The Top End of the Pitch

[LeftPeg_Pie]

For the final two (but hopefully five) games of the season, what do we do up top?

In purely footballing terms (a goal involvement every other game and genuine, observable ability) we have missed DC. Replacing him directly was always going to be hard given his levels. Whitaker has certainly grown into it and looks a goal threat, whilst Grant always looks neat and tidy, but does not post the headline figures many want/expect.

Personally, I would like to see SM stick with Traore and Jatta with McGoldrick given licence to do what he wants. My only concern with this, is that it probably restricts Abbott. I think Grant supplements Abbott and Palmer well as he can drop in, allowing Abbott to push on. McGoldrick clearly has the nouse to do the same, but I think we would all rather see him closer to goal then the midfield two.

For the final two, and the play offs (hopefully) I would be looking at:

Bass
Macari, Platt, Bedeau
Jones, Palmer, Abbott, Jarvis
McGoldrick
Jatta, Traore

My gut tells me SM will favour Grant over Traore with McGoldrick closer to Jatta.

[drillerpie]

For the final two (but hopefully five) games of the season, what do we do up top?

In purely footballing terms (a goal involvement every other game and genuine, observable ability) we have missed DC. Replacing him directly was always going to be hard given his levels. Whitaker has certainly grown into it and looks a goal threat, whilst Grant always looks neat and tidy, but does not post the headline figures many want/expect.

Personally, I would like to see SM stick with Traore and Jatta with McGoldrick given licence to do what he wants. My only concern with this, is that it probably restricts Abbott. I think Grant supplements Abbott and Palmer well as he can drop in, allowing Abbott to push on. McGoldrick clearly has the nouse to do the same, but I think we would all rather see him closer to goal then the midfield two.

For the final two, and the play offs (hopefully) I would be looking at:

Bass
Macari, Platt, Bedeau
Jones, Palmer, Abbott, Jarvis
McGoldrick
Jatta, Traore

My gut tells me SM will favour Grant over Traore with McGoldrick closer to Jatta.

I like a front two and Jatta + Traore has plenty of promise. Whether they can get the chemistry going in a short time or not I don't know.

I do think we need Jarvis on the pitch as much as possible. Yes he is hapless defensively but he has unique ability to go past people and make something happen. Unique because not even an in form Jodi can go past people as easily as Jarvis does.

[PedroTheFisherman66]

For the final two (but hopefully five) games of the season, what do we do up top?

In purely footballing terms (a goal involvement every other game and genuine, observable ability) we have missed DC. Replacing him directly was always going to be hard given his levels. Whitaker has certainly grown into it and looks a goal threat, whilst Grant always looks neat and tidy, but does not post the headline figures many want/expect.

Personally, I would like to see SM stick with Traore and Jatta with McGoldrick given licence to do what he wants. My only concern with this, is that it probably restricts Abbott. I think Grant supplements Abbott and Palmer well as he can drop in, allowing Abbott to push on. McGoldrick clearly has the nouse to do the same, but I think we would all rather see him closer to goal then the midfield two.

For the final two, and the play offs (hopefully) I would be looking at:

Bass
Macari, Platt, Bedeau
Jones, Palmer, Abbott, Jarvis
McGoldrick
Jatta, Traore

My gut tells me SM will favour Grant over Traore with McGoldrick closer to Jatta.

We could throw Morias up front. We could also try Macari in midfield if we are looking for a bit of muscle if we play a rough house team...maybe chesterfield or colchester in poffs...!

[the_anticlough]

I want us to seal a Play Off place by concentrating on being solid tomorrow.

The positivity will come from having Jarvis and Jones as WBs
To rebalance, bring Hinchy in and push GA forward
Let's keep playing this stupid Macari-McDonald alternation, at least they're OK for 1 game before they lose the shirt again
I'm in no rush to watch another Traore game
Even less so Gordon

Bass
Macari, Platt, Bedeau
Jones, Palmer, Hinchy, Jarvis
McGoldrick Abbott
Jatta

Subs
Miller, McDonald, Austin, Grant, Traore, Whitaker, Morias

[Boomerangpie]

Jarvis has to start. We have struggled for goals and creativity outside of McGoldrick, Jatta & Abbott. He creates, he?s a goal threat from distance. He beats a man. I would start him ahead of Grant and Jones.

Was actually impressed with Traore last time out was involved in some nice build up play but agree not enough time to get a partnership with Jatta formed and effective at this late stage.

[the_anticlough]

If we do make the play-offs, I kind of think 6th or 7th is better for us that 4th or 5th.

The only advantage the EFL can give is the 2nd leg at home. For us, the crucial 2nd leg might be better away.

Teams come to ML a bit cagey and distracted by the prospect of the 2nd leg
We play with less pressure at home as it's not the be all and end all of the tie
There might be less chance of the team tightening up and choking again in the 2 leg rather than at home

[LeftPeg_Pie]

I want us to seal a Play Off place by concentrating on being solid tomorrow.

The positivity will come from having Jarvis and Jones as WBs
To rebalance, bring Hinchy in and push GA forward
Let's keep playing this stupid Macari-McDonald alternation, at least they're OK for 1 game before they lose the shirt again
I'm in no rush to watch another Traore game
Even less so Gordon

Bass
Macari, Platt, Bedeau
Jones, Palmer, Hinchy, Jarvis
McGoldrick Abbott
Jatta

Subs
Miller, McDonald, Austin, Grant, Traore, Whitaker, Morias

I advocated the idea of a Hinchy, Palmer and Abbott midfield post DC, with Abbott allowed to bomb on.

I would definitely have Macari back in too.

[the_anticlough]

I advocated the idea of a Hinchy, Palmer and Abbott midfield post DC, with Abbott allowed to bomb on.

Kind of an insurance policy this time. Hinchy will do his usual thing, but we can't afford to have any non-performers in a crucial game at a difficult place to play.
We're kind of forced into playing JJ and Jarvis wide, but having a bad day from a Whitaker or a Traore or Grant could doom us - we know GA won't shrink and will put in a shift wherever he plays

[ncfcog]

You just know Gordon's going to start

[durhampie]

I like a front two and Jatta + Traore has plenty of promise. Whether they can get the chemistry going in a short time or not I don't know.

I do think we need Jarvis on the pitch as much as possible. Yes he is hapless defensively but he has unique ability to go past people and make something happen. Unique because not even an in form Jodi can go past people as easily as Jarvis does.

I wouldnt let Traore anywhere near the starting line up. Ive seen enough of him to know he is not ready for this league. As for Jodi, he is not fit and is still carrying a slight limp on his right leg. I would prefer to have Jarvis instead. Up front is a bit of a conundrum, Jatta has been very poor recently and his touch seems to have deserted him. Lets hope he can re-discover that touch tomorrow. I would like to see Morias given a chance, i think the club has treated him very shabbily, recalling him and then not using him...