Transfer Speculation / Gossip

[pauliewalnuts]

Pretty sure that time in the 82 QF that Schumacher took out Battiston at head height and relieved him of a few of his teeth is still the angriest I've ever seen my dad.

[N'ZMAV]

I do wonder if we play 3 centre-backs, maybe Luna/Bennett and Lowton would play better in less defensive positions.

I've been thinking that. Luna and Bacuna might make decent attacking full backs.

We need a proper tough tackling centre midfielder to play in front of the back 3 if that's the case. And more mobile centre backs.

[tomd2103]

I do wonder if we play 3 centre-backs, maybe Luna/Bennett and Lowton would play better in less defensive positions.

I've been thinking that. Luna and Bacuna might make decent attacking full backs.

We need a proper tough tackling centre midfielder to play in front of the back 3 if that's the case. And more mobile centre backs.

Caught a bit of R5 last night and they were talking about the number of teams employing a back 3 in the World Cup.  Roberto Martinez was on discussing how he likes the system and the benefits it can bring.  I still think it would suit us, but that Lambert hasn't found a way to play it yet. 

When we've played it under Lambert previously, it's been more of a flat five with the three CBs really narrow and marking one man, and our defensively weak full-backs left exposed 2v1.  If we can change it to back three with the wing-backs pushed on further upfield, it suit us.  It would also hopefully give us the opportunity to be a bit more creative and play an attacking midfielder behind a front two.  I could see it being a good system for us to employ at home and could see a starting day line up of something like:

                                            Guzan

              Okore                     Vlaar          Senderos

Bacuna                    Westwood       Delph            Bennett
                                     
                                              Cole   

                              Kozak                         Gabby

I think we'd still need strengthening on the left and in central midfield and defence, but it might work.

[supertom]

I do wonder if we play 3 centre-backs, maybe Luna/Bennett and Lowton would play better in less defensive positions.

I've been thinking that. Luna and Bacuna might make decent attacking full backs.

We need a proper tough tackling centre midfielder to play in front of the back 3 if that's the case. And more mobile centre backs.

Caught a bit of R5 last night and they were talking about the number of teams employing a back 3 in the World Cup.  Roberto Martinez was on discussing how he likes the system and the benefits it can bring.  I still think it would suit us, but that Lambert hasn't found a way to play it yet. 

When we've played it under Lambert previously, it's been more of a flat five with the three CBs really narrow and marking one man, and our defensively weak full-backs left exposed 2v1.  If we can change it to back three with the wing-backs pushed on further upfield, it suit us.  It would also hopefully give us the opportunity to be a bit more creative and play an attacking midfielder behind a front two.  I could see it being a good system for us to employ at home and could see a starting day line up of something like:

                                            Guzan

              Okore                     Vlaar          Senderos

Bacuna                    Westwood       Delph            Bennett
                                     
                                              Cole   

                              Kozak                         Gabby

I think we'd still need strengthening on the left and in central midfield and defence, but it might work.

I would probably play Clark ahead of Senderos for a left footed option. In certain games too, I'd probably swap Cole for a more defensively minded midfielder to slip back in between Delph and Westwood probably.
Of course we have to buy said defensive mid, because our best option currently is Herd.

I would certainly be open to a back 3 though. The key will be having some extra midfield quality, and someone who can keep the ball. Cole could do that. It's important to allow our fullbacks to be pushing further forward and less time being penned back in defence, because that's not their strong suit at all.

Okore's pace also means we can play a higher line with that system, and also, because he's good on the ball he can drive forward and support midfield.

Largely when we played that system last season it was deep, flat back 5, and piss poor ball retention leading to zero attacking threat.
One of the rare times we got it right was against Norwich at home when it was more like a 3-4-1-2, which is more like what the Dutch are playing.

[ozzjim]

A genuinely good holding midfield player would improve us no end and allow us a lot more flexibility in formation.

[tomd2103]

I do wonder if we play 3 centre-backs, maybe Luna/Bennett and Lowton would play better in less defensive positions.

