Team v Swans

silverlion

Well-known member
Staff member
Now is the time to build on the momentum of our narrow win against Argyle with a better performance in south Wales. There was much to commend out first half showing and there were at least two who stepped up the the plate and showed what they could do. I am hoping that Azeez has recovered from his cramp like MOM Esse and both can start tomorrow. It is a little bit of a worry that the Swans have not won in five and not scored a goal in four and some cynics on here can see the writing on the wall before it has even been written! However, wins breed confidence and we must been keen to get another game so soon after Argyle and show what we are made of.
Team selection is key and the big question is how we approach the game. Do we go for it and play an attacking line up with the sole aim of getting all three points? Or do we play the sort of defensive game we played at WBA, keep it tight all over the field and hope to get a point? Or play a half way house and keep it tight but try to get a goal or two on the counter attack? The latter would be my guess.
I hope that Marshall has applied extra glue to Jensen’s gloves so the ball sticks and we get not heart in the mouth moments like Wednesday. We won, he kept a clean sheet so that should guarantee he starts tomorrow. Most of the defence picks itself with Leonard at RB, Tango and Cooper as CB’s but does Joe keep his place or is Danny the man to play. It’s a tough call.
If Sav has got his breath back from Wednesday then he should start alongside Casper. Esse is nailed on and my guess would be Azeez on the left. He did look the part as Watmore’s family situation may not have resolved for him to start. Honeyman was running on empty after Wednesday but I guess he will be good to go tomorrow. The Serb stepped up on Wednesday when he was full of running and threat and also a couple of subtle short passes in the box to show he has another side to his game. He should start.

My thoughts are,

Jensen
Leonard Tango Cooper Joe
Sav Casper
Esse Honeyman Azeez
Serb

Subs Roberts Danny Murray Wes Wintle Kelly Massey Emakhu Langstaff
 
I think that will probably be the team but I wouldn't be surprised if Langstaff plays. Esse and Azeez are doubts according to NH as he said they both could have calf problems rather than cramp.
 
Think one or two need a rest to be honest...

I'd be intrigued to see how it would work with DanMac right back, Leonard shifting to CB (In place of Cooper) .. Kelly/Massey for Sav - Or to be safe, Wintle for Sav.

I know Leonard falls under "needing a rest" category but can imagine he'd be solid at CB alongside Tango. Also hasn't got to worry about running up and down the line.
 
Cooper needs dropping, he constantly fouls the oppo by leading with his hands which at some point is going to cost us and recently has developed a habit of getting in Jensons way when the keeper is trying to get the ball from corners and set pieces.
Harding for Cooper.
 
Think one or two need a rest to be honest...

I'd be intrigued to see how it would work with DanMac right back, Leonard shifting to CB (In place of Cooper) .. Kelly/Massey for Sav - Or to be safe, Wintle for Sav.

I know Leonard falls under "needing a rest" category but can imagine he'd be solid at CB alongside Tango. Also hasn't got to worry about running up and down the line.
There’s no way NH is every going to drop Cooper :shake:
 
Cooper needs dropping, he constantly fouls the oppo by leading with his hands which at some point is going to cost us and recently has developed a habit of getting in Jensons way when the keeper is trying to get the ball from corners and set pieces.
Harding for Cooper.
Cooper always looked jittery and uncomfortable when Hutchinson wasn't alongside him. I think Hutchinson was a calming influence and source of confidence for Cooper. His fallibility's are showing now he has a different partner.

Along with that defenders in this division need to be able to play a bit and he can't. Sadly he's looking more and more suited to league one given the demands and pace of this division. He's touching 30 and is a huge frame. He ain't going to get any quicker or sharper at this point in his career.

The more cumbersome he becomes the more mistakes and rash decisions we'll see. Harris's loyalty to one player is honourable but not when it's to the detriment of the team. He has do what's best for the team and that means dropping players out of form whilst trusting the replacement to step up and show his worth.

I don't think it's good for team morale or competition when a player is a shoe in to start regardless of his form and performances. If we can see the accident waiting to happen then so should the coaching staff.
 
Cooper needs dropping, he constantly fouls the oppo by leading with his hands which at some point is going to cost us and recently has developed a habit of getting in Jensons way when the keeper is trying to get the ball from corners and set pieces.
Harding for Cooper.
Lenny last 45 only. He has been blinding & we need to keep him fit. Given how Honeyman has been steaming about I guess he is currently running to Swansea. :unsure:
 
Who would you put in instead? Harding or Wallace are the options right? I thought Harding was decent with the ball at his feet and fairly solid when defending.
I wasn’t saying Cooper should be dropped/rested, I was merely commenting on Zampa96’s post.

But, as you ask, I think Harding is the 2nd best CD. He has more pace than Cooper, Hutch and Murray; is as good in the air defensively; more threatening in opponents boxes and more comfortable on the ball but clearly NH doesn’t rate him and I suspect he’ll be out the door in January which will be a shame 😞
 
Do we have momentum? I just watched two decidedly average performances, with the usual suspects looking as journeyman as ever, just older and slower.
Probably going for another try and shithouse a 0-0 tomorrow.
 
