Fen Canary 824 Posted January 9, 2023 Topic is fairly self explanatory, what would be everybody’s preferred starting 11 for the bulk of the season. Of course this can change here and there with tactical tweaks but mine would be GK: Gunn RB: Aarons CB: Hanley CB: Omo LB: Giannoulis RM: Nuñez CM: Gibbs CM: McLean LM: Sara FW: Pukki FW: Sargent The midfield may lack some genuine wingers but I feel Aaron’s and Giannoulis can bomb forward to compensate, and Onel or Sinani could be brought on if it needs changing up. Sargent being a nuisance can unsettle defences to create chances, while Sara and Nuñez should have the quality at this level to feed Pukki. Im interested to see how this compares to others ideas on getting the best out of the players currently on the books 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrD66M 99 Posted January 9, 2023 ****, can't remember when we last had a 4-4-2. Was it a Lambert formation? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fen Canary 824 Posted January 9, 2023 (edited) 22 minutes ago, mrD66M said: ****, can't remember when we last had a 4-4-2. Was it a Lambert formation? Probably, although that was never a flat 442, more of a diamond. If he were in charge now it would likely be labelled a 4-1-2-1-2 or something else equally as ludicrous. Edit: Mine would be more like a 4-1-3-2 if that’s how you want to look at it Edited January 9, 2023 by Fen Canary 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ged in the onion bag 855 Posted January 9, 2023 Gunn Aarons. Omobamidele, Tomkinson, McCallum Gibbs, Tzolis, Sara / Nunez, Cantwell (if still here?) Springett Idah Subs from… McCracken, Hanley, Mumba, Pukki (if still here), Nunez / Sara, Sargent, Dickson-Peters, Sorensen. Rowe when fit, Kamara Ideally move on some of the rest and bring in some potential CDMs and a winger! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fen Canary 824 Posted January 9, 2023 1 hour ago, ged in the onion bag said: Gunn Aarons. Omobamidele, Tomkinson, McCallum Gibbs, Tzolis, Sara / Nunez, Cantwell (if still here?) Springett Idah Subs from… McCracken, Hanley, Mumba, Pukki (if still here), Nunez / Sara, Sargent, Dickson-Peters, Sorensen. Rowe when fit, Kamara Ideally move on some of the rest and bring in some potential CDMs and a winger! That could just about pass for the under 23’s. I’m still not convinced Idah will get enough goals in the 2nd tier, although I’d like to be proved wrong Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mackrel829 21 Posted January 9, 2023 Depends entirely on whether Wagner brings the wingers back in. The midfield is just so imbalanced at the moment. Countless centre midfield options but very few creative or wide options. With the personnel currently available, I think 5-3-2 makes most sense, but I don't think that's what we'll play. Gunn Aarons, Oma, Hanley, Gibson, Dimi Nunez, McClean, Sara Pukki, Sargent 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
canarydan23 4,060 Posted January 9, 2023 7 hours ago, mrD66M said: ****, can't remember when we last had a 4-4-2. Was it a Lambert formation? Smith did it a couple of times last season. We beat Everton, Watford and got a draw v Palace. He then bizarrely abandoned it and results went south again. I'm sure it was in part down to Idah getting injured but we could have stuck with it with Pukki n Sarge up front. Another example of Smith's woeful tactical nous. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fen Canary 824 Posted January 9, 2023 1 hour ago, Mackrel829 said: Depends entirely on whether Wagner brings the wingers back in. The midfield is just so imbalanced at the moment. Countless centre midfield options but very few creative or wide options. With the personnel currently available, I think 5-3-2 makes most sense, but I don't think that's what we'll play. Gunn Aarons, Oma, Hanley, Gibson, Dimi Nunez, McClean, Sara Pukki, Sargent I can see the attraction there, it would certainly give the full backs more protection to push on. I just feel Gibbs has looked one of our better players this season so it would be a shame not to utilise him, whereas Gibson never fills me with confidence Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Robert N. LiM 4,356 Posted January 9, 2023 I was encouraged by Kenny's performance yesterday and would use him as a double pivot with Gibbs (assuming Hayden never regains full fitness for us). I'd also want to try Pukki as a ten. Not ideal but the best way of getting him and Sargent in the side, I think (the other way is the 3-5-2 that someone mentioned above, which I have a lot of time for). So 4231 with the full backs providing the width (which was the most promising aspect of yesterday, I thought). Gunn Max Omo Hanley Dimi The Mayor Gibbs Nunez Pukki Sara Sargent 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Indy 3,300 Posted January 9, 2023 Why so negative with the set up? I like the 4-2-3-1 system, with two deeper midfielders they should be able to cover the marauding fullbacks. As for the team, it’s time to shake things up, Hanley along with others are too comfortable and I like the Wagner line that everyone is playing for their positions. I would be a little cautious with the next game, Sorensen and others have been on the sidelines a while so need to be bought back with gentle hands. I’d certainly start with: Gunn Aarons, Omobamdele, Gibson, McCullum Gibbs, Sara Nunez, Cantwell, Hernandez Sargent. If he wanted to really shake it up I’d drop Gibson for Sorensen if fit enough. