Its about time we gave Costa a go from the bench. With Kwasnik injured and Coveny starting we need a replacement forward.
Moss
Mulligan McKain Durante Lochhead
Ferrante Dodd/Brown
Gao Hearfield
Smeltz Coveny
Bench:
Paston
Brown/Dodd
Costa
Daniel
With Covenys age, if he is going to start we need a replacement striker.
Hard News2008-09-16 12:13:20
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Why is everyone wanting costa?
Why not DRAPER THE RAPER?
ive got a song that wont take long, Adelaide are rubbish.. the second verse is same as the first.. ADELAIDE ARE RUBBISH
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Moss
Sigmund McKain Durante Lochhead
Johnson Daniel
Costa Gao
Smeltz Coveny
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so go from nothing through the middle to no width?
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Good call on Siggy Wolfie, I thought he showed more as RB in 15 minutes he had last night than Mulligan has in the last two games.
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----------------------------------------Moss-----------------------------------------------------------------
mulligan--------------------durante-------------Mckain--------------------------------lochhead
Bertos --------------------Johnson--------------brown------------------------------Daniel
------------------------------------------Gao-----------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------Smeltz--------------------------------------------------
BENCH= sigmund/dodd ,paston, hearfield, coveny/barbaarousas/kwasnik
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My thoughts and team;
Formation - we don't have the players to play 4-4-2. Smeltz and Coveny are too much alike. We have been playing 4-2-3-1 all year and scoring goals - why change it now ? It's the defensive midfield / back 4 that's been the problem - not the front half of the park.
Don't change starting back 4 - they didn't concede a goal and looked Ok. Sure Moss and the woodwork saved us a few times but many of those chances were down to the defensive midfielders missing tackles or passing the ball to the Mariner's forwards.
Back 4 -same starting back 4. Sigmund on the bench to cover centre back and full back.
Defensive midfield - Ferrante & Brown. Mulligan to cover defensive midfield injury.
Attacking midfielders - you have to play Daniel and Gao. They can both be lazy f**kers but they are our 2 players who can create chances. Third attacking midfielder would be Leo (assuming fit) or Hearfield with other on bench.
Covs to cover for Smeltz.
Team;
Moss
Mulligan McKain Durante Lochhead
Ferrante Brown
Hearfield / Leo Daniel Gao
Smeltz
Paston
Sigmund
Hearfield / Leo
Covs
Whitby boy2008-09-15 11:23:04He dribbles a lot and the opposition dont like it - you can see it all over their faces. (Ron Atkinson)
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Front end of the park is the problem. 3 goals in 4 games (all from the same player), one of which came from a dodgy penalty. All in all we've maybe had 5-6 good goal scoring chances, and Smeltzy has done fantastically well to convert what little he's had. The other problem though is that our midfield and defence, which I hoped would be the stronger parts of the team, have been awful, so we've got problems all over pretty much, excepting Moss and Smeltz (although Mossy did have a shocker against Melbourne)...
Agree, however, that we don't have players for 4-4-2. 4-2-3-1, or maybe even 4-3-2-1 would work better for us. Come to think of it, I'd try this:
Moss
Siggy Dodd Durante Lochead
Ferrante McKain Daniel
Hearfield Gao
Smeltz
Bench:
Paston
Costa
Plodder (Leo when/if fit)
Johnson
Agree, however, that we don't have players for 4-4-2. 4-2-3-1, or maybe even 4-3-2-1 would work better for us. Come to think of it, I'd try this:
Moss
Siggy Dodd Durante Lochead
Ferrante McKain Daniel
Hearfield Gao
Smeltz
Bench:
Paston
Costa
Plodder (Leo when/if fit)
Johnson
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We have been playing 4-2-3-1 all year and scoring goals - why change it now ?
We have? Pre season doesn't count.
a.haak
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Why do coaches seem to need to relearn the same lessons ?
Build your team on a strong defence - Jake White won the rugby WC with this mantra. We didn't concede a goal against the Mariners - we didn't lose - the back four was Ok and McKain and Durante were good - leave the back 4 alone.
Play players in their specialist positions - John Mitchell lost a WC by not applying this lesson. The attributes of a good centre back are not the same as the attributes of a good midfielder. The Dodd experiment at midfield is a painfull embarrassment - play centre backs at centre back and midfielders in the midfield.
Don't continually fiddle with line-ups and formations - ask Graeme rotation Henry about this. Settle on a formation and give players time in the formation.
