Will having Haji Wright back throw us off? (10 Viewers)

[TomRad85]

If we get the opportunity I'd try Wright in place of Sakamoto for those short cameos and see how he gets on on the right. If not then they could try EMC on the right and see if he can improve on his earlier performances there no he has a bit of confidence.

If neither work on the right then Wright may be used centrally as a sub to give Simms a rest.

If that doesn't work then one of Wright and EMC will play LW, th other will have to be on the bench. At the moment it's EMC's shirt to lose.

People sleep on EMC. Class player, could probably get as good as Wright, although slightly different in time. Like Wright, he's also one of a small handful that i'd be happy to give a go in the Prem if we did somehow manage to go up.

 

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[We'll_live_and_die]

Wright will need to get back up to speed, most likely as a sub for EMC in 20-30 minute cameos. Once fully match fit I'd like to see Wright on the left, and EMC tested on the right - especially now he's been in such good form. I don't think you should drop Simms at the moment.

I think this is the way. Saka hasn't been as brave this season as he was before the big injury last season. EMC on the right, with his current form and Wright on the left could provide us with the attacking ability to sort that GD out.

 

[skyblue_55]

What a great week for Frank , Joe & Chris to have ?
With Hadji now near fitness, albeit , not quite match fit , Sheaf a little nearer & Ephron back , the options will have been worked on , as to the different permutations.
Oxford , just like ourselves, won’t have a clue as to what players might be included, but even as 60 minute subs , all of these , plus Paterson , Asante & Bassette , we won’t be going there for a draw !
CTID

 

[Lamps]

Not something to worry about for a bit. EMC isn't match fit yet. Wright isn't even back yet. At the start it will be 70 to 80 minutes for EMC and Wright to finish the games. When EMC is up to speed we could do a bit of switching Simms with Wright.

Then will come the decisions. Play 2 up front with Wright to the left Simms to the right when attacking? Replace Simms with Wright? EMC on the left and Wright given the freedom left to middle? Swap Saka for Wright?

Hopefully Wright will be back in the next week or so. We have 4 games up to and including the Sunderland game. Then we have 2 weeks off. Plenty of time to work out a new system with Wright playing.

 

[covcity4life]

First ppl scared return to 433 will mess us up now it's the return of Haji lol

 

[fatso]

Just having Wright on the bench will keep Simms, EMC, and even Sakamoto on their toes and ensure standards don't drop.

Once fit enough I expect him to be given 20 minutes here and there, then it's up to all the front players to fight for their places.

That's a nice position for Frank to be in, at last we've got quality replacements and plenty of cover available should he want to rest anyone.

 

[fernandopartridge]

Play both LW fuck it why not? Overloads galore. Let the opposition figure it out.

I knew you'd realise the left is the best place to be eventually

 

[COVKIDSNEVERQUIT]

People sleep on EMC. Class player, could probably get as good as Wright, although slightly different in time. Like Wright, he's also one of a small handful that i'd be happy to give a go in the Prem if we did somehow manage to go up.

EMC, remember what people we're saying at the start of the season, "not worth the money"

Just goes to show some players need time to develop.

 

[TomRad85]

EMC, remember what people we're saying at the start of the season, "not worth the money"

Just goes to show some players need time to develop.

A lot of our fans are awful judges of a player tbh.

 

[Sky Blue Pete]

The answer of course is an emphatic no
He is our most influential player and is a top player that most teams in the championship and some in the premier league would love to have

 

[PVA]

Nice problem to have.

I think a front three of EMC – Wright – Sakamoto is our strongest on paper when everyone is fully fit, interested to see how it works in reality.

 

[stupot07]

I feel it's most likely that he'll share roles with EMC and Simms

People forget the work Sakamoto does out of possession. Either by orders or not EMC rarely works back so you need the other winger to do that work, to get back into a 442 behind the ball out of possession.

Simms will likely be the one that misses out when he's full fit, EMC - Wright - Sakamoto

 

[Captain Dart]

People forget the work Sakamoto does out of possession. Either by orders or not EMC rarely works back so you need the other winger to do that work, to get back into a 442 behind the ball out of possession.

