The narrow pitch at stoke - QPR all over again?

Why would you play Jonas CM? Has he ever player there before in his career?

We should play:

----------------Krul---------------
Santon----Saylor---Colo----Raylor
Marv-----Cabaye--Tiote-----Jonas
-------------Ben Arfa--------------
-----------------Ba----------------

 

I would imagine you guys will be fine, as long as you don't let a goal in early doors. If you pass the ball quickly and play with pace, we will just sit deep and try and counter so you should get the break through on about 70 mins - hope you dont though! Good luck!

 

Must have a fairly high score for agility.

 

Jonas CM?

 

Personally I wouldn't let Benny or Marv start after the other day. That was their chance to stake a claim and they didn't take it.

 

I think we need to pack the midfield for this one and attack the game a bit differently that we have most this season. I would play Ba up top on his own and hopefully hit them on the break. I would go with:

Krul

Simmo Colo Saylor (if fit) Raylor

Obertan Tiote Guthrie Cabaye Jonas

Ba

 

Obertan has had more chances to stake his claim than Marv though, and he hasn't exactly taken any of them. See your point though.

 

Using Cabaye in the 'hole' I would assume with that line up. He's got the passing ability to do it.

 

Obertan is part of a winning team though, even if he is a weak link, he must be doing something right that we're all missing.

My line up -

Krul
Simpson - Saylor - Colo* - Raylor
Guthrie** - Tiote
Obertan - Cabaye** - Jonas
Ba​

*Because him and Saylor actually work.

**Can change around if needed.

 

Aye OT, Cabaye would be more of the link up man to Ba, Tiote holding obviously and Guthrie in the help Tiote break up play and hopefully create a bit with those splendid passes he is capable of when he is on his game!!!

 

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newc...-use-protective-mask-at-stoke-72703-29676274/

regarding the QPR pitch not being narrow according to today chronicle its the smallest second only to stoke!!

 

I think both of them need a run in the team rather than just one off appearences.

 

I don't see how its an issue with a narrow pitch, QPR was a bad day at the office but there was plenty space to get round our fullbacks and room in the middle for Taarabt. I'd personally go same team as before (with a chance of like for like swaps to bring Santon and Marveaux in), I don't see how we gain by packing the midfield with Guthrie when Cabaye and Tiote can adequately control Stokes midfield anyway. They can both twist and turn in small areas so our possession game is the best tactic to use, with Ba continuing to drop deep with Ben Arfa potentially coming on for a striker to push this further. No need to completely change an unbeaten team just because Stoke sometimes kick it long.

 

While I see your point, it's matches like that where they're supposed to make the manager take notice and both players didn't take it.

 

I'd rather play Fergie on the right than Obertan.

 

True, he is part of the winning team, but I just think that Marv could improve the winning team for tougher games like this and the only way we'll find out is if we see him in a series of games. Do agree with your sentiment though, that he should have worked harder against Blackburn to prove himself and earn his position.

 

So, because Marv has made 1 appearance where he didn't play well he shouldn't play ahead of someone who never plays well?

 

I agree that they should of performed better but first team regulars also did not perform and it is not like Obertan has really done anything all season. If we are going to play one up front against Stoke then I think Ben Arfa would be good playing in the hole and linking up the midfield and attack.

 

Fit? Yes.
Will he play? Ordinarily I'd say no as Upson has been far more impressive, however we've got an away Europa game 3 days after this so I have been wondering whether Pulis might rest a couple of players, and Woody might get a game, as he isn't in the Europa Squad, and Jerome is suspended for the Europa game as well for his farcical red against Maccabi. It's really difficult to call a potential Stoke XI these days. This is what I would play:

Begovic

Wilkinson-Shawcross-Upson-Wilson/Higginbotham

Pennant-Palacios-Whitehead-Etherington

Crouch

Jerome

Ordinarily I'd pick Whelan in there but he needs a rest. I highly doubt Palacios will start though. Pulis seems reluctant to pick him at the minute. Probably wise as he came to us with an injury, and Pulis' tends to know what he's doing when assessing when a player is Pulis fit, Sidibe aside.

However, Walters will probably be involved, maybe on the wing. I just think it would be wise to start Jerome as he won't be travelling to Maccabi with the rest of the squad.