The return of Eros

[Negan]

What happens when our Italian stallion returns to full fitness? He should go straight in at RB and I’d hope LJ does do that. Question is does Bailey take back his RCB position or will Lee keep Flinty there and bench the club captain?.. 

 

Its a nice problem to have, all these quality players fighting for a starting place. It’s a tough one but I think I’d have to bench Flinty and let BW partner Baker as it was working perfectly before. 

[AppyDAZE]

Lee said someone was struggling a bit for Tuesday, and I can't for the life of me think who he said it was. Anyone?

EDIT: Baker was ill, that was it  its ok

[Robin 101]

5 minutes ago, Negan said:

What happens when our Italian stallion returns to full fitness? He should go straight in at RB and I’d hope LJ does do that. Question is does Bailey take back his RCB position or will Lee keep Flinty there and bench the club captain?.. 

 

Its a nice problem to have, all these quality players fighting for a starting place. It’s a tough one but I think I’d have to bench Flinty and let BW partner Baker as it was working perfectly before. 

Just not quite as perfectly as now 

Personally i'd stick with the same defence until we need to change it

[cityred exile]

6 minutes ago, Negan said:

What happens when our Italian stallion returns to full fitness? He should go straight in at RB and I’d hope LJ does do that. Question is does Bailey take back his RCB position or will Lee keep Flinty there and bench the club captain?.. 

 

Its a nice problem to have, all these quality players fighting for a starting place. It’s a tough one but I think I’d have to bench Flinty and let BW partner Baker as it was working perfectly before. 

we go 352   Eros  and our Joe as wing backs

[aa_bcfc]

Leave the back 4 as it is and let Pisano wait his chance.  

[steviestevieneville]

6 minutes ago, AppyDAZE said:

Lee said someone was struggling a bit for Tuesday, and I can't for the life of me think who he said it was. Anyone?

EDIT: Baker was ill, that was it  its ok

Wright has been ill all week

[Meh]

3 minutes ago, cityred exile said:

we go 352   Eros  and our Joe as wing backs

So change the formation that has served us so well for a majority of all our games to accommodate the 3 CBSs - really?

Not for me.

[Phileas Fogg]

He’s got to come back in when fit really. Adds a natural balance to the side and is a bit better offensively than Wright.

With Bolton and Burton coming up who may sit behind the ball a bit we might need him.

The dilemma then is which CB to drop. Will be interesting - I suspect Flint.

[AppyDAZE]

2 minutes ago, steviestevieneville said:

Wright has been ill all week

Thought he said it was Baker, but i'll take your word as I couldnt swear

[BobBobSuperBob]

Don't think he (Pisano) will be fit for Tuesday the way LJ was talking

[Big C]

We got the two games next week then another break. Think he will go with the present incumbents and ease Eros back in after the break. Maybe give him time of the bench if fit in the next two 

[JasonM88]

When Pisano is back, I’d move Wright into the middle, in place of Flint, and bring him back into RB. 

Easy descision if it were to be me making it, but it’s not. 

[Loosey Boy]

Bakes been ill all week apparently........hope he is OK for Tuesday as been awesome so far this season

[steviestevieneville]

6 minutes ago, Loosey Boy said:

Bakes been ill all week apparently........hope he is OK for Tuesday as been awesome so far this season

I obviously got it wrong then i thought he said Wright

[kevthered]

43 minutes ago, Loosey Boy said:

Bakes been ill all week apparently........hope he is OK for Tuesday as been awesome so far this season

if he has been ill i'm surprised he did not drop baker and give Maggers a run out ....would have been a loss I admit

[RobintheRed Red]

5 hours ago, Negan said:

What happens when our Italian stallion returns to full fitness? He should go straight in at RB and I’d hope LJ does do that. Question is does Bailey take back his RCB position or will Lee keep Flinty there and bench the club captain?.. 