Simms will likely be the one that misses out when he's full fit, EMC - Wright - Sakamoto

EMC does plenty of defensive work and a damn sight more effectively than Haji in my opinion.

 

[ccfc1234]

Thankfully we have the squad to manage Wright back into the team gradually. Personally I hope we persist with Simms in the centre, I just feel his physicality is something nobody else in the squad can offer.

EMC looks so good from the left so I would be tempted to try Wright off the right. Obviously not Ideal but we should at least see if he feels comfortable

Could we not fit them all in like this

4-4-2

Dovin
MVE Thomas Kitching Bidwell
Rudi Grimes Sheaf EMC
Simms Wright

 

[Briles]

I think it's really good timing. As teams think they've got us figured out we chuck in our biggest goal threat. Bring it on

 

[hinckley cov]

Wrights been out for quite a while now, so I expect him to start on the bench for a few games as it will take him a few weeks to get up too speed .

 

[Alkhen]

Could we not fit them all in like this

4-4-2

Dovin
MVE Thomas Kitching Bidwell
Rudi Grimes Sheaf EMC
Simms Wright

Maybe but Lampard likes wingers, he's been itching to get back to 433 I reckon

 

[TomS91]

Decent video that. One thing that was interesting and it's Grimes xA. Obviously it's with a pinch of salt but he's only played 3 and a bit games and already has an xA of 4.6 (Rudi top with 8.6).

I think it’s his total season, including time with Swansea.

 

[stupot07]

I think it’s his total season, including time with Swansea.

Yeah it will be the whole season.

 

[rob9872]

I can see a lot of words on this thread, when just one will do:

NO

 

[steve101]

I think his best performances are on the left but I think we would be more solid defensively with him in the centre, where he can be relieved of tracking back. Not sure Paterson will get a look in though when Wright is fit, nor Raphael.

 

[Fluffsta]

Maybe but Lampard likes wingers, he's been itching to get back to 433 I reckon

Even when we play 4-4-2 Lampard likes to switch to a 4-3-3 when we are attacking and back to a 4-4-2 when under some pressure.

 

[Telfer85]

I think it’s a great selection headache for us to have. It really feels like this season we’ve got the strongest squad we’ve had for a long time.

My only reservation with having emc simms and wright on the field at same time is the defensive aspect of things. There were times on sat when Bidwell kept getting caught cause EMC wasn’t great at getting back and bidders couldn’t cover both the winger and right back.

The other side saka offered better cover for MVE and less came down that side. Add wright down there and I think you will get the same as EMC which potentially leaves us vulnerable on both the wings especially if MVE bombs on as he does.

You can counteract that by just sitting grimes and sheaf to cover but at the cost of some creativity possibly. Just something we’d have to be weary of and being more selective when certain players join the attack but hopefully we would be scoring plenty down the other end.

 

[Monty]

If we get the opportunity I'd try Wright in place of Sakamoto for those short cameos and see how he gets on on the right. If not then they could try EMC on the right and see if he can improve on his earlier performances there no he has a bit of confidence.

If neither work on the right then Wright may be used centrally as a sub to give Simms a rest.

If that doesn't work then one of Wright and EMC will play LW, th other will have to be on the bench. At the moment it's EMC's shirt to lose.

Fully agree the best time to have a look is those 20 mins after substitutions. They could certainly try Wright on the right, but could swap EMC over as well and allow Wright on the left the options are there. What we need to remember at the moment is EMC cannot currently last 90 mins. He is building back up to the full 90 son would expect Wright for EMC for a couple of weeks.

 

[SkyBlueAussie]

As good as Haji Wright is, he is not the Messiah, and he has been out for 4 months.
I am expecting him to be introduced very slowly.

 

[Lamps]

As good as Haji Wright is, he is not the Messiah, and he has been out for 4 months.
I am expecting him to be introduced very slowly.

There's no way he'll get more than about 20 minutes a game to start with. We have EMC that isn't up to speed yet so will most probably swap them over.

 

[robbiekeane]

only a cov fan would start a discussion about whether having our record signing and best player back in the team would be a good thing or a bad thing

 

[Lamps]

only a cov fan would start a discussion about whether having our record signing and best player back in the team would be a good thing or a bad thing

This 'we're Coventry' thing seems to be getting to many. If we were sitting in 5th or 6th we would know we would most probably just be playing for 6th place now with a team coming from nowhere and winning 7 from 8.

