I can't see us using wingbacks, Ell. We've never done too well using that system in the past. I don't know too much about Bridcutt, but I believe he's a defensive midfielder. If that's the case, I'd like to try the following lineup: ... Silvestri Byram ... Bellusci ... Cooper ... Taylor ... Bridcutt ... Adeyami Botaka / Dallas ... Antenucci ... Cook ... Erwin / Wood I agree that it's not a selection that screams out 'GOAL', but then I can't think of any players I've missed out that would change that. What this lineup will do, hopefully, is to steady the midfield defensively, giving our back 4 more cover, and an opportunity to start rebuilding confidence.
Afternoon all. Computer at work is temoporarily letting me into this site. So time I made the most of it.
I agree with some of your selections Jock, but we need change, first and foremost in midfield. We haven't been doing bad with wingers, it's just that wood doesn't know how to head a ball or get away from his man. I'd go for (with change in mind) Silvestri Tea Lady.........Bellusci........Cooper.......Taylor Botaka......Sloth......Bianchi.......Dallas Erwin......Antenucci. Wood is a waste of space and the midfield needs a good shake up. A change in midfield can't be any worse than what's been happening so far, but the efforts and performances can only go up from here. We need the wingers and Sloth needs a chance to prove his worth, Bianchi is very good at breaking up opposition attacks and knows how to feed our strikers. Erwin partnering Antenucci would be something different up front rather than the boring, but predictable displays from Wood.
Or -------------Silvestri--Eire(on sofa)--------- Byram-----Bellusci-----Cooper-----Taylor -------------------Bridcutt------------------- Botaka--------------Cook------------Dallas -------------------Antenucci----------------
No Bridcutt? Can't see that happening. I only picked him as Evans has brought him in, so will deffo start him. I haven't seen him yet, sso can't agree or disagree at this point. Sloth? 10/10 for persistence, but it's not going to happen, IMO. He can't even make the bench these days, and in the absence of any specific reason being given, I can only assume that he's not doing enough on the training pitch or when he turns out for the U21s. Bianchi? I'd like him to play & am a great fan of his, but I think he may need more time to recover from his latest injury. He's not even making the bench either. TBH, I don't know if he's even ready to turn out for the u21s yet. 2 wingers? Well, Evans has had 3 to choose from since he started, and only elects to play 1. I think that given the weakness of our centre mid, he's been right to do that, even though a cart & horses can still meander though it at will. I've liked what I've seen with Erwin, but it's not been much to go on. It was mostly from his pre-season games & he played wide then. Not sure if he can hack it up front. I certainly hope so, but I really don't know, although I suspect that Evans might be getting backed into playing him soon, if not tomorrow.
Lots on here argue that he does that (Boggers, Chesh, LL and the rest of Glee) http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/12/0...-reportedly-telling-steve-evans-to-change-ta/
Hey'up Jock, Reason I suggested Sloth is, apparently the u21's coach has been putting recommendations in to Evans, and Rosler before I think, saying he's ready to step up to 1st team. Apparently he's been laying well for u21's and scoring goals from midfield, so I can't see what the hold up is in that respect however, like some, I'm beginning to think there's more to it than meets the eye, maybe contract problems, or he keeps nicking Evans pies, who knows. Bianchi, the quiet achiever, never seems to complain, moan or groan, not outside the dressing room any way. I call Bianchi the midfield Marshall, imo his head is way way in front of anyone we got in midfield at moment. He's been turning out regularly for u21's, can't say when he started playing again but apparently he's doing well too. I picked Erwin up front cos we need change there too, Wood ain't cutting the mustard, he's like a caber with short legs.....; Woods heading is like Austins shots, you never know where they're going to go. Erwin is still young, will be enthusiastic and eager to please, bringing Becchio back would've been a 100% improvement on Wood imo. Whatever happens, our biggest problem is midfield, or the lack of it, and in turn, it's creating problems and adding more pressure for our defence and strikers. When Botaka comes on he creates problems for the opposing defenses, therefore should, by all accounts be starting. With the addition of Erwin up front, or any other striker, both Dallas and Botaka should be able to create mayhem and give our strikers the service they need from wings. Imagine both Botaka and Adryan in same team, what problems could we be creating for defences. I can see your well made point about our midfield Jock, but I think Evans needs to start taking chances and risks to force, or bring about change to our midfield performances, we've had 4 and 5 in midfield, and still the QE11 manouvres her way through easily, so, looking at it from all angles, it has to come down to player problems. I used Ockhams razor on that one......
Sloth? As Toya Wilcox used to sing "ith a mythtewee". Would love to know what's going on with the guy. I don't think we've ever played him in position, and definitely haven't given him a run in his normal position. I wonder why ot, given some of the performances we've seen from his colleagues. Bianchi - delighted to hear he's playing for the U21s. Hope he eases into the first team. Could really make a difference. Could easily be McAllister mk 2. The thing that holds me back from calling out for Botaka & Erwin to start is the fact that many managers overs the years have gone on record saying that there's a huge difference between being a great sub & a great starter. Not every player can make the transition easily, especially the younger players. But then again, can they be any worse than the current incumbents? My biggest worry about starting these 2 in a losing team is that we might destroy their confidence. It's a very real threat, and might seriously affect their careers.
Here is a conspiracy theory for WJ. Botoka will start today. The reason: it's so windy and rainy it's a day for hump it and hump it, but to ruin him and drive his price down cos he will look crap cellino will insist he plays.
If weather in Yorkshire is anything like here, today's game will be a complete lottery. Best of luck to anyone travelling in this
