If you change the back four it is just as likely someone else will have a bad game who comes in. Stability is usually the best appoach with a back four unless someone is consistently out of form.
Agree totally.Agree. If you do change the back line, first have a defender on the bench and give him his shot at the 60 mark.
Pull Lochy off with Muscat LB, Lia RB. And if this proves quality then maybe we will have decisions to make. Durante and Siggy need to solidify quick
Pull Lochy off with Muscat LB, Lia RB. And if this proves quality then maybe we will have decisions to make. Durante and Siggy need to solidify quick
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I was watching the highlights of the game today and just what the F**K was Lochead doing for their 2nd terrible defending. Do we have cover for left back?
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Should have got Stefanutto - if he went to NQ then surely he would've considered us.
a.haak
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Muscat did not track his man on the first goal
Founder
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So what we are saying then is Paston was not to blame, rather shotty defending lead to golden opportunities.
Excellent.
Drop Mckain into the backs and put Ferrante and Diego in the center. Diego shouldn't play out wide right like he did last week. Ferrante is a work horse so can do the donkey work Brown does without the fouls probaly and unlike Brown he can pass more than two yards.
Costa or Rojas to make the bench, we need to have a striker on the bench (realise Marcos is a winger, but he is very attack minded and a direct runner and can do the job if necessary playing wider out.)
But whats the bet we play with 2 dm's again??
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....it is frustrating to see the neglect of such basic things as player movement, accurate passing etc.
Who runs the practise sessions? How much time is spent on drilling basics?
Not enough, I suspect.
I believe we have a heap of talent on the books this season. That's encouraging.
But... if we don't do the basics well, and do those basics consistently, we won't have a strong platform to build on.
And we won't - can't - win enough games to be anything more than also-rans.
It's not bl**dy rocket science!
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While I'm fully aware just how badly the entire defence performed against Newcastle, I do not think it's wise to go jumping in swinging the axe straight away.
Durante is captain and so dropping himhas to be a big decision, and so he should be given time to form a solid partnership with Sigmund.
Lochead was very poor on Sunday (and last season) but he is also the only natural LB we have - Muscat could do a job but when he played poorly at RB that doesn't seem like an option.
Dropping McKain back is tempting, but I think we'd be better off saying to the back four: go out and prove everyone wrong. Give them a chance to make amens.
That said, we need to change the midfield for the home game, we have to have more creativity in there, so Brown needs to drop out, and Costa/Rojas should certainly be on the bench.
Durante is captain and so dropping himhas to be a big decision, and so he should be given time to form a solid partnership with Sigmund.
Lochead was very poor on Sunday (and last season) but he is also the only natural LB we have - Muscat could do a job but when he played poorly at RB that doesn't seem like an option.
Dropping McKain back is tempting, but I think we'd be better off saying to the back four: go out and prove everyone wrong. Give them a chance to make amens.
That said, we need to change the midfield for the home game, we have to have more creativity in there, so Brown needs to drop out, and Costa/Rojas should certainly be on the bench.
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... Give them a chance to make amens.
They haven't got a prayer
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It won't be a good look if we drop the captain but I really think we can't take the risk of going in to this weekends game withot any change to the back 4 following Sunday's poor performance. i suggest Lochead be dropped, move Siggy to replace him and drop McKain in to the backs to partner up with Durante.
Diego or Lia to fill in the in the mid-field.Need to be more attacking minded - Sunday they played very conservatively
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It won't be a good look if we drop the captain but I really think we can't take the risk of going in to this weekends game withot any change to the back 4 following Sunday's poor performance. i suggest Lochead be dropped, move Siggy to replace him and drop McKain in to the backs to partner up with Durante.
Diego or Lia to fill in the in the mid-field.Need to be more attacking minded - Sunday they played very conservatively
Kneejerk reaction and after game 1 of the season isn't going to help. If we did that all year we'll change players every game and need an endless pit of playing talent.
Do you remember the Durante/McKain partnership from the beginning of last year? You might not be saying that if you did. Moving Siggy out to left back is just guess work.
I should offer my thoughts on this weeks team - one change. Diego for Brown who goes to the bench. Ferrante is an option for later in the game if Diego doesn't last the distance.
