While we have conceded lots of goals, our bigger problem on Saturday was our complete lack of threat in attack. I therefore wonder if we shouldn't revert to a back five. So in a 4-2-3-1 (with the three properly giving width and pushing forward in support of the one): Marshall; Elmohamady, Dawson, Davies, Clucas; Livermore, Mason; Snodgrass, Huddlestone, Diomande; Hernandez. I'd happily swap Huddlestone for Henriksen.
Losing Robertson is such a blow. We don't have another fullback and Clucas will be missed in the midfield. Whether we go 3 or 5 at the back we don't have a left back or left wing back so we're a bit ****ed whatever. I'm not a massive fan of us going 352 with the current squad just because it really wouldn't suit Snodgrass who I think is such an important player for us. It would allow us to play Mbokani and Hernandez which could be a positive, but there must be a reason Hernandez has been dropped and not brought in even when Mbokani got injured. I've never been impressed with his attitude so I expect it's that, although I haven't heard Phelan's comments on it. Presumably he was asked why.
Whoever we select we can't do any worse than getting stuffed for 6. And if we're honest Bournemouth could have had 6 in the first half. Jakupovic goes straight back in for me. Call it a coincidence, but all Marshall seems to have brought to the team is a rapidly declining GD. I think he needs taking out of the firing line - literally. Jakupovic did nothing to warrant getting dropped anyway.
Spot on again GLP. Possibly the most bizarre team change among the many that Phelan has made in recent weeks, including the farcical line up against Bournemouth (Keane, Maloney as our strike force ffs!!) was his dropping of Jakupovich who in four games had conceded one penalty goal (Leicester), one unsighted 30-yarder (Burnley) and one last minute tap-in by Man U. after Elmo had misplayed Rooney. In those four games he had made the all-European leagues team one week, and the all-EPL team in another, while making a series of outstanding performances. So his thanks for that, which had earned us 7 points (should have been 8) was to be dropped by our new manager for an over-the-hill Marshall on the strength of one appearance at Stoke. The result has been a series of defensive and goal keeping debacles, as our flat footed slow moving "keeper" has watched 17 goals hit the back of our net as team morale has disintegrated. ENOUGH PHELAN!! Get Jak in goal where he belongs, and keep him there!!!
Starting to feel a little more optimistic after the weekend mauling, assuming Robertson isn't fit and Mbokani is I'd go for: Jakupovic (not that Marshall has done too much wrong, mainly to allow a fresh start for the defence) Curtis, Harry, Jake Snodders, Thudd, Clucas, Mason, Hendrikson Mbokani, Hernandez Not included Dawson in the starting line-up simply because it would be too much of a risk for his re-habilitation against a physical Stoke side, bring him on for the second half and get him settled back in ready for Watford. I do like Harry but I think Dawson will give us more stability in the short term.
This season is a write off already, may as well kick off the lads development. And I disagree, he looks decent. Could also help solve our massive problem on the left wing, if young Josh does ok, A-Bob can play there. I know he's not really a winger, but I think he'all do a better job there than anyone else in the squad.
I said it before the last game then decided it was crap but changed my mind again and think it would be worth a go. 3-2-3-2 Jakupovic Maguire Dawson Davies Clucas Livermore Snodgrass Huddlestone Mason/Henriksen Mbokani Hernandez Clucas and Livermore can protect the back 3, drop in a centreback goes wide or go wide themselves to cover wingers. They can break up play and feed it to the 3 in front of them to get forward.
there is so much wrong with this post I dont know where to begin.. Id love to live in your head son... marshmallows, butterflies and daisies.
It's a worrying sign when some people are calling on Jakupovic to restore defensive solidity. I'd go 5-3-2 Marshall Elmo Livermore Maguire Davies Tymon Henriksen Huddlestone Clucas Mbokani Hernandez Livermore has looked decent at centre back and it's probably too soon to bring Dawson back in. Huddlestone in there to keep the ball better and Henriksen for attacking threat from midfield. 2 strikers always cause problems and at least when we hoof it up it might actually stick. Give Tymon a go, at least he is a left back/wingback and he won't be any worse than Clucas who is a lot better in the centre of midfield. Edit: completely forgot we have Mason. Him in for Clucas maybe although that'd be harsh given Clucas actually tried on Saturday.
Nobody think elmos a liabilty marking people/runners at the back post? Switchs off far too much for me
So Marshall isn't an upgrade after all then ? Some people on here assured us he was miles better than Jakupovic
