A tardy (for the second week running) Kit told the press this lunchtime that Danny Guthrie is probably out. Everbody else is apparently “fine” and, although he wasn’t specifically mentioned, I take that to include Jazz Richards. There are really only two main questions for this one. The first is whether with Hutchinson eligible, will Burn keep his place? Dan on Tuesday did what Dan does; his distribution is not great but then neither is Hutchinson’s. No reason why Dan shouldn’t get another go. The second is whether Kit will go for Tuesday’s 4-4-2 or revert to his preferred, hashed ‘Diamond’ from the outset? The thing about the 4-4-2 is that the players seemed more comfortable with that formation. Okay we, arguably, did pose more of a threat when Kit changed things later and brought on others, in particular, Ruiz. However, for a game of this significance, my view is that comfort and shape is more important than a gung-ho approach. Not saying that Bryan automatically converts us to a totally attacking side but what his inclusion (as opposed to say, Guthrie) does, is it takes the other three in midfield (Tunnicliffe, Parker and Kavanagh) out of their comfort zone. Unfortunately with Guthrie likely to be missing, his choices are so much more limited. Hyndman is the only player who comes to mind that would naturally slot into a 4-4-2. The most likely scenario then, is ... back to the ‘Diamond’ …………………..Bettinelli……………….. ..Richards…...Turner…..Burn………Husband… ……Tunnicliffe....Parker....Kavanagh.. ……………………Ruiz…. …………….Smith………….McCormack….
I've had enough of diamonds, I wish the Hatton Garden robbers had taken our f*$%@ng diamond from the Cottage! For what it's worth I want Kit to play a high tempo pressing game that keeps Wigan under the kosh for the whole game! I know it won't happen but this is something that really frustrates me. It's the inconsistency of performances, partly due to formation, if this improves the results improve. Why can't they do this week in week out? baffled
Ideally Hyndman for Kavanagh and Fofana for Tunnicliffe but I'd settle for Hyndman for either. It's Emerson's birthday today, hopefully Kit gives him a place in the starting XI as a birthday present (à la Felix).
How long is Guthrie likely to be out for? If it comes to that, does anyone know how much longer till LVC is back in action?
Think Guthrie is simply knackered (although Kit said he has "a slight calf injury"), so I doubt if he'll be out long. LVC isn't back in full training yet. Interestingly Kit also said today, “Jazz [Richards] and Jack [Grimmer] both trained this morning, which is encouraging for both of them. I'm very mindful of the length of time Jazz has been out but he trained today and we’ll wait and assess how he comes through. I’m mindful of the magnitude of tomorrow’s game and the importance of it but also we go into another important game on Wednesday [against Rotherham] and I’ve always been one to put player welfare first. At times there is an element of risk that you can take but that needs to be weighed up properly and player welfare needs to be at the forefront of that.” Pity he didn't practice what he's now preaching with LVC's original injury.
In fairness you can't just blame Kit for that, if the medical team gave him the green light he has no reason not to play him and if LVC didn't feel fully recovered it's his responsibility to say it regardless of how much he wants to play.
Just Hoogland in for ineffectual Tunicliffe for me. …………………..Bettinelli……………….. ..Richards…...Turner…..Burn………Husband… ……Hoogland....Parker....Kavanagh.. ……………………Ruiz…. …………….Smith………….McCormack…. But for me the Ref will be crucial along with who Symons brings on as subs. Should be two teams who need to attack, with Wigan on the counter, which is how they probably like to play, as they seem better away than at home. But I do wonder if Symonds thinks playing Tuesday and Friday he needs to change more and could bring in Woodrow and leave Smith on the bench or will he bring in Rodallega against he old team, he might also leave Tunicliffe in for Parker and have Fofana for Kavanagh. I hope he does play Ruiz as he had a good game away at Wigan.
The problem with playing a pressing game when you have no width is that the other team always has two easy out balls in there full backs so pressing is almost a waste if energy!
Anyone in 2 minds to go to tonights match, well there are still tickets left, we need to get behind the team for this one. 3 points a must..
I'm looking forward to the game tonight, would like to think that 3 points would just about see us safe, with us being able to pick up a few more points here and there. But Wigan aren't to be underestimated, they've won 4 of their last 5 away matches, one of those being an impressive win at Norwich. The new manager could have an instant effect on them too, it's not one we can afford to take for granted. In comparison our home form hasn't been great, home games have seemed a real struggle for us of late, with a few heavy defeats, hopefully we can turn it round tonight.
So defensive: Bettinelli, Grimmer, Turner, Burn, Husband, Hoogland, Parker, Tunnicliffe, Kavanagh, Smith, McCormack. Subs: Kiraly, Hutch, Stafylidis, Ruiz, Kaca, Woodrow, Rodallega.
Solid.....................................................................................................................hopefully
I'd like to have seen Kaca/Ruiz start in place of Tunnicliffe, there's no creativity in midfield and to me there's no point in playing a big target man upfront like Smith if you don't have guys on the pitch to supply him.
When was the last time we started seven Englishmen and only one player from outside the home nations? Whatever else, we shouldn't have any language issues!
Haha - for some reason I had in my head that Ruiz and Kaca started, when they of course came on as substitutes. Ah well, I've made worse errors!
