Next up is Sunderland at home. Too early to call it a 6 pointer but it's a massive game in which we need to get out of our slump. Sunderland are capable of pulling out a result and getting completely smashed aswell. Wes Morgan has returned from international duty to rest the foot injury he picked up at Swansea but he will be ok. Matt Upson is close to returning but not ready yet so we have a fully fit squad to choose from. So here is what I would pick Schmeichel De Laet Wasilewski Morgan Schlupp Knockaert Hammond Cambiasso Mahrez Vardy Ulloa Subs- Smith, Moore, Simpson, King, Drinkwater, Albrighton, Nugent
I would like to see Schmeichel De Laet Moore Morgan Schlupp Mahrez Hammond Cambiasso Drinkwater Vardy Ulloa Subs - Smith Wasa Simpson James Albrighton Wood Hopper Think winning or loosing Tom Hopper worth a look for 15 minutes. I have read Knockaert has been going well for the u21's but just think we need some enthusiasm and youth might bring that. Wasilewski is a red card waiting to happen and now is not the time to risk that. Sunderland are there for the taking as they may feel a little cocky after a couple of fair results and if we go with what everyone has been calling for in width and pace we are a great chance.
Schmeichel De Laet Wasilewski Morgan Schlupp Albrighton Drinkwater Cambiasso Mahrez Ulloa Vardy Back to basics for me, let's get balls in the box to Ulloa, and play Vardy up top- Sunderland's defence is a shambles and hopefully he can grab a couple of penalties, like against Man Utd.
Mr Wickham will get his usual goal or two! So unless Nigel plays with some width and adventure, I can see another home defeat! We will not keep a clean sheet, problem is can we score 2 or 3 goals?
Time to take a leaf from O'Neill's book! Kasper Schlupp Wasa Morgan Moore De Laet King Cambiasso Drinky Ulloa Nugent Schlupp and De Laet are key to this. Three CBs will take the pressure off them defensively and allow him to get forward, which we need thanks to our under-performing wide players. Three in midfield will stop us being overrun there, and all three can pop up with a goal (in theory!). Ulloa needs to stay up top! Although I feel Vardy is one of our best players, I think Nugent is more creative and Vardy will be more effective as a pacy sub.
Admit I am no expert on formations but with the three in midfield and Mahrez an option to roam where ever he likes may cause them problems.
Mahrez is the only player (assuming Knocky is not in the picture) we have that can take the ball past people other than by sheer pace ... that commits defenders ... he was excellent up to and including the Burnley game and it is noticeable how toothless we have been without him ... if you think back he took on top defenders in those early games going on mazy runs that ended with him either getting shots away or creating chances for others ... what have we seen without him? ... one dimensional football creating bugger all and easily defended against ... he HAS to play for me ...
Would never be defensive enough for Nigel though, with Mahrez central. Schlupp and De Laet would attack in a 5-man defence, there's no doubting that, but I think I'd rather stick them in a 4 and play proper wingers- Mahrez and Albrighton, or Knockaert, who we know can actually deliver crosses. Schlupp's made one great cross to my recollection, and De Laet's delivery is not great. Let's just face it, Nigel's going to be playing the bloody diamond formation, no matter what we say. He'll probably just replace King with Nugent.
I like the idea of Cambiasso and Hammond sitting with Knockaert and Mahrez getting forward with the full backs supporting. Cambiasso and Hammond will cover Knockaert and Mahrez's defensive frailties.
I've got to agree with that. Drinkwater, King and James have offered nothing for me so far this season- King was decent enough early on, but Drinkwater and James only seem to give the ball away or foul. They have no assists, no goals and no performances of note yet this season. Hammond and Cambiasso at least screen the defence and have experience, leaving that attacking quartet to do as they please. King, James and Drinkwater don't seem to know which role they're playing; at least we know what to expect from Hammond and Cambiasso.
In a good way agreed. Drinkwater the surprise in that he hasn't kicked on as most of us hoped he would.
In the prem as a newly promoted team? you have the ability o have a "free role player"...? really Im watching man Utd struggle to have a "free role" player in thier side but you guys have that luxury? mmmmmm...CL better beware eh?
Mahrez sitting behind the strikers would be ideal for the team IMO. He can ghost past players and also likes to shoot. Who says this is a luxury? How often have you seen him play Queenie? You stick to getting behind your team from thousands of miles away and stop worrying about LCFC. Thanks for your concern though!
Just play 4-4-2. De Laet and Konch full backs Mahrez and Schlupp wingers I dont even care whose in the middle Ulloa and anyone up top. Will we win? Maybe not. But i dont mind losing as long as you do so fighting.