I've been thinking that. Luna and Bacuna might make decent attacking full backs.

We need a proper tough tackling centre midfielder to play in front of the back 3 if that's the case. And more mobile centre backs.

Caught a bit of R5 last night and they were talking about the number of teams employing a back 3 in the World Cup.  Roberto Martinez was on discussing how he likes the system and the benefits it can bring.  I still think it would suit us, but that Lambert hasn't found a way to play it yet. 

When we've played it under Lambert previously, it's been more of a flat five with the three CBs really narrow and marking one man, and our defensively weak full-backs left exposed 2v1.  If we can change it to back three with the wing-backs pushed on further upfield, it suit us.  It would also hopefully give us the opportunity to be a bit more creative and play an attacking midfielder behind a front two.  I could see it being a good system for us to employ at home and could see a starting day line up of something like:

                                            Guzan

              Okore                     Vlaar          Senderos

Bacuna                    Westwood       Delph            Bennett
                                     
                                              Cole   

                              Kozak                         Gabby

I think we'd still need strengthening on the left and in central midfield and defence, but it might work.

I would probably play Clark ahead of Senderos for a left footed option. In certain games too, I'd probably swap Cole for a more defensively minded midfielder to slip back in between Delph and Westwood probably.
Of course we have to buy said defensive mid, because our best option currently is Herd.

I would certainly be open to a back 3 though. The key will be having some extra midfield quality, and someone who can keep the ball. Cole could do that. It's important to allow our fullbacks to be pushing further forward and less time being penned back in defence, because that's not their strong suit at all.

Okore's pace also means we can play a higher line with that system, and also, because he's good on the ball he can drive forward and support midfield.

Largely when we played that system last season it was deep, flat back 5, and piss poor ball retention leading to zero attacking threat.
One of the rare times we got it right was against Norwich at home when it was more like a 3-4-1-2, which is more like what the Dutch are playing.

I have always thought Senderos is left footed, but if not I agree about playing Clark there or perhaps even bringing in a left footed option who could also cover at LB if needed.

[supertom]

I do wonder if we play 3 centre-backs, maybe Luna/Bennett and Lowton would play better in less defensive positions.

I've been thinking that. Luna and Bacuna might make decent attacking full backs.

We need a proper tough tackling centre midfielder to play in front of the back 3 if that's the case. And more mobile centre backs.

Caught a bit of R5 last night and they were talking about the number of teams employing a back 3 in the World Cup.  Roberto Martinez was on discussing how he likes the system and the benefits it can bring.  I still think it would suit us, but that Lambert hasn't found a way to play it yet. 

When we've played it under Lambert previously, it's been more of a flat five with the three CBs really narrow and marking one man, and our defensively weak full-backs left exposed 2v1.  If we can change it to back three with the wing-backs pushed on further upfield, it suit us.  It would also hopefully give us the opportunity to be a bit more creative and play an attacking midfielder behind a front two.  I could see it being a good system for us to employ at home and could see a starting day line up of something like:

                                            Guzan

              Okore                     Vlaar          Senderos

Bacuna                    Westwood       Delph            Bennett
                                     
                                              Cole   

                              Kozak                         Gabby

I think we'd still need strengthening on the left and in central midfield and defence, but it might work.

I would probably play Clark ahead of Senderos for a left footed option. In certain games too, I'd probably swap Cole for a more defensively minded midfielder to slip back in between Delph and Westwood probably.
Of course we have to buy said defensive mid, because our best option currently is Herd.

I would certainly be open to a back 3 though. The key will be having some extra midfield quality, and someone who can keep the ball. Cole could do that. It's important to allow our fullbacks to be pushing further forward and less time being penned back in defence, because that's not their strong suit at all.

Okore's pace also means we can play a higher line with that system, and also, because he's good on the ball he can drive forward and support midfield.

Largely when we played that system last season it was deep, flat back 5, and piss poor ball retention leading to zero attacking threat.
One of the rare times we got it right was against Norwich at home when it was more like a 3-4-1-2, which is more like what the Dutch are playing.

