Serious, TEAM for Saturday, to face Reading (past the jokey stage)

Smithies
Ng
McGuinness
Flint
Bagan
Sang
Pack
Ralls
Giles
Harris
Moore

Playing as 442

Smithies - Phillips needs to be taken out of the firing line

Ng
McGuinness
Flint - The least culpable of the central three
Brown or Bagan - Bagan could play against teams who are likely to sit back against us but that number is dwindling.

Pack
Ralls - The downturn in form has coincided with his injury. His place should be under threat from Bowen and Wintle (eventually)

Colwill
Moore
Giles

Harris

My thinking about playing Harries further forward (but not by much) than Moore is it gives us someone who Moore can flick the ball onto rather than flicks onto their keeper; can stretch defences by running in behind which in turns opens up space for Moore to hold the ball up and bring Giles, Colwill, midfielders and full backs into play higher up the pitch. It also allows Moore to run onto crosses rather than standing and jumping to fight for them. Moore is too good a player to use be used as a battering ram.

The personnel also offers the formation flexibility as it could become 4-4-2 if under the cosh or 3-5-2 with Ng and Giles as wing backs should midfield be overrun. This means substitutions can be used to cover injuries and replacing tired players instead of needing to use them to change formation.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PontBlue

Smithies - Phillips needs to be taken out of the firing line

Ng
McGuinness
Flint - The least culpable of the central three
Brown or Bagan - Bagan could play against teams who are likely to sit back against us but that number is dwindling.

Pack
Ralls - The downturn in form has coincided with his injury. His place should be under threat from Bowen and Wintle (eventually)

Colwill
Moore
Giles

Harris

My thinking about playing Harries further forward (but not by much) than Moore is it gives us someone who Moore can flick the ball onto rather than flicks onto their keeper; can stretch defences by running in behind which in turns opens up space for Moore to hold the ball up and bring Giles, Colwill, midfielders and full backs into play higher up the pitch. It also allows Moore to run onto crosses rather than standing and jumping to fight for them. Moore is too good a player to use be used as a battering ram.

The personnel also offers the formation flexibility as it could become 4-4-2 if under the cosh or 3-5-2 with Ng and Giles as wing backs should midfield be overrun. This means substitutions can be used to cover injuries and replacing tired players instead of needing to use them to change formation.

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Practically what I mentioned, but you spoilt it by even mentioning Brown !!!!!!!!! He is Absolutely useless

I know Philips has had a few rough days but Smithies back? Come on. His form was wrecked when he was last in the side. It’s amazing how much better players are in the eyes of fans when they DON’T play!

Smithies / Phillips (don't think Phillips did too much wrong last night, have to say I've ignored the Blackburn goals so don't know about there.)

Ng Morrison Flint Bagan
Ralls/Bacuna
Pack Colwill
Giles
Harris Moore

We don't play with width anyway, whilst Giles could play one side there isn't really anyone competent or effective the other side.

He could still move into space there or swap with others as he certainly is the only one with a bit of pace (Harris aside who looks far more effective upfront).

2 upfront as the striker has become even more isolated than usual.

Trying to put these things together you realise how limited we are in certain positions. Still never an excuse for 5 cbs, drag some full backs from the u23 team if needed Mick.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Trigger

Smithies / Phillips (don't think Phillips did too much wrong last night, have to say I've ignored the Blackburn goals so don't know about there.)

Ng Morrison Flint Bagan
Ralls/Bacuna
Pack Colwill
Giles
Harris Moore

We don't play with width anyway, whilst Giles could play one side there isn't really anyone competent or effective the other side.

He could still move into space there or swap with others as he certainly is the only one with a bit of pace (Harris aside who looks far more effective upfront).

2 upfront as the striker has become even more isolated than usual.

Trying to put these things together you realise how limited we are in certain positions. Still never an excuse for 5 cbs, drag some full backs from the u23 team if needed Mick.

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Smithies
Ng McGuiness Flint Bagan
Pack
Sang Ralls Giles
Colwill
Moore

Smithies

McGuiness, Pack, Flint

Ng, Sang, Bowen, Ralls, Bagan

Colwill

Moore

Subs
Phillips
Nelson
Brown
Vaulks
Evans
Collins
Harris

Doh, just realised I left Giles out, stick him on the bench for Brown.

