Saturday, December 03, 2005
Strictly Formation Dancing
Things have come back down to earth somewhat, after the horrible defeat to Blackburn in midweek, and Curbs is putting a positive spin on Sundays game against Manchester City.
What is intriguing me at present, is that there is definite talk from our manager about changing the formation. He not talking about going back to 4-4-2 though, but to 4-5-1! Now I thought that that was the system we were playing, though when Thomas and Rommedahl are the wide boys the team has a more 4-3-3 feel to it.
All this has been brought forward by the five consecutive losses, and the suspension to Radistan Kishishev (left - the man causing all the trouble!) this Sunday, meaning that a change is being forced to the midfield.
So who should, and could, replace Kish in the team? Anyone is the call from certain sections of supporters who only see wrong in our Bulgarian. Seriously though, if we want to go like-for-like, the closest we have to a replacement is Barry Fuller, who has regularly played the similar holding midfield role in the reserves for the last 18 months or so. Fuller has only made the first team pitch on a couple of occasions as sub though, so it will be a big jump should Curbs decide on this option. The other obvious possibilities are for either Matt Holland or Bryan Hughes to be drafted in. Holland will run all day, but lacks the tackling skills or inclination of Kishishev, while Hughes offers more attcking threat but is of a less defensive nature. Other less likely options are Talal El Karkouri being moved forward from defence to midfield, or Darren Ambrose being played centrally.
My guess though, from the formation change comments, is that Kishishev's replacement could be a forward (we'll come on to who later), with just Smertin and Murphy playing in central midfield, with the two wide men playing a little deeper than they have been, thereby making it a true 4-4-2 formation. If this happens, Smertin will play the holding role (and will have to check his desire to get forward and run with the ball...) with Murphy playing deeper and with more defensive responsibility than he has been.
If a forward comes in, who will it be? JJ played alongside Darren Bent for some of the game in midweek, but didn't add much threat; Jay Bothroyd is the sort of tall front man that some are calling for to be played up front with Dazza, though Shaun Bartlett (left) is back near fitness again after an ankle injury. It's too soon to consider Jason Euell, and in my opinion too late to consider Kevin Lisbie, though he may get a place on the bench sadly. None of these options are going to scare the pants off the City manager Stuart Pearce; mind you, if we signed and played Ronaldo then Psycho wouldn't be scared!
Here, therefore, is my guess at the team for tomorrow:
Andersen, Young, Perry, El Karkouri, Hreidersson, Smertin, Murphy, Ambrose, Thomas, Bartlett, Bent. Subs: Myrhe, Spector, Hughes, Holland, Bothroyd.
If we get hammered again, then those who say Kish shouldn't be in the team will be shut up. If we win, Uncle Bulgaria will have to fight for a place back in the side.
My one to watch tomorrow is the manager - Alan Curbishley. He's under pressure, he's on TV, he must make the calls and take the laurels and sticks when thrown. His correct team selection is vital to our whole season; it may be right, it may be wrong - the fans will let him know for sure by about 4.30, as the first half hour will be crucial to the outcome.
Pedro45 will now make his score prediction - a very un-pretty 1-1 draw, with not a lot to shout about unfortunately, and no questions fully answered! Hopefully, the lads will come up trumps. We are great at snatching defeats from the jaws of great victories, and sometimes bounce back when people least expect it. Hopefully, tomorrow will be one of the good days. Come on you reds!
What is intriguing me at present, is that there is definite talk from our manager about changing the formation. He not talking about going back to 4-4-2 though, but to 4-5-1! Now I thought that that was the system we were playing, though when Thomas and Rommedahl are the wide boys the team has a more 4-3-3 feel to it.
All this has been brought forward by the five consecutive losses, and the suspension to Radistan Kishishev (left - the man causing all the trouble!) this Sunday, meaning that a change is being forced to the midfield.So who should, and could, replace Kish in the team? Anyone is the call from certain sections of supporters who only see wrong in our Bulgarian. Seriously though, if we want to go like-for-like, the closest we have to a replacement is Barry Fuller, who has regularly played the similar holding midfield role in the reserves for the last 18 months or so. Fuller has only made the first team pitch on a couple of occasions as sub though, so it will be a big jump should Curbs decide on this option. The other obvious possibilities are for either Matt Holland or Bryan Hughes to be drafted in. Holland will run all day, but lacks the tackling skills or inclination of Kishishev, while Hughes offers more attcking threat but is of a less defensive nature. Other less likely options are Talal El Karkouri being moved forward from defence to midfield, or Darren Ambrose being played centrally.
My guess though, from the formation change comments, is that Kishishev's replacement could be a forward (we'll come on to who later), with just Smertin and Murphy playing in central midfield, with the two wide men playing a little deeper than they have been, thereby making it a true 4-4-2 formation. If this happens, Smertin will play the holding role (and will have to check his desire to get forward and run with the ball...) with Murphy playing deeper and with more defensive responsibility than he has been.
If a forward comes in, who will it be? JJ played alongside Darren Bent for some of the game in midweek, but didn't add much threat; Jay Bothroyd is the sort of tall front man that some are calling for to be played up front with Dazza, though Shaun Bartlett (left) is back near fitness again after an ankle injury. It's too soon to consider Jason Euell, and in my opinion too late to consider Kevin Lisbie, though he may get a place on the bench sadly. None of these options are going to scare the pants off the City manager Stuart Pearce; mind you, if we signed and played Ronaldo then Psycho wouldn't be scared!Here, therefore, is my guess at the team for tomorrow:
Andersen, Young, Perry, El Karkouri, Hreidersson, Smertin, Murphy, Ambrose, Thomas, Bartlett, Bent. Subs: Myrhe, Spector, Hughes, Holland, Bothroyd.
If we get hammered again, then those who say Kish shouldn't be in the team will be shut up. If we win, Uncle Bulgaria will have to fight for a place back in the side.
My one to watch tomorrow is the manager - Alan Curbishley. He's under pressure, he's on TV, he must make the calls and take the laurels and sticks when thrown. His correct team selection is vital to our whole season; it may be right, it may be wrong - the fans will let him know for sure by about 4.30, as the first half hour will be crucial to the outcome.Pedro45 will now make his score prediction - a very un-pretty 1-1 draw, with not a lot to shout about unfortunately, and no questions fully answered! Hopefully, the lads will come up trumps. We are great at snatching defeats from the jaws of great victories, and sometimes bounce back when people least expect it. Hopefully, tomorrow will be one of the good days. Come on you reds!