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hogesar 9,674 Posted January 9, 2023 14 minutes ago, Indy said: Why so negative with the set up? I like the 4-2-3-1 system, with two deeper midfielders they should be able to cover the marauding fullbacks. As for the team, it’s time to shake things up, Hanley along with others are too comfortable and I like the Wagner line that everyone is playing for their positions. I would be a little cautious with the next game, Sorensen and others have been on the sidelines a while so need to be bought back with gentle hands. I’d certainly start with: Gunn Aarons, Omobamdele, Gibson, McCullum Gibbs, Sara Nunez, Cantwell, Hernandez Sargent. If he wanted to really shake it up I’d drop Gibson for Sorensen if fit enough. Don't mind this, but think Gianoullis done enough yesterday to start ahead of McCallum, Mclean needs to be next to Gibbs especially after being our best midfielder for another consecutive game yesterday. I'd pay Sara in the number 10 or Nunez and swap them if required - I assume Cantwell isn't getting near the team Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Robert N. LiM 4,356 Posted January 9, 2023 47 minutes ago, Indy said: Gunn Aarons, Omobamdele, Gibson, McCullum Gibbs, Sara Nunez, Cantwell, Hernandez Sargent. I know it's not easy, but I would really hope that Wagner can find a way to get Pukki and Sargent in the same team. To my mind, if Pukki isn't in our first XI, something is wrong... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Petriix 2,835 Posted January 9, 2023 There's not a great deal of difference between a CB who steps into midfield and a CDM who drops between the CBs, nor is there much between a number 10 and a second striker who drops deep. The biggest issue we have is in the midfield and particularly in transitions. For me we're lacking creativity and cohesion and this stems from the wide players being to high: unable to link up play or support the fullbacks. In general I think our basic setup is far too attacking by default and we often end up with a huge hole in midfield. Teams can sit deep against us and know they will be afforded lots of opportunities to break, or they can press man for man knowing that we won't be able to pass through them. Then we compensate by all dropping deep and lack the attacking threat because we don't have midfielders comfortable receiving the ball in tight areas and moving it forwards. This is where we're missing Cantwell and Dowell of 20/21. For me it has to be a double pivot behind a number 10. A flatter 4-5-1 or the 4-2-3-1 work fine, or a 3-5-2 as long as it has a solid central pair behind an attacking 8 in midfield with one of the strikers dropping deeper (rather than hitting the channels all the time). I really want to see Gibbs and McLean behind Cantwell, Sara and Nunez. Otherwise Dowell at 10 or even Pukki behind Sargent. If Cantwell is out then McLean is our next best option on the (narrow) left and Sorensen should play CDM. Pukki absolutely has to play if fit. Omobamidele and Gibbs are the future so need as much game time as possible. I'd want Mumba and Tzolis back in the squad ASAP too. There are no circumstances in which Hernandez should be on the pitch ahead of Mumba. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sgncfc 1,228 Posted January 9, 2023 I've never seen Pukki and Sargent play well together and don't understand the clamour for them both to be shoe-horned into the side. They are very different players. They don't belong in the same side and by playing them together we reduce both of them. I'd like Wagner to have the cohones to recognise that. Pukki is a lone striker who runs the channels - he used to move to the near post when we had the ball wide but doesn't do that anymore (anyone know why?). His first touch is not as good as it used to be - no surprise as he gets older. His days are clearly numbered - good servant and all that, but time to move on. Sargent is a lone striker who battles and grinds then shoots on sight. He's never had a decent first touch so doesn't rely on it to be effective. His physicality is part of what makes