 

Its a nice problem to have, all these quality players fighting for a starting place. It’s a tough one but I think I’d have to bench Flinty and let BW partner Baker as it was working perfectly before. 

you  are joking hopefully the best centre back pairing is Baker an flint johnson ****** up by making him captain  sort that out Bryan an the italian fullbacks thats  your best back four

[BCFC Rich]

It's a great problem to have, I think you could have any two of Baker, Flint or Bailey and have a decent pair. Baker gets the nod for most because he likes to play on the other side to Flint and Bailey. I'd personally go for Bailey but I'm glad it not actually my choice. Whoever misses out is unlucky and LJ is going to also upset some fans with whoever he picks. 

I'd actually complicate things further and suggest Vyner should be playing Tuesday. He should be rested, it a home game so he should be well supported and if we're not going to play him in home games against clubs like Bolton when Eros is injured he really should be out on loan.

[Silvio Dante]

4 hours ago, RobintheRed Red said:

you  are joking hopefully the best centre back pairing is Baker an flint johnson ****** up by making him captain  sort that out Bryan an the italian fullbacks thats  your best back four

Question: How has Johnson "****** up" by making Wright captain?

He appears to be respected by the squad, is a good organiser, a good defender and has been integral to our good run - both at RB and CH.

As shown by Reading, if felt right, LJ has also shown he'll leave him on the bench.

Personally, I (and others per this thread), see Baker and Wright as our best CH combo. You can prefer Flint - your prerogative, but to suggest LJ has "******* up" when a man who has played all bar 1 league game and done well may just start ahead of him is a bit juvenile.

[MarcusX]

5 hours ago, RobintheRed Red said:

you  are joking hopefully the best centre back pairing is Baker an flint johnson ****** up by making him captain  sort that out Bryan an the italian fullbacks thats  your best back four

With respect, being club captain doesn't gaurentee you a place on the pitch and i imagine it's as much an off field decision. To see Lee has "****** up" without any knowledge of what goes on off the pitch and what his influence and character is like is just an excuse to have a dig at LJ tbh.

 

[Negan]

I personally feel Wright and Baker are our best CB options. I rate Flint highly but is he going to be here for the long haul? I doubt it. Mind you if the season keeps going as it does for both us and Birmingham he should be thanking the club for not letting him go!

So based on the uncertainty of Flints long term future I feel more obliged to get Wright and Baker as a consistent partnership. Can only benefit us. 

[KingLear]

You don't change a formation that's getting you results. Put your best player in each position which for me is: Pisano, Wright, Baker, Bryan.

With the busy schedule this can be moved around and having someone like Flint on the bench is a great position to be in.

Even more so when we need a goal at the end of a game, stick him up top as target man.

[Robbored]

10 hours ago, Big C said:

We got the two games next week then another break. Think he will go with the present incumbents and ease Eros back in after the break. Maybe give him time of the bench if fit in the next two 

Indeed. 

Its not as if City are in desperate need of a RB. Wright has fitted in there well and Vyner is another option.

LJ said that Eros can still feel the injury and that maybe they had him scanned prematurely.

[The Fat Controller]

Pisano, Wright, Baker, Bryan.

As KingLear says above having Flint on the bench (and Magnússon available) gives us options should we need a change. They will get minutes this season especially if we continue doing well in the cups. 

[Simon79]

The player in possession keeps the shirt, unless injuries or form dictate otherwise imo. Makes me laugh that people are suggesting changing personnel & formation after the results/performances we have had. Something that LJ got battered for last season! Don't get me wrong, I rate Eros & he seems very popular. But it can only be good for the squad to see that you will be given a chance & its up to you to keep hold of your shirt. COYR 

[Son of Fred]

6 hours ago, RobintheRed Red said:

you  are joking hopefully the best centre back pairing is Baker an flint johnson ****** up by making him captain  sort that out Bryan an the italian fullbacks thats  your best back four

Would give this more than one like if I could-if Baker & Flint are fit it would be crazy not to pair them.

[OldlandReddies]

No need to change anything unless he has to because of injury or suspension. That said, Lee has quality options all over the pitch now so if he wants to rest anyone of the back four then he can with confidence that the team wont be weakened. Great position to be in.

