22 Oct 2019 06:59:17
Looking at the weekend ahead. I am not sure the game is a decider but no matter what slant people put on it, it is a relegation battle. Norwich, who are our new rivals, presently sitting in the bottom three, will be up for it. Expect similar tactics from us as at home v Liverpool but twisted slightly not the same. I expect Martial to play and us to go back to 4231. I wonder if the tactician will try 541 again if leading 1 nil?
At least there are some positives, those below us have either tough games or play each other. Southampton play Leicester which won't be easy, Newcastle play an improving Wolves, Brighton and Everton play each other. Therefore quick maths say regardless of the result we shouldn't drop into the bottom three which is good news.
22 Oct 2019 07:11:44
It's all about confidence and luck for Utd. The players should be more confident after their performance against Liverpool.
When you look at the table were only 9 points behind Man City, 7 points behind Chelsea. If we can find out form and get a good run going. Things will change quite quickly.
Norwich are no push overs. I wonder whether OGS will stick to this new formation, including in the Europa league.
22 Oct 2019 10:12:27
The worrying thing Is, we played well. Our performance has been praised. That was us playing above our normal standard and that was Liverpool having one of their worst games in a long time and we still drew.
Form goes out the window in games like that but we're getting players back, also some confidence. Norwich, Bournemouth, Brighton, Sheffield United and Villa in our next 5 league games. We should be taking a minimum of 12 points. Anything below 9 and the penny will never drop for Ole.
22 Oct 2019 10:35:03
Mumbles,
We nullified Liverpool. We pinned back their full backs. Yet you say its because Liverpool had an off day. When you stop a team from playing their style if football, that is exactly what happens.
Dont forget AWB had just come back from being injured, plus Tuanzebe was injured in the warm up. Pogba is out. Shaw is out. Martial has just come back.
With a little bit of luck, we can quite easily climb up the table.
22 Oct 2019 11:46:03
I think you may see the same formation deployed more often, as it pushes everyone higher up the pitch and allows our strikers come wingers to be used effectively:
De Gea
(Romero)
Lindelof. Maguire. Rojo.
(Tuanzebe) . (Bailly) . (Jones)
Wan Bissaka. Pogba. Matic. Shaw
(Dalot) . (McTomminay) . (Fred) . (Young)
Lingard
(Periera)
Martial. Rashford
(Greenwood) . (James)
Other:
Gomes
Chong
Grant (GK)
Garner
Williams.
22 Oct 2019 12:23:03
Why would Rojo, Matic and Lingard be starters with Tuanzebe, McTominay and James on the bench?
McTom and James have been two of our best players this season, and Rojo is a liability.
22 Oct 2019 12:37:52
Its just an example Danny.
22 Oct 2019 14:00:44
I think Tuanzebe is better than Lindelof. If we play 4 at the back I would have him in ahead of Lindelof every time. I don't rate Lindelof, he's slow, gets pushed off the ball far to easy and isn't that good in the air.
22 Oct 2019 14:12:10
Lindelof is not slow, he has issues with strength and aerial ability, but can work on these. He is the best defensive organiser we have, and his ability to cover fullbacks is an essential skill in the modern era.
Tuanzebe is very promising, but nowhere near Lindelof’s standard right now.
22 Oct 2019 14:42:13
Danny, the make up of who starts or who doesn’t is definitely debatable. The point is the formation and how it seems to suit the current squad.
22 Oct 2019 15:42:17
It’s a formation that can work in certain games, but only if our strategy is to cede position, sit deep, and hope to nick goals on the break. Doesn’t do anything when we play against weaker sides that won’t push forward preventing us from breaking at speed.
It’s Wolves strategy.
23 Oct 2019 08:08:31
We have players coming back from injuries which is a huge boost.
It is the lack of goals which is concerning.
Martial returning could help us with that.
We need the trio of Martial, Rash and James to develop understanding soon to kick start our season.
23 Oct 2019 13:59:45
Harry Maguire is the one that organises the defence not Lindelof.