Before the season started IMO Karleigh was our best defender. Which is why it's hard to believe he can't even get on the bench at present. We know we're always going to score goals but the defence is letting us down big time at the moment but they are also playing well.... which is frustrating as you don't know who to leave out. Osborne needs a chance now, others have been given one so it's only fair he gets one. It's harsh but I'd drop Williams to the bench, put Ayling on the left and have Osborne on the right. Keep the same formation as it's what has us top! Thoughts? would you change anything at the back or keep it as it is seeing as we're still unbeaten? please log in to view this image
Ayling can play in all 4 positions at the back, as well as a holding midfielder. It's one of the reasons we signed him, so no it wouldn't be playing him out of position. I don't think we can keep it as it is. Goals are shipping in at the moment and our goal threat and out scoring the other team is painting over the cracks of a very wobbly defence. If it carries on how it is next month will be a very tough time and we could possibly fall out of the top 2.
Watch Ayling carefully. He does not use his left foot except for standing on. What has Williams done to warrant bench warming? It is not the personnel but we are defending too deep at times. It is a steep learning curve for our young players all over the team and only by playing together will they improve.
Ayling on left side, considering he's right footed would be uncomfortable for him, if I was to make one change it'd be wagsatff for little is he's been less affective as each game goes by
No from me.. there is an argument for playing 4 at the back with Karleigh coming in, but definitely not moving Ayling, he's been one of our better players..
Little needs a break - one of those players who loses impact with fatigue I would play a flat back 4 with Osbourne, Flint, Williams and Ayling - at least to see if it stops the goal flow being conceded. 4 Midfield in Korey, Elliott, Bryan and Freeman, and Agard & Wilbs up front. We do have depth - JET for Freeman, Pack for Korey or Elliott, and Burns for Bryan. Alternatively we could put Freeman in Bryan's position and play JET down the centre. This may freshen things up a bit, or it might screw things up a bit. Glad we have a good professional in charge to make these decisions for us
On second thoughts, I would keep things as they are as much as possible. We are still unbeaten for gawd sake !
Can't see the point of changing things when we are clear at the top and unbeaten still. IF we start to lose games as a result of shipping goals then I would agree that we should make a change. If we are keeping the 3-5-2 to me it would make more sense to swap Wagstaff for Little and see how that goes. SC seems to have it in the back of his mind that 4-3-3 may work with the squad we have. Maybe if teams have sussed out how to get behind the wing-backs then that might throw the opposition a bit if we change formation. If that happened then Little would be the obvious one to drop out as he is more of a WB than a FB. However I think that is more likely to happen if we pick up injuries to key players rather than because he wants to change tactics.
I can understand some concern about our defence and the possible changes you think are needed to make ourselves more leak proof, but remember we must surely be in a better position having the right plugs to fill the holes which hasn't been the case for a long time. November, based on our opponents, seems the perfect time to sort out the minor issues to shore up the defences for the rest of the season and hopefully if we cannot get the job done then perhaps a dip in to the January transfer window might be needed. As stated by robin_unreliant don't forget the injury curse that can grab us by the throat at any time and let's hope we have the right combination of players available to keep us on the path to success.
Won 9 Drawn 6 Lost NONE 3-5-2 has got us to where we are. if you put Karleigh in for Williams then Ayling will move to a position where he is less happy. Karleigh is also less effective on the ball, meaning we lose something going forward. Injuries and suspension will mean changes will happen, but let's not rotate for the sake of it.
I prefer Osborne to Williams. However moving Ayling to left side would weaken his and our defensive performance. Hate seeing defenders on their 'wrong' side. I had nightmares when Tangle and Fonts took turns playing right side. Whilst we remain unbeaten I wouldn't change much at all, we must be getting most things right.
I'm glad you don't do the MOT on my car RedAndy �� Seriously my worry is around one of our key goal scorers getting injured - particularly Wilbs as his age means he will take longer to recover. In the meantime we could still be conceding goals at a rate of 2 per game but without the firepower to score even more than the opposition.
Why would any manager change a winning formula, i think the only time would be if Wilbs got injured, probably the only position where we haven't a like for like replacement.
People we are top,unbeatan,leave alone at present. Ayling has been fantastic as has Flint,Williams has done well,but is the weakest link in my opinion. But until we lose these guys have done us proud. Say we are top the league
