This game couldn't come at a worse time, really. Away to Sunderland with the state we're in right now is just a hopeless proposition. I don't think Porteous and Louza are as bad as people think. Porteous cannot play in a back three, we've seen that every time it's been tried (first by Wilder and then occasionally by VI). It's not his fault that he's being ask to do something that he clearly isn't capable of. Same with Ngakia, reminds me of Lloyd in ability but is asked to play like Reece James or Trent Alexander-Arnold ffs. Louza is clearly at his best in a 4-2-3-1 when he can drop deep to get the ball and spread it out to the wingers and full backs, or thread balls through the middle to a capable no. 9 (no, Rajovic is not capable at all). This isn't the time for experiments, though. The 4-1-2-3 formation with Sierralta as a half back has occasionally worked pretty well, so I would set the team up like this and just ask the players to play a bit more direct when we win possession instead of slowing the pace down and letting the opponent regroup. Martins, Ince and even Bayo are decent outlets, and there's always Asprilla and Chak to come off the bench if we run out of steam. Keep Rajovic as far away from the pitch as possible until maybe injury time if we're chasing a goal. Bachmann, Andrews, Porteous, Hoedt, Lewis, Sierralta, TDB, Louza, Ince, Martins, Bayo.
Louza isn't a terrible player by any means. Next to Martins he is one of the most talented players in the squad. However, his general attitude on and off the pitch has been very concerning this season. Some fans' are speculating (a bit like Sarr) t that he wants out in January and will do the bare minimum between now and then. Since QPR he has been a passenger in most games, although some attacks to begin with a slick pass from him, these last few games especially he has gone off the boil. I do agree about Porteous, he cannot work in a back three. He needs the protection of wingbacks who will track back and help out the defence. Sema I still think is a big miss to the side despite his limitations. We had our best XI out at Leeds at got slapped because of formation and a total lack of work ethic. I think Sunderland will beat us, but it's how we play that is more of a concern to me over the result.
The thing is, whilst this definitely seems to be the case, it's also the case that he has mostly not been being asked to do it in the first place, and yet has still be consistently turning in poor performances with major mistakes most times, and that have been trending downwards for quite some time. Credit to Rousy for being the OG in banging the drum on this. Either way, we really can't pin much of Porteous' travails on the formation - it's really only been one game in isolation that it can be said to have had any effect. By all means, Val must not repeat the mistake. But it isn't that likely to result in any lasting turnaround in itself.
Well, if we look at this from a purely rational perspective - how many numbers are there in the title 'Championship'? Zero How many are there in 'League One'? One Therefore, it's simple maths: League One is, in fact, an infinitely more positive proposition than the Champ. Huzzah.
League one must be the top and best league there is, otherwise it would be bloody stupid to call it league one rather than say League three wouldn't it ? The people at the top of the sport aren't raving idiots !
With the extended contract bounce, we can look forward to only losing by one or two goals instead of getting smashed.
Good point. I suppose I was thinking more of his first spell when he was able to have total control of signings, where they had to live, etc. Having said that, he got rid of Ramage pretty sharpish after we failed to make the play-offs in 1997.
Too right, we want to get back to what we're good at, changing managers and cheese. Given that I suggest our next move is to get that old Gorgon Zola back as manager.
See even cheese puns have no replies.... Feels like we need a Parlaci WFCForum to talk about what's gone wrong here too!
I agree. Missing opportunities to make cheese puns is a serious sign of forum apathy. I suggest we meet away from the depressing surroundings of London Colney in somewhere like the Fulham ground. Let’s call it the Craven Cottage Cheese Parlaci.
General: Lots about our playstyles are similar but they generally defend in a low block more than our high line, whilst we put a greater emphasis on crossing. Attack: We've managed to create a lot of shots by a variety of different means (which is good!). Sunderlands biggest weakness has been through high through balls - something we've generally been good at. Defence: We've been shocking at defending against cutbacks - an area that Sunderland have scored 2 goals from so far this season which is a cause for concern. They've also created a few chances from switches in play, which we've been poor at (understandable considering our system!)
Sunderland fan here. I think a few of you, well most of you, are overly negative about this game. Yes, we can put a few goals past teams when we get on a roll in games but theres also a reason why we are not at the top and thats because we arent as consistent as those others. Especially at home where we struggle to break teams down who come for a draw. I see this as a tough game for us. We also have lots of injuries mounting up, including what mowbray described as a 'fairly key' player for tonight and he said it would require a tactical change. So anything could happen.
Charlie Miller is an absolute legend in Bergen. Him and Robbie Winters no doubt could still dine out for free there. Both in the side the last time Brann won the league. That season I'd say Miller was the best player in the league and made everything look so easy. It's only because of his wife that he left Norway. Miller and Winters were often in town and were two decent blokes who'd sit and chat for ages talking about football. Back to the match tonight. Unfortunately we're going to get torn to pieces.
Hello and welcome. Nice to hear from an opposition fan. I would probably suggest tonight might be a stroll for your lot. Our defence has gone from pretty solid to being made of saw dust with some of the most basic mistakes you wouldn't see in Sunday League football. Unless the new contract situation has instilled a new belief in this side then as soon as you put them under pressure we will crack or usually do something that allows you a great chance. Our best defender has been poor as of late and one of our most creative players has been playing passenger. There is however talk of VI going back to the old more solid formation and we are scoring goals again where at the start of the season that was almost as hard as winning the title. I think you have a more organised and settled side than we do despite the injuries. A draw tonight for us would be a good result and a win would be incredible. Our away form is one of the worst if not the worst in the division (we haven't won since January on the road). I do hope it's an exciting game and you are a side I would expect to be challenging for the playoffs again this season. Anything we can get is a bonus, as we have two important games after this. Best of luck tonight whatever the result.
I'm gonna predict a Watford victory. Simply because in the unlikely event it happens I can reply to this post and make out I have amazing predictive powers. If we lose I'll slink off and be quiet for a bit. I don't think we are as bad as people say we are.
I’ve backed Sunderland at evens with a large wager so I’ve done my bit to help Watford get something as usually when I bet against Watford they upset the form book.
Thanks for trying to make us all feel better, but we’re largely in agreement that we’re bobbins this season.
T'is the sad truth, we have a much chance as a cornetto is the summer sun away from home. And, this trip is nearly a European adventure for us it's so far.
I'd drop Louza tonight. He should be better than he has been but a message needs to be sent. I heard he camembert to be dropped though....
Yeah, he may have a decent left foot, which IMHO always looks better than a talented right footed player, but he has the same attitude as his name. He needs to grow a pair. Bet he was only signed as the owners thought if Success was a failure, then Louza would be an Isaac.
