headhunter Posted October 27, 2021 Report Share Posted October 27, 2021 up front!! Weimann & Martin upfront isn't working is it, even though Nige plays them week in week out. Both need a rest having featured in every league game this season. Neither were prolific scorers in their prime and both are past their best. Weimann has scored 4 goals but that was two braces so apart from that he's scoreless in 12 games. He's top of the assists chart here with 2, both against QPR and whilst the pass to Wells for the winner was sublime, the real credit for Martin's goal was HNM's surging run. Supporters defend AW by saying he runs around a lot but that's just not enough - would you associate him with the term controlled possession? The ball always seems to be running away from him, it doesn't stick - compare him to Grabban the other week. Foot on the ball, look up pass. Based on players currently available I would pick this against the Tykes on Saturday in a 4-4-1-1 [I'm no fan of O'Dowda but he fits in this set up and Pring offers more physicality on that left side than Dasilva; time for Vyner to come off the naughty step as IMHO he's more energetic than Bakinson]: Bentley / Tanner, Kalas, Atkinson, Pring / Vyner, Massengo, James, O'Dowda / Scott / Wells. After 70 minutes you could swap Scott & Wells with Weimann & Palmer As an aside, take a look at these stats from the BBC website, it ain't pretty : https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/championship/top-scorers 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myol'man Posted October 27, 2021 Report Share Posted October 27, 2021 Shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic? Clinging on to the lifeboat until January me thinks 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
054123 Posted October 27, 2021 Report Share Posted October 27, 2021 I think it’s got to be worth a shot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homer Simpson Posted October 27, 2021 Report Share Posted October 27, 2021 5 minutes ago, 054123 said: I think it’s got to be worth a shot. Oooh a shot. I remember those. 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IAmNick Posted October 27, 2021 Report Share Posted October 27, 2021 13 minutes ago, headhunter said: Neither were prolific scorers in their prime Of the 3 (Martin/Wells/Weimann) Martin was the most prolific at this level in his prime 13 minutes ago, headhunter said: both are past their best Weimann is the youngest of the three 14 minutes ago, headhunter said: Wells Conclusion: Start Wells! Not saying I disagree, just being awkward In fact I'd probably do the same, but with Weimann behind him. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davefevs Posted October 27, 2021 Report Share Posted October 27, 2021 4 minutes ago, myol'man said: Shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic? Clinging on to the lifeboat until January me thinks Haha, good analogy! In many respects it’s true. The squad has not been assembled with a plan in mind, so Nige is trying to find a way of playing that clicks. I think he had it early season, but has deviated away from it a bit. It wasn’t exciting, but it was methodical, structured, disciplined. From Luton onwards we’ve conceded too many chances in most matches (bar Millwall). I don’t think a back 3 suits us. Back in the summer I wrote about England going to a back three, and suggested that the only reason we were going with a three is because our CBs aren’t good enough and Southgate thinks playing 3 bad ones is better than 2 bad ones….whereas all it did (in my amateur analysis) was mean you have one less player in front of them providing protection….so they end up more exposed. In City’s case Kalas, Atkinson and Baker are three of our better performers (unlike England), but I don’t think any of them suit a 3. Kalas has always played in a 4 for Fulham, Boro, Czech Republic. Atkinson partnered Elliott Moore in a typical back 4 for Oxford, and Baker has played the majority of his career in a 4 too. In fact it was him leading Flint in 15/16 as LJ went to a back 4 that many of us thought Flint would struggle in. I think it’s been made worse by playing Atkinson and Baker the wrong way around (imho), certainly from a playing out from the back. I’d add to this further that I don’t think either of them suit being the spare man….both like to mark and attack the ball. Kalas is the only one who is comfy being spare….and there lies another issue with a back 3. So, start with a back 4 and build out the other 6 from there. Nige himself says he doesn’t really want to play a back 3….so don’t! 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
headhunter Posted October 27, 2021 Author Report Share Posted October 27, 2021 10 minutes ago, IAmNick said: but with Weimann behind him. Noooo - ffs let's try something different. I recall reading Scott ran further than anyone against Forest and that was just in 65 minutes. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IAmNick Posted October 27, 2021 Report Share Posted October 27, 2021 (edited) 13 minutes ago, headhunter said: Noooo - ffs let's try something different. I recall reading Scott ran further than anyone against Forest and that was just in 65 minutes. Yeah that's fair. I think part of me just wants to make sure we protect our bright youngsters - I'm really excited by Scott but also think he's looked pretty lost/overwhelmed in a couple of games. If we go behind against a "must win" v Barnsley it could get pretty rough, that's all that's in my mind really. I'd be more excited taking my seat on Saturday if it was Scott behind Wells that's for sure. On reflection I think I'd probably play: Bentley Tanner / Kalas / Atkinson / Pring Massengo / James Weimann / Scott / O'Dowda Wells I'm also not a fan of O'Dowda but he fits as you said above. I'd be happy with Dasilva for Pring too, I really rate Jay - don't know enough about Barnsley to make a decision there as that's what it'd probably come down to for me. I'd love to see Massengo in Scott's position really, but I'm not that happy with anyone else to partner James with Williams out. Edited October 27, 2021 by IAmNick 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