We have looked best this season playing 4-2-3-1 with Leo, Hearfield and Gao running at the opposition and creating for Smeltz.
Let's leave the back 4 alone, go back to 3 attacking midfielders working for Smeltz, and have 2 midfielders playing defensive midfield.
It was a sh*t game yesterday but the positive for me was in the team's attitude which McKain epitomised with his no nonsence defending. With some common sense and consistent selections we can build on that attitude.
He dribbles a lot and the opposition dont like it - you can see it all over their faces. (Ron Atkinson)
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We have looked best this season playing 4-2-3-1 with Leo, Hearfield and Gao running at the opposition and creating for Smeltz. [/QUOTE]
Erm, we looked decent in that formation against CCM in the pre-season, although we were nowhere near as good in that game as some have suggested. We didn't see the pre-season games in Oz, where by all accounts we had two awful halves, and that formation clearly hasn't exactly worked in the regular season. Not criticising your statement, just trying to put some context to it...
[QUOTE=Whitby boy] Let's leave the back 4 alone, go back to 3 attacking midfielders working for Smeltz, and have 2 midfielders playing defensive midfield.
Erm, we looked decent in that formation against CCM in the pre-season, although we were nowhere near as good in that game as some have suggested. We didn't see the pre-season games in Oz, where by all accounts we had two awful halves, and that formation clearly hasn't exactly worked in the regular season. Not criticising your statement, just trying to put some context to it...
[QUOTE=Whitby boy] Let's leave the back 4 alone, go back to 3 attacking midfielders working for Smeltz, and have 2 midfielders playing defensive midfield.
With regard to the back 4, NO. We kept a clean sheet last night, but only thanks to Moss and divine providence, not through great defensive display. Get Mulligan out of there, and start Siggy. Play Dodd as centre-back where he'll be more comfortable, and move McKain into midfield where he should do a better job than Dodd.el grapadura2008-09-15 13:12:31
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With regard to the back 4, NO. We kept a clean sheet last night, but only thanks to Moss and divine providence, not through great defensive display. Get Mulligan out of there, and start Siggy. Play Dodd as centre-back where he'll be more comfortable, and move McKain into midfield where he should do a better job than Dodd.
What he said.
We need a right back who can tackle. We need a central midfielder who can pass.
Whilst I'm at it... fully agree with the 4-2-3-1, or at least if we're going to play two up front, please not Coveny starting. Could this be an ideal time to introduce Costa or Draper?
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Doubt this will ever get played:
Moss
Dodd Durante McKain
Mulligan/Hearfield Lochead
Johnson/Brown Ferrante
AMx2
Smeltz
Bench:
Paston
Sigmund
AM
Hearfield/Mulligan
Ok, 3 decent CB freeing up Lochead and either Mulligan/Hearfield (after last nights performance probably hearfield) to roam forward and provide width and crosses. Johnson/Brown to try and break up play and ferrante to link play. the attacking midfielders (AM) are made up of Bertos, Daniel and Gao, with 2 of those starting and 1 on the bench. I am leaning towards Daniel and Gao starting. And then Smeltz up front. Hearfield to be the backup striker if need be.
Moss
Dodd Durante McKain
Mulligan/Hearfield Lochead
Johnson/Brown Ferrante
AMx2
Smeltz
Bench:
Paston
Sigmund
AM
Hearfield/Mulligan
Ok, 3 decent CB freeing up Lochead and either Mulligan/Hearfield (after last nights performance probably hearfield) to roam forward and provide width and crosses. Johnson/Brown to try and break up play and ferrante to link play. the attacking midfielders (AM) are made up of Bertos, Daniel and Gao, with 2 of those starting and 1 on the bench. I am leaning towards Daniel and Gao starting. And then Smeltz up front. Hearfield to be the backup striker if need be.
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I really, really hope that we don't revert to any sort of formation that only has 3 defenders.
Last season demonstrated that Lochead is nowhere near as effective in midfield as he is at the back, and even though he's struggled a bit this season, he still needs to play as LB in a back 4 formation.
Last season demonstrated that Lochead is nowhere near as effective in midfield as he is at the back, and even though he's struggled a bit this season, he still needs to play as LB in a back 4 formation.
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I really, really hope that we don't revert to any sort of formation that only has 3 defenders.