[Phileas Fogg]

7 minutes ago, Robert the bruce said:

Would give this more than one like if I could-if Baker & Flint are fit it would be crazy not to pair them.

Isn’t our ‘goals conceded’ slightly worse with Flint in the side? 

Not really sure what I’d do if it were up to me. We have a good range of personnel with different skill sets.

 

 

[Robbored]

6 minutes ago, Phileas Fogg said:

We have a good range of personnel with different skill sets.

We have and that's down to LJ and MA recruitment strategy.

Ive posted before that in all the years I've been watching City that the club is more healthy now both on and off the pitch than its ever been.

It seems that SLs decision to support LJ through last seasons dark times was the right decision.

[GJS]

11 hours ago, cityred exile said:

we go 352   Eros  and our Joe as wing backs

Now that would be a silly move. Have you forgotten the route of all our problems last season. You don't need to fix something that isn't broken.

[Phileas Fogg]

25 minutes ago, Robbored said:

We have and that's down to LJ and MA recruitment strategy.

Ive posted before that in all the years I've been watching City that the club is more healthy now both on and off the pitch than its ever been.

It seems that SLs decision to support LJ through last seasons dark times was the right decision.

I think you've posted this nigh on 60 times now with slightly different wording on various threads this season 

[Robbored]

13 minutes ago, Phileas Fogg said:

I think you've posted this nigh on 60 times now with slightly different wording on various threads this season 

Maybe not 60 times. 4 possibly..........

Thing is PF not everyone appreciates just how different the set up at AG these days is and may have missed my previous posts on the same subject..........

[Negan]

54 minutes ago, Phileas Fogg said:

Isn’t our ‘goals conceded’ slightly worse with Flint in the side? 

Not really sure what I’d do if it were up to me. We have a good range of personnel with different skill sets.

 

 

3 clean sheets in the last 5 games. Can’t really complain about that. It’s a tough decision for Johnson!

Bolton & Ipswich up next. The former I think we can afford to make the changes at the back. 

[reddogkev]

It's pretty refreshing  - having the dilemma of picking between too many good players, rather than not having enough good players.

The sort of problems a manager must cherish.

 

[Robbored]

12 minutes ago, Negan said:

3 clean sheets in the last 5 games. Can’t really complain about that. It’s a tough decision for Johnson!

Bolton & Ipswich up next. The former I think we can afford to make the changes at the back. 

No need to change anything. Same back 4 as at Carrow Rd.

[Rudolf Hucker]

14 minutes ago, Robbored said:

Maybe not 60 times. 4 possibly..........

Thing is PF not everyone appreciates just how different the set up at AG these days is and may have missed my previous posts on the same subject..........

4/60

[The_Don]

No changes required at the back, it’s not broke so doesn’t need fixing.

No need to rush Eros back and risk aggravating the injury.

[Robbored]

2 minutes ago, Rudolf Hucker said:

4/60

Had to think about that one but not for 4 mins........

[LondonBristolian]

In all honestly I don't think there is much at all between Wright, Flint and Baker. In the long run, I think maybe Pisano-Wright-Baker-Bryan is the best selection but at the moment Flint and Baker are doing well and Wright is doing well at right back so I think the pressure is on Pisano to win back his place. I'd not automatically make changes whilst things are working out...

[Red Skin]

Bring back Eros as he offers more going forward in general play. Drop Flint to bench as I think we are better defensively with Wright/Baker.  (Though miss Flint at set plays obviously).

[Northern Cider Ed]

For me pisano has to wait it out for his place back. I wouldn't go changing a back 4 that has kept 2 clean sheets in 3 very tricky away games just for the sake of it. 

It might well be that he gets his place straight back due to fitness issues of other players and if so then that player that misses out should then have to wait there chance if team is playing well.

This is the beauty of our squad, maybe Bryan or brownhill (personal opinion) apart i dont think anyone does or should get in automatically. 

