WBA (H) - 16/1 Build up and Match thread

[PuntsWolf]

I think that’s his point. We don’t need to be more defensive against a team who offer even less attacking threat

I think it is just a move to ensure we defend set pieces properly (no guarantees IMO). Wouldn’t say it’s a less attacking team though, it’s a proper front 3 this time for a start. It’s just Saiss at left back, and the flat midfield 3 that will limit us but so did the line up against Everton

Not sure why it needed clarifying!

 

[AndyWolves]

I saw something on twitter that showed that we have the two of the most attacking fullbacks in the league in terms of average positions.

I wonder if Nuno is going to a sort of 3 ATB when attacking with Saiss tucking in and Nelson bombing on and pivoting to 4 ATB when we're defending.

 

[PuntsWolf]

I am nervous about the central midfield though, there’s not a huge amount there to open them up, we could just play it around in front of them. Hope Moutinho has a good day creatively.

big call to put Fabio in too, I hope he gets a goal today.

Exactly. The back 4 isn’t a problem. But MGW for João loses is nothing at set pieces but would give us far more going forward.

 

[prawnking]

We can't bemoan our injuries and then turn our nose up at the first choice fit senior midfield, guys

 

[PuntsWolf]

We can't bemoan our injuries and then turn our nose up at the first choice fit senior midfield, guys

I for one Certainly haven’t the bemoaned injuries. But on that, it’s about picking your best team not your best 11 players

 

[prawnking]

I for one Certainly haven’t the bemoaned injuries. But on that, it’s about picking your best team not your best 11 players

I know mate, just saying we can't have it both ways.

Players like Boly, Donk, Neto and Adama become the messiah when they're injured and are used to explain away our woes, then they return to little or no fanfare and Vitinha, Cutrone and MGW (who have been available the whole time) become the new messiahs

 

[Johnny75]

I think that’s his point. We don’t need to be more defensive against a team who offer even less attacking threat

I think it is just a move to ensure we defend set pieces properly (no guarantees IMO). Wouldn’t say it’s a less attacking team though, it’s a proper front 3 this time for a start. It’s just Saiss at left back, and the flat midfield 3 that will limit us but so did the line up against Everton

I think that’s the problem, the midfield 3 is still very defensive and we’ll be on this bizarre horseshoe shape with Donk trying to get forward and Silva isolated. No good Adama putting crosses in to Silva against those beasts at the back as it’s a wasted ball.

We’d be far better going with MGW and Cutrone than Moutinho and Silva

A mistake is only a mistake if you learn from it and at the moment Nuno isn’t learning and he’s better than that.

 

[prawnking]

At least someone's finally admitting Nuno does have agency and options

 

[YoungWolf]

I think that’s the problem, the midfield 3 is still very defensive and we’ll be on this bizarre horseshoe shape with Donk trying to get forward and Silva isolated. No good Adama putting crosses in to Silva against those beasts at the back as it’s a wasted ball.

We’d be far better going with MGW and Cutrone than Moutinho and Silva

A mistake is only a mistake if you learn from it and at the moment Nuno isn’t learning and he’s better than that.

Yeah I'm worried the midfield will turn it into us having plenty of possession but little penetration. Then becomes about moments from Neto/Traore or a set piece.

 

[Tony Towner]

Countless number of people on a countless number of times have said we should play with an advanced midfielder/10

 

[AndyWolves]

Not the midfield I wanted but we have options when we hit the inevitable 60 minute drop off.

Edit. I suppose it depends on how the midfield actually play

 

[lemonjelly]

could it be more of 3 at the back? Or at least allowing semedo a free role to bomb forwards? Saiss/Coady/Boly know the system to operate as a back 3 inside out. Does that line up give us the flexibility to swap between a back 3 and a 4?

 

[Tony Towner]

could it be more of 3 at the back? Or at least allowing semedo a free role to bomb forwards? Saiss/Coady/Boly know the system to operate as a back 3 inside out. Does that line up give us the flexibility to swap between a back 3 and a 4?

Who'd be lwb? The only way it could be a 3 is with Donck at RCB, Saiss as LWB and a midfield 2. I doubt it though

 

[Tredman]

Or Adama at RWB and Semedo at LWB

 

[Tony Towner]

Or Adama at RWB and Semedo at LWB

I think i'd rather have TSB's team than that

 

[sycophantia]

Or Neto at lwb

 

[YoungWolf]

if that team is right (seems likely), Neto will provide the width on the left at times, though Saiss will hold his position there when we circulate the ball when we need to.

A lot of the player will be around Traore mind anyway, if fit.

 

[malta mick]

or Ruddy up front

 

[pavlosmacwolf]

I haven't been wound up for any game this season so far, as I see it as a season of change.
BUT!!!!! I have been frazzled since I got up at 8am this morning , Jesus I'll have the brandy out next, purely medicinal, of course.

 

[malta mick]

pissed off that i have no bt sport - first game i've missed for ages. can't visit my daughter to watch as grandson has been in contact with covid tested kid at school.