Last season demonstrated that Lochead is nowhere near as effective in midfield as he is at the back, and even though he's struggled a bit this season, he still needs to play as LB in a back 4 formation.
Last season demonstrated that Lochead is nowhere near as effective in midfield as he is at the back, and even though he's struggled a bit this season, he still needs to play as LB in a back 4 formation.
In that formation I still Lochead as basically a LB and playing similar to how he normally does, just that instead of having to scramble back or worried about joining the attack there is extra cover with Dodd dropping from DM to CB
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More like a wingback then? So looking at 5-4-1 when defending? Still, what do you do on the right then? Hearfield would probably be the best option for that kind of role, although I'd prefer to see him much further up the field.
Also a bit too defensive in that case, IMO.
Also a bit too defensive in that case, IMO.
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More like a wingback then? So looking at 5-4-1 when defending? Still, what do you do on the right then? Hearfield would probably be the best option for that kind of role, although I'd prefer to see him much further up the field.
Also a bit too defensive in that case, IMO.
Also a bit too defensive in that case, IMO.
Yeah, 541 when defending, 343 when attacking. Hearfield/Mulligan are bracketed on the right and you are correct, hearfield would do well there.
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Based on the last two games.....
Starting
Moss
Mulligan Sigmund Durante Dodd McKain Lochead Muscat
Johnson Ferrante
Smeltz
That should suit the game plan
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I'd take Smeltz off (God forbid, he may even get a goal if we play him) and play Plodder as an extra RB. Just to be on the safe side.
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gLOLry?
Geez, you'd want to win this one.
Geez, you'd want to win this one.
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No love for Brown between Johnno and Ferrante ?
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I'd take Smeltz off (God forbid, he may even get a goal if we play him) and play Plodder as an extra RB. Just to be on the safe side.
I forgot about Plodder, that would give us a good 8 1 1 formation which would be exciting. Though apparentley all midfielders have serious neck injuries. Something to do with watching the ball going over them for 90 mins
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No love for Brown between Johnno and Ferrante ?
Gotta have someone on the bench.
It's starting to look like
Moss
Christie, Mulligan, Sigmund, Durante, Dodd, McKain, Lochead, Muscat
Johnson
Smeltz
Bench
Paston
Brown
Ferrante
Daniel
I've left Johnson in midfield as we need someone to win the ball and pass it to ....... Smeltz
Only problem I have is who plays outside who wide at the back. Gao doesn't make the bench cos he's far too attack minded.
Moss won't get any more MOM votes as he hopefully won't see the ball. We'll get a point a game til the end of the season
Royal2008-09-15 14:42:04
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Surely Lochhead goes outside Muscat ?
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They'll swap during the game to upset the opposition
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No love for Brown between Johnno and Ferrante ?
Gotta have someone on the bench.
It's starting to look like
Moss
Christie, Mulligan, Sigmund, Durante, Dodd, McKain, Lochead, Muscat
Johnson
Smeltz
Bench
Paston
Brown
Ferrante
Daniel
I've left Johnson in midfield as we need someone to win the ball and pass it to ....... Smeltz
Only problem I have is who plays outside who wide at the back. Gao doesn't make the bench cos he's far too attack minded.
Moss won't get any more MOM votes as he hopefully won't see the ball. We'll get a point a game til the end of the season
Nah from Johnson to smeltz is far too short a pass for us. Change Johnson to coveny up front with smeltz,we need his pace to chase those classy long balls we're knocking. 8-0-2 does seem to be the nix preferred formation to suit our style of play doesnt it?
Allegedly
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Can't believe you muppets are in love with Ferrante. He is not a central midfielder. He is more a traditional right half.
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Moss
Mully Dura McKain Lochy
Ferrante Brown
Gao Daniel Leo/ Hearfield
Smeltz
Lets play the way we talked about all off season, Ferrante would not have been my scapegoat for the Adelaide loss. Lochy hasnt been great but he is class. I want to see three attackers behind smeltz, who all rove and can run at people.
www.kiwifromthecouch.blogspot.com
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No love for Brown between Johnno and Ferrante ?
Gotta have someone on the bench.
It's starting to look like
Moss
Christie, Mulligan, Sigmund, Durante, Dodd, McKain, Lochead, Muscat
Johnson
Smeltz
Bench
Paston
Brown
Ferrante
Daniel
I've left Johnson in midfield as we need someone to win the ball and pass it to ....... Smeltz
Only problem I have is who plays outside who wide at the back. Gao doesn't make the bench cos he's far too attack minded.