him effective - at this level. He would play better with Idah if we ever go two up front, but neither will ever score enough goals to get us promoted. But if Sargent plays, he must play as a central striker. Any first team with Hernandez in it isn't going to finish in the top 6. Love him, but he isn't good enough. It's time to start Omo and Tomkinson, protected by Gibbs and Maclean., preferably within a 3 at the back - I'd play Sorensen as the 3rd CB. We have to keep the back door shut to let the fullbacks go forward. The creator and the 10 are the two biggest problem positions where we don't actually have players who are capable of playing there. I think we bought Nunez and Sara thinking they were those players, but they're clearly not. They are probably the best we have though. So my eleven is Gunn Aarons, Omo, Tomkinson, Sorensen, McCallum Gibbs, Maclean Nunez Sara Sargent Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rock bus 852 Posted January 9, 2023 3 hours ago, Robert N. LiM said: I was encouraged by Kenny's performance yesterday and would use him as a double pivot with Gibbs (assuming Hayden never regains full fitness for us). I'd also want to try Pukki as a ten. Not ideal but the best way of getting him and Sargent in the side, I think (the other way is the 3-5-2 that someone mentioned above, which I have a lot of time for). So 4231 with the full backs providing the width (which was the most promising aspect of yesterday, I thought). Gunn Max Omo Hanley Dimi The Mayor Gibbs Nunez Pukki Sara Sargent Id go with this for now but ideally I'd like a fully fit Hayden or a new CDM to replace Kenny. Pukki is a clever player and can still make great runs in the position. If it isnt working in a game or when he tires can use Mclean, Dowell or Cantwell(?!?) to try something different. Similarly if need pace in game replace Sara/Nunez with Hernandez or a recalled Mumba/Tzolis or if were really desperate Placheta. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Robert N. LiM 4,356 Posted January 9, 2023 (edited) 2 hours ago, Petriix said: I really want to see Gibbs and McLean behind Cantwell, Sara and Nunez Much as it pains me to say it we surely have to give up on Todd. Either his non-selection yesterday means he's already on his way, or it means a fourth coach in a row doesn't want to pick him. Would love to be be wrong, but he's done here, isn't he? Otherwise agree with your analysis and selection from our current squad Edited January 9, 2023 by Robert N. LiM typos 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Indy 3,300 Posted January 9, 2023 5 hours ago, hogesar said: Don't mind this, but think Gianoullis done enough yesterday to start ahead of McCallum, Mclean needs to be next to Gibbs especially after being our best midfielder for another consecutive game yesterday. I'd pay Sara in the number 10 or Nunez and swap them if required - I assume Cantwell isn't getting near the team I certainly wouldn’t argue, both McLean & Giannoulis played well enough, I doubt we’ll see Cantwell back in a Norwich shirt so Sara in at 10 with McLean makes more sense, I just hoped we might persuade Cantwell to sign another year and get him back to his best. But now it would be good to get a small fee and get him off the wages. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Petriix 2,835 Posted January 9, 2023 2 hours ago, Robert N. LiM said: Much as it pains me to say it we surely have to give up on Todd. Either his non-selection yesterday means he's already on his way, or it means a fourth coach in a row doesn't want to pick him. Would love to be be wrong, but he's done here, isn't he? Otherwise agree with your analysis and selection from our current squad There's a tiny hope that Wagner simply didn't have enough time with the squad so went with what was suggested by the existing staff. It's possible that Cantwell will get a fair chance to impress him before the weekend. Otherwise there might well be other factors which we aren't party to. However, in purely footballing terms, Todd is far better than most of the other midfielders in the squad. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fen Canary 824 Posted January 9, 2023 6 hours ago, sgncfc said: I've never seen Pukki and Sargent play well together and don't understand the clamour for them both to be shoe-horned into the side. They are very different players. They don't belong in the same side and by playing them together we reduce both of them. I'd like Wagner to have the cohones to recognise that. I must say I disagree with this, mainly because I’ve never actually seen them play up top together, Sargent has always been shunted onto the wing to allow Pukki to play as a lone striker. Also I believe having two strikers who have different strengths is a good thing. The guile of Pukki making clever runs and latching on to through balls, along with the physicality and energy of Sargent would be a nightmare for defences at this level in my opinion. The problem with only playing a single striker in my opinion is that it limits the way you can play. Without a Buendia or even the Cantwell of a couple of years ago to unlock defences more often than not out attacks simply fizzle out into nothing as we’re not able to mix it up Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sgncfc 1,228 Posted January 9, 2023 But they both play down the middle.. If you play them both as strikers neither will be able to play their natural game. One has to drop or move wide and in either case you completely negate their strength. