I thought we could start a thread on this competition if it’s okay Sparks. We have games v Exeter, Newport and a young Arsenal side coming up. The top two go into the knockout stages so hopefully we should have a good run. As for the team tomorrow night it could be an opportunity to see what our new players, Osho and Kellyman are like, provided they are fit. Maybe some of the other youngsters could get a look in. Young Mafico impressed in his last outing. It’s a fine balance between giving some players a break and continuity after our game against Burton was postponed, because we need to play better against Bradford on Saturday after our smash and grab at the weekend.
Glen has given his thoughts on this one on Wol and I don't think he's far off the mark with his proposed side. The Chambers debate rolls on. If he doesn't get another shot at CB tomorrow with Osho available, he might as well pack his bags and relinquish the captaincy.
Sorry Bluey but Zak is not a winger in the same way that Ashford isn't on the other side. In fact, we haven't got a true winger other than the injured Ollie Tanner and the young Nyakuwah. Willock is a ball fiddler (in the best possible taste) and causes problems to defenders with his ball control coming inside to take them on. Apart from that last gasp left footed centre for Salech's goal, he rarely puts a first time cross in.
I think this competition will help BBM and the squad. He has changed a few players over the weeks, but it'll be a chance to share the workload, try out a few new players and look at 'Plan B'. Again, I hope he doesn't make wholesale changes or put a load more 'younger youngsters' in and cause problems. The like of Mafico and Nyakuhwa won't be an issue as they've been in and around the squad all season. Its not that they've been occasionally in there and playing for the first time, they're genuine squad members. Not sure I'd start Kellyman, but would certainly give him 15 minutes. Osho needs a game. I'd be tempted to partner him with Lawlor though. Giving Giles a run out is a good shout. Interesting times.
But Robbo can jump and knows how to head a ball. Isaak fails on both counts. He is not a cf as long as I have a hole in my ar$e.
What I've seen of him, he usually heads it over the bar. . Listen very carefully - I shall say this only once (honest!).............. If we are going to cut inside from out wide everytime a wide man (I won't call them "wingers") gets the ball, Salech's presence is wasted. Wingers need to cross it in the air or get to the byline and cut the ball back on the deck against defenders who are running back towards their own goal. Even if we can't get a City shirt on the end of cut backs, defenders have a nasty habit of putting it past their own keepers in haste when they're trying to cut out the ball across the face of their goal.
What would cause real chaos at this level is for the two wide players (see, I didnt call them wingers) to swap sides from time to time. Mix it up. Cut inside for 15 mins, then swap sides and start swinging crosses in for 10 minutes. The thing that does for Salech is the 'inverted full backs'. It narrows things up and makes the box congested. It would be ok if it was the far full back so when a cross came over you'd have Salech, full back and winger to aim for, hopefully with the 10 and 8 somewhere for a cut back. Edit: interesting to hear BBM's last interview when he talked about not relying on 'worldies'. The inference being he wanted constructed, team goals. Tap ins are often under rated.
I read somewhere we have sold 570 tickets so far and I have one of them . Could get a soaking on the open away end
Get a soaking anywhere in that shi**y little ground. I went there for a Newport FA Cup game late 60's. Saw the EFL programme yesterday, Exeter home, ground not changed. If we have 570 there will be more of ours than theirs.
