I see two current issues with the team when it comes to team selection. We don't have a Right Back or a Left Midfielder. And we have 12 genuine (outfield) contenders to start. The two that miss out are going to be hard done by, no matter what you do.
Scott at right back, not too bad an option there. Cannot understand at all why Oughton isn't in the squad.
The issue with not having in form, quality players for two positions means no matter what you do, you're either playing a foriegn/new formation or you've got players playing out of position, or worse, both!
Very true, although as long as Bertos is willing to put in a sh*tload of work covering both flanks a 4-3-1-2 seems to fit really well.
The key then, is to pick the most in form 10 outfielders as of the week of the game, to play a specific pattern - it is almost a waste of time naming 'dream' teams without accompanying tactics as 10 dudes listed on a piece of paper means nothing.
Very true, probably only about 6 guaranteed starters injuries permitting.
I personally thought the 3 up front was quite good and was employed together with the plan to send crosses in early, knowing they had three targets. Usually we use the wing and cross from closer to the by-line. Both can work, but really we have only Bertos who is a genuine wide player (as an aside this is quite different to the Nix where we seem to have 5 guys fighting for those roles!).
Clever tactics, but probably shouldn't be repeated for the second leg. Bertos is probably best used as the only wide midfield/attacking player, rather than sticking someone not used to it out there.
So if someone has to play out of position, or someone has to be dropped, who do we sacrifice?
Vicelich, to save Siggy being played at RB, and a striker, to allow weeMac to play centrally.
I'd favour dropping Vicelich and using 4 at the back to allow Bertos forward. I think he is too good to be wasted defending. (So that means Scott in at RB)
Precisely
The other thing I think we need is a genuine link for the strikers, so McGlinchey is in my team, as a central attacking mid.
Spot on
Now come the tough decisions but with an AM playing it sets up for four in the midfield. I believe Elliot is our best central midfielder so he's in there to win ball and distribute.
But of course
I'll leave LM for now, but I've only got 2 spots up front, so while I liked the 3 strikers this morning, I'd prefer the 4-4-2 diamond. We'll still have plenty of players to attack (strikers, Bertos, McGlinchey), and it'll be all about the correct tactics to create goals, and execution.
Tighten up the midfield and that'll mean no need for a second wide player (Bertos being the first)
Which two strikers? Pick who ever is in form, and bring the other two on with plenty to go (even at 50 minute mark). This will mean a 90 minute onslaught up front so no rest for the Bahrani defenders.
Tactics regarding who starts up front and how substitutions work will be made on form, injuries and how the game is running, Ricki did well with his changes today.
LM? My thought process says "what do we need from the position, and who have we got that can do the job?" I think this is where you can sacrifice an attacking option, help out Lochy (plus switch sides and help Scott too) and provide an outlet for defense. So, who we got? Brown? Brockie?Vicelich? Mulligan? To be honest I'd actually pick Mulligan - he is a good midfielder, with a good touch, pass and works hard. I know it mightn't be popular, especially with the little game time he's had, and if in training he didn't look like producing the goods I'd use Brown, and just tell him to worry about the simple stuff.
3 man central midfield (Brown, Elliot and McGlinchey) + Bertos switching flanks = Problem solved.
BTW when is Daniel eligible?
2012