Midfield Concerns

I so want us to beat Villa and send them into real trouble. The way they celebrated our downfall in 2009 put them in my top 3 of least liked teams (other two being the mackems and spuds).. It would be real poetic justice for us to do them over on our return. Unfortunatly unlike last time i wont be attending this one but i am looking forward to this one as much as any other this season.

Problem is our Midfield, with Cheik and Nolan out whos going to start for us? Ireland is ineligible even if he were fit leaving us with Guthrie and Barton as our only recognised central midfield players. Barton is class and Guthrie did well against Wolves but neither possess the steel that Tiote and Nolan give you. I feel we'll be found wanting in the middle of the park.

Think it might be a case of trying to hit them on the break and soak up any pressure they apply to try and nick something.

Loving the results at the weekend. Gaining a Plus 8 goal difference against the unwashed at the same time - marvellous!

 

I think we might stike lucky due to the fact Villa's midfield is not the best
as long as we keep Young quiet then we have a great chance on sunday
providing our levels are high and we are committed.

 

Play Colo in central mid-field with Barton.

 

Colo could definatly do a job for us, but i think we need him at the heart of the defence more. Taylor did okay when he came on, great run to set up the last goal. Loved his celebration to the gallowgate corner.

 

Only really viable midfield line ups I can see left to us for the Villa game is:

R. Taylor - Barton - Guthrie - Jonas

or

Jonas - Barton - Guthrie - Ferguson

 

This
Think we're all expecting one of these two midfields.

 

Id like to see more of Jonas on the right, i think its only because we havent got an alternative on the left he plays there. Hes actually right-footed and i remember against Bristol away he destroyed them in the second half operating on the right when we come back from 2-0 down, should have won it.

Ferguson can defo do a job on the left midfield. Did he have an injury though on Sat?

 

He went off before the restart after Ebank's goal.

Maybe it was just a precaution, so hopefully he'll be fit.

Out of the two midfields in question, id prefer the 2nd.

 

The 2nd...I really don't rate Ryan Taylor, dodgy in possession, poor maneuverability and very 2D...Fergusson has the mobility and engine, much rather see him in there!

 

I'd rather Ferguson and Jonas were on the wings but looking at Pardew's quotes regarding Ferguson its all along the lines of he's been really impressed with him but its unfair on a young player to be playing in such crucial games.

Whether his precaution over young players is a good or bad thing is another discussion but because of this I reckon we'l see R.Taylor on the wing.

He's not the best option but at lleast he has a decent cross in his locker.

 

Coloccini in midfield why don't we play harper there and stick Ameobi in goal while we're at it

 

Harper is very determined to be a striker.

 

If Jose isn't back, i'd play -

---------------------Ameobi---------------------

Jonas----------------Guthrie-------------------Raylor

----------Coloccini---------------Barton----------

Ferguson---------Taylor-------Williamson--------Simpson

or

------------Ameobi-----------Lovenkrands------------

Jonas----------Guthrie--------Barton-----------Raylor

Ferguson------Coloccini-------Taylor-----------Simpson

 

Has Jonas ever played down the right? I've never seen him there even though it would make sense to do so, so I'm assuming that Jonas doesn't want to play there and would rather link up with Enrique?

It's a shame too, as it would make sense to put him down the right and include Ferguson down the left.

Either way, Guthrie has some skill imo. Good passing and a good eye for the ball in the role he's accustomed to. Barton is obviously real good and will be our main strength in CM (he plays well on the wing, but he's just as good in his natural role).

I'm not TOO worried.

 

I'm sure Coloccini played in central midfield occasionally for deportivo?

Harper is a striker at heart

 

play Micheal Richardson

 

Colo's played midfield for us before, the less said the better. Guthrie is class as is Barton. Easily enough quality there.

 

2nd formation for me. Would like to see Ferguson get a game and i think he is more effective in midfield than defence. He is also better than Raylor.

 

I personally think the 4-2-3-1 system would be better against Villa. They're very quick and effective on the counter.

I'd avoid playing Williamson at all costs, because he'll get slaughtered vs Agbonlahor and Bent. Coloccini has humiliated Bent twice, but he should play along side Taylor for this one. Wiliiamsons lack of agility and pace will do us no favours vs Villa.

Taylor and Colo for me, unless Pardew plays Colo in DM.

 

My Team
________________Harper_______________
Simpson___Williamson__Coloccini___Enrique
Barton(C)____Vučkić____Guthrie____Jonas
____________Ranger____Ameobi_________