What is Dyche playing at..?

[The Bedlington Terrier]

SD seems at present uncertain how best to use the new influx of players.

He has recently tried 4-3-3, 4-5-1, 4-4-1-1.

He will need to decide fairly quickly what is best starting X1 is and what formation to play them.

One last thing, anybody any idea why is he playing Taylor at centre back?

[In Dyche We Trust]

isnt that what pre- season is partly anout- trying out formations to find the best fit in time for the season start?- we dont want to be ecperimenting from day one-

[The Bedlington Terrier]

Absolutely! He seems to have acknowledged that you can play a different shape to 4-4-2 and he has the personnel to do it...

http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/burnley_fc/news/15447342.Sean_Dyche_keen_to_keep_Burnley_flexible_ as_he_hails_Jack_Cork_s_adaptation/?ref=mac

[WillPark]

Most of the players are familiar with the 442, I guess he's just testing different formations that can be used at times over the coming season. And I think he is fully focused on the group of players that he has available at the time. He can't sit and wait for a CB, he needs to see if Taylor and others can play out of positions at times. Finding the right bench is also a part of the pre-season.

[sinkov]

One last thing, anybody any idea why is he playing Taylor at centre back?

Think I've read somewhere that Tarko isn't quite at 100%, possibly he doesn't want to risk starting him yet, so until we bring another one in Charlie is our No4 centre half. Your mate Long had a sound game BT, no worries about him as back up, we still need another one though.

On the formations, Dyche is often criticised as inflexible, just a 4-4-2 man, nothing wrong with him trying other options. I was very pleased to see he'd taken up my suggestion from last season, if he wants to accomodate Hendrick and Defour in the same team, then Defour at CM and Hendrick given freedom to roam, would be better than parking Defour out on the left wing, and so it proved. It does mean we only play one striker though, and we currently have four.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

I didn't manage to get over last night. Did Gray feature?

What do you think of Taylor?

[Primitive]

As sinkov alluded to, if we want both Hendrick and Defour in the side (and I think we do) it won't work in a 4-4-2. So I'm all for trying new formations in the friendlies.

[sinkov]

I didn't manage to get over last night. Did Gray feature?

What do you think of Taylor?

I left a few minutes before the end and Gray was still on the bench then, so I'm probably safe saying no he didn't. Taylor looked fine at left back, although it was only for 45 minutes, but I like Ward as well, I think we're well off in that position now.

[Primitive]

Gray came on for Brady on 87 minutes.

[sinkov]

Gray came on for Brady on 87 minutes.

I was obviously dashing back to the car by then, but why would Dyche do that ? I'm no big fan of Gray but to give him five minutes in a pre season friendly is almost an insult to the lad. Am I missing something, WTF was that about ?

[Primitive]

I was obviously dashing back to the car by then, but why would Dyche do that ? I'm no big fan of Gray but to give him five minutes in a pre season friendly is almost an insult to the lad. Am I missing something, WTF was that about ?

No idea, I was only following it online. I wouldn't read too much into it though, SD often makes very late substitutions.

[army88]

I left a few minutes before the end and Gray was still on the bench then, so I'm probably safe saying no he didn't. Taylor looked fine at left back, although it was only for 45 minutes, but I like Ward as well, I think we're well off in that position now.

Taylor looked better at left back Sinkov, and did a lot of good things tbh--- I was quite impressed with his physicality a big strong boy.

However he has no right foot and struggled when forced inside especially playing centrally first half, probably that will get worked on and he'll be a good asset to us.

Overall we did quite well I thought against a very good technical side who don't give you the ball much.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

How did Pope do? Someone told me he should have saved their first?

[army88]

How did Pope do? Someone told me he should have saved their first?

Was in Bob Lord last night Bt and I thought he had no chance , but I've watched it today and I think maybe a stronger hand would have stopped it , though it did get a slight deflection as well.

On a brighter note Bt your man Long had a very good game ( I was impressed with him )

[sinkov]

How did Pope do? Someone told me he should have saved their first?

When a keeper get's a touch on a shot you always think he should have saved it. It was a cracking shot though, maybe he should have got it over the bar, maybe he did well to even get a hand to it. I don't know.

[thedonz]

I was on the game as well last night and it's great to see so many options being used by Dyche.

I think Taylor was given a full game to get match time, and that was why he was used as a central defender in the first half.

Personally I don't think Hendrick and Defour hit it off last night but agree that a lot of fans want to see them in the team together. I would rather have Defour next to Cork with Hendrick on the bench.

Defour worked his socks off last night and it looked like the Dyche programming is in full operation. Very little sign of Defour's creativity on show last night.

Brilliant first goal with lovely interplay and sublime finish by Brady.

I would like to see Dyche play a 442 against Hanover with Gray given a start .

Disclaimer, health warning etc.
These are just my views based on last nights game and I reserve the right to change my opinion at any stage I want over the season ☺👍

[The Bedlington Terrier]

...and I am certain you will donzy! ;D