7 games in, 6th in the league and currently sitting in a play off position. We know roughly what type of football we can expect to watch, which players will perform, slack, stick their neck out for the team etc.. Would you change anything? Do we need new players in January? Who would you like to see benched and who would you like to see brought in to the 1st team? Discuss.
First off, I am surprised having seen the fixture list, that we have got 12 points. Saying that City have deserved that many but this to my mind is indicative of the average opposition played up to last night. Would I change anything? Well apart from the manager, I'd say that given the major problem is the lack of pace, inventiveness and creativity across midfield, there is little scope to do much. January has to see City go out and get someone who can carry the ball at pace through midfield, and pass through the opposition midfield to forwards to run onto, and to get the ball out wide quicker and more often. City play too many square balls. Whittingham is far too deep. He needs to be well up the pitch. He needs to shoot more. One shot in each of the past 2 games is just not enough when we know how effective his left peg is. Hopefully once the new striker is fit and ready to go, he should come in for Mason. I'd like to se City start a game with if not Ameobi, then Noone. and if Ameobi fades then he can be benched. Jones needs to stop coming so deep to collect balls. What is the point of him doing that, when it leaves only Mason in the box to aim at? The defenders aren't going to leave their area to track him so deep. Unsure about the full backs. Peltier is a good footballer, solid but too slow in coming forward and when he does his crossing is almost as bad as McNaughton's was. I'd go for Malone and Fabio. Centre backs? Manga and Connelly are good footballers, whilst Morrison is not. I suspect Slade wants a stopper and footballer paired up. In conclusion, at present City are hard working but lack flair and a goalscorer. No higher than 10th with this squad, and manager. If City can steadily accumulate points, and have a really good transfer window and/or bring in some quality on loan and play them then that might enhance the prospects of a top 6 berth.
