Im really hoping the two central defensive mids do something this game. We struggle under a quick press because neither mid can make a pass or a forward run, teams are starting to realize how easy it is to pressure rufer & co into a poor pass. I also dont like the lack of press from our midfielders, standing back and giving others teams far too much room to pass is just asking for trouble and it also means the wingbacks are running more than they should.
We play far better when our players make an effort to shut down the opponents. Not sure im completely convinced by Rudans defensive tactics, but hopefully this game might change my mind.
You must find the current run of results puzzling
Ugly wins and draws are fine, just a bit worried as the team is playing a similar style to the opening rounds and not as they did against Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne. I dont think its going to take long for the better teams to see that they can exploit our wings and midfield area.
I've been thinking the same, actually. I was hoping we were reverting to the more defensive version of Rudan's tactics because we were away from home and pretty leggy.
Yes, we've had a run of good results, but you can be happy with that and still think we can improve.
I think it's been obvious over the last couple of games that we've gone long more often and have stopped playing through the lines as much - though that may be a result of Kop not being at CB anymore and Doyle being more of a hoofer; long ball make work fine for us if Sheridan is as good in the air as he seems, though.
My team for this game;
Kurto
Taylor Durante Doyle
Fenton Kopy Butters Cacace
Singh
Krishna Sheridan
Harsh on Williams, and I'm a big fan of his; but I just think he's a bit too similar to Krishna. Sheridan offers something different, and since we are going long quite often (basically every goal kick goes long), it makes sense to have Sheridan challenging for balls rather than Krishna.