Tactics for Saturday
Time to put the lacklustre performance at Manchester United behind us and focus on one of the key fixtures of the year against Chel$ski on Saturday. One last thought about Old Trafford: we had 49% of the possession but only two shots on target, although less possession and the same number of shots was enough to get the Baggies a draw at Highbury.
Which links to the problem we face against the Beach Boys. Chelsea have only let in three goals away from home all season. Is our strike force really going to penetrate their defence? Actually, I think that if anyone does score it will be someone like the Herminator making his towering presence felt at a set piece.
There was an interesting discussion about tactics on the excellent internet radio programme Charlton Live last night hosted by Big Brian Cole and Kevin 'The Knowledge' Portch. The clear preference of the fans contacting the programme was for an attacking strategy, even if it invited a heavy defeat. However, we are unlikely to get such an approach. Curbs is nothing if not cautious which is both a strength and a weakness.
Who should we play up front? Not Lisbie who has an unfortunate difficulty in scoring goals. JJ looked good against Norwich but they are essentially a Division 1 side. Bartlett, yes, and probably Jeffers. He hasn't played much because he hasn't impressed except against Villa, but this is the match to give him a chance. I would then drop Holland and bring in Euell as an attacking midfielder. I also thought that Jerome Thomas had problems at Old Trafford and a difficult choice is whether to use him at The Valley. Will he be able to create as much space against Chel$ki as he did against Norwich? Rommedahl must have a role at least on the bench. Kishishev will no doubt feature and is favoured by fans for his commitment. Let's hope he avoids any errors.
I'm not sure I agree with the popular diagnosis that the team lacks commitment and passion. I think that they lack skill compared to the players from better resourced clubs. This is most evident in the lack of a clear first choice striker.
What is important is that the crowd really gets behind the team on Saturday and tries to lift them. Meanwhile, on Tuesday night, I have a genuinely unpredictable match to go to: the FA Vase replay between Leamington and Loughborough Dynamo following Saturday's dramatic 1-1 draw.
Which links to the problem we face against the Beach Boys. Chelsea have only let in three goals away from home all season. Is our strike force really going to penetrate their defence? Actually, I think that if anyone does score it will be someone like the Herminator making his towering presence felt at a set piece.
There was an interesting discussion about tactics on the excellent internet radio programme Charlton Live last night hosted by Big Brian Cole and Kevin 'The Knowledge' Portch. The clear preference of the fans contacting the programme was for an attacking strategy, even if it invited a heavy defeat. However, we are unlikely to get such an approach. Curbs is nothing if not cautious which is both a strength and a weakness.
Who should we play up front? Not Lisbie who has an unfortunate difficulty in scoring goals. JJ looked good against Norwich but they are essentially a Division 1 side. Bartlett, yes, and probably Jeffers. He hasn't played much because he hasn't impressed except against Villa, but this is the match to give him a chance. I would then drop Holland and bring in Euell as an attacking midfielder. I also thought that Jerome Thomas had problems at Old Trafford and a difficult choice is whether to use him at The Valley. Will he be able to create as much space against Chel$ki as he did against Norwich? Rommedahl must have a role at least on the bench. Kishishev will no doubt feature and is favoured by fans for his commitment. Let's hope he avoids any errors.
I'm not sure I agree with the popular diagnosis that the team lacks commitment and passion. I think that they lack skill compared to the players from better resourced clubs. This is most evident in the lack of a clear first choice striker.
What is important is that the crowd really gets behind the team on Saturday and tries to lift them. Meanwhile, on Tuesday night, I have a genuinely unpredictable match to go to: the FA Vase replay between Leamington and Loughborough Dynamo following Saturday's dramatic 1-1 draw.
posted by Wyn Grant at 9:10 AM
1 Comments:
I agree with Ken. Put the racehorse in there. In fact, if we were to go with a 4-3-3, you could put Jeffers up front and Rommedahl on the right and have more speed and a more potent attack. Get to ball to the wings of Jerome and Dennis and have them serve into Franny.
On top of that, if Murphy can't get it done in the middle, get Euell back on the pitch.
If you go 4-4-2, you could still start Holland and Murphy in the middle with Kishishev and Thomas on the outside. Then put Rommedahl forward with Jeffers.
Post a Comment
<< Home