I think most would say that our first choice front 2 is Anyinsah and Benson, but Parky seems to favour Abbott as third choice. I must admit that this baffles me as IMO Sodje would be by far a better alternative. I'm under no illusions about the shortcomings in his game and I know he can have real stinkers but he does have the physicality and pace to keep defenders honest where as from what I have seen, Abbott is pretty innefective. Also, Sodje looked excellent when he came on with Anyinsah agaisnt Notts County and maybe Parky is missing a trick here. Ask yourselves - if you had to pick facing Abbott or Sodje - who would you choose? He may not be fully fit or there may be other reasons but or 3rd choice striker is quite an important position and getting it wrong could cost us so I hope if Sodje is fit- Parky has a good think about this.
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Akpo also has a fairly decent gals to game ratio for us, and I would think he would score more goals than Abbott over a season
seriously, if you stuck the ball on the penalty spot with an empty goal in front of them and gave Abbott and Sodje ten shots each you'd get your answer. And it wouldn't be Akpo.
I don't think it's really an either/or decision as to who is 3rd choice. They're both different strikers and it would depend on the context of the game when a change was required.
Oh, hang on, I forgot Benson is good now even though he was rubbish a few weeks back.
But it seems we need to have a player to moan about even when we are winning.
who is moaning. I think Muttley's was a valid question.
It was a valid question. It was some of the responses.
Spot on. Different strikers and who plays will depend on who partnering them, the opposition etc.
Personally I prefer Sodje. He's did well v Bournemouth and Orient this season already but Abbott has a lot of experience which will come in handy.
He's also scored three goals. Not great but not shabby either. Reviews early on were very good.
Thing is he was never very mobile but he can be a very good hold up player and can finish.
If he was paired with Anyinsah rather than Benson I think we'd see the best of him but right now Benson and Smokin' Joe deserve to be the two up top.
Benson and Abbot hasn't really clicked as a pair yet, whereas Abbott and Martin have looked on each other's wave length(ish) in a couple of games.
Horses for courses innit.
Wouldn't play Benson and Abbott together again unless we have no other decent options.
As I said the other day, and Henry has said the same, Abbott would surely look better alongside Anyinsah.
Sodje isn't great to watch but on form he causes problems and we create chances. Agree with Muttley that while he's not a great finisher, he's more likely to get on the end of a chance than Abbott. Saying that his goalscoring record is pretty good for someone who rarely gets a run in our side.
Except for the paint-pot against Southend where we played 4-3-3. Dare we suggest that PP is finally looking for a plan B?
Basically what Henry said.
I'm inclined to think Parky has already paired every conceivable combination in training games, so has a fair idea who works best with another.
IMO Akpo's biggest weakness (no Large, not just in front of goal) ........is his lack of hold up play. All the other strikers are reasonably capable of bringing the ball down and laying it off - but whenever I've seen Akpo in that target man role, the ball never sticks and comes straight back putting our defence under pressure.
Now Akpo alongside a hold up player I've no problem with ....he's capable enough, even in front of goal as his career stats show.
Akpo's hardworking, a great battering ram and he's brave.
Abbot, while lacking mobility and evidently in desperate need of a goal, is a decent combination of target man and striker.
Joe has great strength, decent touch, good running .....but above all gives us the pace and mobility to work the channels.
Benson can do a bit of most things, but basically just predatory.
While it's one thing to highlight players' weaknesses, remember they also have their strengths.
Of course he's crap,he is unable to hold down a starting place in a thrid division team, but he's our crap!!
So should be starting.
;o)