Selection Dilemma?

Over the Easter weekend we have two matches in three days; Leicester away on Saturday followed by Watford at home on Monday. Austin looked knackered when substituted off on Saturday, so, bearing in mind that we desperately need him fit for the play offs, would you start him in both matches of just one of them? If only one, which one and who would you start in the other?

 

My Leicester supporting mate was at their 'celebration' 1-4 home loss to Brighton. He reckoned they were hungover. Doubt they will be so lax a second time, and beating them would send a real message out and boost our confidence. We have nothing to lose, lets go all out for that one, which means the Charlie followed by Zamora combo.

Why not play Dellatorre against Watford, just for a laugh, we are paying him after all.

 

I'm sure I read somewhere that Charlie Austin will only be used in 1 of the 2 matches over the weekend.

If that's the case, I'd favour Watford, on the merits of having longer rest and there being more likelihood of an impact. Losing to Leicester would be no shame. Losing to Watford is a different story.

 

Surely Dunne won't start both games?

 

They're just after going 1 down to Reading. Looks to be an almighty scramble for that last spot. Any one of four teams could still take it.

I hope Redknapp wraps Hoillett and Traore in cotton wool and gives Dunne a rest. For God's sake, the bloke looks dead on his feet. If Hughes is fit he'd be well able to deputise alongside Onuoha. Austin will keep getting his hour or so to get him up to speed and and big Bobby will get time too.

Its all about getting and keeping players fit now for the Semis.

(EDIT: Its 1-1 now )

 

I'd give Austin the first half against Leicester to tire their defence and the second half against Watford.

90 minutes over two days is OK. Maiga should be the most fresh so use him more. BZ and Doyle should be used sparingly.

Whatever, we should be targeting 6 points and two strong performances - momentum is everything and limping over the line shouldn't be an option.

 

I'd say Austin needs game time, so would go along with Stan's suggestion of Austin (for say 60 mins) then Zamora.

 

That's what I was thinking and then reverse it for the other game. Anything but Keane or Maiga.

 

I would play Morrison up front at Leicester as he's our best finisher imo, and let an improving Kranjcar take Morrison's role behind the front man. Only give Austin, Zamora or Doyle a 15-20 cameo near the end. Against Watford I'd start Austin and bring on Zamora just like against Forest.

Don't want to risk Austin to much right now. He looked knackered when he came off against Forest.

 

The fact that we will be in the playoffs whatever happens means it would be silly to take too many risks with players.
I would understand playing a second choice team at Leicester.

 

Also we must remain 3rd or 4th, preferably 3rd....so cannot slip too much. ......we are also playing two relegation teams in our last two matches....who will fight like dogs......It is bit of a juggling match....Harry needs to earn his tactical genius pay this week...."tactical genius" is ironic...I should point out.

 

Dilemma is very apt Roller.

On the one hand, Austin needs game time as there is no other way for him to get "match fit". On the other hand, he did look completely out on his feet against Forest when he went off, although that 70 odd minutes would have done him the world of good.

I think, as long as he has no niggles whatsoever, I'd start him in both games and let him get more game time as it's vital that he's match sharp for the semis. A match sharp Austin would have got on the end of that great ball by BAE imo. Probably 50-60 mins in each. I'd keep bringing BZ on as well to keep him sharp.

If Clint isn't fit for either (does anyone know what he's done and how long he's out) I'd rest Dunne for the Leicester game and play him against Watford. Hughes can start next to Ned, who must continue to play, as he's not match fit either.

Losing to Leicester away won't be a disaster, but losing to Watford at home would be, so that's the game I'd target more with a strong side.

Until the first semi however, it's vital that we do everything we can to get as many first choice players fit as possible, especially Clint and Hoilett.

 

3rd or 4th is ultimately the same as 5th or 6th, we would meet the same teams

 

Agreed, more likely to take 3 points from Watford to help us.

Play our reserve sdie at Leicester and if we nick a draw its a bonus. go for the in at watford IMO & get Charlie more involved there.

 

Just read this, explained much better than i did totally agree.

 

surely Charlie needs as much game time as poss. he is a fit young lad plus he hurt his shoulder not pulled a hammie. i would also be more worried about are defence and the fact none of our midfielders not being able to stay fit longer than two games.

 

When are the likes of Traore, Hill and Barton likely to be fit?

 

NO...IT ISN'T
3/4th play away first...and so you know what you have to do when you play at home....and also obviously any extra decision time...extra time penalties is played on home territory....
That could be a huge advantage

 

Are we ? Looks to me like Brighton and Ipswich in 7th and 8th could still catch us.

 

Dont they play before us and they wont be able to catch us if they dont win? therefore we may know were in there for sure before saturdays game.