Tactical adjustment

[LC]

The last few games I've watched we've failed to control the midfield, and although I didn't get a chance to watch todays game, it sounds like we lost the midfield battle.

I've been of the opinion for a while now that that a three man midfield would suit our play better. Personally, I would have Reed at the centre of the three man midfield in front of the back 4, with Cairney and Seri just ahead of him. I would also push Fabio out to the left, I think he'll be more effective there as well. I would try this out until Kebano is fit again then reassess the team and formation because I think Kebano has had a great season and he should be playing.

Would be interested to hear peoples thoughts.

[Deeping_white]

Reed will only work in a system where his job is to close people down and tackle. He just isn't good enough to do anything more, he's not scored in 3 years and he barely gets assists so why he plays as a #8 is something only Marco can explain to us. Everyone just looked knackered and we had no balance, you can't play two DM's with the passing range of stevie wonder in a possession based team because neither Reed nor Chalobah show for the ball enough, nor do they do much with it when they get it. Mitro also needs to get his head out of his rear end because for two games in a row he's done naff all, I know he's the king but he needs to have a word with himself because he was miles off it today

[LC]

Reed will only work in a system where his job is to close people down and tackle. He just isn't good enough to do anything more, he's not scored in 3 years and he barely gets assists so why he plays as a #8 is something only Marco can explain to us. Everyone just looked knackered and we had no balance, you can't play two DM's with the passing range of stevie wonder in a possession based team because neither Reed nor Chalobah show for the ball enough, nor do they do much with it when they get it. Mitro also needs to get his head out of his rear end because for two games in a row he's done naff all, I know he's the king but he needs to have a word with himself because he was miles off it today

This is why I suggested he plays at the centre of a three man midfield- in front of the back 4, I see Reed as a defensive midfielder. I'll edit my original post so it's clearer

[Caedal]

Reed isn't disciplined enough to play that role. He's constantly out of position which is why he has to sprint around so much

[JDM]

Reed will only work in a system where his job is to close people down and tackle. He just isn't good enough to do anything more, he's not scored in 3 years and he barely gets assists so why he plays as a #8 is something only Marco can explain to us. Everyone just looked knackered and we had no balance, you can't play two DM's with the passing range of stevie wonder in a possession based team because neither Reed nor Chalobah show for the ball enough, nor do they do much with it when they get it. Mitro also needs to get his head out of his rear end because for two games in a row he's done naff all, I know he's the king but he needs to have a word with himself because he was miles off it today

This is a good analysis. I don't think the problem has been the system it's the personnel and lack of rotation/squad management. Some clear rules/changes for me post intl break would be:

1. Chalobah shouldn't be in this 11... Has has to be one of Seri/TC alongside Reed, if all fit. Rotation of this is so important though, as Seri clearly shouldn't have started at Barnsley as was knackered and it impacted the performance.

2. Reid shouldn't be in this 11... Woefully ineffective in wide positions. He should be Fabios back up and only play of he is injured or needs the rest. Kebano first choice 11 and Cav 2nd.

3. Robinson needs a break from the 11... Has looked bereft of confidence of late and makes so many poor decisions per game atm. Problem is, Bryan was terrible in his last game at Cardiff too. I would personally have a look playing both of our best full backs (tete and Williams) and having one inverted... Just as a trial.

Also important to say that the real reason for not getting more points in last 2 is poor finishing! Huge chances missed from Reid and Wilson at Barnsley and mitro tonight that on another day, wouldve got us 4 points.

[LC]

Reed isn't disciplined enough to play that role. He's constantly out of position which is why he has to sprint around so much

I'm not to sure. If he was told not to advance beyond the halfway line he'll be fine. The thing is, we don't know what instructions he's being given, so it's hard to say for certain. I remember Dickson Etuhu under Roy was literally not allowed beyond the halfway line and he played that role well. Reed can play the defensive midfield role fine.

[Arthur]

I've been of the opinion for a while now that that a three man midfield would suit our play better. Personally, I would have Reed at the centre of the three man midfield in front of the back 4, with Cairney and Seri just ahead of him. I would also push Fabio out to the left, I think he'll be more effective there as well. I would try this out until Kebano is fit again then reassess the team and formation because I think Kebano has had a great season and he should be playing.

Kebano will be fit for our next match. Your formation needs reassessing now. Would you have Silva drop Carvalho?

[FulhamKC]

1. Chalobah shouldn't be in this 11... Has has to be one of Seri/TC alongside Reed, if all fit. Rotation of this is so important though, as Seri clearly shouldn't have started at Barnsley as was knackered and it impacted the performance.

2. Reid shouldn't be in this 11... Woefully ineffective in wide positions. He should be Fabios back up and only play of he is injured or needs the rest. Kebano first choice 11 and Cav 2nd.

3. Robinson needs a break from the 11... Has looked bereft of confidence of late and makes so many poor decisions per game atm. Problem is, Bryan was terrible in his last game at Cardiff too. I would personally have a look playing both of our best full backs (tete and Williams) and having one inverted... Just as a trial.

Also important to say that the real reason for not getting more points in last 2 is poor finishing! Huge chances missed from Reid and Wilson at Barnsley and mitro tonight that on another day, wouldve got us 4 points.

I agree with all of this.