It's a long old season

[INCRED]

Depending on who's fit LJ should go with the team that he thinks are going to beat Bolton on Tuesday. Wright if he plays RB is less of an offensive threat than Pisano and we are the home team and should go with as an offensive team as possible but also mindful of any threats Bolton have.

i don't care who plays CB on Tuesday as I don't think it matters, they are all good players and know their roles when they are given the opportunity to play

[Lanterne Rouge]

12 minutes ago, INCRED said:

Depending on who's fit LJ should go with the team that he thinks are going to beat Bolton on Tuesday. Wright if he plays RB is less of an offensive threat than Pisano and we are the home team and should go with as an offensive team as possible but also mindful of any threats Bolton have.

i don't care who plays CB on Tuesday as I don't think it matters, they are all good players and know their roles when they are given the opportunity to play

This my view too. We should be picking a side that can best deal with/cause problems to the opposition and if that means changing things around then that`s fine with me. As long as the players buy into the idea and why we`re doing it it shouldn`t be a problem - I think most players these days accept that the game has changed and clubs need to use their squads fully and if that means someone being rested then so be it.

[xerox6060]

Like Eros but no changes for me, Bailey Wright is doing OK at full back and the centre two are both playing well, someone will get suspended or injured soon so he can step back in then. 

[Bar BS3]

Of our first team back 5 options, namely Pisano, Flint, Baker, Wright & Bryan, I'd say that Pisano is quite comfortably the weakest of these options. I certainly wouldn't be dropping the others to rush him back in. 

His time will come when others need a rest or can't play. 

[Robbored]

33 minutes ago, INCRED said:

Depending on who's fit LJ should go with the team that he thinks are going to beat Bolton on Tuesday. Wright if he plays RB is less of an offensive threat than Pisano and we are the home team and should go with as an offensive team as possible but also mindful of any threats Bolton have.

i don't care who plays CB on Tuesday as I don't think it matters, they are all good players and know their roles when they are given the opportunity to play

Well said LJ................

[Phileas Fogg]

18 minutes ago, Bar BS3 said:

Of our first team back 5 options, namely Pisano, Flint, Baker, Wright & Bryan, I'd say that Pisano is quite comfortably the weakest of these options. I certainly wouldn't be dropping the others to rush him back in. 

His time will come when others need a rest or can't play. 

Not sure how you can compare a centre half with a right back - it’s an entirely different skill set.

I don’t think he’s a weak link at all - full backs need to be specialists. Wright has been fine filling in for a bit but I’d rather play players in their natural positions.

[Red-Robbo]

We can be Eros,  for ever and ever, what do you say?

[Bar BS3]

7 minutes ago, Phileas Fogg said:

Not sure how you can compare a centre half with a right back - it’s an entirely different skill set.

I don’t think he’s a weak link at all - full backs need to be specialists. Wright has been fine filling in for a bit but I’d rather play players in their natural positions.

Because one of our centre backs has been filling in for Pisano maybe..?! 

We've looked stronger defensively since Eros was replaced by Wright. 

[Phileas Fogg]

3 minutes ago, Bar BS3 said:

Because one of our centre backs has been filling in for Pisano maybe..?! 

We've looked stronger defensively since Eros was replaced by Wright. 

Only for a couple of games though, would need a bigger sample size. Don’t think he’s comfortable enough attacking or in possession for it to be a long term solution. Would pick Wright there over Vyner though.

 

[Red_Nine]

So when fit we put Eros back into the team because he offers more going forward, put wright back at centre half and drop Flint..one of our biggest goal threats?

Seems really conflicted to me! 

[ZiderEyed]

Wright played a few games in row there, based on what LJ has said this season about rotation, I'd assume we'll see Pisano back before long.

[Red Skin]

3 hours ago, Red_Nine said:

So when fit we put Eros back into the team because he offers more going forward, put wright back at centre half and drop Flint..one of our biggest goal threats?

Seems really conflicted to me! 

Pisano better offensively from open play, but still a threat from set plays.

Flint is a more of a threat from set pieces - and a very useful one - but I'd still rest him for this game.

Think Wright has been exposed a bit at right back.  Understandable as his not his best position and has a relatively inexperienced Lecko in front of him .  Also I don't think you can necessarily attribute a better defensive display solely down to Flint coming back in.  Think the performance of our central midfield -almost regardless of personnel - has improved in recent games so defence has been better shielded.

