One bright spot

[the other bob wilson]

If we play three centrebacks with Peltier as one of the wing backs, we are, effectively playing four at the back and, for someone who is decent going forward, Bennett is disappointingly defensive in the role as well, so it could be argued that we started with five at the back on Saturday in a home game against opponents who have only scored twice in seven away matches now.

I believe that playing with wing backs and wingers is not compatible and, given that we still seem to have just the one specialist striker when we play with three centre backs, I'd like to see Mendez-Lange used on the left if Peltier is playing on that side of the pitch and Hoilett used in the more central role he filled very effectively at times last season.

[jon1959]

If we play three centrebacks with Peltier as one of the wing backs, we are, effectively playing four at the back and, for someone who is decent going forward, Bennett is disappointingly defensive in the role as well, so it could be argued that we started with five at the back on Saturday in a home game against opponents who have only scored twice in seven away matches now.

I believe that playing with wing backs and wingers is not compatible and, given that we still seem to have just the one specialist striker when we play with three centre backs, I'd like to see Mendez-Lange used on the left if Peltier is playing on that side of the pitch and Hoilett used in the more central role he filled very effectively at times last season.

In the warm up yesterday Blackwell was working with Peltier, Morrison, Manga and Bamba as if they were a back four - with Bennett not involved at all. I have seen that at least once before this season where we appear to be playing with a back three/five but prepare as if it is a four. I doubt that is down to mind games to confuse the opposition, but what it does say to me is that if Peltier is playing in that system he is expected to perform as a full back not a wing back.

[the other bob wilson]

In the warm up yesterday Blackwell was working with Peltier, Morrison, Manga and Bamba as if they were a back four - with Bennett not involved at all. I have seen that at least once before this season where we appear to be playing with a back three/five but prepare as if it is a four. I doubt that is down to mind games to confuse the opposition, but what it does say to me is that if Peltier is playing in that system he is expected to perform as a full back not a wing back.

Interesting and, I suspect, correct on your part. What we need now is for Paterson and Bennett to be available to play as wing backs in the same team. Apparently, Bennett was withdrawn as a precaution on Saturday, so he may be fit for tomorrow, but I suspect a place would still be found for Peltier (I suppose the possibility that he could be part of a back three tomorrow cannot be ruled out in view of Manga's display on Saturday).