[LC]

I've been of the opinion for a while now that that a three man midfield would suit our play better. Personally, I would have Reed at the centre of the three man midfield in front of the back 4, with Cairney and Seri just ahead of him. I would also push Fabio out to the left, I think he'll be more effective there as well. I would try this out until Kebano is fit again then reassess the team and formation because I think Kebano has had a great season and he should be playing.

Kebano will be fit for our next match. Your formation needs reassessing now. Would you have Silva drop Carvalho?

It's a reasonable suggestion, we've been overrun in midfield for a few games, it's important that we can play different formations at times. When we've gone up into the PL before, we've only been able to play one way.

As for dropping Carvalho, I would consider dropping him on current form yes. Kebano has contributed much more than Fabio has in recent games- but I don't think this is something that is unexpected for a young player in his first full season as a professional. I think Fabio is great, just having tough patch.

Anyway, we now have a break for a couple of weeks and probably a friendly at some point before our next game, perfect opportunity for the manager to experiment if he wishes.

[Grassy Noel]

It is noticeable how often Fab loses out when physical contact occurs.Is it not better to use him later in the game when there is likely to be more time and space? And Rodrigo stands up better to the physical challenge.In the little we have seen of him he has looked very effective.

[filham]

At the start of the season I thought we had the players to make up a very good midfield but throughout the season it has never really materialized and has been regularly changed.

Last night Chalobah was brought back to help provide a defensive shield against the possible threat from Carrol and their big strikers. Without either Cairney or Seri we lacked a playmaker and the midfield was unable to build attacks, it was a failure.

We need an outstanding player in midfield to take control and become a general and take command.

[bog]

Recently, when we have got behind defences, many of our crosses have been intercepted, blocked or run right across goal as the players watch in wonderment. In the last two games especially.  Earlier they were being converted with regular success. Very frustrating. Last night I would have taken off Chalobah and kept Reed on purely for his work rate. And why did we start so slowly!? 

092.gif

[Lordedmundo]

All good points made above.

I am (fairly!) sure that we will get the 3-4 wins we need to secure automatic - and do it at least a couple of games before the end of the season. That said, I am concerned about
the steady decline in our peformances over the last month or so and the lack of tempo to our play. I think Neco coming into the side and showing great energy and willingness to burst
forward has papered over the cracks somewhat.

Most people have identified the centre of midfield as the main problem. I would suggest that this has been a weak area for us all season, but has been highlighted more as the
aforementioned tempo in our play has declined. 

It is a concern that Silva does not seem to be aware that Reed is totally unsuited to the number 8 role and that Chalobah is so utterly bereft of form, confidence, energy to be
starting matches. Maybe he feels that there are no other options - with Seri looking tired and off the pace, Cairney not being the player he was 2-3 seasons ago and Onomah
failing to show any quality at all in his minutes on the pitch.

Hopefully this enforced 18 day break will allow the players to recover and get the energy levels back-up. However, if our performance in the QPR game is no better, then I
really think Silva should consider putting 1-2 youngsters in the team - namely Pajaziti, Francois, Larkeche or Stansfield. It may give the team a bit of a boost and kick start some
better performances.

Assuming we go up - I think major upgrades in central midfield are essential.  I just don't see anyone we have as a starter in the Premier League.  Maybe Reed can do a job alongside
better players, same with Seri if there is a stronger box to box midfielder next to him. Lots of debate on this board about whether Anguissa is that player - my opinion is that
potentially he is, but in reality he isn't. My abiding memory of Anguissa in the Premier League is someone who can dribble with the ball all around the middle of the pitch, but is
completely unable to affect play in the attacking third. Off the ball - he seems to switch off at least once in every game.

[Bronaldinho]

The only thing I'd say is that Chalobah doesn't offer enough to warrant a place in the starting eleven if Reed, TC and Seri are available for those roles.

Seri and Cairney are better distributors and Reed offers more defensively. We had to rotate last night, hence his inclusion.

The only thing I'd like to see off the back of last night is for us to be switch to a front 2 more quickly when the game is messy last night. When Mitro is frustrated, he becomes demotivated quick and he's static so easy to mark.

When we add Muniz to the mix alongside him, he's energetic, a big lump too and creates the space for Mitro to operate again.

I also agree with your suggestion as Fab at LW when we are struggling too - It's something I thought we would have seen previously, but we've not for some reason. As Carvalho gets more scouted, he's shut down quicker and more teams are stopping him now by marking him tighter and being strong with him. WBA done a great job of that last night.

[filham]

I am finding it hard to accept that Cairney , if fit, is not the player to be the king pin in that midfield.
I think we should now give Cairney a regular run in the team, when he comes on as a late sub our attack starts to click into action.
Have to admit that Cairney has always been a favourite of mine and I am finding it hard to accept that he can be displaced by Chalobah.

[bobby01]

I am finding it hard to accept that Cairney , if fit, is not the player to be the king pin in that midfield.
I think we should now give Cairney a regular run in the team, when he comes on as a late sub our attack starts to click into action.
Have to admit that Cairney has always been a favourite of mine and I am finding it hard to accept that he can be displaced by Chalobah.

When he comes on as sub he has an impact I agree, but for me it is because the opposition are tiring and their tenacity in the press drops, therefore he has more time. If the press is there he becomes ineffective, I think even last night that showed.

[Jims Dentist]

We are not making the most of the number 8 role which traditionally is a box to box mf role.
Now that Tete is fit why not play him at rb and give Nico a go at 8.
He has bags of energy, a bit of speed and an eye for goal and has played further forward for Wales.
This would be a move the opposition would not be expecting.