It's Cardiff up next at NYS. This is a team who have taken seven points from their last fifteen including a 2-0 win over an in form Bristol. C. They sit just below us in the league so some are saying it is a must win game. I think it is more of a must not lose game. A draw would be just about ok imo.
It's fairly easy to see why Cardiff are languishing just above the drop zone. Lack of goals. They are the lowest scorers in the league with only 28 goals scored. However, you have to go up to eleventh in the league Preston to find a team who has conceded fewer goals. They will keep it tight and try and nick the game.
What about us? We have key players out Hall, Rathbone, Wiles, Wright and some imo who need resting, Ferguson, Harding and Odoffin. You could put Hjelde into that bracket but for me he is just about the only option at left back if we play a flat back four. Some tough decisions for Taylor to make re personnel and formation. some of the players who imo need resting will have to play today.
I would stick to a back four personally as our best performances of late have come with that formation. The one doubt is with Rathbone out, is it now the best way to go? Lindsay hasn't really impressed this season but i feel he is the only player in the club who can do a similar job to Rathbone (much weakened version). I would put Peltier at right back and if fit to play ninety minutes put Blackett at the side of Humphries. My team would be and it lacks a bit of creativity so i will tip a 0-0 draw.
Can I take it that this is still your preferred choice for the replayed match, Whiston, or will you be having a rethink? I bet Matt Taylor will be scratching his head, and hoping for some injury returns, particularly to his midfield players.
It will be interesting to see when the match is to be rescheduled for, it certainly won't help Cardiff fans to have to travel on a midweek evening. It seems we were the big winners out of the divine intervention, and I feel sorry for the Cardiff supporters who had made the trip on Saturday and will have had their hopes raised for a win as they were leading 1 - 0.
I am hoping in a couple of weeks time when we play Hull we have other choices to put in the team. if we haven't then i think we will be in trouble. I agree with you Unifier about the midfield as we just don't seem to able to move it quickly enough and have lost the high press produced against Sunderland and Blackburn.
We certainly were the big winners yesterday.Without Hall and Morrison the defence looks suspect. Not sure Bailey wright should be anywhere near the team and Peltier has struggled lately at centre back and right back, Does he recall Wood?. Not sure, he will not lack for leadership and battling qualities but might for pace and stamina. Can Odoffin play centre back? Again not sure. The answer might be a fit Blackett at the side of Humphries.
i think i will l refrain from picking a side and formation until the eve of the Hull game. Lots for Taylor to ponder. Does he play a flat back four or revert to 3.5.2. If he goes with the latter who will he use as wing backs and who will partner Hugill up front. Big decisions to be made. We played a get out of jail card yesterday and i feel we have none left. I still believe six or seven points will keep us up, getting them might be harder than it looks.
Fosu has ability but there is so much focus and in some ways pressure on him to create that i think its a bit overwhelming for him and he is almost trying too hard to create and beat men. Coventry has been a real disappointment he offers us no bite or protection in front of the back four and his use of the ball is too passive. Odoffin although a willing tryer is limited also.
Whiston agree on Wright, i can see why Taylor went for him Saturday as by all accounts he is a player known for his battling qualities but not been impressed each time i have seen him play. I think Blackett probably needs a go with Humphries.