I would go for

Phillips
McGuiness Flint Brown
Ng Pack Ralls Bagan
Colwill Giles
Moore

it can't be any worse than recently

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PontBlue

Smithies - Phillips needs to be taken out of the firing line

Ng
McGuinness
Flint - The least culpable of the central three
Brown or Bagan - Bagan could play against teams who are likely to sit back against us but that number is dwindling.

Pack
Ralls - The downturn in form has coincided with his injury. His place should be under threat from Bowen and Wintle (eventually)

Colwill
Moore
Giles

Harris

My thinking about playing Harries further forward (but not by much) than Moore is it gives us someone who Moore can flick the ball onto rather than flicks onto their keeper; can stretch defences by running in behind which in turns opens up space for Moore to hold the ball up and bring Giles, Colwill, midfielders and full backs into play higher up the pitch. It also allows Moore to run onto crosses rather than standing and jumping to fight for them. Moore is too good a player to use be used as a battering ram.

The personnel also offers the formation flexibility as it could become 4-4-2 if under the cosh or 3-5-2 with Ng and Giles as wing backs should midfield be overrun. This means substitutions can be used to cover injuries and replacing tired players instead of needing to use them to change formation.

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Come on that's far too sensible!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BLUETIT

Smithies
Ng
McGuinness
Flint
Bagan
Sang
Pack
Ralls
Giles
Harris
Moore

Playing as 442

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I'd go with 442 as well. At least the players would understand that formation and what their jobs are in it. I'd have Giles and Harris out wide as they are the only players with pace we have. Moore up front with Collwill playing off him. Pick any 2 from 5 for the midfield as they are all pretty much of a muchness at the moment. Ideally we'd be able to recall Wintle.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BLUETIT

Practically what I mentioned, but you spoilt it by even mentioning Brown !!!!!!!!! He is Absolutely useless

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I wouldn't disagree with that comment about Brown in a Cardiff Shirt this season but for Northern Ireland he's been decent and there's definitely a defender in there which is why I would never play him at wing back and only as left full back if we are likely to play a team who will dominate the game.

If we want to play more expansive football it's Bagan every time.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BLUETIT

Smithies
Ng
McGuinness
Flint
Bagan
Sang
Pack
Ralls
Giles
Harris
Moore

Playing as 442

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Yes, this team works for me

If MM starts with McGuinness
Flint he's dead and gone on Monday.

Surprised how many people wouldplay Harris, all about opinions but I just don't see it with him.

Unpopular opinion; wouldn't it be better if we just lost this one so he gets the boot? Do you think some of the players might be thinking that way? A scrappy win via set piece would only prolong this sh1t show.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 198bore

Unpopular opinion; wouldn't it be better if we just lost this one so he gets the boot? Do you think some of the players might be thinking that way? A scrappy win via set piece would only prolong this sh1t show.

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I can remember people saying this about Dave Jones sides when we were in the middle of a bad run.

much better to win and be comfortable in mid table when we make a change than have to do it in desparation.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 2b2bdoo

Surprised how many people wouldplay Harris, all about opinions but I just don't see it with him.

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Me too Harris hasn't scored in 8 league games this seaso he simply isn't a natural striker. Could do worse than giving Simba a go up front alongside Moore.v

GK Smithies

RB Ng
CD McGuiness
CD Flint
LB Bagan

CDM Pack
CM Ralls

RW Semenyo
AMC Colwill
LW Giles

ST Moore

Bench
Picked from...... Zimba, Nelson, Connelly, Harris, Bacuna, Evans, D'almeida, Phillips, Bowen, Collins, Morrison

No place for Morrison in the 1st team until he fully recovers

I understand Semenyo in the starting 11 is a risk but we have to get pace in the team and up around Moore, other than Giles. Maybe I would start with Evans and have Semenyo on the bench.
But that's the only way we can get some added pace in the team without going out and getting in a free transfer.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rjk

I can remember people saying this about Dave Jones sides when we were in the middle of a bad run.

much better to win and be comfortable in mid table when we make a change than have to do it in desparation.

