Vulnerable

[Salopian]

We have not (yet) had any major defeats, in terms of goals conceded. We are, however, conceding goals. While we were also scoring freely, we could follow the Lambert mantra, "If you score against us, we will score more against you."

We have ceased to score freely, but we are still conceding goals regularly. NA has a problem up front, which may arise from deficiencies in the midfield, among other reasons. Sadly we are still leaking goals, many from unforced errors or mistakes. I mention no name in particular, but the back four and Ruddy have all made errors at times.

Our present rate of points accumulation, far from giving expectation of promotion is relegation form - less than a point per game! It's not time for panic yet, but the early optimism and talk of having the best squad in the Championship seems a little hollow now.

It is a major problem for NA. He has encouraged the team to play in a more committed way, and we are dominating possession, but we are not scoring and the defence is always threatening to concede. I hope that this will change soon!

 

[ZLF]

The back 4 is a problem. The personnel constantly changes and that is generating a lack of understanding. The defensive shape and organisation is missing

add in the reckless attacking by the FBS we are conceding soft goals too often. When we stop scoring solid defence is a must.

Olsson is a shadow of last season, whit not playing well and martin best at rb yet played at cb when we have 3 other specialists. That's 75% non optimal back four, garrido and Iggy or hooiveld in for whit and stick with it and less gung ho

Add in a 442 to means the midfield is outnumbered in most games and is not playing to our squads strengths. Together with a negative bench Tuesdays selection was always likely to struggle.

Stick to 4231 not starting players not yet ready and we should succeed in this league.

Ruddy

Martin. Turner. Iggy. Garrido

Tettey. Howson.

Redderz. VOO. Lafferty.

Jerome.

Subs

Rudd. Whit. Bj Oneil. Murphy. Grabban. Hooper.

 

[Safri15]

I agree with ZLF. However I wouldn't quite play the personnel you have. I'd stick with Olsson at LB. Agree he's not been as good as last year, but still a better option than Garrido IMO.

VOO looked good when he came on against Leeds, didn't give the ball away once and was always looking to receive and pass. Definitely think its time he was given a starting berth as he could be the difference at unlocking teams parking the bus.

Strikers... well, that's not easy. I think its time Hooper started a few games. He's never going to get onto his good goal scoring form we all know he can achieve at this level by playing 10-20 minutes here and there. Give him a few 60 min run outs and I'm sure he'll come good. Grabban and Jerome both started well, but I think we are seeing their true colours now unfortunately. They just need too many chances to convert. Lafferty on the wing is actually pretty handy.

So for what its worth, my team Starting 11 when everyone is fit is below (but would agree with Iggy until Bennett is fit): -

                Ruddy

Martin, Turner, Bennett, Olsson

         Tetty, Howson

  Redmond, VOO, Laffers

               Hooper

 

[GJP]

I'd go along with ZLF's team.

Though another uninspiring outing from Jerome would see Grabban get his place back. Pretty much all the criticism I've seen of Grabban is equally applicable to Jerome but at least with Grabban he looks like he's got a bit more spark about him and it was working for us earlier in the season.