.....I'd feel more nervous if we were against lower league opposition. Good opportunity to get back on course, just don't want any fancy Dan tactics. Play the team shape that has worked well, a back 4 with 2 defensive midfielders, wide men who get the chalk on their boots, a no10 in behind the striker. Simple.
Baines is one of the best around at LB so play him there. Play 2 proper wingers out wide, McGeady on the left and Mirallas on the right. ok, McGeady has been disappointing but it's his position and keeps the balance. Sit Barry in front of the back four alongside Besic and play either Barkley or Naismith behind Lukaku. Don't try and accommodate both players.
I accept that Barry has been poor but I have a theory that he more than any has been impacted by the change in team shape. No plan B, just return to plan A.
Lots to disagree with there.
1) The team shape that has worked well? It HASN'T worked well though - at least not this season.
2) We have loads of options at LB and very few currently at CM. Oviedo and Garbutt need game time, Barry needs a break - so Baines in midfield please.
3) We don't have two proper wingers. We have one - Mirallas. McGeady is not a good choice as a starter because he lacks stamina and the minute his confidence goes he is a liability from that point onwards.
4) Naismith behind Lukaku in a 4231 does not help Lukaku. Barkley is the better option there, the two of them link up well.
5) What change in team shape? We have been playing a 4231 week in week out, regardless of the fact that we don't have the right players in the right positions to make it work. The central-minded players we have put out on the wings have been drifting in killing our width, but that's not a deliberate change in shape by the manager.
IMHO we should be starting in a 433, which puts all our currently fit players in positions where they can do an effective job. This formation destroyed Arsenal last year. You can bring McGeady and Eto'o on in the second half and switch to your 4231 if you want, bringing Naismith and Lukaku off.
Robles
Coleman, Stones, Distin, Oviedo
Besic
Barkley - - - - - Baines
Naismith
Lukaku - - - - - Mirallas
