With Bradley Johnson receiving his 10th booking against Sheffield Wednesday and now due to serve a 2 game suspension, who do you think should take his place in midfield?
I think you missed Redmond on your list there, JC. He's who I'd replace him with. Or possibly Hooper, go 2 up top and play a diamond.
I didn't put players like Redmond, Wes or Howson in because they are already regulars in the team/squad I was more interested to see which midfielder supporters think should be given a chance to show the fans what they can do. We already know what Redders, Wes Howson & Tettey can do but it would be good to see what Ofoe or Andreu could do if they were to start a game.
Fair play, though Redmond has only been making cameos off the bench lately. In your instance then, I'd like to see Vadis get some game time. Looks a really good player and think he can provide the same prowess going forward as Jonno does.
It's a really tricky one for me, as there's nobody naturally left sided amongst those options. Key thing for me is that we don't alter Hoolahan's role at all. He's making us tick right now and I wouldn't want to risk upsetting that. Possibly a little out there, but what about moving Olsson forwards? Completely relies on how well Garrido can slot in, which is a big question mark as he's been out of the picture for a while. It would upset the back four, although they'd have a week to prepare, and I think Olsson could maintain the defensive strength of that wing, whilst still offering something going forwards. I don't think there's a lot to choose between the other options, but I'd probably plump for O'Neil as he's been around the team enough, and doesn't compromise the midfield defensively. I still like Redmond as an option to bring on against tiring teams if we're struggling.
My feeling is that O'Neil alongside Tettey would make us too defensive with a single striker. I'd be tempted to move Dorrans (who is comfortable on the left) into the left side role and play Odjidja-Ofoe alongside Tettey as the box to box CM. I was impressed at how keen he was when he came on for the last few minutes. Let's use that.
Agree with RERick. I've hoped we could put Tettey, Vadis and Hoolahan into the middle for a while. Vadis seems to be the perfect balance between them, box to box with a real sense of intent. Dorrans hasn't impressed as much as expected, so doesn't seem such a loss to move him wide. The other alternative is to bring Howson more central, as he could get more involved and has looked really sharp in recent weeks.
Here I go again disagreeing with the general line of thought but is this really the stage of the campaign to play untried players to see what they can do? IMO O'Neill is tried and trusted and represents a no risk option.
I wouldn't be too disappointed if O'Neil started as he's a good player, but than Vadis suppose to be too. I know he was only on for a couple of minutes on Monday but he got forward quite well and created a good chance, so it might be considered a risk, but some times you have to make brave decisions.
If BJ was still deployed alongside Tettey as a holding mid, I'd go for O'Neil. But as he's been playing wider and a more advanced role, I'd be inclined to start with Vadis central and Dorrans wider left in the Bradders role. Not that any mere mortal could replicate that, of course
Quite a tricky one this, but I've voted for O'Neil based on the premise that he helped QPR get to the play-offs last year. I wouldn't mind seeing Vadis getting a run our either so he can show what he can do!!!
I think the key point here is we have a wealth of options and possibilities, all of which would provide a very strong team.
Er, we don't want the play-offs do we? Surprised Gladys wasn't given a bit longer on Monday, especially once the game was safe enough and definitely after Jonno picked up his yellow card. I'd like to think he's the next cab on the rank and will start if he's fully fit, been really looking forward to seeing what he can do given a bit of a run in the team.
Excellent point Munky and I feel it could work in our favour, as other managers won't have seen him play and so won't be aware of the best way of defending against him.
Plus he was brought in as a replacement for when Leroy Fer left the club - and as a result, was meant to replicate Fer's qualities of an all action, busy, box to box player. As I said earlier, if Johnno was still holding, I'd favour O'Neil but as he's been playing a more advanced role, then Vadis gets my vote
Although I would go for: Tettey Redmond Howson Dorrens Hoolahan Vadis is the one from the list I'd like to see if we didn't go this way. If Vadis was struggling then by all means then bring on O' Neil. Bah!
Thanks Cromer - I'd forgotten he was brought in as a Fer replacement. It will be interesting to see who AN chooses and if he'll make the same choice for both games!!!
I has to be Ofoe. Move Dorrans to the left and have Ofoe central playing box to box. As has been said, opposing managers will know nothing about him, heck we know nothing about him. It was significant that he was bought on in the last few minutes on Monday, giving a clue to AN 's thinking.
