Caught between 2 styles (1 Viewer)

SkyblueTexan said:

I think we might have to change formation and style of play against the better sides in this division. We're too predictable and that becomes a problem. Teams are pressing and easily picking the ball off of our mistakes and giveaways. Perhaps we pick the best available XI, pack the midfield in order to bridge the gap from defence to attack and play a more counter-attacking style of play than how we've been used to playing. That might call for some players to be played out of position and who may need to adapt to slightly different roles. It might be less pleasing on the eye, but it's about survival and putting points on the board.

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SkyblueTexan said:

To add to my prior comment, I think we should play a more compact and counter attacking style of play that packs the midfield to stifle the opposition like a 4-5-1. Play shorter passes and navigate around the opposing midfielders who have been pouncing on our misplaced passes where our players seem isolated at times. This style would work better against the press and not have our midfield overrun by the better teams. We need to adapt and evolve and not be set in our ways. It's about survival and putting points on the board and trying out different schemes (at the end of the day it's 11 vs 11 and seeing what might help unlock an opposing defence). You might think I'm radical to suggest this, but I'd move Dabo to the right side of midfield and Giles to the left side of midfield (they already work down the flanks anyway). But I'd have Fadz, Ostergard, Hyam and Rose as my back 4. One of them can play right back and another as left back so that Dabo and Giles can play a more advanced role and cut out opposing attacks further upfield and not have to burn so much energy running back to defence. In any event, one of the back 4 should be able to cut out the danger on either flank should the opposition advance down the wings. Plus, Dabo and Giles can drop back as needed for cover as well. With Dabo and Giles playing either side of midfield, the middle of the park should include 3 out of the following: Hamer (when not suspended), COH, Kelly, Sheaf, Allen and Shipley (possibly in that order). That would leave Godden upfront. Many have suggested giving Baka a spell or two to bully opposing defences and I agree. Walker also needs to be given chances to exploit his pace. McCallum should also help cover for Giles or the left back position as needed. Hope Hillsner comes good and offers something for the midfield as well. Hope Dacosta recovers and offers something for the defence.

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Kane said:

Giles - major problem for the team. Defends like he is playing against COVID, always kept his social distance when defending. As a result it starts the unbalance, because the 3CBs shift across to over compensate for him, then that causes Dabo to play deep and sometimes ends up at the centre back position. Giles attack play in general is good, but for every good attack he produces, he allows the other team to have 4 easy attacks on our defence. McCallum in Giles.

Leo - problematic to our balance. With sloppy passing, holding onto the ball far too long allows teams to easily press us. Leo is not able to suck in the opposition by stepping pass a man to create the extra space for everyone else. Rose in for Leo.

Hamer - basic discipline and total concentration. Great set pieces and some great attacking play, however the concentration and discipline for the entire match could be problematic. When Hamer lose concentration and contributing to some sloppy passes, it causes major problems, which we will continue to get punished for them. I think when Hamer gets his concentration and discipline under control the team will play better.

Dabo has not had a pre season and has been rushed back, so technically he should not be starting. Need to give him another 3-4 weeks to get match fitness. However we have got someone who can challenge an unfit Dabo at the moment.

I think we will get better and be fine, once Kelly, Rose, McCallum and Dabo fitness is back.

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The Philosopher said:

But they will. It seems that other teams have learnt to set up that way against us.

The way to overcome this is to have a physical / pacy player somewhere in our front 3. O hare, Allen, Godden are individually good but don’t provide the over the top option that would stop the opposition pressing high.

You can see why Kastaneer, Baka and Jobello were drafted in when the system was devised. Walker might be an option in place of Allen but having 3 smaller players up front isn’t, in my limited opinion, isn’t sensible. A physical outlet up front stops the opposition defensive midfielder raiding forward.

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Dickie said:

Max as an option if needed?

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