I disagree although I don't think Pereyra has played to his full potential this season we certainly look a far better team with him on the pitch. Its good that we are having this debate though as it shows that we have a couple of options now.
Only been to the Stanley Mathews Britannia Bet 365 stadium once before - my abiding memory wasn't the quality of the chicken baltie pie, nor Abdi's goal, but the absolute debacle trying to drive home post match...any top-tips on where to park to avoid longer spent in queue than actually at the match?
I went to that game and parked at one of the factories on Stanley Matthews Way. Looking at Google Maps I think it was Autoneum. Was out quite quickly and did a left rather than heading back towards the stadium. Soon back on the M6.
If Richie, Pererya and Delofeu are all out together, we certainly ought to have a few turns, twists and tricks up our sleeves - that's for sure. Personally I'd like to have Okaka up front to get on the end of what's created, but that seems unlikely if there's any truth in the report that we're "desperately" trying to get rid of him. Otherwise I'd start Gray. Stoke are going to be even more desperate than us to take three points from this one. They'll see it as a game they absolutely must win in their battle to stay up. Home game against a team in poor form who they've already beaten this season. If I were manager, my plan would be to catch them on the break as they pile forward urged on by an impatient crowd. Speed down the wings and from Gray down the middle might be key.
How many times would you say he's played to his full potential though? I think he lacks the mental strength to really take the game by the scruff of the neck. This season especially he's been anonymous in nearly every game he's played. Like a lot of our squad, he's very much a fair weather player. Hence the reason why we're now staring down the barrel of relegation
Is there a formation we can play which excludes Janmaat and Holebas? I don't think I can bear to watch that pathetic pair for another minute. What's Eleftheriou doing? Mapps can surely fit in there somewhere. Who else have we got who can play left back?
As long as we start with Deeney and Gray together up top I think we ll win this easily because their combined goal and assists when playing together is hard to ignore .
I think Pereyra has been dreadfully ineffective this season. I'm amazed he doesn't get some of the grief the usual suspects get. He's an illustration of the weak mindedness within our ranks. It's time for the coward to step up and influence games.
Easy. Formation was let’s play amywhere and put on a half arsed shift because who cares? That’s the sort of attitude that needs kicking out the back door and buried in Vicarage Cemetery.
Watford snowflakes in Stoke on a cold Wednesday? There is only one possible outcome and it's not pretty.
Mapps spent most of the career that he did have at Palace playing right back, did he not? I hadn't even considered it, but I think that's a great idea whilst Femenia's out, to be honest.
He played rb for us enough. I always preferred him there. It's got 0-0 written all over it. Will be backing this so expect a goal fest
Disagree he’s been one of the worst, he’s just been the only one to still demand the ball. The rest are off hiding. Without Cleverley, we look a much worse side.
We’ll park the bus. The question is whether they score first, or if we catch them on the counter. I’d go for a deep 442, with Richy Doucoure Cleverley and DLMFAO supporting Deeney and Grey. Press hard when the ball enters our half and then attack with pace, or give it to Deeney to hold up and flick on. Heart says a narrow 0-1 win. Head says 0-0, or a 1-0 loss.
Don't forget, our manager has had flu. Having just got over a bout myself I doubt he's had much time with team.
Il can’t see us keeping a clean sheet which is what worries me the most. Yes we came back against Southampton with a bit of luck after a much better second half showing, but this needs to be shown for 90 not just 45. Again vs Leicester we concede late and not counting the Cup loss this has been are downfall for far too long. Will it be sorted out? Yes. But not with the defence so weak as it has been. I wish all the boys the best tonight and the fans that are going, I really really hope we come away with something tonight. Lose here and Chelsea will probably beat us at hone next too. Win and things look a bit brighter. It’s almost depressing me writing this but keep saying to myself keep the faith keep believing...
snowflakes are often pretty... I am worried about tonight though As for Pereyra, he did put himself about the pitch before the injury but not looking the same player now. Does have the potential to help save our season if he comes good. Hope Gracia can get his confidence back.
Agree with this. He should be (based on pure ability) our best player. Aside from Leicester at home, last season, I can't think of one game where he has shown this.
Cautious about this game, Stoke are on the manager bounce but our players look lifted after signing Delofeu.
I really hope that's what he puts out. I was a bit surprised to see him go 4-5-1 at Southampton, but maybe that was because Deeney wasn't available. The new bloke likes to be solid at the back, but he has to know that's a pipe dream with what we have available. The only way out of this mess is to hope Troy and Gray strike up a decent strike partnership, and that Deufoleu injects some enthusiasm into the side. An added bonus would be that he manages to get something out of the flatter to deceive crowd (Pereyra, Carrillo, Capoue...etc.)
With our defence and attack it has ?-0 written all over it. I'm guessing 2 or 3 depending on how quickly they get their first but I really can't see them not scoring. 3 points would be incredible for us but the trouble is it is literally incredible, I just don't see how we could achieve it.
Reckon Deeney will start - even in the press conference yesterday the coach was calling him the "skipper" etc.
WF, all you can do is control the controllables. Get a Lemsip to Javi & you’ve done your bit. The bit beyond the Lemsip is down to Troy & the boys.
I'm on court until 7.30pm but can be available on the mobile if required?! Having said that I was planning to hide behind the sofa on match days, until this rotten mess is over!
I'm excited for this yes I might be gutted later, but a win here and we are back on form, Watford with something to prove 3:0 to us
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2636841 It should be dry for the duration of tonight's game, ergo we shan't have to face the prospect of a rainy Wednesday night in Stoke. Good omen.
