Here's my outside the box, RLB said a different strategy. Agree with the back 4 we finished with. The mid 3 goes without saying. My front 3 Roberts (left). Wilson. 09 (right) Only ball into the box resulted when Luke hit the byline and crossed immediately no pi**ING around Wilson was onto it, also Luke can put a ball on a sixpence ( or a 5 p piece I know it's 2.5 p for you pedantic bu**ers) from anywhere forward of the halfway line and would support Hume on defensive duties. Also let's have a left footed player getting to the byline and use Wilson's prowess. Just a thought.
I am surprised at how quick ONien is benched by some of us. I know it is because folk think Ballard and Mepham are better, not that ONien is poor. My view, as irrelevant as it is, is that ONien must play CB when he can. I think his style of play complements Ballard or Mepham. Together they are too similar for me. Partnerships have always been, and always will be vital to a good team. The CB partnership perhaps the most important. I would wager the sum of the partnership parts is better with ONien in. If picking 11 best players was the answer footy wouldnt be as complex a game as it is. I dont have a tin hat, so have at it
I've now put O'Nien on the bench as Ballard & Mepham both played well, Alese in for Cirkin and Hume back where he belongs. Having O9 on the bench means that we can put another forward on the bench instead of a defender, time to unleash Trey Ogunsuyi to the Championship (with 20 minutes to go) - well that's if RLB uses his subs...
My thoughts as well. Having one of the big centre backs alongside O9 gives us the strength but also the ball playing quality.
They’re good and organised. they’ve got a good keeper but one of their best CBs is missing. Missing Arblaster aswell. I know they’ve got depth like but that’s still starters Conceding goals they’re good at not doing. However in terms of scoring them / chance creation. Before last game where they pumped Oxford at home. They had less xG than us in the league. I’m confident in our back line
Mayenda ahead of Roberts on the wing perhaps? He seemed to make more happen to me when he came on Tuesday. Didn't see how he did at Millwall.
Our first real test, away at Sheff U. Can define what happens from here. Are we up to it? If we play our stuff,I think we are!
I agree. It's very harsh on Luke, because he has been outstanding all season, but Mepham and Ballard are our strongest CH pairing. O9 will still get plenty of game time, I'm sure.
Mayenda yes, but on the left. Then he and Isidor can alternate. Keep Paddy on the right he frightens defenders.
It is sound logic mate. And as it is your thread I agree In all seriousness I was thinking about some of the debates we have had in recent weeks when I saw ONien being discussed as benched. We have been top of the Championshio for a couple of months or so. We have set records galore for a start of a season. I dont think we have had it so good in a long time. Yet some of us have moaned about lack of subs, some have moaned about Dodds being here, some say Neil shouldnt be captain, some say our style of play is too safe. Now ONien is dropped having probably played as well as anyone all season. I am telling myself off a bit this week because I was down on Regis a bit last 2 games. Reality is we are doing brilliantly, and that is likely more down to his subs, or ONien, or Neil being captain, than it is despite all of those things. We used to say if it isnt broke dont fix it. Nowadays we seem a bit to quick to change. Bottom line I dont think Ballard and Mepham is a problem at all, and most sides would love it, but I still think ONien in for Ballard is probably the better combo. Opinions opinions.
I expect them to attack which will probably suit us. 2-4. Roberts not only to finally score but get 2. Wilson & Commolly with the others.
Been in Sheff working today. They are very confident! Not disrespectful, and full of praise for us, but cant see anything other than a win. They say our best bet is corners amd set pieces. I pretended we were elite at them, just for fun.
I don't think the club would put ballards development over the team. Yes they love development of players but I can't see them or RLB sacrificing league position for individual players development
Opinions ... Ballard is better with O'Nien alongside than he is with Mepham. Ballard and Mepham are too similar and, whereas they'll soak up attacks, they won't start many. If Mepham plays, which he will, it has to be O'Nien otherwise we'll most likely draw. With O'Nien there I think we can win ... ... unless we can improve our corners and get Ballard into positions where he'll get headers in.
I don't mind the early games - I don't drink before/after the game so doesn't bother me from that perspective
