Both Bothroyd and Helguson can be accommodated in a 4-2-3-1/4-5-1/4-4-1-1 by playing Bothroyd a bit deeper. Assuming Taarabt is dropped, a five in midfield of Barton and Faurlin deep with SWP, Bothroyd and Mackie ahead of them has more chance of keeping City out than a more rigid 4-4-2 which they'll more easily get around, imo, and also, at least in theory, gets SWP on the ball higher up the pitch.
I don't want to start a war Watford but having a packed midfield did nothing to help keeps out Spurs who simply bypassed the whole line with incisive passing. The reason we fared better in the 2nd half was that Mackie and Bothroyd kept them busy in their own half. We have two choices IMO: park the bus as we did against the scum or go on the offensive. We don't have the quality to outplay the top 6 in midfield.
Derry has done fine this season and lets face it this is likely to be his only season in the Premiership. Won't be found out on small tight pitches like Loftus Road. Good character to have around, can count on him to give his all.
I'm not saying we should pack the midfield in a Scotland-esque fashion but that we should play in a way that offers a bit more fluidity. I just fear that if City play a 4-2-3-1 and we play a rigid 4-4-2 there will be huge gaps between the lines for them to exploit like we did at Wolves. Obviously, whatever formation we go in with it will be an incredibly tough game but I feel the 4-2-3-1 suits the players we have better than anything else.
Let's not draw any hasty conclusions based on what happens against City. They destroyed Spuds, by far the best team we have played this season, at WHL ( we did ourselves in against Fulham) and are a truly frightening prospect. Avoid humiliation will be an achievement, whatever formation/ players we use.
Derry is good enough, just because he is older and has grey hair people start assuming things are his fault. They're not.
I love Shaun Derry, but he was fast asleep for Spuds second goal. He didn't react & close down Kings shot. That's when Warnock decided to take him off. But in saying that he was probably too knackered because he had to cover for another player, who didn't feel the need to track-back.
Ditto for me - I'd like to see that starting line up. Subs on the bench??? Murphy Hill (LB or CB if Gabbidon injured) Derry Taraabt (use as a 2nd half impact player) Smith Buzsaky
I touched upon this in the Faurlin thread, I really do worry about whether he will be able to handle the pace as the season goes on. We also have to think with our heads rather than our hearts and admit that Derry is certainly not good enough for the Premier League, and if you think he is you need to remove the rose tinted specs. I can't fault his performance and desire last season and even at the start of this season to a certain extent, but even the likes of Nzonzi, Danny Murphy and Ben Watson will be rubbing their hands with glee when they see Shaun's name on the team sheet.
I agree with Ciarrai, Shaun is a good man to have around for this very important first season back in the big time.
Yes. My favourite players are either those that are all-action, wholly committed players (e.g. Derry, Hill) or the exceptionally talented flair players (e.g. Taarabt of last season). Young and Ferdinand have been excellent additions. Traore has shown potential. Disappointed in Barton's performances. Not convinced that there is enough of an end product with SWP (couldn't let that go, we will agree to disagree and I hope that he proves you right).
derry has a big role to play but the games should be hand picked to suit his game. if its going to be a war in midfield he needs to be on. a team like spurs with slick passing triangles not suited to his game. I think maybe 4 4 1 1 could be tried with jayo operating between midfield and striker.
i think nw will phase him out gradually then after jan maybe just a bench warmer, but will take on other things & get involved on coaching side more, but there's only been 2/3 were he's been poor.
