Midfield Fluency

After recent months, I really feel our greatest concern is the lack of fluency an control in midfield. We do have issues with the make up / combination of our strikers, but their effectiveness is almost rendered moot by the lack of any quality service.

Most striking is our total failure to comfortably retain possession, and gradually move up the pitch with the ball into the final third to build concerted pressure. The likes of Holt and Becchio have clear limitations, but we've barely even given them a sniff to come alive in the box. Everything in midfield is bits and pieces play, nobody taking responsibility to put their foot on the ball.

Tettey is a loss, and we need him back soon, as his genuine energy is important and compensates for lack of finesse at times. Assuming he returns in two weeks, I think now is the time to have a look at him alongside Fox in the middle.

I'm well aware Fox hasn't shone in his cup games, but equally Howson really hasn't done enough in his starts to justify being ahead in the pecking order, he lacks confidence and has become ponderous in possession. After 1 win in 12, what is lost by having a look?

BJ gets my nod ahead of Howson alongside Fox for now until Tettey returns, but his limited passing ability has been painfully evident in recent weeks. If we are going to improve and control more games in the Prem, we have to learn to love possession.

The games against Sunderland, And in particular Wigan and Swansea should suit Fox, and I think we really do need to give it a go now.

I also think now is the time to bring back Whittaker for Martin. No sleight on Martin, but the win stats back up Whittaker, and Snodgrass' best form came alongside him. Again, why not worth a go?

My team for the next few weeks, going back to 4-2-3-1 to help us keep the ball, and assuming Tettey back and Pilks injured:

Bunn

Whittaker, Turner, Bassong, Garrido

Fox, Tettey (Johnson)

Snod, Hoolahan, Kamara

Holt

Posted By: canary_don on March 10th 2013 at 11:57:47

Message Thread

Reply to Message

In order to add a post to the WotB Message Board you must be a registered WotB user.

If you are not yet registered then please visit the registration page. You should ensure that their browser is setup to accept cookies.

Log in