A couple of interesting selection issues...
Sigmund (definitely) and Greenacre (hopefully) available for this one.
So, who drops out of the starting XI? Or do these two start on the bench?
Both must start for me ... Sigmund into CB, pushing McKain into the DM role, and Muscat either back to right-back, or to the bench.
Greenacre in, but who drops out? Hard to drop Caceres after last night and Ifill obviously plays, so maybe it's Lia or Brown who drops out....or perhaps Bertos (but doubtful).
A nice problem for RH to have - a full squad to choose from.
As a sidenote, Lia, Durante and Brown are all still just a card away from a suspension, while there are a number of players on three yellows - Lochhead, McKain, Ifill, Bertos, Muscat and Sigmund.
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Are Ewe
Disco SM Dura Lochy
McK Lia
SLeo AC
Ifiniho
Greeny
Reecey
Manny
Browny
Baa-baa
Disco SM Dura Lochy
McK Lia
SLeo AC
Ifiniho
Greeny
Reecey
Manny
Browny
Baa-baa
E + R + O
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Are Ewe
Disco SM Dura Lochy
McK Lia
SLeo AC
Ifiniho
Greeny
Reecey
Manny
Browny
Baa-baa
Disco SM Dura Lochy
McK Lia
SLeo AC
Ifiniho
Greeny
Reecey
Manny
Browny
Baa-baa
This is what I am hoping for
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Great problem for Ricki at this stage (not including the YC count). Daniel doesn't figure at this stage?
"Phoenix till they lose"
Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.
Genuine opinion: FTFFA
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Great problem for Ricki at this stage (not including the YC count). Daniel doesn't figure at this stage?
If he does it's for Caceres - and how can you drop him after lats nights effort? And Daniel hasn't been as good this last month as earlier in the season... would send a poor message imho
E + R + O
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Even moore hopeful about this one now Craig and Charlie have left. Our keeper should be reddy to have a big one too.
I wouldn't have Daniel playing. Costa might not make the bench - we've seen Ricki not bothered about having a recognised striker on the bench quite a bit this season. After successfully pushing other players forward last night, that'll probably give him more confidence to leave him out if he feels like it.
Colvinator2010-01-01 10:30:28
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Great problem for Ricki at this stage (not including the YC count). Daniel doesn't figure at this stage?
If he does it's for Caceres - and how can you drop him after lats nights effort? And Daniel hasn't been as good this last month as earlier in the season... would send a poor message imho
Yep - like your starting line-up. Just wondered if there was a possibility if Daniel would be Reddy for the game and if so where he might figure.
"Phoenix till they lose"
Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.
Genuine opinion: FTFFA
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if we have a full squad by wed/thurs, it'd be very interesting to see what calls Ricky will make. Very hard to take Party-all-the-time or even Manny out of the equation. Though I suppose it'd be OK if manny goes back at RB and Mc Kain goes to DM.
Also, I thought that Bertos/Ifinho/Caceres (Costa) worked really well. So wondering if Greenie will get a start or just on the bench.
VUW AFC - Victoria University Football for life
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Im so glad its a full side but tbh I would rather have McKain at CB than DM, he never showed his quality at DM i reckon. But then you really have to include Sigmund so i like that lineup.
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Minimal changes and reward form.
Greeny in playing 2 up front with Ifill. Caceres, Lia, Brown and Leo across the midfield. Back four of Lochhead, Dura, McKain and Muscat.
Bench; Crowther, Hearfield, Costa and Daniel or Diego.
Hard on Hearfield but he offers both back four and midfield cover. No place for Sigmund - McKain is much much better as a CB (the timing of some of his goal saving tackles is a class above both Dura and Sigmund) than a DM and he is playing very well with Dura. With Hearfield offering back four cover there is no need for a straight out back on the bench - the bench spots are better used on a midfielder or forward. Sigmund will get his chance when the inevitable suspension of Dura or Brown or Lia happens.
P.S. Out of the morning's haze memories of Oar giving Manny the run around are coming back. We'll need to start Hearfield at RB (Manny to bench) to counteract Oar's pace.
Whitby boy2010-01-01 11:04:12He dribbles a lot and the opposition dont like it - you can see it all over their faces. (Ron Atkinson)
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I thought Manny had a good game at DM v Mariners, and the formation worked well, so would be inclined to stay with that. Against a fast breaking direct Brisbane he would be good back there and give Brown and Lia a shot to command midfield and get forward. Lia got into some dangerous spots v Mariners. Give Leo the week on the bench - he had another quiet one -let him run fresh against a tiring defence.