....and if we take Ifill off again, don't play one up front. Gives me the sh*ts
Royal2009-08-12 10:42:44
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Here's a formation I wouldn't be opposed too at all.
Paston
Lia Sigmund Muscat
Ferrante McKain
Bertos Diego Hearfield
Greenacre Barbarouses
Bench:
Crowther
Durante
Ifill
Daniel
I know it's a risk playing three defenders but McKain and Ferrante can both provide cover as well as supplying the attack. I don't know, could end disastrously, but I would be interested to see how it would go.
Paston
Lia Sigmund Muscat
Ferrante McKain
Bertos Diego Hearfield
Greenacre Barbarouses
Bench:
Crowther
Durante
Ifill
Daniel
I know it's a risk playing three defenders but McKain and Ferrante can both provide cover as well as supplying the attack. I don't know, could end disastrously, but I would be interested to see how it would go.
It will be different up front to that. If they are fit Ifill and Greenacre start. End of.
Ifill isn't fully fit and it'll take a few weeks for him to be fully fit based on what I read.
And please don't say 'end of' as if your opinion is final and not just opinion but fact. It's very annoying having to read it.
But knowing Ricki it is more likely Barbarouses will be benched. A mistake in my books but I'm not coach.
Its only end of, in my opinion.
It seems to me that having spent the whole off season scouring the world for a decent forward, and having obtained one (on paper), who has played at a higher level than this and scored goals, and also played for his country and scored goals for them, that he will be the first choice ahead of Costa in our second game of the campaign.
He has been involved in trial matches, as Costa has been, and has a certain level of fitness. He will be on the park to start until it turns out that we need another option, or that Costa shows up at training as being better than him.
Not the end of, I welcome debate
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I really hope Ifill can get more oppourtunities, but if he's not fully fit then we have to give costa a good half an hour. In his A-League games he has played, he has been quite active and worked hard. With tiring old Perth defenders, Costa could come on and run rings round them.
I do kind of like the idea of Ferrante as a holding midfielder if we had to drop back McKain. Even though I'm not a fan, he could be the link there? Although, so could Mulligan...
I do kind of like the idea of Ferrante as a holding midfielder if we had to drop back McKain. Even though I'm not a fan, he could be the link there? Although, so could Mulligan...
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It won't be a good look if we drop the captain but I really think we can't take the risk of going in to this weekends game withot any change to the back 4 following Sunday's poor performance. i suggest Lochead be dropped, move Siggy to replace him and drop McKain in to the backs to partner up with Durante.
Diego or Lia to fill in the in the mid-field.Need to be more attacking minded - Sunday they played very conservatively
Kneejerk reaction and after game 1 of the season isn't going to help. If we did that all year we'll change players every game and need an endless pit of playing talent.
Do you remember the Durante/McKain partnership from the beginning of last year? You might not be saying that if you did. Moving Siggy out to left back is just guess work.
I should offer my thoughts on this weeks team - one change. Diego for Brown who goes to the bench. Ferrante is an option for later in the game if Diego doesn't last the distance.
....and if we take Ifill off again, don't play one up front. Gives me the sh*ts
I pretty much agree with this. Leave the defense at the mo and try and get more creative in midfield.
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I do agree too. Just hope Herbert can drop Brown. I'm actually scared that he wont because he really admires him.
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So what we are saying then is Paston was not to blame, rather shotty defending lead to golden opportunities.
Excellent.
Drop Mckain into the backs and put Ferrante and Diego in the center. Diego shouldn't play out wide right like he did last week. Ferrante is a work horse so can do the donkey work Brown does without the fouls probaly and unlike Brown he can pass more than two yards.
Costa or Rojas to make the bench, we need to have a striker on the bench (realise Marcos is a winger, but he is very attack minded and a direct runner and can do the job if necessary playing wider out.)
But whats the bet we play with 2 dm's again??
Ferrante should be played on the wide or not at all. He isn't a CM imo and has never done a good job there.
valeo2009-08-12 11:57:02
a.haak
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i would much rather us tamper with midfield for the next game rather than tamper with the whole back 4. I would maybe get rid of lochhead move muscut across and but lia at rightback. But for me the CM pairing of Mckain and Brown is not going to work. Keep Mckain there and get ferrante back in.
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Here's a formation I wouldn't be opposed too at all.
