A lot has been said about the Joka being good at 'fixing things' at half-time etc. Rightly so, and he does seem good at that. But he's also changed things about for the start of the next game over what worked the second half of the previous game. So you could say, well he's only had to swap it around at half-time because he's got it wrong with the starting lineup in the first place. So start the way you finished last time then. We know we're better than all the rest. Only change it around if you have to at half-time ...
That's probably doubly true for us. I think most Watford fans would agree we look far better on the front foot than trying to nullify other teams. Our squad's strength is going forward. We're certainly no Chelsea from a defensive point of view (although Bradford might disagree with that!).
I think we should go for it - not the end of the world if we lose this game. Bournemouth have lost 3 out of last 4 so their confidence won't be as high as a month ago. Start the team that hammered Blackpool.
At the end of the day I think we should just take one game at a time as there's no easy games in this league. As long as we play on the front foot and have a real go at them then we should be able to break them down. But if we can't grind out a result then we'll dust ourselves down and go again next week before the transfer window slams shut.
Remember Bournemouth have been far dangerous on the road this season than at home. Play all three and rip them to shreds. We only lose games when the players motivation is off, but away to the league leaders this should surely not be an issue.
The 2nd half formation worked spectacularly, so we have the start with that. The only dilemma he might have is Watson or Munari. Other than that I'd go with a back four - Cathcart and Angella actually looked more balanced as a two, and Anya and Parades got forward more as part of a 4 than a 5.
if we play vydra then that means 433 as 523 didnt work but we started with 433 under joka and he realised we get left wide open down the flanks and reverted to 532 which seems to suite the squad best imo its great to have vydra on the bench and bring him on if we need him for the 20
I agree that pace is essential and just the threat should be enough to pin their defence back but I'd only advocate Forestieri in a front three for his tackling abilities and you can't drop Deeney or Ighalo (and anyway none of them are slouches). Vydra for the last 30 minutes is probably the best plan with the most knackered of our forwards making way.
Second half on saturday we sort of played 2-5-3 - we had to cos we were 2 down and they were going to park the bus This lot friday are the leagues top scorers - we just can't play 2 at the back - got to be more solid or we will be dead n buried by half time All for let them worry about us but within a framework that has half a chance
Agreed - away against the top team is about as different as you can get from home to the bottom one. Play to our strengths yes, but to do so without consideration of the opposition is foolhardy. It didn't work under Zola and it won't work now. Watson or Munari for Vydra.
Agreed. I might be tempted to play Pudil instead of Anya at left wing back. I don't agree that playing the same formation away against the league leaders as we did when chasing the game against the worst team in the league when already 2 nil down, and had no other option but to go for it, is a good idea.
If Vydra had 8 in 4 and Ighalo had 1 in 12, there'd be no discussion. Personally, I can't decide. I think I'd be happy with either 3-5-2 or 4-3-3, as long as Ighalo starts.
In all fairness now, people would be saying similar if Ighalo had 20 for us two years ago and showed flashes of brilliance like Vydra has earlier this season. That said, Iggy Pop is in sensational form and well and truly deserves to start.
I would play Watson instead of Vydra over Munari, even though the latter has more skill the former I think would be better at breaking up play and getting in their faces thus frustrating them.
If we play the way we did second half on Saturday against Bournemouth we'll have our pants pulled down. The team was far too open because everyone got excited about getting as many goals as possible and a decent team who could counter attack would have taken full advantage. Bloody fun against a **** team like Blackpool though wasn't it!
Gomes Cathcart-Angella-Pudil Parades McAnya Tozser-Watson-Layun Ighalo-Deeney I'd break with tradition. Poodle as LCB - he's done it before and was really strong, competent. Plays to his strengths, solid in defence and relieves the pressure of a lack of pace. Likewise, I'd bring Layun into LCM - as before, he's played in the centre before and his lightening pace gives much needed support to McAnya who often struggles to find a link man due to his lack of crossing ability.
Gomes Cathcart-Angella-Pudil Paredes Layun Watson/Muniari Anya Vydra Ighalo-Deeney "L'audace, L'audace... Toujours L'audace"
You don't drop Ighalo for Vydra that's stupid. The question should be do we play Vydra in the formation that we played against Blackpool second half? Answer would be no as I'd say as we'd be vulnerable in the wide areas.
Deeney and Iglaho start. Vydra on the bench. Need to be less open and then catch them on the break. Maybe start Watson.
I really like this thinking. Layun for me needs to become very important very quickly. He has actual brains. I have also really wondered what Munari actually adds since his first few performances when I was just impressed with his general coverage of the central areas. For me a midfield of Tzoser, Watson and Munari just doesn't sound or feel like it will be at all effective at making play.
Gotta play Vydra from the off - he has the speed and quickness of mind to rip their central defenders a new one. Same formation as second half against Blackpool but not so gung-ho, they're not as good as some make out - let them worry about us. There is no room for complacency and there's hardly likely to be as they're top. Here's hoping!
Poll? I think we cannot be as na*ve as we were against Blackpool, and reckon he will come off the bench.
