Based on the rare of late “feel good” feeling, it worth pondering over the team selection for this Saturday’s away match to MK Dons. JFH does not have any major issues, but could be pondering on the following points: to stay with the same winning team? stay with 4-2-3-1 or go for a 4-4-2 formation? what to do should Ale be fit? to bleed future players (such as El Khayati) or play current performing, but potentially limited future players (such as Hoillet). I would name an unchanged team as it was working very well at both the individual player level as well as the team level, plus it gives a message of loyalty, and should create completion for places, thus: -------------------------------------Smithies------------------------------------- ------Onuoha--------------Hall-----------Angella------------------Perch--- ----------------------Luongo------------------------Henry--------------------- -------Phillips----------------------Chery ------------------------Hoillet----- ---------------------------------------Polter---------------------------------------- However , I would definitely try to optimise the substitutes: give Ale a run out if fit develop El Khayat (replacing the weakest or most tired of the offensive midfield) develop Washington (replacing Polter or moving to a 4-4-2 formation ) plus there is the option of a much awaited run out for Robinson, should he be fit A key factor to our team future selections will be the future of Hoillet and Phillips. Hoillets contract expires in June this year, whilst Phillips terminates in June 2017. If they will be part of our plans, then they need to fully integrated and further developed, but if they will not be part of our future, we should start to gradually phase them out. Anyway, I am sure that theses are all pleasant issues for JFH this week. Let’s hope for back to back wins in Milton Keynes.
Keeping the same start 11 sounds a good idea, though starting Nasser for Hoilett, with Junior able to come on later on to run at a hopefully tiring defense, sounds good too. Hard to bring Ale back now when Luongo and Henry have done so well, but if he is fully fit it gives JFH some positive selection choices.
My theory is that no player who won't be here next season should be first choice. Hoilett is arguably a better player than Khayati, though there's very little in it either way really, but it'll do the club more good to play the guy who will be here when it really matters. This is pre-season for next season.
I agree, but our issue is we do not know "the cooking" behind the scenes. Are we discussing a new contract extension with Hoillet? Do we want to sell Phillips? etc. What about our borrowed players? It will be interesting to observe how it all develops.
Sure I get that and I hope Hasselbaink is picking those likely to be here. I was under the impression from previous reports that Hoilett won't be. I don't think any loanees should be in unless there are plans to take them on permanently, assuming a viable alternative is in the squad.
MK Dons are 21st just three points clear of the drop zone. Saturday's team had a good balance of defensive nounce, some mid field stability and an attack with some pace which led to two goals. No change for me.
Agreed. Plus it will be interesting to see if we can be "consistent". I won't know what to think if the same team puts in a totally different shift.
On paper we should be taking MK Dons to the cleaners, 4-0 type score, but this is the Championship and we are Queens Park Rangers, with St. Jude on our shoulders.
It''s a little bit early for that. We are most unlikely to reach a top 6 spot, but that boat hasn't gone just yet. I think he will and should continue to play what he sees is our strongest team until we are sure we are in the same League next year.
After such a good all round performance last Saturday, I think we should stick with the same starting eleven and the same formation. It's really nice having quality players such as Faurlin, Washington and Khayati on the bench with legitimate claims to a starting position and I hope that timely substitutions gives them all game time.
Agree, although JFH seems to want to adjust tactics for each team, so might expect at least 1 change. Was looking forward to seeing Robinson, but Perch's emergence as a LB, may delay that. Mainly delighted that Konchesky is no longer first choice. Nothing against the chap, just its pointless playing loan players.
This. If he is not injured they should play Chery as much he want to. Ale in on the second half and we'll be good
Not long to wait to see the team that JFH will field for the match. I am sure that there may be a suprise as it seems to be his style. Whoever he chooses, lets hope for a great team performance and comfortable win. COYR's!!!!!