I think that this thread highlights the importance of Johnson to the team. I agree with Colk that it may mean changing the formation completely to accommodate the loss and go two up front with a diamond.
Not having a pop at you (or anyone else) Thurnby, but the mantra all season long has been how we have 'the best squad' in this division. Now, as soon as we lose a player for two games, turmoil erupts about who - and how we're going to replace him. Is that not the point of having depth to the squad in the first place?
The diamond is a possibility, meaning that we'd replace BJ with Hooper rather than another CM, but I wonder if we would create enough chances in an away match with a four man mid-field and Tettey staying deep. Would it leave us vulnerable to counter-attacks? I still think that, having paid £4m for Odjidja-Ofoe, we should see what he could bring to these final 5 games and next year as well, whatever division we're in.
Well said Cromer - this is exactly why we have the squad and had we not had the International break, it was very likely that BJ would have missed at least one game through injury. Pleased to see that the voting is now heavily in favour of Ofoe.
Good post Cromer, but the only thing is that Johnson is practically the form midfielder of the Championship other than maybe Matt Ritchie. If it had been one of the back four, or one of the other midfielders, I think it's a bit more obvious how we cater for him, but Johnson has been instrumental in our success. It's a bit like pointing out that Chelsea have the best squad in the Prem, but if they lost say Fabregas you'd be scratching your head about how they replace him given how many assists he produces
Bradley is now included in the Team of the Season (so far) on whoscored.com: H.Gomes (Watford) S.Francis (B'mouth) C.Berra (Ipswich) L.Dunk (Brighton) C.Forsyth (Derby) M.Ritchie (B'mouth) G.Leadbitter ('Boro) B.Johnson (Norwich) M.Antonio (Forest) R.Gestede (B'burn) T.Deeney (Watford)
I wouldn't be the slightest bit surprised if Jonno won the player of the year for the Championship - anyone know when they pick that award?
You are quite right Cromer and in many ways what you say is totally valid. That said, I can't help feeling a little nervous as I have said because he has become so central to our success. A bit like taking Messi out of Barcelona!
I'd put Hooper in to go two up top, I think these next two games are going to need an extra striker to get the goals with Johno missing. At Brighton & against Wednesday he looked the only guy capable of scoring. I feel the system with just Jerome up top is getting predicable and needs freshening up.
Vadis for me, personally I think we've been very unlucky with him, he's potentially the best player we have on our books. Of what I've seen of him I think he's rather exciting, direct good on the ball with a turn of pace. He's also the most direct replacement we have for Johnson. 1950's point that he's untried is valid, but for me it's a positive, no other team can effectively unveil a new £4m signing now and just as we potentially could be come predictable we could perhaps even step it up a gear again. If he's looking good it's going to drive on Howson and Tettey too as they could lose their place as Johnson comes back. I think this is an opportunity, obviously a risk but any change is and were forced to make one. O'Neil is a good player and a safe choice, but fortune favours the brave.
Spot on Bath and I hope AN does start with Vadis and bring O'neill on for the last 20 minutes or so if we need to add steel to the defence.
That is the key for me as well. We've got 3 games in 7 days next week, ending with Boro, and a potential game changer arriving on the scene could make all the difference!