headhunter Posted October 27, 2021 Author Report Share Posted October 27, 2021 39 minutes ago, IAmNick said: Bentley Tanner / Kalas / Atkinson / Pring Massengo / James Weimann / Scott / O'Dowda Wells I'm also not a fan of O'Dowda but he fits as you said above. I'd be happy with Dasilva for Pring too, I really rate Jay - don't know enough about Barnsley to make a decision there as that's what it'd probably come down to for me. I'd love to see Massengo in Scott's position really, but I'm not that happy with anyone else to partner James with Williams out. Your midfield 2 will get overrun - you need Vyner to provide break up opposition play. If fit Williams, Massengo, James & O'Dowda looks a good midfield combo with Scott [Palmer] / Wells [Weimann] in front. Dasilva & O'Dowda is weak physically Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrahamC Posted October 27, 2021 Report Share Posted October 27, 2021 (edited) That is a strong Weimann obsession that the OP consistently has. As soon as we lose he is on his case. One of our best 11 players, AW would always be in my side. Can see an argument for a Wells/Weimann pairing but expect Nige to stick with Martin & Wells (& play Weimann in midfield). Loving the obligatory “give Palmer another go” mention, too Edited October 27, 2021 by GrahamC 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
And Its Smith Posted October 27, 2021 Report Share Posted October 27, 2021 1 hour ago, headhunter said: up front!! Weimann & Martin upfront isn't working is it, even though Nige plays them week in week out. Both need a rest having featured in every league game this season. Neither were prolific scorers in their prime and both are past their best. Weimann has scored 4 goals but that was two braces so apart from that he's scoreless in 12 games. He's top of the assists chart here with 2, both against QPR and whilst the pass to Wells for the winner was sublime, the real credit for Martin's goal was HNM's surging run. Supporters defend AW by saying he runs around a lot but that's just not enough - would you associate him with the term controlled possession? The ball always seems to be running away from him, it doesn't stick - compare him to Grabban the other week. Foot on the ball, look up pass. Based on players currently available I would pick this against the Tykes on Saturday in a 4-4-1-1 [I'm no fan of O'Dowda but he fits in this set up and Pring offers more physicality on that left side than Dasilva; time for Vyner to come off the naughty step as IMHO he's more energetic than Bakinson]: Bentley / Tanner, Kalas, Atkinson, Pring / Vyner, Massengo, James, O'Dowda / Scott / Wells. After 70 minutes you could swap Scott & Wells with Weimann & Palmer As an aside, take a look at these stats from the BBC website, it ain't pretty : https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/championship/top-scorers Vyner right midfield? Can’t see how he would be good there really. Saturday is more about players being positive and playing with confidence than it is about personnel and formations though 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1960maaan Posted October 27, 2021 Report Share Posted October 27, 2021 (edited) 2 hours ago, Davefevs said: Nige is trying to find a way of playing that clicks. I think he had it early season, but has deviated away from it a bit. Early season it seemed to be , Weimann off of or along side of Martin. That did seem to work to a degree. Last few games we've tried to use Nige's favoured 3 up front , or trying to squeeze players in, bit like the back 3 because they are 3 of the better players. My Option 1 Wells has to play through the middle. Baker's injury gives the option of the 4 at the back. Williams & Semenyo probably not available. Options for change are limited. My Option 1 I would either play Vyner as a proper DMF shield , James & HNM with a little more licence . COD & Weimann pushing wide and Wells on his own to run channels. My Option 2 JD LMF, James & HNM central, COD RMF and Weimann and wells strikers. I doubt NP sees it this way though. Any team I think about has to have Nhaki in a central role. He's mobile, and for all his faults, a finisher. 2 hours ago, IAmNick said: In fact I'd probably do the same, but with Weimann behind him. Hasn't Weimann scored all his goals playing off of Martin, seemed to dry up when he started moving around. Edited October 27, 2021 by 1960maaan 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dolman Pragmatist Posted October 27, 2021 Report Share Posted October 27, 2021 5 hours ago, 1960maaan said: Any team I think about has to have Nhaki in a central role. He's mobile, and for all his faults, a finisher. Apart from the three tap-ins he missed against Bournemouth… Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyClapper Posted October 27, 2021 Report Share Posted October 27, 2021 14 minutes ago, The Dolman Pragmatist said: Apart from the three tap-ins he missed against Bournemouth… So we should’ve won this game? Keep making the chances and things will turn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1960maaan Posted October 27, 2021 Report Share Posted October 27, 2021 39 minutes ago, The Dolman Pragmatist said: Apart from the three tap-ins he missed against Bournemouth… I can remember the one where COD smashed a ball slightly behind Wells, and the one where he slid in 2nd half. Neither one was a tap in. I'm not saying he's top quality, but of everyone at the club at the moment, if you get a chance you want it to fall to Wells. