Realistic transfer possibilities

I can't understand why managers don't just play their "best team" instead of this rotation lark?

We could argue that if Marriott had had the chances that Nuge did in the first half against Brizzle, we'd have been home and dry at half-time?

But then again I wasn't there so am probably talking rubbish?

I know the Wigan and Forest games were hard work though!

Heb, you are indulging in a bit of hyperbole yourself there. Nobody said we were definitely getting promoted, and nobody says all hope is lost now, but having watched the majority of games this season we are certainly not gradually improving and evolving into a team that can challenge. The weaknesses in our team are apparent. We played OK against Forest and Brizzle in patches but failed to dominate overall and we were thumped at Sheff United. We beat ten-man Wigan but only just. We were outplayed by Villa. We beat Swansea comfortably enough but they were crap. So there we are. Room for improvement is all.

Anyway, match thread is up.

Scouse, Nugent had just the one chance, a sitter, but he is taller than Marriott so it isn't a given that Marriott would have scored that header. I can understand changing the team a bit, you need to take account of the opposition's strengths and weaknesses unless you are so overwhelmingly superior in all departments that it makes no difference. Also the game is so fast these days that I see the logic in resting some players some of the time, you don't want to flog them that they start tearing muscles. I really didn't understand the team at Sheffield United though and was very worried before the game. I thought Bryson had previously shown he was not contributing enough to merit a starting place and that Waghorn had done the opposite in his previous performance, also Sheffield United being a physical team you might have thought he would be better than Zoon.

comment by Scouse (U9675)
posted 5 hours, 57 minutes ago
I bet FL himself would still show-up all our midfielders if he decided to pull-on a pair of boots?
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I have this absurd image of FL dressed only in boots dominating our midfield like the great player he was despite the cold.

comment by lastapostleofvidal (U1491)
posted 33 minutes ago
Scouse, Nugent had just the one chance, a sitter, but he is taller than Marriott so it isn't a given that Marriott would have scored that header. I can understand changing the team a bit, you need to take account of the opposition's strengths and weaknesses unless you are so overwhelmingly superior in all departments that it makes no difference. Also the game is so fast these days that I see the logic in resting some players some of the time, you don't want to flog them that they start tearing muscles. I really didn't understand the team at Sheffield United though and was very worried before the game. I thought Bryson had previously shown he was not contributing enough to merit a starting place and that Waghorn had done the opposite in his previous performance, also Sheffield United being a physical team you might have thought he would be better than Zoon.
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For my seat in the North stand I had a really good view of the Nugent chance. He was just not tall enough to get over the ball to direct it into the net.

I think Josefzoon make too many wrong decisions perhaps consistent with someone who is trying just too hard as he detects he is a bit of a disappointment. And I can't understand why Bryson is not pulling up any trees, After all, his team was promoted last season and I think he played regularly.

comment by Scouse (U9675)
posted 7 hours, 33 minutes ago
We are a bit like a second-hand car dealership that has too many old diesels in stock ATM.
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It's like you're describing Frank Lampard's Uncle, whatshisname? 😉

I'm not sure why we're looking at a CB when we have Pearce and Wisdom (who can play CB). We should look at using them and giving Tomori a rest. An attacking RB is needed on loan or permanent basis that Bogle could learn from.

Wilson and Mount should be first choice for the central right and left mid positions but we definitely need more energy in there. With Huddz ageing and slowing down, Evans needing time, Johnson having shown he can play that role we probably need to use those three as our DM options based on the opposition. God, to have Thorne perform the way he did on his debut vs Forest. If we had that player back it'd galvanise us!!!! But some of us romantics can't seem to let go. We definitely need someone creative to compete with Mount. With Bryson challenging Wilson.

Zoom Zoom and Doom Doom

Not happening for Dutch dude, I didn't know much about him before he joined, but maybe it's a confidence thing. He's gone from Brentford stadium to Derby and maybe found it a little tough, bigger expectations, more intimidating. Needs time to gel, being in/out if side doesn't help.

Lawrence is definitely the player of doom - previously it's been Keogh, Butterfield, Martin, Sammon etc....Lawrence is a quality player but one that needs a kick up the backside and told this is what I expect in these positions or you're not going to be picked. He's been given too many chances perhaps? He is a frustrating player, but there's definitely something there based on his performances at Ipswich. ( look at Ince, whilst at Derby, under Judas McClaren he unlocked his potential, other managers struggled.)

I don't understand why Waghorn is playing as a winger. We need to be looking at playing Waggy and Marriot together up front for certain matches. Teams playing with a three man defence. Aggressive sides.

We also need a few tactical options 343, 4231, 442. Rowetts style wasn't popular but it was what was needed. Tough to breakdown defensively sound. When we switched to 3 at the back it worked too. I think that's the best formation for Keogh.

Who do we need?

The lad from Chelsea Ethan Ampadu would be a great signing but a) Would he join us b) Be what we actually require?

RB

Seamus Coleman a possibility from Everton if game time has reduced?

Tommy Smith from Huddersfield?

I think we need an older head for this position. In midfield I think we need a winger and creative midfielder.

Callum Hudson-Odoi (Chelsea)
Lookman (Everton)

Creative midfielder

No idea!

Ampadu any day of the week, could make a huge difference, team mate of both TL and Harry in the Welsh side and could be a galvanising character as well as a superb player.

Coleman much as I would love still has it for the Pl.

Only one Tommy Smith.

Odoi has been mentioned and is well liked but for the 2nd half of a season would be a risk.

Lookman had his chance, no thanks.

We also may need to look at a experienced back up keeper.

hi all...

genarally,if you score more than the oppo you win.we at the moment are relying on possiblly 2 players to score and if they arent firing on all cylinders we are stuffed..
for me id like to go for an experianced out and out goal scorer in defoe,he s not getting game time at bournmouth .we can utilise what we ve got for other posistions.
i liked mc clarens outlook in that."we ll score more than you".defoe might be knocking on a bit but he knows where the net his.lets be honest,who d take a 3 2 2 1 4 3 scoreline for us to the end of the season?.
january is the time depending on transfers where you can push on or fall by the way side.i dont think going in for youngsters is the answer this late in the season...

Jared Bowen is the man we want.