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NFN FC 1,123 Posted January 9, 2023 Gunn Aarons Andy O Tomkinson Dimi Gibbs Mayor Bali S.American Todd/Argos Sarge Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fen Canary 824 Posted January 9, 2023 1 hour ago, sgncfc said: But they both play down the middle.. If you play them both as strikers neither will be able to play their natural game. One has to drop or move wide and in either case you completely negate their strength. Strikers have played down the middle together for years, the big man/little man partnership was always the holy grail as it were. Just because it’s currently out of fashion doesn’t mean those two couldn’t form a decent partnership in my opinion Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Commonsense 624 Posted January 9, 2023 20 hours ago, Fen Canary said: Topic is fairly self explanatory, what would be everybody’s preferred starting 11 for the bulk of the season. Of course this can change here and there with tactical tweaks but mine would be GK: Gunn RB: Aarons CB: Hanley CB: Omo LB: Giannoulis RM: Nuñez CM: Gibbs CM: McLean LM: Sara FW: Pukki FW: Sargent The midfield may lack some genuine wingers but I feel Aaron’s and Giannoulis can bomb forward to compensate, and Onel or Sinani could be brought on if it needs changing up. Sargent being a nuisance can unsettle defences to create chances, while Sara and Nuñez should have the quality at this level to feed Pukki. Im interested to see how this compares to others ideas on getting the best out of the players currently on the books TBH that’s not a bad line up. Given the existing resources, I think it’s the best formation you can come up with. It obviously relies on Giannoulis doing some defending as well as bombing forward but overall I quite like it. ( Assuming that’s it for Cantwell now!) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Commonsense 624 Posted January 9, 2023 19 hours ago, ged in the onion bag said: Gunn Aarons. Omobamidele, Tomkinson, McCallum Gibbs, Tzolis, Sara / Nunez, Cantwell (if still here?) Springett Idah Subs from… McCracken, Hanley, Mumba, Pukki (if still here), Nunez / Sara, Sargent, Dickson-Peters, Sorensen. Rowe when fit, Kamara Ideally move on some of the rest and bring in some potential CDMs and a winger! Are you so desperate to play Ipswich again that you want us to go down to League 1 to meet them? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fen Canary 824 Posted January 9, 2023 34 minutes ago, Commonsense said: TBH that’s not a bad line up. Given the existing resources, I think it’s the best formation you can come up with. It obviously relies on Giannoulis doing some defending as well as bombing forward but overall I quite like it. ( Assuming that’s it for Cantwell now!) I’ve assumed Cantwell is off, although even if he stays on current form I wouldn’t be picking him. Unless he starts playing as he was during the last promotion season I just can’t see who he deserves to displace in the team Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skip 3 Posted January 10, 2023 Gunn Max Omobamidele Tomkinson McCallum Gibbs Mclean/(new Signing) Nunez Sara Cantwell Sarge Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sgncfc 1,228 Posted January 11, 2023 On 09/01/2023 at 20:53, Fen Canary said: Strikers have played down the middle together for years, the big man/little man partnership was always the holy grail as it were. Just because it’s currently out of fashion doesn’t mean those two couldn’t form a decent partnership in my opinion There's a reason it's "currently out of fashion". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CANARYKING 638 Posted January 11, 2023 Sorry Nunez should not be there Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yellow Green Army 237 Posted January 11, 2023 Gunn Aarons Hanley Omobamidele Giannoulis Gibbs McClean Sargent Idah Sara Pukki Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SwindonCanary 455 Posted January 11, 2023 I'm sure our manager will pick a team to win the match Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
