the rate he has, his scoring has slowed but still making a great contribution. Here, I do have a problem as I am not convinced by JET or Burns for 90 mins. Another option then to go 4-4-1-1- using JET, but I will and am happy to leave all this to SC's better judgement.
Somehow Korey Smith must return to the side if fit of course...over to you Stevie boy, he knows best!
It's an interesting decision he has to make (and a nice one) if everyone is fit. If Korey is fully fit I would bring him back. It's going to be hard on Marlon, and Cotts will have to use his man-management skills here. I guess something along the lines of done himself no harm / will have no hesitation to use again / opportunity will come etc etc Oh - and we should keep 3-5-2 - that's what's got us to where we are
This could in one swoop kill what really is key to the where City sit today, team morale, why would he drop a player who was in many peoples eyes MOM on Tues, What would be the point of cotts telling them, be patient, do well and the man with the shirt keeps it and then go straight back on his word at the first point it doesn't suit.. After everything he has said regarding team morale etc, I will be very surprised if Korey comes back in for Pack yet..
Banksy - Absolutely spot on. I'm convinced Cotterill will keep Pack in the team. Also pretty sure Korey will play as well. Who Cotterill drops or what shape we go with will be very interesting.
If necessary SC can easily go 4-3-3 with the midfielders we have on form, Smith-Pack-Elliot, however with Freeman and Agard wide and Wilbie up front by himself. However I expect he will keep the 3-5-2 with Pack in the middle.
I'm sure Korey will understand that when you get an injury that keeps you out for a couple of games you may lose your place if the player replacing you does well in your absence. Anyone who cannot accept that scenario is not a team player and their commitment has to be brought in to question, but I don't think that is the case here and perhaps a late second half substitution might fit the bill if Korey is indeed ready for some game action. I almost get the impression that this team are all on the same page and friendly competition amongst players will always win out over inflated egos. Nice to see this attitude at Ashton Gate after the nonsense over the last 4-5 years. Thanks Cotts.
Having said all that, I expect Cotts to go with the strongest player, so the decision will be based on if Smith is 100% If he is then Smith will play, and Pack will just have to console himself with having performed when needed, and knowing he will be getting enough games and contributing to a successful side at a professional level. Bale, Hernandez, Suarez, Xavi, Mata, Rooney wont play every game this season so why should anyone else expect to be an automatic choice for their club side ? There are some players who are just too important to leave out, and Smith is ours
Korey has been our best player this year and you should always play your best players. However if you have an adequate substitute and his absence would allow him to fully recover from his injury then that would be a good move. Smith has more to offer defensively and that is where out problems exist. Tough call
If Smith is 100% : I don't believe it will be Pack or Smith. Likely it will be Pack and Smith. And RR - I'm not advocating dropping Elliot, I'm saying leave it to Cotterill. Up the Wooden Hills.
The question posed has brought forth some interesting, considered responses. I believe that the game on Tuesday showed that there are some who are some who may be showing the effects of the efforts put in. Unsurprisingly for me because the position they play in involves a lot of hard running are the two wing backs. The simple thing would be to rest them and bring in Wagstaff and Cunningham. But that ignores the Smith / Pack question, assuming Smith is considered fit. Thus I do wonder if we will play a 3-4-1-2 to make us more secure at the back and maybe without losing our attacking flair. Ayling, Flint, Williams Elliott, Smith, Pack, Cunningham Freeman Agard, Wilbraham
I like that side CA, but really do think Wilbs needs a rest, he looked very jaded on Tues night. I would be tempted to give Jet a start today and see if he responds in the right way. I also think freeman might be better suited to the right rather than Elliot. Its gonna be an interesting team selection today.but i think he may go Ayling Flint Williams Pack Freeman Elliot Smith Bryan Jet Agard.
I have always liked the wingers who play on the opposite side to their natural foot. The Dutch have always done this from 1970's through to Robben. Chris Waddle was always more effective on the right than left and at City, Jantzen Derrick is the best example of a right footed left winger. In the current squad Freeman has played on the right for Stevenage but I consider that Joe Bryan being the most two footed would be a revelation on the right. Able to go both outside and inside and also good in the air at the back post. I know we have had a settled team but something nags away in the background that it is rare for clubs to play the same team for a season and also nowadays it is commonplace to tinker with the formation. Plenty to hold our interest in the coming months. Life at City will not be boring.
'Ayling Flint Williams Pack Freeman Elliot Smith Bryan Jet' I agree with the above. But definitely not Agard on his own up front. He's busy and good as 'a fox in the box' but nothing sticks with him. Their CHs would also have an easy day from Fielding's kicks. Wilbs is the better option up top on his own.
I would go with Burns in place of Jet because he can go wide when needed. Jet to me is too lazy and will not run round to much.