It's even good the way EMC and Wright have come back close together. We will be able to continue with the same tactics when swapping them as they get up to match fitness as they can play in the same position.

Wright is going to be a monster with the way we're playing high balls into the box. Why would anyone not want him back in the side?

 

[Cally Fedora]

Shouldn’t throw us off as long as Lampard doesn’t start changing (winning) things. It’s more depth and means we have two great options LW.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

Shouldn’t throw us off as long as Lampard doesn’t start changing (winning) things. It’s more depth and means we have two great options LW.

What is Sakamoto actually offering the team in attack? I came across which appears to support the view that he’s not that effectual.

 

[TomRad85]

What is Sakamoto actually offering the team in attack? I came across which appears to support the view that he’s not that effectual.

I support that Wright will probably have more of a part to play than simply a left wing option for Lampard. He'll be tried in other positions i'm sure of it and anyone who thinks we won't at least want to try getting EMC and Wright on the pitch at the same time is frankly stupid. I don't however support the growing thinking on the forum that Sakamoto has been useless this season. He's not hit the heights of last seasons purple patch but i think he's been decent enough since Lampard has taken over, more so when we're playing a 433, and i think he still offers something a bit different which is good.

 

[mmttww]

What is Sakamoto actually offering the team...?

He keeps possession as well if not better than anyone else that plays across the front three. He helps us get up the pitch and stay there. Ideally you'd have someone in that position that offers a bit more but I don't think we're carrying him. He does a lot of good.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

I support that Wright will probably have more of a part to play than simply a left wing option for Lampard. He'll be tried in other positions i'm sure of it and anyone who thinks who won't at least want to try getting EMC and Wright on the pitch at he same time is frankly stupid. I don't however support the growing thinking on the forum that Sakamoto has been useless this season. He's not hit the heights of last seasons purple patch but i think he's been decent enough since Lampard has taken over, more so when we're playing a 433, and i think he still offers something a bit different which is good.

The narrative that EMC or Wright can’t play RW is irritating now. Wright had nearly played LW before coming here, it was made to work. EMC played a lot of football at RW too. Looking at the tactical roles, neither is used as a traditional winger and they both bomb into the box. Even Sakamoto has come close 3-4 times with headers at the back post and he’s our smallest player. Imagine putting Haji there instead?

I do like Sakamoto and he offers a lot in the defensive facets of the game and is a tricky dribbler. However, this view that the MVE-Sakamoto axis cannot be broken is silly imo.

Haji, Simms and EMC are our top 3 goal scorers, we’re not going to leave one of them on the bench unless it’s absolutely clear the combination doesn’t work. Which we won’t know until it’s been tried for a stretch of 5-10 games.

 

[TomRad85]

The narrative that EMC or Wright can’t play RW is irritating now. Wright had nearly played LW before coming here, it was made to work. EMC played a lot of football at RW too. Looking at the tactical roles, neither is used as a traditional winger and they both bomb into the box. Even Sakamoto has come close 3-4 times with headers at the back post and he’s our smallest player. Imagine putting Haji there instead?

I do like Sakamoto and he offers a lot in the defensive facets of the game and is a tricky dribbler. However, this view that the MVE-Sakamoto axis cannot be broken is silly imo.

Haji, Simms and EMC are our top 3 goal scorers, we’re not going to leave one of them on the bench unless it’s absolutely clear the combination doesn’t work. Which we won’t know until it’s been tried for a stretch of 5-10 games.

I mostly agree with that.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

He keeps possession as well if not better than anyone else that plays across the front three. He helps us get up the pitch and stay there. Ideally you'd have someone in that position that offers a bit more but I don't think we're carrying him. He does a lot of good.

I was careful to say in attack. The best argument for playing him is his defensive actions and that there could be a risk that Wright and EMC would leave us too open. If we did play both, we’d probably defend in a 4-4-2 (which we do a lot) with Rudoni covering at RM, Haji and Simms up top for the counter.

He’s a winger, we want him taking players on and chipping in with goal contributions. There’s better players than him available to us and whilst there is still a role for him, I expect it’ll be as a role player.