Siggy to get eased back in with some sub time.
Up front Greeny for Leo, but Leo on and Ifill central when Greenies knackered. Which could be fairly early lol.
Reddy
Hearfield McKain Dura Locky
Manny
Brown Lia
Caceres Greenacre Ifill
pretty powerful bench with a fit squad
Crowther
Bertos
The Sigg
Diego/Daniel
Yeh - Brisbane without Moore and Miller, ripe for the f...plucking
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So many options have opened up with players slotting into different positions. I can't decide!! I'd have Bertos in though. He was starting to make some good dangerous attacking runs again last night. I think I'd lean towards having Lia on the bench personally.
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I'd like to see us stay with three up front. Just slot in a fit Greenacre to work alongside last night's 'dynamic duo' of Ifill, and Caceres.
The three up front idea worked wonders, and we need to stay in that attacking head-space and keep scoring goals to make the finals.
Personally, I'd like to see us charge into the top 6 rather that scrape in by our fingertips.
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Wouldn't say it 'worked wonders'. Didn't actually create that many clear cut chances. We've created just as many chances - if not more - with 2 up front.
Reddy
Hearfield McKain Dura Lochy
Brown Lia
Leo Ifill
Caceres
Greenacre
For me
Caceres will of course drift in wide positions and will swap with Ifill when it's needed. The less defensive responsibility Caceres has, the better he plays.
valeo2010-01-01 11:30:43
Reddy
Hearfield McKain Dura Lochy
Brown Lia
Leo Ifill
Caceres
Greenacre
For me
Caceres will of course drift in wide positions and will swap with Ifill when it's needed. The less defensive responsibility Caceres has, the better he plays.
valeo2010-01-01 11:30:43
a.haak
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If you go back to the old formation and play Leo, Caceres, Ifill and Greenacre as a front four then Valeo's formation's the one. Must admit that foursome up front, with Caceres on current form, is strong, tho I still think Leo has been mixed at best lately.
just costs you that DM role and stronger midfield. Tough call, Ricki's call, and happy with either, but reckon against Brisbane we struggle defensively and it might pay to start with the 4-1-2-3
Tend to agree with you Valeo - the less D responsibility that Caceres has the better he plays, but without the DM and with a player wide of him on both sides often, swapping with Ifill, he'd need to do more holding high in midfield, or both Brown and Lia will have tough jobs.
anycase it should be a good game at home - hope it's a good day, a great crowd, a good win and up to 6th or 5th, challenging top 4
I was just thinking with this strength to select from just how good the squad would be, with one more strong/tall striker and no mulligan/ferrante. Something to look forward to with signings. And better yet if Diego could also get motivated/ in form.
mjp22010-01-01 12:02:59
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Wouldn't say it 'worked wonders'. Didn't actually create that many clear cut chances. We've created just as many chances - if not more - with 2 up front.
Reddy
Hearfield McKain Dura Lochy
Brown Lia
Leo Ifill
Caceres
Greenacre
For me
Caceres will of course drift in wide positions and will swap with Ifill when it's needed. The less defensive responsibility Caceres has, the better he plays.
Reddy
Hearfield McKain Dura Lochy
Brown Lia
Leo Ifill
Caceres
Greenacre
For me
Caceres will of course drift in wide positions and will swap with Ifill when it's needed. The less defensive responsibility Caceres has, the better he plays.
Yeah, I like that lineup.
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Wouldn't say it 'worked wonders'. Didn't actually create that many clear cut chances. We've created just as many chances - if not more - with 2 up front.
Reddy
Hearfield McKain Dura Lochy
Brown Lia
Leo Ifill
Caceres
Greenacre
For me
Caceres will of course drift in wide positions and will swap with Ifill when it's needed. The less defensive responsibility Caceres has, the better he plays.
This for me too, with a bench of:Reddy
Hearfield McKain Dura Lochy
Brown Lia
Leo Ifill
Caceres
Greenacre
For me
Caceres will of course drift in wide positions and will swap with Ifill when it's needed. The less defensive responsibility Caceres has, the better he plays.
Crowther
Muscat/Siggy
Diego/Daniel
Costa
I'd probably go for Manny and Daniel for those two bench spots, Manny for his versatility and match fitness, and Daniel because Diego has done f**k all so far, but that's not to say he's a waste of space IMO
You know we belong together...
