Right after both strikers scored last night both should keep their place in the team. Knockaert had a very good game so he will keep his place, so it will be pretty much the same team Schmeichel De Laet Morgan St. Ledger Konchesky Marshall Drinkwater James Knockaert Nugent Vardy Subs- Logan, Whitbread, Danns, Dyer, Waghorn, Beckford, Futacs
Nigel generally sticks to a winning team barring injuries ... pleased for Nugent, tho' I still remain unconvinced about him as a striker - especially with the Prem in mind Vardy - is doing OK - given where he has come from he has scored 2 goals in 6 league games and, if what seemed a perfectly good goal at Blackburn had stood, would have had a 50% strike rate (was also unlucky at Wolves when his header hit the oblivious Ikem's feet) - his work rate is phenomenal and he gives opposing defenders little time in possession (contrast with Beckford) Knockaert is taking his opportunity with open arms - and hat's exactly what you need in a promising young player ... 3 out of 3 at home is a good base to build from ...
Wit the exception of Kasper, Morgan and our two wide players (who thought I'd be saying that this time last year!), I'd worry about most of the squad with the Prem in mind! But we can worry about that when/if we get there. It's going to be difficult to drop either striker for the next game now, hopefully with Nugent into career triple figures now, he won't be weighed now by the prospect of being stuck on 99! Vardy will inevitably have a lot to learn and learn quickly with such a jump in standard, but as you state, the Blackburn goal had stood, 1/2 would have a great start. Knockaert - needs to watch his discipline or I can see him being sent off a couple of times this season. He seems a bit...over enthusiastic at times! Overall I think Peterborough and Burnley were probably our worst two performances and yet we won both. Probably says a lot about what you need to get out of this league.
For the record we'll play: ----------------Amos--------------- ---------Chester Faye Bruce--------- Elmohamady-----------------Dudgeon -----Koren--Olifinjana/Evans--Quinn-- ------------Aluko---Simpson--------- Oli/Evans depends on Oli's fitness, if he's fit he plays. So far every player is on form and Elmo looks a class above, Konchesky will have to concentrate on defending more than i'm sure he'd like to as he tends to get forward a lot (correct?). Unless you have a defensive minded/aware left midfielder? One thing is for certain, we'll attack and take risks so chances are there'll be a lot of goals if both teams' strikers are on form, ours are (and it's been fooking ages since i was able to say that).
Quite nervous about playing against that Knockaert as he looks a player. How much did you manage to get him for?
Could of course go that way, but if only one wing back goes forward at a time we still have a conventional back four. Elmo gets forward more than Dudge because he's more effective plus i doubt Bruce sees his son as a covering left back. Do you have much height going forward? How tall is Vardy and is he any good with his head? Tall strikers have gotten the better of Chester for the last 2 goals we've conceded from open play, although both were only consolation goals when the game was won. As i said, we could see a lot of chances so if the forwards (and Faye) can take them it could be high scoring.
We don't play direct. Knockaert will play in this position; ----------------Amos--------------- ---------Chester Faye Bruce--------- Elmohamady----HERE----Dudgeon -----Koren--Olifinjana/Evans--Quinn-- ------------Aluko---Simpson--------- and he'll dictate the play. I'm confident on this one. Nugent and Vardy's work rate will set the chances up. We kept the ball for something like 70 passes at one stage last night in Burnley's half. Our pressure on the ball has increased. What we need to learn to do is to have the confidence to play that killing pass. That changed when Knocks played in behind the strikers last night, he played the right balls in and looked a right good player. Good luck after sunday, but I think we'll beat you.
I was thinking more about crosses/set pieces which is were the 2 goals conceded came from, if you try to attack down the middle Knockeart will have to play very very well, we overload that area as we have 3 central midfielders that all pressure the ball and 3 centre backs who are all playing well especially if the ball's on the floor. Having said that he'll be the best player we've faced in that position since we started playing so well so it'll be a good contest, especially if he's as good as you say. I expect you'll have more posession but we're dangerous whenever we have the ball at the moment as well as on the counter-attack. Really looking forward to this one as no team has really found an answer to our tactics since Bruce completed the jigsaw signing Elmo and Quinn, you stand as good a chance as any plus i may get to go if the boss allows it.
No, I'm saying that Knocks will be on the ball in that area with the ability to make a pass anywhere. Wings, throughballs, over the top... you name it. He's looking like a right good find. Nugent and Vardy will not stop running then you have to watch for James' surging (albeit slow, he's weirdly slow for someone his age) runs and also Marshall with his ability to score from anywhere.
I imagine it'll be Evans job to marshall Knockaert then as that's his territory. Likewise, Koren and Quinn will makes runs into the gap between your midfield and defence, should definitely be an interesting encounter. I'd be happy with a point, 4 points for Leicester and Leeds is a good return without a doubt and I'd have taken 2 before the Leeds fixture, although I wouldn't put it past us taking all 3. No idea which way this will go.
The thing about Knockaert is that he manages to create space for himself when crowded by defenders. He is a right handful. He does some pretty meaningless step overs trying to get on Soccer AM, but his vision in a crowd is outstanding. You wont keep him quiet for the full 90 minutes. Vardy wont give anyone time on the ball - he is like Paul Dickov, but looks far more dangerous. Havent seen a guy his size leap so high for headers for years. As for set pieces, it will be our centre backs and Andy King that will win balls in the air. Marshall, Knockaert and even Konch take pretty mean free kicks. Agree that Knockaert needs to cool his exuberance in some of the tackles he makes - some refs would have red carded him last night for his challenge. Gutted that I wont be able to make the match, but my wife comes home from hospital tomorrow after an ankle joint replacement. Hope its a good game for all going, and 3 more points would be gratefully received. Wouldnt be surprised if it is goal less though.
ahh fair enough, in that case it'll be interesting for you guys to see how he performs against a defence setup different to what he's faced upto now. Weirdly you could replace the names in your post to city players and it'd make sense, in fact here goes: Add to that Faye scoring 3 in 3 and we're a real threat from set-pieces It's gonna be an awesome game and i've just found out i'm able to go
