The probability of LVC being fit for the match is the first question to ask. In his press conference today Kit said, “he has the same injury as before and will be built back up carefully”. No comment necessary on the recklessness of risking him against Wolves. With Kaca and Tunnicliffe back, the squad is definitely stronger. But will they start or give Kit a bench with options (unlike the one against Wolves last Saturday)? Another question I’d pose though, is whether we can afford to play Ross AND Scott. McCormack as is his wont or his instruction, is playing deeper and deeper. Indeed in that game against Wolves he was behind Parker for most of the game in the second half and instead of having the extra man in midfield he effectively nullified Parker’s contribution; they were too similar! I know we didn’t buy him to play this role but if he’s not going to be an out and out front man, we should set up the team to reflect this - and if it’s a choice between him and Parker .. it’s no choice. He plays. I’d go, usual back four then (with Christensen out) - …….Fofana….Tunnicliffe..McCormack…Kavanagh… …………………..…….Kaca… ……………………..Woodrow………. In reality, I doubt we’ll see much change. ………………..Bettinelli…………… ..Grimmer…Bodurov..Hutchinson…Stafylidis.. ……Fofana…. Parker……Kavanagh… …McCormack…………………...Kaca.. …………………..Hugo…. With Ruiz and Tunnicliffe giving the bench a steadier look.
Hopefully we don't play the say formation / personnel as last week, it looked a lot like a 4-1-2-1-2 (diamond midfield) with, of the midfielders Fofana deepest, McC most advanced and LVC and Scott, initially, in the middle and offering a bit on the wing (LVC more than Scott who maybe was told to hold and let McC drift. I'm not certain still of Tunnicliffe's actual position having not watched much of him but I perhaps he could drop to the DM position and play a harrying role allowing Fofana a bit more freedom where LVC would usually be. If Kaca is ready then he could slot in on the left wing but that would mean moving McC over to the right, chances are Kit will put him on the right so they are both cutting in but, unless he's been working on it, my memory of kaca is that he was quite one footed and having him on the wrong side undermined his main asset, pace. I'd like to see Roberts get a start and see him have a real chance for the full 90. I'd hope for a 4-3-3 formation then, usual back 4 with Tunnicliffe; Parker, Fofana; Roberts, McC; Roda I would also be interested to see McC in the Roda role with Kaca and Roberts either side and the McC putting them in behind and then getting into the box for cutbacks. I think we can accommodate Scott and Ross but not together in the midfield, if Ross is out on the wing or out and out sticker it can work. Really, at Scott's age, I'd prefer him at the base of the midfield winning the ball and moving it on - if he was in the prem that's what I think he would be doing but in the championship maybe the feeling is that his quality means he should be more advanced. He's not the type of player I was expecting when we signed him.
4-4-2 see how Fofana Tunni combo works. both need to sit it midfield feeding the front 4 quickly while holding the defensive line to allow the full backs forward if and when. ………………..Bettinelli…………… ..Grimmer…Bodurov..Hutchinson…Stafylidis.. …....…Fofana...…. Tunnicliffe …… …Ruiz…...…............………...Kacaniklic.. ………McCormack…..Hugo….
Kind of like that SuperBri. My only problem is that I didn't see Fofana put in one tackle in the Wolves game.
Hope your away kit isn't blue. I'd have had us down for a draw at best before this week, but the change of heart by Tan could make all the difference. After staying away for our cup game last Saturday, I was even thinking of not turning up for this one (it would be my first missed home league game of the season) such is the dire stuff we've been served up recently. If such a seemingly little thing like this news today can make all the difference off the field, God knows what effect it'll have on it.
Thanks for the cordial post Sparkey. Mum's the word eh! Can understand you being well pleased that some sanity has returned to your Club, and getting reduced season tickets next year as well can't be bad. Expect us to be in our traditional Black and White but whether that will draw inspiration ... like with your lot, who knows! We've been a tad inconsistent of late and get a feeling that both sets of fans would setttle for your original prediction. PS Your moniker threw me at first, given our association with the other Welsh person, Mr Hughes. How come you picked that one?