Paston
Lia Sigmund Muscat
Ferrante McKain
Bertos Diego Hearfield
Greenacre Barbarouses
Bench:
Crowther
Durante
Ifill
Daniel
I know it's a risk playing three defenders but McKain and Ferrante can both provide cover as well as supplying the attack. I don't know, could end disastrously, but I would be interested to see how it would go.
Paston
Lia Sigmund Muscat
Ferrante McKain
Bertos Diego Hearfield
Greenacre Barbarouses
Bench:
Crowther
Durante
Ifill
Daniel
I know it's a risk playing three defenders but McKain and Ferrante can both provide cover as well as supplying the attack. I don't know, could end disastrously, but I would be interested to see how it would go.
It will be different up front to that. If they are fit Ifill and Greenacre start. End of.
Ifill isn't fully fit and it'll take a few weeks for him to be fully fit based on what I read.
And please don't say 'end of' as if your opinion is final and not just opinion but fact. It's very annoying having to read it.
But knowing Ricki it is more likely Barbarouses will be benched. A mistake in my books but I'm not coach.
Its only end of, in my opinion.
It seems to me that having spent the whole off season scouring the world for a decent forward, and having obtained one (on paper), who has played at a higher level than this and scored goals, and also played for his country and scored goals for them, that he will be the first choice ahead of Costa in our second game of the campaign.
He has been involved in trial matches, as Costa has been, and has a certain level of fitness. He will be on the park to start until it turns out that we need another option, or that Costa shows up at training as being better than him.
Not the end of, I welcome debate
As long as Costa gets at least half an hour I'll be happy. Ifill does need to play a bit both to form a partnership with Greenacre and for the sake of his fitness. He isn't yet (unless he's managed to get fit over a week) deserving a whole match.
I still think we should drop Brown but I've changed my mind with regards to Lochhead, we should give him another chance. A number of people have pointed out that it isn't a great idea to always change the defence and I guess they're right, but he really needs to start playing like he did in season 1.
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Agree with every point there. Costa should be getting time now. He's been here a while and never really done anything wrong.
half an hour gives him his shot to prove himself. Will be hard for him to get any time once Chen is fit.
Brown needs to be dropped, but RH might not do it. I hope his assistants can talk some sense into him. And Diego must play central. We identified last season that we needed an attacking midfielder and the club praised Diego as the one to do it. So for me, the only slightly debatable midfield position would be Hearfields, but he shouldn't be dropped either.
To me, Brown doesn't really warrant a bench spot. He doesn't really offer any creativity or attack power, and our defensive options are much more versatile than him. Bench of Crowther, Daniel, Costa and one of either Lia or Ferrante I would hope. Otherwise it'll probably go to Brown.
half an hour gives him his shot to prove himself. Will be hard for him to get any time once Chen is fit.
Brown needs to be dropped, but RH might not do it. I hope his assistants can talk some sense into him. And Diego must play central. We identified last season that we needed an attacking midfielder and the club praised Diego as the one to do it. So for me, the only slightly debatable midfield position would be Hearfields, but he shouldn't be dropped either.
To me, Brown doesn't really warrant a bench spot. He doesn't really offer any creativity or attack power, and our defensive options are much more versatile than him. Bench of Crowther, Daniel, Costa and one of either Lia or Ferrante I would hope. Otherwise it'll probably go to Brown.
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Three certainties in life - death, taxes and Daniel coming on at 65 minutes, regardless of game
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Paston
Muscat Siggy Durante Lochead? (for lack of a better option)
Brown/Mckain
Ferrante Bertos
Deigo/Hearfield
Greenacre Ifill
Only one of Brown or Mckain should start. Not sure if its been mentioned but what do you guys think about hearfield in AM could he play there? I reckon its worth a go.
Would love to have Rojas on the wing but just can't see Ricki doing it somehow.
Ginja Ninja2009-08-12 17:27:44
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I think Hearfield could do a job at AM but I don't think he's the answer
a.haak
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Yeah I agree with that. I think an option could be pulling off Diego after70 mins and putting Leo there maybe? With Rojas/ Daniel going wide?
Imagine the pace at the end of a game with
Hearfield Bertos Rojas
Costa Greenacre / Ifill
Up against a tired wearing defense, we could really be scary. And quick. Ifill is quite nippy too yeah?