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Wouldn't say it 'worked wonders'. Didn't actually create that many clear cut chances. We've created just as many chances - if not more - with 2 up front.
Reddy
Hearfield McKain Dura Lochy
Brown Lia
Leo Ifill
Caceres
Greenacre
For me
Caceres will of course drift in wide positions and will swap with Ifill when it's needed. The less defensive responsibility Caceres has, the better he plays.
This for me too, with a bench of:Reddy
Hearfield McKain Dura Lochy
Brown Lia
Leo Ifill
Caceres
Greenacre
For me
Caceres will of course drift in wide positions and will swap with Ifill when it's needed. The less defensive responsibility Caceres has, the better he plays.
Crowther
Muscat/Siggy
Diego/Daniel
Costa
I'd probably go for Manny and Daniel for those two bench spots, Manny for his versatility and match fitness, and Daniel because Diego has done f**k all so far, but that's not to say he's a waste of space IMO
+1
He dribbles a lot and the opposition dont like it - you can see it all over their faces. (Ron Atkinson)
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Brisbane will be shaky at the back with Moore gone. Hes played for the club since 07, they will miss him greatly, hes not the sort of guy you can replace over night.5kux2010-01-01 12:55:43
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We have often struggled against Brisbane....their wide play always causes us problem. But without Moore I would fancy our chances. I would expect that the Roar is not a happy team. Having the clubs talisman player walk out would cause all sorts of ructions.....plus Miller and Reddy both walked as well. We need to get stuck into them....an early goal and they will drop their heads.
No way will Muscat play at RB. Oar had him on toast last time. We will need the speed of hearfield to counter their wide speed. Muscat was good at CM against CCM
I don't think Greenacre is going to automatically start. The front three worked well together against CCM. We won....I don't think ricki will change a winning team. Greenie has had a crook knee....he will have lost match fitness. Expect him to be subbed on at some stage.
I would have Leo in there for his mobility. The Roar play a very fast game....Leo's speed both on defense and attack would be needed, especially with Caceras and Ifill not really tracking back much.
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Same formation with Greenacre coming in for Bertos. For whatever reason Bertos has not been playing well for some time now and he looks the obvious one to make way. With respect to Greenacre's match fitness he might have lost a bit but would prefer to start him and get as much out of him as can give.
Hearfield wasn't totally convincing defensively against CCM and Oar will pose a major threat again but the alternative of moving Muscat back into RB doesn't appeal as Muscat is probably only just recovering from the mauling Oar gave him last time they met.
For Sigmund only a spot on the bench along with Leo and Diego.
Hearfield wasn't totally convincing defensively against CCM and Oar will pose a major threat again but the alternative of moving Muscat back into RB doesn't appeal as Muscat is probably only just recovering from the mauling Oar gave him last time they met.
For Sigmund only a spot on the bench along with Leo and Diego.
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Even moore hopeful about this one now Craig and Charlie have left. Our keeper should be reddy to have a big one too.
That's terrible lol.�
I wouldn't have Daniel playing. Costa might not make the bench - we've seen Ricki not bothered about having a recognised striker on the bench quite a bit this season. After successfully pushing other players forward last night, that'll probably give him more confidence to leave him out if he feels like it.
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Good point Zinidane re: right back. Don't want Muscat to get killed by him again. Hopefully Hearfield can keep up with him a bit better.
I don't want us to start with Greenacre unless he's actually 100% fit. Lets see if Infill can bag a hatrick this week!
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Even moore hopeful about this one now Craig and Charlie have left. Our keeper should be reddy to have a big one too.
That's terrible lol.
�
I wouldn't have Daniel playing. Costa might not make the bench - we've seen Ricki not bothered about having a recognised striker on the bench quite a bit this season. After successfully pushing other players forward last night, that'll probably give him more confidence to leave him out if he feels like it.
I lolled.
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Just watching the replay of the CCM game (again) and noticed that McKain has been taking most of the goal kicks.
why do you think Reddy didn't take them?
VUW AFC - Victoria University Football for life
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Just watching the replay of the CCM game (again) and noticed that McKain has been taking most of the goal kicks.
why do you think Reddy didn't take them?
I reckon he might have a slight injury.
He has always taken the goalkicks.
