No he didn't. But you can't deny he did ok against Arsenal. And thanks to an excellent effort from Davis, we didn't miss him as much in midfield as I expected us to either. Clyne is far preferable as a RB with Cork in midfield, but if injury to Clyne prevents that, the way we set up vs Arsenal isn't a bad option.
Nope I can't deny he was class against Arsenal picking up mom. But I do want Richardson to be given a chance if Clyne is still out.
Boruc Clyne Yoshida Hooived Shaw Cork Schneiderlin Puncheon Lambert Ramirez Rodriguez Subs: Davis, Richardson, Stephens, Davis, Mayuka, Guly, Lee.
I personally dont see Lambert playing not as the main striker working - too important a game for him to not be up top, interchanging yes, but must be up top for me.
I would be amazed if NA didnt put Cork in midfield for this one, too. Whlst Davis is good he hasnt been as effective for us in the middle as Cork - and the midfield will be really important to stop being palyed through for Benteke and Weimann - this way they will have to hoof it up and I would be more confident Jos could cover this aspect of the game, any odd occasion he didnt im sure Morgan will be on hand to mop up...
I prefer seeing Lambert play behind the striker because otherwise Lambert has to hold the ball up and wait for someone to get forward, whereas if Rodriguez is ahead then we can get the ball forward quicker and Rodriguez can get on the end of the balls and we'd always have someone in and around the box; this was done at home to Tottenham if I remember correctly. I didn't rate Rodriguez at the start of the season but I think recently he's starting to find his feet, probably because he hasn't been played on the wing!
Cork played well against Arse, but had a mare against Moses. With our captain and vice captain out, who will be captain as I see Cork replacing Davis. Richardson is not only a better right back, but his accross field crosses aimed at the far post was Rickies bread and butter last year, and with 2 taller players in JRodor Guly and Ramirez this ploy should be even more effective
IMO we're better off sticking Lambert on the bench than trying to crowbar him into a role that really doesn't suit him. We might have done that against Spurs, however they were rampant until we changed to a 433 with Mayuka on one side, Rodriguez on the other and Lallana between the lines. Why move Gaston to the left so you can jackhammer Lambert into a role that Gaston is the ideal player for? Rodriguez might not be the perfect winger, but he has the qualllities to do a decent job and crucially we can do it without messing up the good chemistry we've got going in other areas.
Gazza (or Boruc if still injured) Clyne, Yoshida, Hooiveld, Shaw Morgan, Cork, Puncheon, Ramirez, Rodriguez Lambert
Hopefully Clyne's fit. He was awesome against Villa last time. Ramirez and Lambert back in and Cork to midfield. Basically our usual starting 11
Talking of which, it's on ITV4 again. Wonder how Mayuka will do this time? Hopefully Saints will be watching with interest.
-------------------Boruc Clyne-----Yoshida-----Astori-----Shaw -----------Morgan-----Cork -----------------Ramirez Puncheon----------------------Guly -----------------Lambert
