Quote Originally Posted by AucklandRover View Post
As I've said several times, I have no problem with trying that, but neither do I have a problem with TM sticking with something that has worked so well.
What you're failing to take into account is that, with our regular line-up of three in front of the midfield, playing an extra player in the centre in an attacking/creative role does unbalance the team.
It would probably require us to go to three at the back, with Bennett playing wide. Which holding player would you drop, anyway? Smallwood or Evans?
I'd be a bit keener if Payne had made an unassailable case to be included. He's had a couple of good games, but mainly when we've been in control, in the first place. When we've been under pressure, he has disappeared from the game.
It's pure speculation to argue that we would be smashing teams simply by including Payne. Remember: we don't watch the training sessions.
Given the way you've set the players out, above, do I assume your team would look like this:
Raya
Bennett Lenihan Mulgrew Williams
Smallwood Evans
Armstrong Dack Payne
Graham ?

Not much width. And wouldn't some of those players get in each other's way?
The point is aucks you claim Mowbrays line up is attack minded. I'd counter that by saying in our last game, antonsson and Armstrong spent more time deep, than in attack.

We have 2 sitting defensive midfielder, as well as a back 4. There's no need whatsoever for any of that front 4 to be asked to do defensive duties.