Team v PNE

[silverlion]

NH said this week ‘so what is missing?’ The simple truth is that we can defend well, the keeper is playing better, the defence is solid, the midfield is busy and creative, we are lively on the flanks and look a threat but we are not good at putting the ball in the back of the onion bag . So, team selection is key to scoring goals and lots of good training at scoring. Add to that we need to have a plan B regarding free kicks and corners. We are so predictable at both these set pieces that teams we play against know exactly what we are going to before we have struck the ball. Forgive the ignorance but surely we can set up a dummy wall at Calmont Road and practice hitting shots right, left and over the wall. We really do have to vary our approach to set pieces and catch out the opposition and score.
Anyway, rant over and onto the team selection.
Jensen has looked OK and should start between the sticks. Leonard has looked solid and should start alongside an impressive Tango and a fitter Cooper. If either are a doubt then Hutch and Wes are standing by. Joe has no real competition as Scanlon is crocked and Murray is only a bit part player now.
Billy is not yet back to full fitness so Sav and Casper should start in the middle. The flanks look good so Esse should start on the right and Watmore on the left. If NH wants ring a change then he could mover Esse into a ten and play Azeez on the right but I think he favours Honeyman in the middle behind Langstaff and maybe the Serb as an option for the last twenty. Who knows?

My thoughts are,

Jensen
Leonard Tango Cooper Joe
Sav Casper
Esse Honeyman Watmore
Langstaff

Subs Roberts Danny Murray Hutch Wintle Kelly Emakhu Azeez Serb

 

[Zampa96]

Think sticking with the same team, to generate some consistency is important. Especially as it'll help NH determine who fits and who doesn't.

Wouldn't mind some changes throughout the game though. By just bringing on one player, you can completely change the aspect of the team.

An example would be, bringing off Honeyman, sticking Esse/Watmore in the 10 role. Throw Azeez/Emakhu on the wing and I think that causes serious issues at the later stages of the game.

Or you go all out.. Bring off Honeyman, bring on the Serb and go 4-4-2, with the Serb and Langstaff up top, Azeez/Watmore/Emahku on the wings, with Sav & De Norre sitting in the middle.

 

[robbo555]

I'm not the manager and thank the Lord I am not, but I'd go old school 4-4-2 and play two strikers. Ivanovic is a talent and I believe in him and Langstaff to scare the shit out of the Preston defence. Miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

Jensen
Leonard Tanganga Cooper Bryan
Esse De Norre Saville Watmore
Ivanovic Langstaff

 

[Lendog]

Wishful thinking I reckon there Robbo. The trouble with leaving Honeyman out is his energy when we don’t have the ball

 

[Lionman]

We are on a very fortunate position (injuries aside) but why Honeyman targeted as the one to drop out. He has been outstanding both on and off the ball the last few games

 

[Poplar Lion]

I've said it before, Honeyman is the key is this line up. Take him out and we stop winning the ball high up the pitch, which is why we are creating more chances.