It's something I've commented on too, and I'm one of the optimistic ones! It's not so much the personnel, it's the system we now play. In having KP dropping back to make the 3, we lose the cover of a DM. Bearing in mind we had 2 DMs in front last season, and usually one FB holding back, we're seriously depleted in the event of a breakaway. Roller coaster ride ahead, methinks, but I can't wait!
just had a look at what stoke have spent and it's impressive they are going for it . lot of talk about pineapple as a centre back really ? i don't think so.as i see it if one full back /wing back bombs forward then the other wont because the right mid will have advanced or the left mid.so one wing back will always be back so with three center backs one can drift to cover the space vacated by the wing back.i don't for one minute expect pineapple to be one of them.Beradi could be one and cooper may go left leaving pontus the tallest in the middle of the defence. would i start the new guys ? well yes all of them never mind loyalty get the best players on the pitch and sub them if they run out of gas. going to stick my neck out and say Bamford is going to do well for us .
Wakey, if the rest of the season is going to pan out like pre season, then BOTH wingbacks will be far advanced up the field. Which is a big worry for me. Sorry if I didn't make that clear earlier.
i don't think they have got the hang of it yet then but those games were only learning games.when the real stuff starts it should be different.was last pre season any good ? they never are .
Leave the modding to the mods Talk of shape that will be visible on a match day is on topic as far as I'm concerned. Now get back to your punters in your saloon
Thanks for confirming Crouch is still at stoke and could be available to play on Sunday. I don't believe me and you were off topic but in this whacky world who knows whats allowed and whats not.
are not it I believe that they have gone for a more cultured approach since Mark Hughes left them. Crouch is just a game changer if they need to chase the game. Not sure we have a plan B but we might find out on Sunday. #ontopic
Think they will stick Peter Crouch on KP and bombard us with high balls. Not sure Bielsa has ever had to counter these tactics before.
Stoke changed the way they play,when they got rid of Pullis,Mark Hughes did well when he first went there,but lost his way trying to buy cheaper players,but needing to get into top eight.Fans expected too much.Very strong in midfield are Stoke,and I believe this,is where the game will be won or lost.
Not sure they will tell strikers to mark our defenders,usually the other way around,and would think Jannson would be on him,if Blackman plays he will collect most of the crosses hopefully.