I'd go Pisano especially if we go with Lecko wide right. I think we are better balanced playing players in the natural positions. Could always bring Flint on if Bolton prove difficult to break down. Just my opinion though.

Whoever plays CB could be up against Wilbs which should be an interesting tussle.

[GrahamC]

17 minutes ago, Red Army Faction said:

 

Whoever plays CB could be up against Wilbs which should be an interesting tussle.

9 league games in and Wilbraham hasn't started any of them for Bolton yet, so I'd think it unlikely.

However with just 2 points gained all season and only 4 goals scored, they must be approaching "anything is worth a try" territory soon....

[Red Skin]

6 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

9 league games in and Wilbraham hasn't started any of them for Bolton yet, so I'd think it unlikely.

However with just 2 points gained all season and only 4 goals scored, they must be approaching "anything is worth a try" territory soon....

Didn't know that.  If I was Parkinson I'd play him.  Players often do well against former clubs and Wilbs will probably want to show LJ he still has it.

[GrahamC]

3 minutes ago, Red Army Faction said:

Didn't know that.  If I was Parkinson I'd play him.  Players often do well against former clubs and Wilbs will probably want to show LJ he still has it.

Me too.

Not like they would be leaving out Lukaku or Aguerro to fit him in, is it?

[Shtanley]

I think Eros will turn out to be one of the  best RBs in the league. 

[Davefevs]

Madine is a very underrated striker of his type.  Probably not the goals record you’d want, but he is very good back to goal and nice touch too.  He won’t run in behind you.

[Phileas Fogg]

49 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Madine is a very underrated striker of his type.  Probably not the goals record you’d want, but he is very good back to goal and nice touch too.  He won’t run in behind you.

Yep, good player. Another one who will play well into his 30s because his best attributes won’t decline that fast.

Would’ve quite liked us to sign him in L1, think we were linked a couple of years ago but just rumours.

[Lanterne Rouge]

7 minutes ago, Phileas Fogg said:

Yep, good player. Another one who will play well into his 30s because his best attributes won’t decline that fast.

Would’ve quite liked us to sign him in L1, think we were linked a couple of years ago but just rumours.

I think we were - when he was at Wednesday? A slightly younger version of Wilbs but I think he has a bit of off the field history though so it might not have been for the best.

[joeyb]

My way of seeing it is that we shouldn't be waiting for a bad performance or a mistake to change the team. Have to pick the team that LJ feels is best suited to win the match; this will change depending on opponent.

Only if fully fit, I'd go Pisano. If not then probably Wright with Vyner a consideration if it is felt he would give us a more potent threat attacking wise down the right.

[Davefevs]

I’m sure the eleven will be picked on the basis that we have another tough game on Saturday....but also an international break after that.  

I see no point in risking Eros at 70, 80, 90% when he can come back raring to go, 100%.  If he is 100% then that’s different.

Bailey Wright will be travelling back from Oz (2nd leg is in Australia v Syria), that will be a factor for the 2 home games upon return.  That might make a more natural introduction.

Yet another of the nice, but tough decisions LJ has.

[Lanterne Rouge]

7 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

I’m sure the eleven will be picked on the basis that we have another tough game on Saturday....but also an international break after that.  

I see no point in risking Eros at 70, 80, 90% when he can come back raring to go, 100%.  If he is 100% then that’s different.

Bailey Wright will be travelling back from Oz (2nd leg is in Australia v Syria), that will be a factor for the 2 home games upon return.  That might make a more natural introduction.

Yet another of the nice, but tough decisions LJ has.

Hörður`s off to Turkey too I think and has Fam been picked for Senegal -  they play Cape Verde away on the 7th.

[GrahamC]

4 hours ago, Phileas Fogg said:

Yep, good player. Another one who will play well into his 30s because his best attributes won’t decline that fast.

Would’ve quite liked us to sign him in L1, think we were linked a couple of years ago but just rumours.