Moss won't get any more MOM votes as he hopefully won't see the ball. We'll get a point a game til the end of the season
Nah from Johnson to smeltz is far too short a pass for us. Change Johnson to coveny up front with smeltz,we need his pace to chase those classy long balls we're knocking. 8-0-2 does seem to be the nix preferred formation to suit our style of play doesnt it?
You will need two keepers to organise a defence like that. Play Paston as a kicking only keeper with responsibility for organising one side of the field
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I thought about that, but that's just silly! Football does have rules!
For those thinking that the pass from Johnson to Smeltz is too small, the answer is that Johnson sits just in front of the back 8 to snuff out the attacking midfield raids. Smeltz is there purely to chase the long balls banged up relentlessly.
Royal2008-09-15 17:24:05
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so go from nothing through the middle to no width?
I meant Gao + Costa as wingers
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Sigmund played better in the 15 mins he was on than Mulligan has in his 2 games. Having people like Tim Brown and Plodder coming on as subs with 20-25 mins to go is hardly going to add anything to the game is it? We need impact players like Costa to come on and run their ass off for 20 minutes
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No love for Brown between Johnno and Ferrante ?
Gotta have someone on the bench.
It's starting to look like
Moss
Christie, Mulligan, Sigmund, Durante, Dodd, McKain, Lochead, Muscat
Johnson
Smeltz
Bench
Paston
Brown
Ferrante
Daniel
I've left Johnson in midfield as we need someone to win the ball and pass it to ....... Smeltz
Only problem I have is who plays outside who wide at the back. Gao doesn't make the bench cos he's far too attack minded.
Moss won't get any more MOM votes as he hopefully won't see the ball. We'll get a point a game til the end of the season
Johnson's a bit too creative for me
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but I thought long balls were the way to go if you're not as skilled as the other team? isn't that the plan with the All Whites? i'm confused
I like tautologies because I like them.
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gLOLry?
Geez, you'd want to win this one.
Geez, you'd want to win this one.
Who changed that one. It read "Phoenix vs Glory - Match Thread" when I left for school this morning!!!
Not saying I don't like it of course! gLoLry is a perfect fit!
simon_hampton2008-09-15 19:32:03
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I got it off an Aus forum and it amused me. I'll probably change it back tomorrow.
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Covs and Smeltzy combo seemed to reduce smeltz's impact (ok so the midfield was hardly fluent, so the pair might be worth another look)
Kwasi's runs seem to lack purpose and are probably hard for the wide players to pick up
Leilei Gao adds a bit and is surely worth more minutes - but I'd just as soon see him out wide as playing as a second striker
Someone suggested a Bertos Smeltz combo - erm no thanks
Troy H might be worth a look playing off Covs - but then dropping Smeltz is not plausible (no matter how the contract talks progress)
if we docontinue to play two up front it would be good to work out who work well as a pair (for a 'fair test', having the midfield working more fluently would be necessary)
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My thoughts and team;
Formation - we don't have the players to play 4-4-2. Smeltz and Coveny are too much alike. We have been playing 4-2-3-1 all year and scoring goals - why change it now ? It's the defensive midfield / back 4 that's been the problem - not the front half of the park.
Don't change starting back 4 - they didn't concede a goal and looked Ok. Sure Moss and the woodwork saved us a few times but many of those chances were down to the defensive midfielders missing tackles or passing the ball to the Mariner's forwards.
Back 4 -same starting back 4. Sigmund on the bench to cover centre back and full back.
Defensive midfield - Ferrante & Brown. Mulligan to cover defensive midfield injury.
Attacking midfielders - you have to play Daniel and Gao. They can both be lazy f**kers but they are our 2 players who can create chances. Third attacking midfielder would be Leo (assuming fit) or Hearfield with other on bench.
Covs to cover for Smeltz.
Team;
Moss
Mulligan McKain Durante Lochhead
Ferrante Brown
Hearfield / Leo Daniel Gao
Smeltz
Paston
Sigmund
Hearfield / Leo
Covs
[/QUOTE]
I 100% agree with this, really wish Dura hadn't publicly said we're going to stick with 442
[QUOTE=Hard News]I got it off an Aus forum and it amused me. I'll probably change it back tomorrow.
I aspire to live a life as sad as yours
Oska2008-09-15 21:02:06You know we belong together...
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