Herd: perfect MF partner for Petrov?

[Monty]

The two are doing as well as they can, but we still lack the creative edge in there to retain the ball. I thought the best football we've played recently was with that midfield trio of Herd playing deep, Bannan as the creative force and Petrov linking the two and making the occasional burst forward. Granted, Herd then got ridiculously sent off and we mentally crumbled, but that was the best it's been so far.

[Concrete John]

The two are doing as well as they can, but we still lack the creative edge in there to retain the ball. I thought the best football we've played recently was with that midfield trio of Herd playing deep, Bannan as the creative force and Petrov linking the two and making the occasional burst forward. Granted, Herd then got ridiculously sent off and we mentally crumbled, but that was the best it's been so far.

Although I'm not a fan of the system in general, I thought the midfield diamond we played against Wigan was our best and most balanced showing so far this season. 

[Monty]

Although I'm not a fan of the system in general, I thought the midfield diamond we played against Wigan was our best and most balanced showing so far this season. 

That was good actually, because we largely got around the classic problem with the diamond - ie the lack of width - because Gabby kept on running channels and drifting into wide positions, especially the left. Not sure if it's a generally applicable system though, as you say.

[PaulTheVillan]

Been very impressed with Herd. Would like to see Bannan or Ireland give 10 games in Heskeys position

[ozzjim]

Although I'm not a fan of the system in general, I thought the midfield diamond we played against Wigan was our best and most balanced showing so far this season. 

The diamond worked because it strengthen our biggest weakness, and added 2 of our most creative players in Bannan and Ireland into the same side. For me, we should be looking to play similar style next week vs Norwich, with Bent and Gabby up, Ireland in behind, Petrov and Jenas giving the legs and Herd holding.
That was good actually, because we largely got around the classic problem with the diamond - ie the lack of width - because Gabby kept on running channels and drifting into wide positions, especially the left. Not sure if it's a generally applicable system though, as you say.

[Concrete John]

Although I'm not a fan of the system in general, I thought the midfield diamond we played against Wigan was our best and most balanced showing so far this season. 

The diamond worked because it strengthen our biggest weakness, and added 2 of our most creative players in Bannan and Ireland into the same side. For me, we should be looking to play similar style next week vs Norwich, with Bent and Gabby up, Ireland in behind, Petrov and Jenas giving the legs and Herd holding.
That was good actually, because we largely got around the classic problem with the diamond - ie the lack of width - because Gabby kept on running channels and drifting into wide positions, especially the left. Not sure if it's a generally applicable system though, as you say.

I don't think Jenas will be fit for Norwich and playing Petrov in one of the wider positions in a diamond would be a mistake for me as I don't think he has the legs for it.  Having Bannan and Ireland was good, as you say, but I also think it helped having Delph a little further forward as he's not really a holding player.

One issue we have with width is that our main two wide players so far this season, Gabby and N'Zogbia, both look to score themselves more than create, which hurts Bent.  I've been thinking that we need to get Albrighton back in to get some service to Bent, so would maybe try N'Zog behind Bent in the freer role he had at Wigan and leave Gabby cutting in from the left.

                      Given
Hutton - Dunne - Collins - Warnock
                 Herd - Petrov
Albrighton - NZogbia - Gabby
                      Bent 

[Mister E]

                      Given
Hutton - Dunne - Collins - Warnock
                 Herd - Petrov
Albrighton - NZogbia - Gabby
                      Bent 

I like your thinking here (although Clark for Collins wouldn't be bad ...); particularly the logic re Albie and Bent.

[N'ZMAV]

Petrov has been played wrong by MON, Houllier and McLeish. Sitting him in front of the back 4 just get's him fucked after 60 mins. Maybe Herd should do this and Petrov and Bannan play a little furthur forward.

[N'ZMAV]

We need another winger and a good centre midfielder this jan. That will help us get the best out of Bent and Pterov.

[gsbrn68]

Dont think it is worth speculating about additions in January, just cant see it happening maybe someone from lower divisions as squad players but no one that will alter our season
Only changes will be movements out of players not contributing

[Concrete John]

Dont think it is worth speculating about additions in January, just cant see it happening maybe someone from lower divisions as squad players but no one that will alter our season
Only changes will be movements out of players not contributing

I think if space can be made on the wagebill then there might well be someone decent coming in.

[UsualSuspect]

The thing with our wage bill is that people like heskey and beye are on silly money and will just run their contracts down.

We are down to the bare bones squad wise, you only have to look at the bench.

I think it is as you were squad wise until the end of the season

[Concrete John]

When we get to January 3 high earning players (Cuellar, Beye & Heskey) will have six months left.  That brings in two possibilities:-
1.  An offer comes in for them that they take as it's a longer deal.
2.  Randy may bite the bullet for the sake of six months only, if it's the right player.

I'm not saying this will happen, just that I wouldn't rule it out.

[Shrek]

What we should do, is say to Beye and Heskey they can leave for free in january.

They might not want to go, but give them the option to try and free up space on the wage bill.

And i also agree the Herd, Petrov and Bannan is our best midfield option with Jenas replacing Petrov when he is 100% fit.

[N'ZMAV]

Come back Sidwell, all is forgiven.