Imagine the pace at the end of a game with
Hearfield Bertos Rojas
Costa Greenacre / Ifill
Up against a tired wearing defense, we could really be scary. And quick. Ifill is quite nippy too yeah?
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Could be a great way to pinch a few late goals
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Exactly
Against some old legs like moore, muscat etc
Against some old legs like moore, muscat etc
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Its almost like that line-up needs one of those great nicknames like the crazy gang for instance, but more focused to this particular grouping 
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Ive been reading this thread since it opened and have not yet commented..
I was at the Newcastle game which was a game illustrating some terrible defence from both teams. Phoenix though I felt had no defence or central midfield. There was no link between Defence - Midfield and Midfield - Forwards.. I believe the formation and player selections had a major thing to do with this..
Paston/Crowther
Lia/Dura Sigmund McKain Lochhead
Brown
Rojas Bertos
Hearfield
Ifil/Costa Greenacre
Bench:
Ifil/Costa
Lia/Dura
Paston/Crowther
Diego/Daniel
Goalkeeper - I would nearly put Crowther infront of Paston but after reading and seeing highlights of Crowther in China im not sure what to do here..
Defence - I feel dropping McKain into a central defence role is more suited for him..and therefore pushing Dura to RB which he played a couple times for the Jets..even replacing Dura with Lia and giving him a run..EDIT: ive left muscat out altogher because i dont feel he brings ne thing to the side, his defence is ordinary, he looks totally out of place in this competition!!
Midfield - the Diamond formation needs to used by Phoenix to link def - mid and mid - att..Brown can be played in the holding midfield role..his distribution needs to be spot on though..i feel Hearfield can play in the AM role, he runs at defence and has a wicked left and right boot..therefore bertos and rojas (give the youngster a run - look at wen zullo was thrown in the deep end) are out wide, with there speed..
Forward - play Greenacre and Ifil to start with Costa to come off the bench..
mayze882009-08-12 20:02:18
I was at the Newcastle game which was a game illustrating some terrible defence from both teams. Phoenix though I felt had no defence or central midfield. There was no link between Defence - Midfield and Midfield - Forwards.. I believe the formation and player selections had a major thing to do with this..
Paston/Crowther
Lia/Dura Sigmund McKain Lochhead
Brown
Rojas Bertos
Hearfield
Ifil/Costa Greenacre
Bench:
Ifil/Costa
Lia/Dura
Paston/Crowther
Diego/Daniel
Goalkeeper - I would nearly put Crowther infront of Paston but after reading and seeing highlights of Crowther in China im not sure what to do here..
Defence - I feel dropping McKain into a central defence role is more suited for him..and therefore pushing Dura to RB which he played a couple times for the Jets..even replacing Dura with Lia and giving him a run..EDIT: ive left muscat out altogher because i dont feel he brings ne thing to the side, his defence is ordinary, he looks totally out of place in this competition!!
Midfield - the Diamond formation needs to used by Phoenix to link def - mid and mid - att..Brown can be played in the holding midfield role..his distribution needs to be spot on though..i feel Hearfield can play in the AM role, he runs at defence and has a wicked left and right boot..therefore bertos and rojas (give the youngster a run - look at wen zullo was thrown in the deep end) are out wide, with there speed..
Forward - play Greenacre and Ifil to start with Costa to come off the bench..
mayze882009-08-12 20:02:18
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Yeah I agree with that. I think an option could be pulling off Diego after70 mins and putting Leo there maybe? With Rojas/ Daniel going wide?
Imagine the pace at the end of a game with
Hearfield Bertos Rojas
Costa Greenacre / Ifill
Up against a tired wearing defense, we could really be scary. And quick. Ifill is quite nippy too yeah?
Imagine the pace at the end of a game with
Hearfield Bertos Rojas
Costa Greenacre / Ifill
Up against a tired wearing defense, we could really be scary. And quick. Ifill is quite nippy too yeah?
Leo starts. End of.
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Yeah I agree with that. I think an option could be pulling off Diego after70 mins and putting Leo there maybe? With Rojas/ Daniel going wide?
Imagine the pace at the end of a game with
Hearfield Bertos Rojas
Costa Greenacre / Ifill
Up against a tired wearing defense, we could really be scary. And quick. Ifill is quite nippy too yeah?
