http://www.newsnow.co.uk/A/628914227?-11057:808 I completely agree with Snoddy here. So many times he made the run forward only to have to continue running with the ball even though a pass would have been a better option! The reason? HE HAS NO ONE TO PASS TO! Also when he or whoever else for that matter swings a cross into the box it is pointless as with only one striker to worry about, the defenders can double team them easily! The answer is perhaps not as easy as just sticking Holt and Becchio up top together becasue you also have to consider what you then do with your midfield. Do you take Wessi out and play a flat 4 with wingers? Do you keep Wes in there at the tip of the diamond? If you do this you normally lose a bit of width which would negate having two big guys up top because they thrive on crosses. OR do you just go diamond with including Hoolahan AND wingers thereby sacrificing a bit of defensive solidarity for more attacking options? I would personally play: Ruddy (when fit)/Bunn Martin, Turner, Bassong, Garrido Johnson/tettey Snodgrass, Kamara/Pilks/Bennett Hoolahan Holt, Becchio Yes, I know! It is very attacking but Snodgrass has shown that he can get back and defend, as have Kamara and Bennett (Pilks less so but he does try) so perhaps we could give it a go? See If our better attacking players can play together and create a bit! OTBC
I think a diamond would be great, I hope we come back after the break with new ideas. Kind Of ablessing we aren't in the cup.
Agree with Snoddy's point of view - though I'm a little surprised it has first surfaced in a red-top tabloid rag? But he did so much running with the ball on Saturday, and no one - apart from Becchio who was marked out of the game, was there to support him. He must be disappointed, as well as knackered! Same old poser, though. Whether to sacrifice defensive solidity for more attacking flair, that is the question. Howson in for Tettey, perhaps, as he does get into more advanced positions when he can? Although he (JH) was largely anonymous in that role against Luton recently.
My choice would be BUNN WHITTAKER TURNER BASSONG ???????? JOHNSON SNODS WES PILKS/KAMARA BECCS HOLT I think this could work
Good shout Yarco, I forgot about Whittaker! Perhaps we could play him at LB and Martin at RB? I think WHits can play anywhere along the back 4? But over all same formation I would chose i.e. 4-1-3-2 (or 4-3-1-2 if we are defending) I genuinely think this could work. The only question is, does he try it in a game we are trying to win (e.g. Southampton at Home) or in a game we are expected to lose (e.g. United away)?
Whittaker can play anywhere across the back four - him at LB and Rusty at RB would be a good shout as far as I am concerned.
To repeat my point on an earlier thread, IMO playing the diamond leaves you too open down the flanks. I certainly wouldn't be inclined to experiment with that at OT, and against Everton it would invite Leighton Baines to have a field day. Don't know what the answer is but I've every confidence in CH to find it.
Hopefully Snoddy would keep Baines quiet. Hoolahan is our only "flair" player and I can't see any other way to accommodate than the diamond. Unless he played totally up front alongside Holt of course.
I'd think I'd like to see Kamara v Baines. From all accounts he could match him for pace, and going forward has the build to steamroller him (I'm imagining Baines flattened in the ground like Tom in a Tom & Jerry cartoon (sorry, shows my age).