I wasn’t saying Cooper should be dropped/rested, I was merely commenting on Zampa96’s post.
I know. Just wanted your opinion on who's the next best option. I liked Harding and think it's harsh that he can't get a game.

clearly NH doesn’t rate him
I'd love to know.I do wonder if Cooper is being selected due to loyalty rather than ability because i think it's quite clear that Harding is the more capable footballer. If that is the case i think it's poor management in this instance.
 
I know. Just wanted your opinion on who's the next best option. I liked Harding and think it's harsh that he can't get a game.

I'd love to know.I do wonder if Cooper is being selected due to loyalty rather than ability because i think it's quite clear that Harding is the more capable footballer. If that is the case i think it's poor management in this instance.
I quite like Harding too but I think it's hard to drop your captain though unless he's been really terrible which I don't think he has. 5 goals against in 9 games suggest he's not been as bad as people are saying.
Only the QPR one he could have probably done better as got done purely on pace.
Maybe it's as simple as coming back to Harris saying he wants left footed players on the left. I believe Harding is right footed. Hence, our best actual defender Danny Mac being on the bench whilst an often liability Joe Bryan plays. So, could simply be a balance thing.
 
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5 goals against in 9 games suggest he's not been as bad as people are saying.
I did consider that and it's a fair comment. I just don't think he's cut out for this level anymore. He doesn't even look as assured as he once did. It happens to the best of players especially when the game is getting faster. Players are like athletes now and you need pace, agility and good technical ability on the ball.

This division requires a centre half to be a bit more than a good stopper. We saw it with Cresswell, Ballard and Norton Cuffy. They could all play a bit. It might seem harsh but i'm not knocking him cause he's more that served us well but we must keep evolving to the demands of the modern game.
 
I did consider that and it's a fair comment. I just don't think he's cut out for this level anymore. He doesn't even look as assured as he once did. It happens to the best of players especially when the game is getting faster. Players are like athletes now and you need pace, agility and good technical ability on the ball.

This division requires a centre half to be a bit more than a good stopper. We saw it with Cresswell, Ballard and Norton Cuffy. They could all play a bit. It might seem harsh but i'm not knocking him cause he's more that served us well but we must keep evolving to the demands of the modern game.
I agree that he is now one of the "weaker" players in the team. I think it probably just stands out more by the fact that we actually now have some decent ball players.
I certainly wouldn't argue with him being replaced by Harding.
 
I did consider that and it's a fair comment. I just don't think he's cut out for this level anymore. He doesn't even look as assured as he once did. It happens to the best of players especially when the game is getting faster. Players are like athletes now and you need pace, agility and good technical ability on the ball.

This division requires a centre half to be a bit more than a good stopper. We saw it with Cresswell, Ballard and Norton Cuffy. They could all play a bit. It might seem harsh but i'm not knocking him cause he's more that served us well but we must keep evolving to the demands of the modern game.
BNC at Genoa now.
 
. I think it probably just stands out more by the fact that we actually now have some decent ball players.
In a nutshell!!! As i said, Cresswell, Ballard were clearly a mile ahead of our centre halves when it came to technical ability. Cuffey, Tanagnga are of the same ilk and first and foremost ball players. This division has changed and improved quite quickly. You see far less cloggers and lumps in defence from most teams.

Cooper and Hutchinson both improved on the ball quite quickly after Rowett arrived. They started to cushion control the ball and pass to feet more as opposed to clumping it up field. It was quite noticeable from where we mooch about in blocks one and two and pretty much in line with the back four.

I certainly wouldn't argue with him being replaced by Harding.
Indeed. He's quicker and can move the ball about with comfort. But as you rightly stated and something i failed to consider is Cooper is our captain and i completely get that. I actually said either him or Saville once we knew Hutchinson was going to get less game time after his injury.
 
Harding 5’ 11’’
Tanganga 6’ 0’’
Leonard 6’ 1’’
Bryan 5’ 8’’
& McNamara can fit in my pocket.
You can’t have a back four that small in this day & age especially as we’ve got a goalkeeper that doesn’t like coming out for corners. It’s that simple really.
P.s. Cooper is 6’ 6’’ which doesn’t make him a great footballer but his ability on the ball has never been his strong point, it’s just his turn to get picked on
 
it’s just his turn to get picked on
I don't see that he's being picked on i just see people giving there opinions which not everyone is going to agree with. You'll find it happens when a player might be going through a sticky patch. By all accounts he's had a few bumpy moments so it is topical. It's all very civil and quite informative as it happens. There's posters on here that know their stuff and who can be quite enlightening..

As far as i can remember Cooper has never been a target for the twitter mob or negative Normans. I think the posters on here are pretty fair with players. There's certainly no agenda's but most if not all of the players will be a focal point at some point during the season.

Have a moan and move on is how football forums tend to go. Credit and praise is also given when due.This place is no different to any other clubs forum after a defeat or shitshow ( bar the spotters and Nigels of course who ain't anywhere near bloody normal) Social media and the net in general is one big microscope after all!!

Are you going today mate?