After another comfortable win over Derby the team performance wise shouldnt be changed too much. Jamie Vardy yet again failed to make much of an impression. Some people are calling for Andy King to be dropped with possibly Matty James or even Richie Wellens coming into the team. IF the rumours are to be believe then Anthony Knockaert might be dropped from the squad by Nigel for his behaviour as might Jamie Vardy. David Nugent revealed his is suffering from a slipped disk which potentially is a very serious injury so Nigel might choose for him to make another cameo off the bench. Other then that the team will be pretty much the same. So here is what I would go with Schmeichel De Laet Morgan Whitbread Konchesky Marshall Drinkwater James Dyer Waghorn Schlupp Subs- Logan, Moore, King, Wellens/Knockaert (Depending on what actually happened on saturday night), Futacs, Nugent, Vardy
Unchanged. We shouldn't have to risk Nugent with this one. I'd like to see him back to full fitness but he's in red hot form.
For me its not a case of dropping King or even Knockaert for that matter. We seen King play last season and he looked knackered and his performances massively suffered. He has been very good this season and I think a little rest will do him the world of good. He is still a very good player to bring off the bench if we need a goal Marshall came on a set a goal up while Knockaert didnt have the best game ever so I think its right Marshall should get a chance. He won us the game against Wednesday
My guess is: Def: Same Midfield: Marshall, King, Drinkwater, Dyer Attack: Waghorn, Vardy Marshall in for Knockaert just because he did well when he came on and I always think it is either/or with these two with Dyer playing so well at the moment. Vardy to keep his place as he needs games and I don't think he did too badly - setting up Waghorn for the second and putting in a decent shift all round. Don't know why he gets so much stick. Plus I think Nigel has a lot of faith in him.
I agree your points about Vardy - I have a hunch that if he can notch a couple in a game he'll go on a bit of a hot streak Waggy looked close to his best form and will take some shifting Still have reservations about Konch ... looked suspect all game and played at least one 'get out of jail card' ... which Knockaert might be needing!
At this minute Vardy is very low on confidence and struggling for form Waggy and Nugent are in a purple patch so Vardy is going to struggle to get in. Its just Nugents injury that is getting Vardy into the team at the minute. Vardy just needs to believe in himself more and try and make something happen for himself
Can see Wellens making the bench this week and depending on how the games going maybe getting on for the last 15 minutes
Wing is now the key position. We seem to look best from the short periods of time it has occurred with Marshall left and Knockaert right- giving them both the freedom to cut inside or swap over if necessary, if anything the 2 wide players of a 3 in a 4-2-3-1. However, recent events may suggest that Knockaert may well be replaced by Lloyd Dyer, who hasn't done anything to deserve losing his place. Agree that Wellens may well be in the squad, would also like to see Schlupp up top with Waghorn as he deserves a continued run in the team. Either that or stick him wide in the 4-2-3-1 position, much like Liverpool with Enrique and Chelsea with Bertrand seem to be doing, switching Marshall into the centre behind the striker.
The reason I have gone with Schlupp is Vardy is playing ****, we would have to change the way we are playing to accommadate Futacs, Nugent isnt worth risking as he is too important. If we need him to come on then he is there. That leaves Schlupp he played very well at left back and he hasnt had a real chance this season in his proper position. Waggy is one of the first names on the teamsheet at the minute. Who would of thought that 5 weeks ago. I said Nigel would get Waggy performing again
I wouldn't say Vardy is playing ****, he's just not scoring. He still adds a lot to the side and until that goes I see no reason to drop him. People say strikers are measured by goals but I think that's changing. Strikers and midfielders make goals for each other and while Vardy can continue to create chances for others i'm happy for him to be in the side.
Apart from that pass to Waghorn for the goal what has Vardy contributed to the side since he came back into it? At the minute he looks out of his depth. Im hoping its just a confidence thing but he seems scared to try and make things happen so keeps things simple and doesnt do anything. Still works for the team unlike a certain someone from last season.
His work rate is probably the highest in the league. He creates space by pulling defenders apart, leaving gaps for the midfield/his strike partner. He also wears his opponents out, probably why we have such a good second half record this season.
Yes he works but he isnt performing at the minute and doesnt justify a starting place. He doesnt look like scoring in a month of sundays at the minute I think Jeff Schlupp deserves his chance up front. Like Waggy, Schlupp will work for the team. At the minute Vardy would probably be better off coming off the bench using his pace to try and play him in behind. One he gets a goal he might start playing like he was at the start of the season
Think you make some valid points AKCJ .... old cliche, but the forwards are the first line of defence and nobody works harder than Vardy at closing down the opposition - I think this has definitely contributed towards our goals against record he is sadly lacking confidence right now - remember one incident against the Sheep when he was put in but tried to square it ... a forward on top of his game never does that - he goes for goal himself.. Nige needs to put an arm around him and tell him to be greedier ... he scored some terrific gioals for Fleetwood that were not down to poor goalkeepers but to excellent finishing ... he needs to watch his own Youtube clips and start banging again ...
.. thank you kind sir ... I'm here 'til Thurrsday, tickets still available on the day ... 'though not as many as those not taken up from Derby's allocation ...
@StringerSport: Nigel Pearson has told me this morning that they'll asses David Nugent's neck injury in the next few days although he's training today #lcfc
Kasper De Laet Morgan Whitbread (is SSL back soon?) Marshall King (he is doing fine, stop moaning) Drinkwater Dyer Waghorn Nugent (only if fit, dont want another waghorn/Wilshire-esque 'tweek' that leaves them out for a year!) If not, smash in Vardy. Though id be tempted with Lingard instead... Knockhaert as no chance of being involved this week.
Read on FT that SSL is to undergo surgery so presumably out for a while yet. Will be very interesting to see whether Knocky features at all.
