I hate these 'Team for Saturday' type threads, but I reckon Steve Bruce has an interesting and difficult decision for Saturday. As a 4-4-2, we definiately need a proper right back, which takes Macca out of the equation and presumably brings either Rosenior or Fahti into it. So where do you put Macca?
Not sure what SB will do on Saturday. But last night I thought he may have reverted to 3-5-2 after we'd scored. Derby came at us and our centre 2 midfielders in that 4-4-2 couldn't get the ball and were out played. 3-5-2 suits us much better when we play on the counter attack which we were doing for most of the second half.
I personally think that he will stick with formation but, after listening to his post match interview, Bruce said the style will have to change. I expect us to get the ball to the flanks quickly to hit the front men in the box, and with delivery from Brady and Elmo it doesn't look a bad option! It was encouraging to see the amount of bodies we started to get into the box during the second half, and although Prozzy missed that chance, i do feel he looked a better prospect up top with Gedo, and at least he got himself into that position, something Simpson hasn't done for a while.
If he doesn't fit in the team he can **** off. Rosenior is a far better player and he's been sitting out all season because he didn't fit the 3-5-2. If we now start playing 4-4-2 then McShane doesn't fit in and we'll play someone who does.
We have Fathi and Rosie who can play RB, however I have a feeling Fathi would now get the nob in front of Rosie. (When Rosie's contract expires will we go in for Fathi on a perm? Likewise with Simpson\Gedo) I hope to see 442 again on Saturday and\or Tuesday
If we do play 4-4-2, the I would like this Stockdale Rosenoir Chester Hobbs Brady Elmo Meyler/Fathi Koren Quinn Gedo Proschwitz/Aluko
I would refrain from going 4-4-2 until fathi is fit for want of a left back, as great as Brady and quinns linking up down the left is Brady can't tackle and our left flank will be weak and open to attack at will. I think the 3-5-2 has had its time now and is too easy to defend against by pressuring the win backs and forcing them inside, something teams have all started doing which has coincided with our dip in form, but I can't really see another option at the minute due to the players we have available.
From the interviews with SB on Humberside and Sky Sports I got the impression that he thought that the condition of the pitch would hamper/prevent us playing the type of football in the 3-5-2 that we have been. His comment that he would be discussing with the coaching staff playing differently to counteract the pitch suggested to me a change of formation. Unless I mis-interpreted what he said
He basically said we need to go direct, as a result of the pitch, so expect quite a few lumps forward.
I think I'd go 4231 until Aluko's back, it gets the best out of Koren and Gedo looks more than capable of playing up front by himself - he did it for 45 minutes last night. So on Saturday something like: Stockdale Rosenior Chester Hobbs Fathi Meyler Quinn Elmohammady Koren Brady Gedo Oxley McShane Evans Cairney Stewart Proschwitz Simpson Obviously there are options like bringing Evans in for Fathi if he isn't fit and rejigging it a bit or MCshane in to play right back and Rosie left back.
I expect him to say 352, I would and change it up if needed. Stockdale Chester Hobbs Macca Elmo Koren Meyler Quinn Brady Proschwitz Gedo
Fathi is in the Ressies squad for Wednesday's game at Rotherham. I can't see him playing 2 games in a week. Maybe use that game to improve his match fitness/sharpness, ready for the Blackburn game? Edit - today is Wednesday
how come we took our 2 supposed forwards off last night and replaced them with another 2 forwards but folk were saying we changed from 3-5-2 to a 4-4-2? maybe SB will still persist with Koren playing off a striker but this time it'll be Gedo.
If he does persist then I will be amazed, Koren hasn't the strength to play against strong centre backs and he can't use his passing range when he's stuck up there. Koren needs to be in midfield playing balls behind the opposition defence for Gedo, Elmo, Quinn & Brady to run on to
