No laughing please! …………………………...Hadler...…………………… …...Ehmer...….………..Zakuani...…….Lacey...……. …………………………..Fuller...……………………… RCC...……...Parrett...………….Nasseri……Hanlan... ………………...List...…………...MBO...……………… The above assumes all are fit.
Not sure why Hadler instead of Holy. I think we need experience at the moment. Even with Fuller as defensive midfield I think we'd still need a back 4. Your plan leaves us too open on the wings. In terms of formation I think a 4-1-4-1 (with a couple of the midfield 4 given the job to support the main striker on an alternate basis - if one is supporting the other stays back), or a 4-1-3-2, although who to put where is another matter. I haven't seen enough this season to make realistic suggestions.
Holy has made a few mistakes this season, maybe all the transfer talk has upset him? Playing 4 at the back hasn't stopped us getting ripped apart on the wings so far this season, maybe having our own wingers will keep the opposition full backs occupied and they won't find it so easy to get into our third of the pitch.
The team I have given is what I would like to see start, I don't think SL will change anything as he seems to be all threats and no follow through. The players and system we are using at the moment aren't working, can trying something radical really be any worse. Some of our squad need a chance to show they are good enough, otherwise let them go out on loan and bring in some new players in January.
Charles-Cook and Zakuani are back fit this week. This is what I would like to see happen: GK: Holy RWB: O'Neill CB's: Fuller, Zakuani (C), Ehmer LWB: Garmston CM's: Reilly & Charles-Cook CAM: Parrett FW's: Eaves & List. Subs: Hadler, Ogilvie, Byrne, Rees, Nasseri, Parker & Wilkinson. Bit negative playing 3/5 at the back but we need to stop shipping the goals and you can't lose if you keep a clean sheet.
I've been looking at our worst 2 defeats, Sunderland 4 - 1 loss and Rochdale 3 - 0 loss. One thing that becomes obvious is that we spent more time defending than attacking, 56% against Sunderland and 52% against Rochdale. Assuming that a team is more likely to concede a free kick whilst carrying out defensive duties, the following stats are a bit of a concern. Sunderland conceded 12 fouls, Gillingham conceded just 7. Rochdale conceded 17 fouls, Gillingham conceded just 7. For me this is further proof that we simply don't defend, backing off and failing to make the tackle is good if you're looking to win a fair play award, clearly it's of little help in winning football matches. I don't expect players to get sent off every week but a little physicality might be nice occasionally.
The form table over the last 6 games shows us in 24th place, Peterborough in 2nd place. should be easy...we'll murder them.
