Well one big step forward in "sorting the defence" is to avoid giving the opponents 48 counter attacks per game, which is what happens when our forward line decides to dribble half of the opponents every time they get the ball.
Got something to say or just want fewer pesky ads? Join us... 😊
[Albion] Team for West Ham (a)
- Thread starter Machiavelli
- Start date
- Oct 17, 2008
- 15,019
Absolutely. This is a big part of why I’m not a huge fan of Pedro leading the line, he’s much better as a ten playing off his man. Welbeck (as well as Veltman) has been a huge miss for what he offers as the first line of defence
Nobby Cybergoat
Well-known member
- Jul 19, 2021
- 8,754
After last weeks performance, there are probably 8 who could have no complaints in being dropped. But we can't drop 8, we have an injury crisis. So the majority of the team have the chance to atone
I would go
--------------Verbruggen
Veltman -- Van Hecke -- Dunk -- Estupinan
----------Baleba ------Ayari
----Rutter ----- Enciso ------Mitoma
----------------Pedro
Steele / Lamptey / Igor / Wieffer / Moder / Minteh / Ferguson / Adingra / Gruda
I would go
--------------Verbruggen
Veltman -- Van Hecke -- Dunk -- Estupinan
----------Baleba ------Ayari
----Rutter ----- Enciso ------Mitoma
----------------Pedro
Steele / Lamptey / Igor / Wieffer / Moder / Minteh / Ferguson / Adingra / Gruda
Nobby Cybergoat
Well-known member
- Jul 19, 2021
- 8,754
I'm gonna come out and say, that I think Joao Pedro has the qualities to lead the line well. He can hold it, he can spin in behind, he can win a header at the back post.
I think it's best to ignore just how gash he was last weekend when making longer term observations. If he gets time in the position, which I hope he doesn't as I want Danny back, I think we'll see a steady improvement
Brian Munich
teH lulZ
- Jul 7, 2008
- 313
March has only played a controlled 20 mins of U21 football in 14 months. I’d be amazed if he makes the first team squad before playing a few more competitive minutes.
- Oct 17, 2008
- 15,019
This is fair, and he’s by no means bad up top (not judging on last week, but as an aggregate of his performances there generally). I just think we don’t get the best of him when he’s being marked by two centre backs. With Welbeck occupying one centre back, and the other on the cover, it gives Pedro a chance to drop off into the hole and get the ball 30-40 yards out
He can really pick a pass as we saw for Mitoma, and can carry the ball too, something he can’t do as freely when marked man to man as a lone striker.
He’s still good up front - he’s an excellent footballer - but I’ve always believed in playing your best players in their best positions and slotting in around them. If you have Messi who can technically play right, centre or left, you are definitely putting him on the right and everyone else can just fill in around him.
As our best forward player this is what I’d do
London Irish
Well-known member
Is anyone really showing big balls and dropping Dunk, Mitoma and Pedro 
I think we played well at Leicester. Just Fab ballsed up the subs. Don’t think we need a big shakeup - Palace was just one of those weird games that happen so much in that fixture
I think we played well at Leicester. Just Fab ballsed up the subs. Don’t think we need a big shakeup - Palace was just one of those weird games that happen so much in that fixture
Would certainly be ballsy in a Franz Reichelt kind of way.Is anyone really showing big balls and dropping Dunk, Mitoma and Pedro
I think we played well at Leicester. Just Fab ballsed up the subs. Don’t think we need a big shakeup - Palace was just one of those weird games that happen so much in that fixture
sussex_guy2k2
Well-known member
- Jun 6, 2014
- 4,314
The bigger issue is how spread out we are and how the midfield is positioned. We make it next to impossible to press the second ball effectively with the 4-1-0-0-0-5 formation we play.
sussex_guy2k2
Well-known member
- Jun 6, 2014
- 4,314
For an injury crisis, that’s only one player short of our best 11…
Kit Napper
Member
- Aug 25, 2024
- 24
Three short in my view because I’d have Welbeck, Hinshelwood and Kadioglu in my best 11 (reserving judgment on Solly post-injury). Have to confess the best 11 is far from clear though and I might change my mind by next week.
sussex_guy2k2
Well-known member
- Jun 6, 2014
- 4,314
I’m not sure Kadioglu has proven he’s a first 11 players yet.
Hinsh definitely pushes Ayari, I’d agree with that. But it’s not *that* clear cut.
March is way too up in the air to consider him a first choice at the moment, considering how long he’s been out, and Georgino and his twin has to be first choice players as our record signing.
So to me, it’s only really Welbeck that’s missing…
Nobby Cybergoat
Well-known member
- Jul 19, 2021
- 8,754
Got to side with the fella saying 3 first teamers would make that line up were they fit
----------Verbruggen
Veltman Van Hecke Dunk Estupinan
------Baleba Hinshelwood
------March Pedro Mitoma
-----------Welbeck
Decent
sussex_guy2k2
Well-known member
- Jun 6, 2014
- 4,314
I get that
Machiavelli
Well-known member
- Thread starter
- #55
Although I'm in the guilty gang, am so pleased to have been proved wrong by Lewis. Very good yesterday.
Yes, seems a bit quieter on the Dunk front….
Yes but it was against a totally impotent attack. More concerned to see how he and the the defence generally get on against Wissa/Mbuemo and Duran/Watkins/Rogers.
Yes, that looks like our best team. Bit worrying that none of our £200M worth of new signings are in it..........................................
Nobby Cybergoat
Well-known member
- Jul 19, 2021
- 8,754
Maybe, but then either they were teenagers or were signed from the Scottish, Turkish or Dutch league with an eye on developing them.
Factor in also, that I think every one of the players we bought in summer has had an extended absence through injury, so have barely had the chance to prove themselves. I'm not worried