02 Jan 2023 18:03:38
Hope I'm wrong but we're gone. Don't see us beating Forest, only other team I think we could beat is Bournemouth. Sadly it looks like the new ownership has totally hamstrung us - Ralph was promised a forward in summer, Jones would surely have been promised a big budget in January, but is already having to backtrack in the media.
Obviously it isn't as easy as splashing the cash and getting to safety but we need goals and it really is that simple.
Bazunu I feel for, it can't be easy having to deal with the pressure and I do think he will come good with time, but needs taking out of the firing line now.
We need Tino and Romeo back, but can't be expected to have two teenagers keep us up. Aside all that, we have no midfield currently, no goalscorer, are making mistakes and can't save a shot on goal. Also all of our goals are from JWP set pieces and he can't do anything else but kick a ball that isn't moving.
We shouldn't have let Oriol go and need a replacement. I don't think we need a centre back, it's the one place we are relatively strong.
We need two attackers, a goalscorer and probably a new manager, Jones has only had three games but we have only gotten worse and none of were convinced, and I think he lasts maybe another six games, which we won't win, before we get Dyche in, who I think would be an incredibly sensible choice to toughen us up and take us back up next season.
We have been skirting this for a long time, much like Wigan, Sunderland, West Brom, Burnley did before us, the only hope is we don't go down the Sunderland route and completely implode, have to get an Amazon deal, and take half a decade getting back into the championship.
1.) 02 Jan 2023
02 Jan 2023 20:08:59
Great post SaintGGsy - you summed JWP up perfectly - “can’t do anything other than kick a ball that isn’t moving in” - spot on.
Trouble is, he’s a shoe in so unless he gets injured we’re unlikely to see how we play without him.
Personally I would give Bazunu a rest - his confidence is shot. And as for picking a team which may win a few matches I would play 4-4-2 as follows:
KWP Bella-Kotchap Caleta-Car. Salisu
Tino. Aribo. S Armstrong Larios
Mara. Edozie
I would start with this and then look at Che, JWP to come off the bench depending on whether we are defending a lead or looking for more fire power.
I would allow Tino a roving role similar to Declan Rice at West Ham. He’s an intelligent player who I think could dictate the tempo from midfield.
I would also bring Tella back to provide width and pace off the bench.
It’s a far more offensive line up than we are used to but something has to change and for me we need to be far braver and prepared to gamble.
Oh and a new manager. Dyche would be my interim choice and then see what the world looks like in the summer.
2.) 03 Jan 2023
03 Jan 2023 11:21:55
So Tino who hasn’t played a minute would start but lavia wouldn’t
3.) 03 Jan 2023
03 Jan 2023 13:48:40
Definitely is a case of even now, playing players who aren’t hungry and don’t seem to care. Why are JWP, Elyounoussi, Adams starting when we have bright young sparks who are fast, want to score goals and can entertain?
A midfield 3 of Lavia, with JWP and Stu in front, with Aribo, Edozie and Mara (or just anyone who might threaten to score a goal) with Tino, Salisu, ABK and KWP at the back, SHOULD offer more in all departments than the absolute tat we have now. But will we see it? Absolutely not.
I expect Elyounoussi, JWP, Adams, maybe even A Armstrong and Walcott to be playing tomorrow over any modicum of youth, talent and hunger. Such a shame.
4.) 03 Jan 2023
03 Jan 2023 17:37:03
Saints0001 - I meant Lavia not Larios.
But when match fit I would definitely start with Tino and as he matures hopefully he will boss the game from midfield
5.) 03 Jan 2023
03 Jan 2023 17:42:05
If Walcott starts we will all go to hell in a handcart.
We cannot stick with the same old under-performers now is the time to twist.
Let’s go gung ho - safety first has got us to bottom of the table. Let’s go with the raw young talent up front!