WTF is that in the picture? Hope he didn't buy a season ticket as he is unlikely to live another 6 months.

Bloomin 'eck Wellies - that is a more knowledgeable and astute assessment of our squad, tactics and playing style than I've ever seen from one of our own fans! Respect where its due.

And you have time to work as well??

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If it wasn't for the tattoo I would have thought it was 666. I know 666 has a tattoo of big heart with Nigel written through it.

Nice work 2 Wellies - more tactical nouse than the bloke who's picking our team

After watching (I suspect) one match on Sky, you have sussed the failings in our 3-5-2 system. Konchesky hasn't got the pace to be a wing-back and De Laet (though threatening) can't cross.

I think Pearson will persist with this system although personally, I think we are far better suited to 4-4-2, particularly against Derby.

Ward will cause us problems (rumuors are that we were after him) but I think that in a 4-4-2 formation, Dyer (possibly) and Knockeart (probably) would cause Derby's defence even more.

I think that it will be a bit closer than in recent years.

Almost certain we will go 3-5-2. Nigel seems pretty wedded to it this season but in the first couple of games it definitely affected our creativity. I know we were cr.ap at your place last year, but for a large part of last season our 4-4-2 was fluid and effective and we played several teams off the park including scoring 6 twice in a season for the first time in living memory! So quite a few City fans are yet to be convinced of the new approach.

Vardy played well for us up front against Leeds but I suspect your hunch will prove correct and Wood will start with Nugent.

Yep, pretty good assessment there, Wellies. I think we'll play a very similar team to the one that lined up against Leeds, and I'd be surprised if we made a change in midfield. We have solidity over flair in there, but Pearson will probably believe that we need that at Pride Park. I'd agree with him.

If you're going to get success against us, I would imagine it would be one of two ways: Either exploiting Moore's inexperience (if he shows it; he didn't so much against Leeds) or by getting in behind Konchesky and dragging Whitbread out of position. While Moore is perfectly capable of playing right back, Whitbread is definitely a centre back and won't like going wide. You're right about intensity as well. We like to get the ball down and pass it around, but we're no Premier League team and will unfortunately resort to long ball if pressured hard enough. In terms of dangers, it's difficult to identify one particular place that a strong goal threat is going to come from, but I do believe we have a moderate threat from several places. However, we'll probably need to bring someone like Knockaert or Dyer on to open the game up a bit, so our best chance is probably to keep it tight and still be in the game at around 60 minutes. Not pretty, but I think if we try to be pretty here then we'll find the game goes beyond us pretty quickly.

Regarding who'll start up front - who knows. We've played 3 matches so far, and in each we've started with a different combination of Vardy, Nugent and Wood. If I was to guess, I'd say Wood and Vardy; but it would be a guess.

As for Derby, frankly I haven't seen much from you except for knowing that you have two or three new players around and obviously that we need to keep Will Hughes quiet - another reason why we'll probably play 3-5-2. Perhaps you will have a shot at the top 6 this year, although I reserve judgement as I think it's going to be a very tough league and I'm not sure what your strength in depth is like. Given those factors, top half and progress should probably be a satisfactory season result, with potentially an easier season waiting next year for you to target. Of course, you'll understandably want more than that, and who can blame you.

TDM I think you're right it makes sense to keep it tight then go 4-4-2 think we might do the same only different formation and then come the last half hour we'll have a free for all - ish.

Surprised you guys don't try Drinkwater at Right Midfield though, I think eventually he'll occupy the CM role but at Barnsley he was very effective and skilful on the right and relieved from some of the defensive responsibilities that comes with the CM role.

I did see some of your games pre Xmas last season and thought you were as good as up, but w/ever I've seen a Nigel Pearson team they've always seemed pretty loyal to the Mick McCarthy side of the footballing spectrum.

Very good 2 Wellies

As is the feedback from the rest of the City fans you have us pretty much spot on. Konch too slow, formation solid but not exciting, Pearson and Mick McCarthy of similar ilk.

Safe to say this match could go either way and we won't exactly be going for it if we are drawing with 10 minutes left.

Well I think you have done a good job 2 Wellies. The only shortcoming I can see is that you have not consulted 666 as I'm sure Nigel will have wanted to avail himself of his erudite judgement on match tactics

How else could Nigel guarantee us a win. 666 would win every game every week if only he was in charge or even if folks would listen. Not sure if 666 will be at the game though.

Ward will not start now as he played 90 mins for Nordern Ireland Wednesday. Can see Smith starting in place of Freeman. Other than that same as Brighton. Get on the ball lads and play

Great read, as always.

Excellent, well-considered, balanced article. One point you've got (understandably) partly wrong - 'but Konchesky and De Laet although decent going forward aren’t lightning fast'. Right about Konch but I hope Clough Junior has the same view on De Laet as your left back may then be in for a nasty surprise as he can be very quick going forward.

He was unwell against Leeds which is why he came off.

Sunday's cunning plan was to bore everybody so much that Sky stay away from us for the season and we get to see footy at 3pm on Saturday for once (loads of our matches got moved last year).

Good read 2Wellies . Some intelligent response from both sides too, more than what you'd get if the opposition were from Nottingham!

Unlike ourselves, Derby have played very well in their first two games and its going to be a tough one. If we start with Knockaert at the top of the midfield 3 I think we'll win 2-0 or 2-1. If its the same starting 11 that we put out against Leeds I think it'll be 2-2/3-2 to Derby.

Best of luck everyone, here's to an enjoyable match

How sweet, the sheep and the trophyless club finding solace in their common enemy.

Enjoy your 3rd rate 'derby'.

I think we've played okay JAF but still can improve, what's Knockaert's defensive game like?

King Billy can you just clarify for us the criteria that defines a 1st rate derby, 2nd rate derby and 3rd rate derby?

2 Wellies, you're on a loser there mate.
Criteria is quite a tricky word for old tonto to get his head round.

As others have said, thanks for the excellent article.

comment by Vulpes (U6011)
posted 9 minutes ago
2 Wellies, you're on a loser there mate.
Criteria is quite a tricky word for old tonto to get his head round.
__________________________________________

Tonto prefers to get his head round other words.

Good point lads okay,

Tonto real name Timmins:

What makes a 1st, 2nd and 3rd rate derby

I'm assuming a 1st rate derby would be Nottingham Forest v Nottingham Forest; 2nd rate Forest v Derby/Leicester and 3rd rate Derby v Leicester.

Correct me if i'm wrong though

Oh n good to see you back OOE.

I don't think anyone expected that line up from Pearson!

sssshhhhhhhhhhh what's the score?

sheepy sheepies what's the score??????

Twiggy, this ain't your board, twiggy, twiggy, this ain't your board..... Sshhshshshsh

Has Pearson ever played a 4-3-3 before in his managerial career?

Oh and that Moore player of yours looks absolute gash we'd be happy to take him on a free for you just out of charity, if you like.

Well played today, you out thought and fought us, we weren't at our best but hopefully we'll learn from this.

Pretty sure I saw them play 4-3-3 fairly often towards the back end of last season Wellies. I was hoping they'd go 5-3-2 like last week .

I was actually relieved it wasn't 4-4-2 with Knockaert & Dyer wide, shows what I know.