My eleven vs Stoke.

[Azzurri]

Where is the ball on the pitch? Certainly, you don't need two guys on the outside. And Coleman was never alone, always had an outlet with McCarthy or Osman.

As it has been for a few years, our fullbacks provide the width in attack. In defense, Naismith will take up a wider role to cover the opposition's fullback.

Usually, although it sometimes goes out of play.

 

[Jayhow15]

Well actually we've been playing attacking full backs if you want to be pedantic, wing backs are usually employed in a back 3 system. Just saying, and Howard only got one game I think as it was a professional foul apparently.

 

[Tree13]

Vs Stoke:

Howard
Coleman, Alcaraz, Distin, Baines;
McCarthy, Barry;
Naismith, Barkley, Oviedo;
Lukaku

Oviedo and Naismith both played well against Southampton - Naismith made ACRES of space for Coleman and won everything in the air. Oviedo has been in blistering form and I cannot understand why people are ignoring the fact that Southampton doubled up on him EVERY SINGLE TIME HE TOUCHED THE BALL. He was also targeted by Chambers and Ward-Prowse at least three times.

Mirallas and Pienaar coming off the bench will scare the cr@p out of Stoke. I'd love to give McCarthy or Barkley a rest but Osman is just not up to starting anymore.

Vs QPR

Howard
Coleman, Stones, Distin, Baines;
McCarthy, Barry;
Naismith, Barkley, Oviedo;
Lukaku

If Mirallas or Pienaar perform strongly when they come on against Stoke then maybe Naismith or Baines gives way (Oviedo to LB). Hopefully two new signings (Fernando or Defour, and Landon Donovan) make the selections different for the QPR game.

 

[Tree13]

A winger is supposed to go inside when it's at Coleman's feet and looking for a pass? You sure?

That's what we ask the winger on the left to do when Baines has the ball at his feet. It's not unheard of.

 

[Azzurri]

That's what we ask the winger on the left to do when Baines has the ball at his feet. It's not unheard of.

Of course it's not, but Pienaar doesn't go inside all the time. He does when there's space there or there's a one two to be played. If not he stays wide like he should, and often Baines goes inside.

Plus there's a big difference between Naismith receiving the ball in a tight space and Pienaar doing so.

 

[Walken]

That's what we ask the winger on the left to do when Baines has the ball at his feet. It's not unheard of.

pienaar doesnt run 20 yards away from him though, hence their link up play

 

[pfim]

At any rate, if Martinez was unhappy with the positions that Naismith is taking up, he would have told him or taken him off the pitch.

 

[Khalekan]

I'm not either, but he's 6 foot 2 (?) to Heitinga's 5'10 (?) which would be handy against these.

Having said that, Crouch is awful in the air - for his size at least.

Very true, dat.

If Dunc had been the size big Peter is he would have been unplayable.

Peter is useless in the air considering how tall he is.

 

[bicycleheader]

Watched the game again last night and sorry but Naismith was bad.

Won most of his headers but I dont know how much use this is as it seems no attack in world football seem to know how to anticipate a flick on header anymore...rare as hell.

He works hard and his movement seems okay...dunno whether he is following instructions on coming inside or not.

But thats all that can be said for him and thats not enough for a starting place in this team I think. He has terrible technique which takes him running straight into the opposition and does things like running the ball out of play.

Of course whilst hes in the squad I understand whybhe would be used with Kev and Pienaar unfit, but look forward to when he is no longer an option again.

Id imagine Alcatraz may not be ready for another game. Id use stones and oviedo in defence and the normal team from midfield on.

 

[davek]

Watched the game again last night and sorry but Naismith was bad.

Won most of his headers but I dont know how much use this is as it seems no attack in world football seem to know how to anticipate a flick on header anymore...rare as hell.

He works hard and his movement seems okay...dunno whether he is following instructions on coming inside or not.

But thats all that can be said for him and thats not enough for a starting place in this team I think. He has terrible technique which takes him running straight into the opposition and does things like running the ball out of play.

Of course whilst hes in the squad I understand whybhe would be used with Kev and Pienaar unfit, but look forward to when he is no longer an option again.

Id imagine Alcatraz may not be ready for another game. Id use stones and oviedo in defence and the normal team from midfield on.

It's been a step up too far for him. Not his fault. It was Moyes' fault.

He needs punting to a Championship/Div One team where he can find his level.

 

[bluejock]

Howard

Coleman Alcaraz Distin Baines

Barry McCarthy

Mirallas Barkley Pienaar

Lukaku​

It's our best 11, sans Deulofeu.

 

[ijjysmith]

Howard

Coleman Alcaraz Distin Baines

Barry McCarthy

Mirallas Barkley Pienaar

Lukaku​

It's our best 11, sans Deulofeu.

Nikodem hates you

 

[BrumBlue1878]

Joel
Seamus Alcaraz Distin Baines
Barry McCarthy
Mirallas Pienaar Oviedo
Lukaku

Put Barkley on the bench and bring him on when the going gets tough! Stoke will lump it as per usual so will be good test for Alcaraz

 

[EFC NY]

Watched the game again last night and sorry but Naismith was bad.

Won most of his headers but I dont know how much use this is as it seems no attack in world football seem to know how to anticipate a flick on header anymore...rare as hell.

He works hard and his movement seems okay...dunno whether he is following instructions on coming inside or not.

But thats all that can be said for him and thats not enough for a starting place in this team I think. He has terrible technique which takes him running straight into the opposition and does things like running the ball out of play.

Of course whilst hes in the squad I understand whybhe would be used with Kev and Pienaar unfit, but look forward to when he is no longer an option again.

Id imagine Alcatraz may not be ready for another game. Id use stones and oviedo in defence and the normal team from midfield on.

Naismith never even makes the bench on any other team in the running for the top 4 (I am not counting Newcastle)

 

[Big Fat Sam]

Steven Naismith is an appalling footballer.

Worse than Osman imo, and that's saying something.