Seeing that Pardew likes to play 4-5-1 against the physical teams in this league will he go back to that or play the same way as the last couple of games?
He may start with Big Chris as they're one of his old teams, but that didn't work well against Colchester! I hope it's Varney and Gray, as Gray is better at holding the ball up and doesn't mind 4-4-2 or 4-5-1.
Nah i thought magic had a brilliant game against watford, him and paddy looked very comfortable bar the shit goal they scored i would stick with them two!If i was going to drop magic i would put fortune there as he is a bit tougher and knows the stoke strike partnership well!
Sodje has to play and I don't know what Ambrose can do to satisfy some people - he scored our goal against Watford and set up all four against Blackpool.
It is anyone of three alongside Sodje, think I'd go for McCarthy for his extra strength - not convinced by him but the same goes for the other two.
Weaver Moo2 Sodje McCarthyYouga Thomas/Sam Holland ZZ Ambrose Varney Gray
Why does know one like Ambrose, he has his bad games but mostly he is brilliant and is one of our only players that trys to shoot from more than five yards out.
[cite]Posted By: Valley_McMoist[/cite]Still not convinced about Paddy Mc and Ambrose is as waste of space, IMO. He's only had one good game this year.
What was Ambrose's only good game: Blackpool, Ipswich or Watford? Without him we wouldn't have got any points from those.
Set up goals against Blackpool, scord two against Ipswich and scored the equalizer against watford.
[cite]Posted By: chirpy red jnr[/cite]Why does know one like Ambrose, he has his bad games but mostly he is brilliant and is one of our only players that trys to shoot from more than five yards out.
I like him chirpy - in a manly way. However, still not sure about Pady, my back 4 would be Moots, Sodje, Fortune, Kelly.
Midfield Thomas, ZZ, Ambrose, Holland
Gray, Varney
Randolph, Bhougherra, Iwelumo, Dickson / McLeod, Sam - not sure between Mc and Dick - speed versus goal potential
I'd go for maximum pace, that is what they are least able to cope with in my view. So no room for Big C and I'm not sure I'd start with Andy G either, but there you go, fickle...
Agree with the defense of Ambrose. I've always got infuriated by him but he's had some good games this season. Thomas has the ability but doesn't put in enough effort. We've had enough of players like that over the last two years.
[cite]Posted By: pickwick[/cite]I'd go for maximum pace, that is what they are least able to cope with in my view. So no room for Big C and I'm not sure I'd start with Andy G either, but there you go, fickle...
What do we know, he'll probably go 4-5-1 with McCLeod!!!
I don't think our defence is that bad in all honesty (5th best I think...). They are annoying silly goals granted but i think the current defensive partnership is working well at the moment.
I'd stay with the same team against Watford to start with, apart from starting Gray with Varney, with the option of Iwelumo to come one if we are losing the physical battle, Thomas to come on if one of the wide men aren't in it, and Fortune to come in if one of the centre halves is struggling.
I can't see Iwelumo and Gray starting up front together, that seems like two hold-up type players together, where would the pace come from? Think he'll definitely start Gray either alone or with Varney (preferable for me). I have enjoyed watching Sam this season has done well but hasn't looked as effective last couple still think he has done enough for us this season to deserve the opportunity to get back in form. Wouldn't put Thomas in, prefer Ambrose, he can be just as ineffective as Thomas but at least he does put in match_winning performaces as well, when was the last time Thomas did?
I would be surprised if Pards having paid £1.5m for Gray doesnt start him from the beginning. I cant see hes going to drop Varney so Iwelumo on the bench for me in a 4 4 2. Unless Pards wants to have Iwelumo for his physical presence in which case it may be worth putting Varney in Sams position. Ambrose and Varney might be a good balance of skill and pace.
If Thomas doesnt feature tomorrow night he must be on his way. Ambrose isnt really a wide man but seems to influence results of games more than Sam.
ZZ and Holland inked in central midfield.
I would stick with the same back 4. Moo2,McCart,Boogy,Youga. BUT.......my god will they need to be disciplined against Stoke. We cant afford for Youga,Moo2 and Bougy to have too many of those extravagant/sloppy periods of play.
I can see the game ending with less than 22 men on the pitch and I hope its not us thats reduced this time.
Think the formation Pards goes with will show how much faith he has in the team at the moment (or not). Personally it's 4-4-2 for me all day long, so what they are a a big side let's get at them from the start & run them off the pitch with pace. I am sick & tired of worrying about the oppo, WE are at Home they should be worried about US.
Comments
Yeah 4-4-2. He might start with Big Chris though, as Stoke have plenty of height, and bring on Gray after 55-60 or if we're down.
Weaver
Moo2
Boogie
Fortune
Youga
Holland
Sam
Thomas
ZZ
Varney
Gray
I'd have Paddy Mc and Ambrose intead of Thomas and Fortune. Fortune is our best CB but Boughy and Paddy may be forming a decent partnership.
Compared to Thomas who has been outstanding, had loads of assists and scored over 5 goals?
It is anyone of three alongside Sodje, think I'd go for McCarthy for his extra strength - not convinced by him but the same goes for the other two.
Weaver
Moo2 Sodje McCarthyYouga
Thomas/Sam Holland ZZ Ambrose
Varney Gray
What was Ambrose's only good game: Blackpool, Ipswich or Watford? Without him we wouldn't have got any points from those.
Set up goals against Blackpool, scord two against Ipswich and scored the equalizer against watford.
I like him chirpy - in a manly way. However, still not sure about Pady, my back 4 would be Moots, Sodje, Fortune, Kelly.
Midfield Thomas, ZZ, Ambrose, Holland
Gray, Varney
Randolph, Bhougherra, Iwelumo, Dickson / McLeod, Sam - not sure between Mc and Dick - speed versus goal potential
What do we know, he'll probably go 4-5-1 with McCLeod!!!
I reckon we could see Iwelelumo and Gray upfront
Weaver
Mccarthey
Boogie
Youga
Moots
Holland
ZZ
Ambrose
Varney
Gray
Iwellumo
subs
Dickson,Randolph,sodje,Bassey,Sam
If Thomas doesnt feature tomorrow night he must be on his way. Ambrose isnt really a wide man but seems to influence results of games more than Sam.
ZZ and Holland inked in central midfield.
I would stick with the same back 4. Moo2,McCart,Boogy,Youga. BUT.......my god will they need to be disciplined against Stoke. We cant afford for Youga,Moo2 and Bougy to have too many of those extravagant/sloppy periods of play.
I can see the game ending with less than 22 men on the pitch and I hope its not us thats reduced this time.