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTFABM Posted October 27, 2021 Report Share Posted October 27, 2021 6 hours ago, GrahamC said: That is a strong Weimann obsession that the OP consistently has. As soon as we lose he is on his case. One of our best 11 players, AW would always be in my side. Can see an argument for a Wells/Weimann pairing but expect Nige to stick with Martin & Wells (& play Weimann in midfield). Loving the obligatory “give Palmer another go” mention, too If Weimann has to be in the starting 11 it cannot be in midfield. He simply is not a good enough ball player to be in there. I get his attributes and why his energy/intelligent running are crucial to a team. He is the sort if player who looks best when he does things instinctively and in midfield he has potentially too many options and doesn’t do the simple thing well enough for me. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrahamC Posted October 27, 2021 Report Share Posted October 27, 2021 2 hours ago, GTFABM said: If Weimann has to be in the starting 11 it cannot be in midfield. He simply is not a good enough ball player to be in there. I get his attributes and why his energy/intelligent running are crucial to a team. He is the sort if player who looks best when he does things instinctively and in midfield he has potentially too many options and doesn’t do the simple thing well enough for me. No argument from me, but I don’t pick the team! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beni71 Posted October 27, 2021 Report Share Posted October 27, 2021 Tinkering with formations not the way forward IMO. Ignoring the personnel, play the back 4 higher up the pitch. Plenty of pace at the back with Kalas (& Baker). Would make a difference to our exposed midfield and may even play more of the game in the opponent’s half. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrahamC Posted October 27, 2021 Report Share Posted October 27, 2021 25 minutes ago, Beni71 said: Tinkering with formations not the way forward IMO. Ignoring the personnel, play the back 4 higher up the pitch. Plenty of pace at the back with Kalas (& Baker). Would make a difference to our exposed midfield and may even play more of the game in the opponent’s half. First time I have ever seen Baker & pace in the same sentence without the words “lack of”. Highly unlikely to be available anyway due to concussion protocols. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beni71 Posted October 28, 2021 Report Share Posted October 28, 2021 10 hours ago, GrahamC said: First time I have ever seen Baker & pace in the same sentence without the words “lack of”. Highly unlikely to be available anyway due to concussion protocols. I should qualify my words. His recovery is good (Fulham/Cardiff are good examples). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
East Londoner Posted October 28, 2021 Report Share Posted October 28, 2021 For something completely different we could try putting O’Dowda in a midfield 3 to hopefully provide a little pace whilst having James there to cover for him Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
headhunter Posted October 28, 2021 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2021 14 minutes ago, walnutroof said: For something completely different we could try putting O’Dowda in a midfield 3 to hopefully provide a little pace whilst having James there to cover for him As the OP I had him in a midfield 4 to add pace and width: Bentley / Tanner, Kalas, Atkinson, Pring / Vyner, Massengo, James, O'Dowda / Scott / Wells Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CiderJar Posted October 28, 2021 Report Share Posted October 28, 2021 Not many "strikers" would have played the pass to Martin at QPR, that was sublime. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clutton Caveman Posted October 28, 2021 Report Share Posted October 28, 2021 On 27/10/2021 at 11:48, GrahamC said: That is a strong Weimann obsession that the OP consistently has. As soon as we lose he is on his case. One of our best 11 players, AW would always be in my side. Can see an argument for a Wells/Weimann pairing but expect Nige to stick with Martin & Wells (& play Weimann in midfield). Loving the obligatory “give Palmer another go” mention, too Strange with Palmer, seems a bit more prepared to work but if killer ball seems to have gone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TBW Posted October 28, 2021 Report Share Posted October 28, 2021 There are no wrong suggestions at this point. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old_eastender Posted October 28, 2021 Report Share Posted October 28, 2021 Wells up front , supported by Scott with Weimann & Martin dropped to the bench would be my choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YGBjammy Posted October 28, 2021 Report Share Posted October 28, 2021 Would like to see Wells up front in a 4231. With Scott or Palmer behind him as a no.10 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrahamC Posted October 30, 2021 Report Share Posted October 30, 2021 Definitely should have left Weimann out 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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