I'm also not optimistic about this one, but we really do need to win if we are to stay in touch with the automatic promotion places. You can't shoehorn players into a team that upset the balance, and that is what McCann is doing with Crowley in the system he plays. If he wants Crowley in the team then he has to change the system. I have said before and I'll say again, I would like us to go to 352, as this helps to get Crowley into a position that suits him better. For example Ingram Burke - Greaves - McLoughlin or A Jones Emmanuel - Docherty - Honeyman - Slater/A Jones - Elder Crowley- KLP Wilk's IMO needs taking out for a game or two, a bit harsh on Coyle, but Emmanuel is better going forward. Sadly, this won't happen.
Radically changing the formation at this stage may lead to even more confusion. If Jones is fit though, he plays for me. As would Emannuel for Coyle. Duno about Wilks. He's shown flashes again since he was dropped. Really all I want is a bit of composure when the chances drop. That's the real problem, not the formation or whether Crowley or Emmanuel play or not. There's a lot on here think major surgery is required. It's akin to suggesting a heart transplant to treat a bit of indegestion IMHO. I don't see the need to reinvent the wheel. Just show a bit of support and solidarity by playing the players in the system theyre familiar with, in the roles they've done well in until recently. Bit of support wouldn't go amiss to relieve the pressure on individuals rather than getting all experimental.
Still hard to believe that a manager can lose 8-0 against Wigan , get relegated alongside them and still keep his job for the same fixture the next season
Interesting that although that 8-0 game was only 7 months ago, our starting XI will contain just 4 or 5 of that day's starting XI, and Wigan's looks likely to contain a grand total of zero starters from that day.