Given the circumstances we find ourselves in - I've resigned myself to the fact we're not going to make the playoffs - who do want to see play in midfield assuming all are fit and available? It'll obviously depend on the opposition and the formation Riza sets out, but given where we are, which overall policy should we pursue? If all players are in contention, the back line is pretty well sorted and up front we have the "luxury" (there's that word again ) of Robbo/Salech/Alves/Tanner/El Ghazi/Ashford/Zak Davies/Willock/(Meite?)to choose from, but midfield remains the key for me. Looks like Turnbull could also be available shortly, so pick the bones out the multiple choices. This season is going to be about graft not magic to save it, and for that reason at the moment I'd shove Chambers in to hold, Mannsverk in to graft, and Ramsey in to create. If you need a 4th to run around, I'd go for Robertson.
Hope he sticks to 4231. We need a settled formation for the run in, not trying to be cute with 3 or 5 at the back or 3 in midfield. Keep it simple and use the ability of the players not the set up. We're blessed with front 4 players now as you've listed.
Tomorrow. The start of the run in. Front 3 Alves Salech Ashford. Rubin behind them. Mannsverk and Ralls. Defence - Major issue. Ng plus whoever is fit. Going forward we need a free agent centre back.
Hoping for a "moment of magic"?.............. Actually I'd go with that - I don't think Ramsey would be up for another 90 minutes so close to last Saturday. Other than that, I'd play Chambers instead of Ralls if he's fit.
No surprise Nin, and I didn't miss him out because I forgot about him either. After all, it's all about opinions on here - that's what the forum is about. I've got no problem at all with those that think differently. If Colwill does play for the club during this last dozen or so games, I sincerely hope he plays some blinders and is instrumental in keeping us up.
Our ability to stay up will depend on the balance of the teams fielded. I've been critical of Riza's selections in the last few games. I know he's been hampered by illness and injury, but feel on a few ocassions the lineups have been unbalanced. He might be trying to get what he feels are his best available players on the pitch. But that doesn't mean it will be the best team. It's why I get irritated by his tinkering and changes in formation. Pick a formation. Put square pegs in square holes and let the players settle to a formation and style. Consistency is what will keep us safe, not trying to be clever and over think things.
Riza has had his "magic moments" on times and all credit to him for that. Probably the best move was to recognise that Chambers wasn't a particularly good centreback and wasn't happy playing there. Moving him into midfield in front of the back 4 made a massive difference to overall team performances. His recent absence through a bout of illness has been a big miss. If he'd been playing at Plymouth, I reckon we'd have kept all three points. If Riza has one thing about him it's he's prepared to listen rather than impose. We've got no idea of the internal goings on between manager, coaches and players but that doesn't stop 20,000 managers in the stands telling him what to do. I do believe he listens to what's being said and will call the right shots for this run in. Given the upcoming fixtures between bottom 6 clubs, another dozen points could well do it, but I don't want to wait for the last game at Norwich to get there.
7 home games to come, all winnable apart from Burnley maybe. We very much need 12 to 15 points from those as the 6 away games are a lot tougher at grounds where we don't normally do well. If we can get everyone fit and suspension free then the squad looks stronger and more fit for purpose than the first half of the season. BUT we need to start turning draws into victories and, in particular, beating the sides in the soft and smellies around us.
Some big, big trap door games today whilst we sit it out. Oxford v Robbie's boys, Luton v Portsmouth, Middlesbrough v Derby and Stoke v Watford.
I see Oxford are already a goal down at home to Cov and have tough game at Norwich next Friday. I like Rowett but they're really getting sucked back into the mire - and we've still got them at home.
If can watch this game go for it - absolutely brilliant entertainment. Cov got a penalty to go 3-2 up and missed it.....
Thanks for the commentary. It can be as good a game as anyone has seen as long as the result goes in our favour.
Oxford 2-3 Coventry.............what an entertaining game and the right result for them and us...........
