Match Day Thread Pre-Season Friendlies 2019

I think plan A should be to play Grigg and try to work out a way to play to his strengths and get him in on goal because unless there's something seriously wrong he's a quality player going through a rough patch. Hard not to feel we've signed a dud but I can't write him off yet.

Plan B sack him off and give Wyke and Kimpi a go together.

 

That’s a pure colour clash

 

Great work mate

 

Surely we should have played in red & white.

 

Bit of a worry sure enough, and hope to hell it sorts itself out, otherwise maybe need a plan C. OaU.

 

This season looks pretty straightforward to me. Ross need only select three types of players. Players who can get the ball to Duncan Watmore. Players who can keep up with Duncan Watmore. Players who can 'protect' Duncan Watmore.

 

1 goal conceded in 3 is great news.
2 goals scored in 3 games is a great worry

 

Plan Cattermole, one of our top scorers last season and available on a free. Stick him up top you reckon?

 

Surely he needs to select one other type of player? Otherwise all these players will be damn confused playing in a team with no Duncan Watmore...

 

Grigg comes alive on the edge of and in the box. He doesn't get involved in the build up play like Maja used to so if we're playing the kind of game that requires him to do that, it's no good. I'm sure Jack's preferred way of playing can be tweaked to accommodate him though. Wyke though, I think he's a waste of a shirt. No anticipation, can't win a header, slow, lumbering. Don't see a place for him.

 

Same here tbh, another Vaughn or Altidore, lots of effort and heart in the right place but ultimately does nowt. I'm hoping Watmore's runs to the line and cutbacks will find Grigg, he seems to have decent predatory instincts but we didn't get it to him much. Embleton too should be able to do the same.

 

Worth noting that these 2 sides we’ve played over there will be technically a lot better than League One sides.

Yeah it was Benfica B, but they’ve got just a bit of a track record for producing players haven’t they? Outstanding youth system.

Belenenses not so much, historically famous but we shouldn’t be losing to a 3rd tier Portuguese club, these games are more about fitness.

The game on Saturday is more like it, Heerenveen are an upper mid table Eiridivisie side so that’s like a Championship play off side, they’ll be more methodical, more physical, and the game will be far more competitive.

The lack of creativity and goals is clear as day and a massive concern, but it does look like the defensive side is taking shape, seems the new RB has been about the best, most consistent over there.

 

Yeh coudnt make out the teams
It would of made more sense for red and white

 

I know it's only pre-season, but lack of goals - especially from up top - is a growing concern.

Option 1 - Target man: I don't see Wyke bagging a goal, or playing an effective role in build-up play with others in support. Marquis signing please.

Option 2 - Three-pronged attack: With the right mix up top I can see Grigg scoring, but a lot more work required on blending our attacking midfield / inside forward options. Yet We lack someone who can play with guile and aggression to complement what we have.

Watmore, McGeady - good options, both different; Embleton looks like a real player but needs time to develop; Maguire - inconsistent; Honeyman - meh

Maddison please.

 

Is he still available ?

 

Far as I know aye, are you keen?

 

fletcher, Altidor, Graham, Grigg, Wyke, (here at the same time) laslandes, flo, Kyle, and about another 20 over the last 30 years, we keep signing them don't we. I want to see Wyke get the ball in midfield and run and run beat a couple of defenders by shoving his way through and score, but will that ever happen ? the ball has to be played over the top each time and there are 3 players on him, too predictable, Ross has to change his tactics or mid table for us. We are too weak and to to toughen up again like early last season.

 

Have you literally ever seen him play?