Credit to the club for giving it a real go this past month. I don't think anyone can argue that the squad isn't stronger.
We have also operated in a smart way for the first time in a long time , we got the bulk of the business done early not leaving ourselves in a panic yesterday. Barlaser was only allowed to leave once Coventry was in the building, this is how it should be done and we have learned our lessons.
The starting 11 will be interesting against the blades.
I have to agree with Northstand that T.S has made funds available and given it a good go with seven signings and only Barlaser leaving for money and a couple going out on loans. Our squad is now much stronger and i now believe we have a chance of staying in this division.
We have to make two changes from the side that played against Watford last time. Morrison is injured and Barlaser has left. Will M.T stick with just two compulsory changes. I don't think so. i think Wright will come in for Morrison and Coventry for Barlaser. I expect Peltier to stay at right back if we continue with a back four. It looks like Harding has not been in Taylors thoughts for the last few weeks. Will Oddoffin stay in the side? I think he has deserved his chance, but if Quina is fit i think he will go in as an attacking midfielder. I think Hugill will play up front again if he is 100% fit which is a slight doubt apparently.
We now have six loan players available, but only five can be in the matchday squad. A healthy situation to have especially as players like Kelly ,Washington, Eaves and Hall are all nearly ready to play. I know Taylor likes to play with wing backs and i now believe the squad has some wide players but still believe it is best equipped to play 4.3.3 or 4.5.1. I think on saturday against the blades it will be a 4.5.1 formation with a view to keeping it tight, press high and hit them on the counter. I expect a side something like this.
Viking
Peltier Wright Humphries Hjelde
Ogbene Rathbone Coventry Odoffin Fosu
Hugill
Subs to influence the game Kioso, Quina, Ferguson, washington Other subs Wood, Vickers (if Fit) Lindsay.
That leaves Hall, Kelly, Bramhall,Eaves, Harding and Hull(if still here) in the squad.
Not a bad squad to see us safe i hope.
Only change to my team is Hall for Wright which is fair enough. Think Hall and Peltier lack a bit of pace and could be our problem area. No Wood anywhere so his time will be just bit parts. Been a great servant for us. I will go for a 1-1 draw which would be a good result imo.
If you look at the Bristol C. home game on Dec 10th and look at the side now, i think you can see massive improvement in all areas but in particular in the attacking threat. Against Bristol. C. we had Ogbene in a central striking role and wiles as the attacking threat from midfield. We had Norton Cuffey wide right and Bramhall wide left. Imo two young lads learning their trade and finding it difficult. We now have Ogbene and Fosu wide with Hugill as a striker. Add to this the balance in midfield with Rathbone and Odoffin complimenting each other well. i also believe Coventry will settle in well in the Barlaser role. Plenty of potential threats to come on in the likes of Bramhall, Ferguson, Quina, Kelly,Kioso and Washington and i think we have a chance of survival
You have to mention the defence as well which has only conceded one goal in the last three games since going to a back four and playing top six teams as well. A very big game against Blackpool coming up but one in which we should be going to with confidence.
Agree with that assessment Whiston, some good football at times, spoilt by a misplaced pass, but in my view that was due to the new players not being bedded in yet. The intentions were there, the understanding will follow. Looking forward to the next few months now, with much less trepidation.
-- Edited by Unifier on Monday 6th of February 2023 06:19:14 PM