I have always thought Senderos is left footed, but if not I agree about playing Clark there or perhaps even bringing in a left footed option who could also cover at LB if needed.

Have no idea on Senderos. Some might say he's no footed.

[ozzjim]

Mbia on a free is worth a punt in the holding role.

[supertom]

Mbia on a free is worth a punt in the holding role.

I'd go along with that. And still only 28. Don't think there'd be many better in our current budget range.

[ozzjim]

Could play in a back 3 too. Think in our current plight, he would be a damned good signing personally.

[SoccerHQ]

I do wonder if we play 3 centre-backs, maybe Luna/Bennett and Lowton would play better in less defensive positions.

I've been thinking that. Luna and Bacuna might make decent attacking full backs.

We need a proper tough tackling centre midfielder to play in front of the back 3 if that's the case. And more mobile centre backs.

Caught a bit of R5 last night and they were talking about the number of teams employing a back 3 in the World Cup.  Roberto Martinez was on discussing how he likes the system and the benefits it can bring.  I still think it would suit us, but that Lambert hasn't found a way to play it yet. 

When we've played it under Lambert previously, it's been more of a flat five with the three CBs really narrow and marking one man, and our defensively weak full-backs left exposed 2v1.  If we can change it to back three with the wing-backs pushed on further upfield, it suit us.  It would also hopefully give us the opportunity to be a bit more creative and play an attacking midfielder behind a front two.  I could see it being a good system for us to employ at home and could see a starting day line up of something like:

                                            Guzan

              Okore                     Vlaar          Senderos

Bacuna                    Westwood       Delph            Bennett
                                     
                                              Cole   

                              Kozak                         Gabby

I think we'd still need strengthening on the left and in central midfield and defence, but it might work.

It was suiting us in the run up to xmas 2012, we were conceding very few goals even without Vlaar and looking o.k going forward. Then Chelsea away happened and our confidence was shot to pieces and there's been a negative air whenever we've got back to that formation ever since.

[SoccerHQ]

Could play in a back 3 too. Think in our current plight, he would be a damned good signing personally.

Mbia on a free is worth a punt in the holding role.

I'd go along with that. And still only 28. Don't think there'd be many better in our current budget range.

I'm sure from all the money he's made from Cameroon's defeats this summer he's made enough to live on for quite a while.....allegedly!!

Seriously no doubt QPR gave him a decent contract and were probably still paying a fair bit of that when he was at Sevilla so still think he'll be beyond us.

I'd look at someone like Tomas Rincon who's just left Hamburg. Was best player at Copa America 2011 and can play defensive midfielder or right back. Only signed one contract at Hamburg so won't be on a huge amount given he came from Venezuela.

[Merv]

Three at the back, in a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 would work with the players we have - as long as we have the right back three in place. I'd go with Okore, Vlaar and Clark; nice balance there. Senderos as back-up. Lowton and Bennett wing backs. Westwood and Delph centre midfield with Cole as the attacking midfielder. Change him for Bacuna if you want more energy. Two strikers - obviously Benteke when fit with possibly Kozak. Until they're fit, Gabby and Weimann.

Suits us as we have full backs not totally comfortable defensively, and because we have a lack of wide midfield players, currently.

[RussellC]

My worry with a 3-5-2 is that you need to have a lot of possession of the ball in order for it to be effective, which we don't do. Otherwise, you tend to allow the opposition a lot of space to 'attack into' at the back, and consequently your wing-backs get pegged back turning it into a 5-3-2. Similarly, it's not conducive to quick counter-attacking sides because of the lack of width, unless your expecting your wing-backs to be sprinting up-and-down the length of e pitch for 90 minutes. The last time we played this formation effectively was under Little (and then Gregory) when we had a team full of players who were comfortable in possession- including the 3 centre-backs.

I personally think he'll continue to use this formation to make us from time-to-time, depending on available personnel, but doubt that we'll see it too often at home, and definitely not at the very start of the season.

[N'ZMAV]

Whatever system we play we need the players to move more. The lack of movement is awful.