A simple solution to our current problems?

[GMF 1,010]

The season to date can basically be split into three parts:-

Games 1-7 gave us just 3 points out of 21.

Games 8-17 gave us a fansatic 22 points out of 30, got us to 7th in the league and was built on playing 4-2-3-1 (although some suggest it''s 4-4-1-1)

Games 18-22 have given us a measly 1 point out of 15, with Liverpool & Spurs to come

 

CH has continued with the tried and tested 4-2-3-1 and the combinations of injuries and no apparent "Plan B" leaves us in danger of being sucked into a relegation battle.

 

Seems to me that CH is currently using 20-22 players of our 25 man squad, with Martin C, Butterfield and Lappin really not getting a look in. That suggests we don''t have sufficent strenght in depth, as every man should count in this league.

 

Although I do believe that there are at least three teams worse than us, there seems an air of complacency, based on the 10 game unbeaten run, that everything will come good in due course and we''ll survive with ease.

 

I''ve heard it mentioned in some quarters that we shouldn''t buy another striker, simply because that would mean dropping Wes. That''s nonsense. There are always other options and CH mustn''t allow a stubborness, bourne from that unbeaten run, to rule his mind.

 

One simple solution, particualry against the weaker teams, is to go with a 4-1-3-2 option. 

Take your choice on the holding player from Johnson, Tettey and the almost forgotten Fox.

In the three, bring in Elliott Bennett on the right, swap Snoddy out to the left and keep Wes in the middle behind the front two.

In attack, Holty picks himself and, in the absence of Morison, why not Pilkington upfront?

[Gingerpele 0]

Hughton isn''t really using 20-22 players though is he...

Jackson has had probably 1/4 of the game time he''d had by this stage last season.

Morison not used as much as he was last season.

Bennett not played more than 5 mins on a large number of occasions this season.

Howson once dropped hardly used.

Fox only been used what twice? This season.

Surman injured for God knows how long.

Barnett has apparently fallen into the same state as second half of last season, i.e manager not really wanting to play him.

Tierney only used in cup games, even when Garrido wasn''t played in a league game Tierney wasn''t used.

Kane probably played about as much as you''d expect considering his injury.

For some reason, in my opinion, he doesn''t seem keen on many of the reserve players. Fox, why hasn''t he been given more of a chance? Jackson and Bennett the same, done nothing ''wrong'' and many games you''d have thought bringing one, two or three of them on for 20 mins rather than 3 would have been very useful.

In my opinion, next game we should stick Holt and Kane, or Morison if fit, up front. Bennett on the right wing, let him get in crosses like he did in the last few mins against Newcastle, make sure Holty is in the box. I thought Hughton liked proper wingers, really surprised Bennett hasn''t played more.

[Vazzza 62]

I was really buying into what you were saying until you put "Swap Snoddy to the left". He''s a right winger, and (omitting Wes) has been our best attacking performer of the year, even with his inconsistency. Why would you move him? Throughout his Leeds career his best performances have all come from the right. I know he has a great left foot, but put him on the left wing and all he can do is try to get to the byline and cross. He is OK at best at getting past players and has no pace, so can''t see him making that byline very often. Hence him playing on the right so he can cut in and swing the ball in.

But I agree to a 4-1-3-2 against the lower teams in the league, and think that can be achieved easily with just 1 addition, a striker. I think if playing that system it would have to be BJ/Tetty in the holding role though, as Fox is too lightweight in the challenge.

[GMF 1,010]

Vazzza - I can''t claim to have seen many Leeds games, but those I have, Snoddy was predominately been used on the left. He is predominately left footed and, whilst he is more than capable of playing on the right, he rarely crosses with his right foot, he preference is to come inside and cross with the left. Often he slows the pace of the attack down by doing this. I''m not seeking to rubbish his contribution this season from the right hand side, but I''m merely suggesting an alternative solution, given that EB is a more orthodox right winger.

 

Wes remains in the line up I''ve suggested and I''m trying to counter this arguement forwarded by some that we shouldn''t buy another striker, as it would simply mean that Wes would have to be dropped. That''s a nonsense, as I''ve said before.

 

My solution is not intended to be the answer, just an alternative to the current preferred 4-2-3-1, which, whilst defensively is solid, often means we''re lacking a bit of a cutting edge up front.

[GMF 1,010]

GP, admitedly, he''s not using the 22 in equal measures, which kinda supports my orignal point about a lack of depth in the squad. The reality is, he''d probably like to bring in 7 or 8 new players, but that isn''t going to happen this transfer window is it? Maybe, in the summer, with four or 5 of the out of contract players not going to be offered new terms.

[York Canary 29]

The best thing would be getting Ruddy and Holt back fully fit. Guaranteed to make a big difference. I hope Whittaker comes back soon too even though Russ has been doing well.

[Aggy 944]

4-1-3-2 in this division would get picked off too easily. Decent plan B idea if you''re losing with 20 minutes to go, but I can''t see it working from the start. Even ''the weaker teams'' in the prem are no mugs and it only takes a slight tactical discrepancy and you''re getting stuffed.