the left side problem

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Dithering Dougie said:
Since Martinez took over we've hardly ever played two out and out wingers starting a game, if Pienaars not available the next best option in our squad is Osman. He links up play in a similar manner and helps us retain possession, that's what Marinez likes and that's why he tried to bring in Cleverley to add competition and depth for. It balances the team and helps Baines, if Pieanars not available the next best option is Osman whether you like him or not.
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Last year would agree with you Dougie but Osman deosn't seem to have the stamina anymore to last past 45 mins out on the wing especially in a fast paced match.

At the moment with both Kev/Pienaar out think we are probably best with Naismith/Oviedo in the right and McGeady on the left. Although I think Barkley needs a run of games in the centre to get him back to his best, later on in the season playing him out on the left might be worth trying again. When Osman had to go off with the eye injury against Arsenal last year Ross was good on the left of a midfield three, in theory at least he should also be able to play slightly higher up the pitch.
 

LinekersLegs said:
Last year would agree with you Dougie but Osman deosn't seem to have the stamina anymore to last past 45 mins out on the wing especially in a fast paced match.

At the moment with both Kev/Pienaar out think we are probably best with Naismith/Oviedo in the right and McGeady on the left. Although I think Barkley needs a run of games in the centre to get him back to his best, later on in the season playing him out on the left might be worth trying again. When Osman had to go off with the eye injury against Arsenal last year Ross was good on the left of a midfield three, in theory at least he should also be able to play slightly higher up the pitch.
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The trouble is McGeady doesn't link up with Baines, in fact neither does Mirallas or Barkley and Baines has again became vital again to our creativity in the final third so far this season. We can't afford to deliberately hinder ourselves at the moment while our forms being so indifferent.

Also there's been signs in the last few games of McGeady and Coleman finally get some sort of understanding going and it would restrict any progress, besides the fact Naismith is like a fish out of water when he's not central and Oviedo is clearly still not ready.

I realise Osman stamina is diminishing and he's unlikely to have many 90 minute performances left in him, but our options are few and far between and we know Osman and Baines can be an effective partnership when Pienaars out. It's either that or a complete rethink of how we set up and we're not that desperate at the minute to be that radical.
 
I'd play Oviedo on one wing, Mirallas on the other, Barkley through the middle.

Atsu isn't good enough and I have to be honest and say I don't think McGeady is either, he isn't constent enough.

Need someone of Kev's wavelength and think Oviedo is definitely worth a try.

None of this playing a striker on the wing..
 
Dithering Dougie said:
The trouble is McGeady doesn't link up with Baines, in fact neither does Mirallas or Barkley and Baines has again became vital again to our creativity in the final third so far this season. We can't afford to deliberately hinder ourselves at the moment while our forms being so indifferent.

Also there's been signs in the last few games of McGeady and Coleman finally get some sort of understanding going and it would restrict any progress, besides the fact Naismith is like a fish out of water when he's not central and Oviedo is clearly still not ready.

I realise Osman stamina is diminishing and he's unlikely to have many 90 minute performances left in him, but our options are few and far between and we know Osman and Baines can be an effective partnership when Pienaars out. It's either that or a complete rethink of how we set up and we're not that desperate at the minute to be that radical.
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Agree with all your points on the downsides of playing other players out on the wing, just disagree with the conclusion that starting Osman is the best option out of a bad bunch. Much as I like him think he becomes a liability in the second half of games in the position, more so that some of our other options.

Lets just hope that some combo of all of them tide us over until the injured are back and that Atsu begins to find his feet in the league.
 

After the international break, assuming Mirallas and Oviedo are back and McCarthy's injured isn't serious I'd go with:

Howard
Coleman Jagielka Distin Baines
McCarthy Besic
Oviedo Barkley Mirallas
Lukaku

Eto'o, Gibson and Naismith would be in some people's and can't argue with them but this is just my opinion.
 
bluegirl said:
I'd play Oviedo on one wing, Mirallas on the other, Barkley through the middle.

Atsu isn't good enough and I have to be honest and say I don't think McGeady is either, he isn't constent enough.

Need someone of Kev's wavelength and think Oviedo is definitely worth a try.

None of this playing a striker on the wing..
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I'm really warming to McGeady, bit like with Deulofeu last season I started out fairly sceptical but some of the moves he makes are very talented. He seems a confidence player and very erratic but the last 3 games think he has been among our best players each time.
 

....not sure left side is a major problem as Baines has 9 or so assists this season. I do agree, though, that the balance of the side is being negatively impacted by the need to play Naismith or another central player out there. I'm sure Pienaar or Mirallas will solve the problem, it's just a shame both are struggling with fitness at the same time. It's also a pity that Atsu hasn't hit the ground running, or perhaps just isn't up to it.
 

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