Imagine the pace at the end of a game with
Hearfield Bertos Rojas
Costa Greenacre / Ifill
Up against a tired wearing defense, we could really be scary. And quick. Ifill is quite nippy too yeah?
not sure if he'd be up for that
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Think this is the first time i've done this but my starting team would probably be this
Paston
Muscat Durante Sigmund Lochhead
Bertos McKain Diego Hearfield
Greenacre Ifill
4-4-2 all we need one defensive minded midfielder one creative C.M Two attacking wingmen midfielders and two out and out strikers and 4 rock solid defenders sorted
Crowther
Daniel
Ferrante
Jiang (when he comes)
Paston
Muscat Durante Sigmund Lochhead
Bertos McKain Diego Hearfield
Greenacre Ifill
4-4-2 all we need one defensive minded midfielder one creative C.M Two attacking wingmen midfielders and two out and out strikers and 4 rock solid defenders sorted
Crowther
Daniel
Ferrante
Jiang (when he comes)
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Think this is the first time i've done this but my starting team would probably be this
Paston
Muscat Durante Sigmund Lochhead
Bertos McKain Diego Hearfield
Greenacre Ifill
4-4-2 all we need one defensive minded midfielder one creative C.M Two attacking wingmen midfielders and two out and out strikers and 4 rock solid defenders sorted
Crowther
Daniel
Ferrante
Jiang (when he comes)
Paston
Muscat Durante Sigmund Lochhead
Bertos McKain Diego Hearfield
Greenacre Ifill
4-4-2 all we need one defensive minded midfielder one creative C.M Two attacking wingmen midfielders and two out and out strikers and 4 rock solid defenders sorted
Crowther
Daniel
Ferrante
Jiang (when he comes)
100% agreed except Costa instead of Jiang and the midfield would probably turn into a diamond
a.haak
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Yeah I agree with that. I think an option could be pulling off Diego after70 mins and putting Leo there maybe? With Rojas/ Daniel going wide?
Imagine the pace at the end of a game with
Hearfield Bertos Rojas
Costa Greenacre / Ifill
Up against a tired wearing defense, we could really be scary. And quick. Ifill is quite nippy too yeah?
Imagine the pace at the end of a game with
Hearfield Bertos Rojas
Costa Greenacre / Ifill
Up against a tired wearing defense, we could really be scary. And quick. Ifill is quite nippy too yeah?
Leo starts. End of.
I was reading it that leo would start wide and then when Diego went off, he would be moved in rather than be subbed on
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Will Jiang be avalible for this match?
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I think Hearfield could do a job at AM but I don't think he's the answer
He seemed far more effective with space to move out wide compared to when he was crowded in the centre last season. TBF he has come a long way though.You know we belong together...
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Will Jiang be avalible for this match?
No but he will be here.
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Yeah I agree with that. I think an option could be pulling off Diego after70 mins and putting Leo there maybe? With Rojas/ Daniel going wide?
Imagine the pace at the end of a game with
Hearfield Bertos Rojas
Costa Greenacre / Ifill
Up against a tired wearing defense, we could really be scary. And quick. Ifill is quite nippy too yeah?
Imagine the pace at the end of a game with
Hearfield Bertos Rojas
Costa Greenacre / Ifill
Up against a tired wearing defense, we could really be scary. And quick. Ifill is quite nippy too yeah?
Leo starts. End of.
I was reading it that leo would start wide and then when Diego went off, he would be moved in rather than be subbed on
Yip thats what I meant too. Of course Leo starts. Best player by far against Jets
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I just want sunshine (half an hour anyway), a big crowd, a win and a bloody huge amount of noise.
I haven't had a fix of the above for 6 months and I'm getting fidgety
Actually, I'd settle for sunshine, moonlight, good times and a boogie
Royal2009-08-13 13:58:34
I haven't had a fix of the above for 6 months and I'm getting fidgety
Actually, I'd settle for sunshine, moonlight, good times and a boogie
Royal2009-08-13 13:58:34
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Don't blame it on the sunshine
Don't blame it on the airline
Don't blame it on the Bali Nine
Shapelle is guilty.
Fidgety ?
Don't blame it on the airline
Don't blame it on the Bali Nine
Shapelle is guilty.
Fidgety ?
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