Hi C58. The moniker is just an extension of my original profession pal. I've no association with the certain Mr, Hughes you mention and have included the "e" before the "y" to differentiate us.... Should be a good game tomorrow and I WILL be going after all this.
I remember Sparks. Used to do winter circuit training to music - THAT track was often there. Are you one of the musicians? I presume the avatar is a clue
Sparks were great. They're still going too - I heard them on the radio last month talking about a project they're working on with Franz Ferdinand. Anyway, back to the football... Sparked, when I heard the news about the blue kit being restored, my heart sank (selfishly - I'd have been delighted if you were playing anyone else this weekend). I'm sure it will work wonders for player and fan morale for you. We'll have to hope for an early goal to quieten the mood. That said, we haven't scored at all in the last three games! Here's hoping that's about to change, like your kit.
Hey guys - "this town ain't big enough for both of us"............ Seriously though, we have been an absolute bloody shambles on the pitch recently. No direction and leadership on the pitch. Marshie is a great keeper but you should never have one as captain IMO. On the side of the pitch our tech area is like an episode of Monty Python. Slade seems to have no clue about systems and formation to counter the opposition, and his assistant arsehole Scott Young is about as much use as wet week in Skegness. I've said it before on our board, if we don't improve drastically under our new management, the other teams in similar circumstances such as yourselves with Symons, Brum with Rowett and Bolton with Lennon will pass us by. We were all looking at a bottom 6 scenario heading towards Easter but this change back to Blue could be a much bigger boost for the whole club than getting Bale on loan........
Talking today about his ties with Cardiff (all his family are from there), Kit also gave an inkling about the likelihood of Tunnicliffe and Kaca playing - “They’re both back, both fit and have both done well in training,” Symons stated. “Obviously Ryan’s come in from playing regularly for Blackburn. Alex is slightly different – he’s not started a game for about six-and-a-half weeks now due to their season finishing over at FC Copenhagen.” “So they’re different sort of levels physically, but both are looking good and both will come back in and be available.” As we know Kaca played in the U21 friendly earlier in the week and from this my guess is he’s the one that will be on the bench.
Getting a little tired of our unwillingness to change things up. Anyone who did even the slightest bit of research on us (e.g. watching 2 minutes of footage) would know exactly how we play. Is it just so we can ensure Parker and Hugo play every game?
Gentleman Jim: There is no fluidity in our game, it seems that we make it up as we go along... Says everything... I give up! 19(4) vs. 6(2). You can't win if you don't have the opportunities and just faffing about with possession... Playing some football and loosing is different from being clueless. We are running out of steam although I understand is Mad Felix's fault!
For the first time since Kit took over I'm starting to get a bit frustrated and annoyed now. The results of late haven't been good but the most disappointing thing is the performances, or lack of! The team seems to lack a bit of fight and that get up and go attitude, there's no urgency or willingness to make things happen. Since we beat Sheff Wed 4-0 on 20th December, we've played 4 games since then, 3 losses and 1 draw, 0 goals scored. Something needs to change and soon, otherwise we'll start to find ourselves in another relegation fight.
Like you Madness, can only judge on listening to Gentleman Jim. And the stats of course - 63% possession and 6 shots are pretty damning. Kit needs to drop Parker and do something about McCormack. His heat map shows him all over the place except where he should be - in the box - and not contibuting a lot in any event. please log in to view this image
C58, I agree about dropping Parker. This will show if he really has the guts, dropping Burn was not that tough...
Should we turn in a poor performance against Cardiff, questions must surely be asked about not only the team selection but why has the club not dipped its toe into the transfer market..
There does not seem to be when things are not going our way, any change in technical direction. Another season we could be in a relegation dog fight ? ? ?
