Probably a dumb question but if say 5 games from end of season it becomes clear swe can't make autos but will make playoffs could we cancel loan for few weeks then reinstate?
Nothing we've seen from Joka so far indicates that Tozser is an automatic choice. When fit, I think Abdi is the only one who is in the 'best XI', the other four are likely to be interchangeable depending on the oppostition - Abdi, Tozser and Watson would be a solid midfield, Abdi, Guedioura and Munari may be more appropriate for when we're favourites.
Seems to me that Joka wants to switch to 442 diamond. The acquisition of Motta plus the fact that we played 442 diamond in the last game looks like a desire to move to a back four to me. I could see something like: [Gomes] [Motta] - [Cathcart] - [Angella/Ekstrand] - [Layun] [Guedioura] [Tozser] - [Watson/Munari] [Abdi] [Ighalo] - [Deeney] Abdi is pretty brilliant in that role behind the strikers so it could well bring out the best in him.
Great news. But still one more needed to complete the jigsaw I think. At the end of January the Joka identified the need for another defender and another midfielder on loan seeing as we hadn't made those permanent signings in January. The G man covers the midfield requirement. Motta however sounds like a bit of a bonus to me. I took the Joka's 'need for another defender' comment to refer to a central defender rather than another wing back/full back. It was after all Bassong who was returned on loan (primarily a CB). So I think we can still expect a bit more action on that front yet.
I think the return of Ekstrand has been a bonus to Jokanovic, I don't think he knew what talent he had there. To me, this is the final piece, it's now up to the lads to deliver....
It has to be Abdi, Watson and one more at the moment - assuming we're playing a midfield three. If we play the diamond then Watson at the base, Abdi at the tip, and two others inbetween them.
Agreed and a good initial point. But that's fine if they all stay fit. If he wants to play three central defenders then I'm not convinced the Joka considers Tommy as an entirely adequate replacement. Hence his experiment on Tuesday night to a degree. Therefore, it remains my contention that the Joka will still be looking for a serious, no-nonsense player to cover/compete in that position.
I think he feels though that our use of width with the players we have is inadequate. Derek Payne bangs on week in week out during commentary about using our wide men more and hitting them earlier. Trouble is those wide men are repeatedly wasteful.
Agreed, if we continue to play three central defenders then we still do lack decent cover. The Zat Knight trial suggests SJ is still concerned about it.
AG's initial loan spell with us was strange. He played 6 times, 90 minutes against both Reading (A) and Cardiff (A), and a total of 58 minutes in 4 other games Cardiff (H), Fulham (A), Wigan (H), Wolves (H). So he only played 50 minutes at the Vic over the 6 games. However, those who saw his MotM performances at Reading and Cardiff will know that he can play a key part in our run in.....
so he can play defensive CM, but given that we now have Watson why waste all that attacking ability? Use him like we did last time, at the sharp end
Drop Watson imo that bloke is a ball losing liability, with a poor first touch. However he is great at ball winning and breaking play up. Tough, could go all Mourinho and play them both as holding?
Really? They've signed him until the end of the season and did the deal within the transfer window so it's a normal non-emergency loan. He should be with them until Derby's season ends. Nope. Loan deadline is 26th March.
My thoughts exactly, I missed Wolves and Fulham so I've seen him play like 15 minutes of football and thought "meh". Yet I'm excited by this signing but only because I've heard everyone say he's the real deal (based on Cardiff and Reading) which is better than everyone saying he's the real deal based on youtube videos.
no you said to "start" them.. i think if your going to start, in current formations of back 3 and 5 mid with 1 holding then I would like to see Guedioura instead of Watson as reasons explained. But we could shift that formation and change to 2 holding then maybe i would start them both.
One thing I have noticed is that Troy posted a tweet aimed at Guedioura saying "see you on Sunday". I'm guessing he won't play today.
He was superb at Cardiff, totally bossed the game in a Yaya Toure kind of a way. Without doubt amongst the best individual displays of the season - if it wasn't for Almen at Fulham (and various other places) then probably the best.
As long as Guedioura understands that Almen Abdi is the king of Watford and the world, then he'll fit right back in.
Hmm, I stand corrected - even so, we've seen his attacking qualities, and not much from him in a defensive role, so I'd be surprised if he was brought in to play as a defensive midfielder. It's also worth pointing out that he only really played that position for Nottingham Forest for about three months, and played a more advanced role at Crystal Palace, so it seems I'm not the only person who values his attacking contribution more than his defensive work.