Unfortunately if you Google his off field activities you will find he is a pretty disgusting human being, so I for one am glad we didn't.

[Phileas Fogg]

24 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Unfortunately if you Google his off field activities you will find he is a pretty disgusting human being, so I for one am glad we didn't.

I remember now that was debated on here at the time.

Purely on playing ability though I think he’s a good player and had the potential to go further than he has done were it not for the off the field issues. 

[BCFC Rich]

17 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

I’m sure the eleven will be picked on the basis that we have another tough game on Saturday....but also an international break after that.  

I see no point in risking Eros at 70, 80, 90% when he can come back raring to go, 100%.  If he is 100% then that’s different.

Bailey Wright will be travelling back from Oz (2nd leg is in Australia v Syria), that will be a factor for the 2 home games upon return.  That might make a more natural introduction.

Yet another of the nice, but tough decisions LJ has.

I think it makes sense not to rush Eros back so I think LJ will probably persist with Wright at RB. If we do that, however, I think we play Leko on the left and COD on the right. Leko seemed to need the fullback pushed up more to help occupy the opposition's midfield and keep them on the back foot - this lets him get on the ball properly. Wright has done well but he was rarely past the halfway line.

In all honesty, I'd play Vyner and give someone a rest. He will get forward and whilst he made some errors defensively he needs game time to develop. I'm not underestimating Bolton but if he doesn't play in games against teams that are struggling when Eros is not fit he really should be out on loan. And in this case I think there are good tactical reasons to have him in/

[RT's Vaseline Tub]

On 23/09/2017 at 21:17, Negan said:

What happens when our Italian stallion returns to full fitness? He should go straight in at RB and I’d hope LJ does do that. Question is does Bailey take back his RCB position or will Lee keep Flinty there and bench the club captain?.. 

 

Its a nice problem to have, all these quality players fighting for a starting place. It’s a tough one but I think I’d have to bench Flinty and let BW partner Baker as it was working perfectly before. 

Wright & Baket only played 3 times together so not exactly long term held positions as Jens started the season there.

[GrahamC]

29 minutes ago, Red Right Hand said:

Hörður`s off to Turkey too I think and has Fam been picked for Senegal -  they play Cape Verde away on the 7th.

No, not according to the Senegal squad for that game on Wikipedia he hasn't.

Hörður has been picked, but it is a week prior to our next game and he hasn't been a starter for us anyway.

[Davefevs]

34 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Unfortunately if you Google his off field activities you will find he is a pretty disgusting human being, so I for one am glad we didn't.

Yes, wasn’t suggesting we signed him, more that he’s a handful who will make it difficult for us on Tuesday. He was excellent against us for Coventry in the JPT game a few seasons back and looks to be the focal point of Bolton’s attacks from the highlights I’ve seen this season.  If he gets the ball in to him head height and below it invariably sticks, which will get Bolton up the pitch.  Surprised he’s only 27.

[AppyDAZE]

49 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Unfortunately if you Google his off field activities you will find he is a pretty disgusting human being, so I for one am glad we didn't.

Blimey, what has he done?

All i can come up with is he's knocking off Adam Johnson's bird whilst he's doin time (and heeey, i've seen her)

And he hit someone once

C'maan FFS Hardly the most vile individual in my book

[BCFC Rich]

18 minutes ago, AppyDAZE said:

Blimey, what has he done?

All i can come up with is he's knocking off Adam Johnson's bird whilst he's doin time (and heeey, i've seen her)

And he hit someone once

C'maan FFS Hardly the most vile individual in my book

Just a quick look shows turning up to training late and sometimes drunk. Insulting his own fans. Assaulting one of them then a few weeks later assaulting a rivals fans. 18 months inside as a result. Telling the arresting officers something like f@#ck you I'll have you all. Upon release filming himself driving recklessly driving swearing at road workers weaving through traffic driving on hard shoulder and speeding up to 110mph. Then seemingly being so proud of his actions he uploaded them online! Add to that a previous assault charge and I say he is actually pretty disgusting and at the very very least someone who would hopefully fail our DNA test!