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Yeah you're right, We need points on the board

Although I do think we will lose.

Smithies

NG
McGuiness
Morrison
Brown

Pack
D'almeida

Giles
Colwill
Evans

Moore

The pontificating about who is up front is worthless. Like trying to choose a captain to sail a ship through the desert.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Shrewsbury Blue

Me too Harris hasn't scored in 8 league games this seaso he simply isn't a natural striker. Could do worse than giving Simba a go up front alongside Moore.v

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And Moore the natural striker has one?

Smithies

NG
Flint
Morrison
McGuiness

Pack
Ralls
Vaulks

Bacuna
Giles
Moore

I don't even know what's the best team anymore

Our squad is so so poor and unbalanced. We can't even balance our team towards a hoofball team as we can't hold up the ball in the final third

Quote:

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Originally Posted by WJ99mobile

Smithies

NG
Flint
Morrison
McGuiness

Pack
Ralls
Vaulks

Bacuna
Giles
Moore

I don't even know what's the best team anymore

Our squad is so so poor and unbalanced. We can't even balance our team towards a hoofball team as we can't hold up the ball in the final third

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Youve just started a thread wanting MacGuiness moved from RWB. This suggests you wasnt him left back in a 4.?

Smithies
NG Morrison McGuiness Bagan
Pack
Giles Colwill Harris
Moore Zimba

Give the youngster a go up front. What have we got to lose?

Phillips

Ng Flint McGuinness Bagan

Pack Ralls

Colwill Harris Giles

Moore

Quote:

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Originally Posted by City123

Phillips

Ng Flint McGuinness Bagan

Pack Ralls

Colwill Harris Giles

Moore

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Agree - except I would bring Smithies back in for Phillips. Give the punters in Row Z a break.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jon1959

Agree - except I would bring Smithies back in for Phillips. Give the punters in Row Z a break.

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I’ll be amazed if McCarthy drops Morrison. Just can’t see it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Lone Gunman

I’ll be amazed if McCarthy drops Morrison. Just can’t see it.

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Do you think he should drop him?

I think our best hope of survival is our better players returning to their near best at least. Morrison on form is better than Flint and Nelson. A lot better.

If those 2 were performing well its a different story. They are not.

Its all about survival. Smithies Morrison Ralls Pack Moore need to stand up and get us out of this shit. I dont think the other experienced players are good enough.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hilts

Do you think he should drop him?

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It’s a difficult one because he’s in poor form, but whenever things are going well he’s hugely influential at both ends of the field. He’s definitely a better and more important player than either Flint or Nelson under normal circumstances.

Apart from the calamitous own goal, I actually thought Nelson was the best of the three the other night, but that’s not saying a great deal.

McCarthy’s got some big calls to make. He’s got several players on his hands who are badly out of form and the whole team is looking dispirited, but that’s no excuse for Tuesday’s farcical line-up. Whoever he chooses tomorrow, the side simply has to look more balanced than that nonsense.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BLUETIT

Smithies
Ng
McGuinness
Flint
Bagan
Sang
Pack
Ralls
Giles
Harris
Moore

Playing as 442

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I’ll go for that Tone

If we're going to play a flat back four and just two central midfielders, it's going to need a huge improvement from the four players through the middle on what we've been seeing lately from a three and a two - as the individuals concerned will, almost certainly include two from Morrison, Flint and Nelson at the back and two from Pack, Vaulks, Bacuna and, maybe, Ralls in the middle can we really expect that to happen?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by the other bob wilson

If we're going to play a flat back four and just two central midfielders, it's going to need a huge improvement from the four players through the middle on what we've been seeing lately from a three and a two - as the individuals concerned will, almost certainly include two from Morrison, Flint and Nelson at the back and two from Pack, Vaulks, Bacuna and, maybe, Ralls in the middle can we really expect that to happen?

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I cant see him changing from 3cbs and I dont think we should. If we did then playing 2 central midfielders is even more unlikely.