Keepers should take them as it gives the attacking team a slight advantage.(offsides)
If you are old and wise you were probably young and stupid
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I think it was after Reddy made the close range save off maybe Mrdja when he saved it with his shins. I think he stopped taking them after that so I'm assuming it was because of something that happened during that save. Could be wrong though.
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Hope Reddy is fit then
Leo played ok towards the end last night. If Greenacre is fit I would start him and sub with Leo later.
Caceres did track back a bit yesterday, and later in the game too, smoke that all his critics
He is inventive up front, has been each time on, I like that about him. Comp to Costa who didnt threaten at all when he came on
Interesting dilemma at the back right, it cant be Manny though, would be like a green light to Oar.
Leo played ok towards the end last night. If Greenacre is fit I would start him and sub with Leo later.
Caceres did track back a bit yesterday, and later in the game too, smoke that all his critics
He is inventive up front, has been each time on, I like that about him. Comp to Costa who didnt threaten at all when he came on
Interesting dilemma at the back right, it cant be Manny though, would be like a green light to Oar.
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Keep Hearfield at RB. He's still learning the role, but he's got speed and likes to get forward which gives us another attacking option.
His early shot last night - when he picked up the misdirected pass - was a scorcher, and only a good save stopped him getting our first goal.
I agree with comments about Caceres playing better if he can concentrate on attack.
If he gets his head, he could be the missing (strike) link we've been looking for.
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you cant drop caceres after his performance against ccm so maybe.....
reddy
hearfield siggy dura lochy
bertos brown lia
ifill greenacre (hopefully) caceres
subs:
crowther
mckain
diego
daniel
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I thought Bertos was playing ok.
" If you only have a hammer you tend to see every problem as a nail" - maslow
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you cant drop caceres after his performance against ccm so maybe.....
That is almost perfect
�
reddy
hearfield �� siggy dura � lochy
�
bertos brown lia
�
ifill greenacre�(hopefully) caceres
�
subs:
crowther
mckain
diego
daniel
�
�
�
�
That is almost perfect
If you are old and wise you were probably young and stupid
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Reddy
Muscat Dura Siggy Lochy
McKain
Brown Lia
Caceres
Ifill
Greenacre
Subs:
Bertos
Diego
Crowther
Barbarouses
I don't like leaving Bertos out after last week but for me he wouldn't stick out as deserving a start over anyone else.
Happy it's Ricki's problem and not mine.
Muscat Dura Siggy Lochy
McKain
Brown Lia
Caceres
Ifill
Greenacre
Subs:
Bertos
Diego
Crowther
Barbarouses
I don't like leaving Bertos out after last week but for me he wouldn't stick out as deserving a start over anyone else.
Happy it's Ricki's problem and not mine.
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Reddy
Dura Mckain
Troy Lochy
Manny
Brown Vinnie
Greenie
Ifill Caceres
res.
Crow left of the murder
Siggy
Daniel
Bertos
Personally I feel Siggy shouldn't walk straight back in. Manny did enough for me to keep that position for now and Hearfields pace is what is needed for Oar. Bertos can be the impact player this week imo, he hasn't done much for a while even tho he did have a more lively 2nd half, it's about 90mins of consistancy and Caceres has earnt that over the last couple of games. Daniel would've watched that game and thought "sh*t, I've gotta prove myself". That's why I've put him as another impact player.
3 up front works better than 2 up front which is also better than 1 upfront, is it me or is there a trend starting? 4-2-4 = amazing?
Bring it Brisbane!!
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So who does the Roar have out of this one? Moore left, Oar with the national team - will he be back in time? Any suspensions? Preferably to van Dijk.
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so true forgot Oar is playing against Kuwait. might be a little jet-lagged, 3 points for the taking
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Crowd prediction anyone? I'm hoping there will be 10k plus - anyone heard what pitch conditions will be like as I know ROF had turf replaced over the summer?darkhorse2010-01-02 08:30:33
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Totally agree. Muscat at RB against Oar is not an option. That clash last time out was embarassing. McKain should stay at CB with Durante - developing into the best CB combo in the League. McKain was outstanding again last game. I'd leave the side unchanged. To me Bertos is shaping up as an off the bench impact player later in games. He's the disappointment of the season. His delivery is predictable and poor at the moment, and he just looks lacking in motivation. May change now he has pressure on his position. However in this must win home game against side riddled with issues, I'd give Bertos one more chance as a starter.
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