Port Vale

[LordK]

Well, I am interested to see comments, about the Vale game. I watched them versus Barrow, hoping we have as much woodwork luck as they did in the 2nd half. I think we shall need to be clever, but do we play 4-4-2, 4-3-3 or are we strong enough for a 4-2-4 (doubt it)? I think Vale will attack us and do we counter or go for goals and outscore them (but who will get the goals?).
Personally, I think we shall start with a 4-4-2, with 2 x counter-attack goals with them getting a single goal late on, so 2-1 for Alex. If they score earlier, however, we have a more difficult job as they will sit back, with us playing across the park for 65 minutes, hoping for an opening, if that's the case, I am afraid 3-0 for Port Vale as they will take advantage of us trying to press. It's the last gasp this weekend for 3 x points to keep us in touch with any chance of the playoffs. Earlier the game Colchester vs Grimsby, we need a draw on Friday, please!

[gazan]

Vale like many in the play-off zone have had a few wobbles. Will Lankester be fit enough and will he start? If he is and does, I feel we have a better chance of getting a result. The formation is also going to be important. Whatever it is, I feel Lowery MUST play further forward. When played deeper his impact has been lessened. Also 2 senior players/centre backs return from international duty. Who will lose out?
So the line-up, dependent on fitness, will be crucial, in my opinion. Any thoughts who should be playing?

[MeForCrewe]

I think we have to play 4312 but I very much doubt that we will. The 2 returning centre backs to miss out but so be it. I would play Billo, O'Riordan, Mickey and Conway at the back. I think it will be inevitable though that Williams will be back in the team. The rest of the side would down to who is fit or not. Yes I agree Lowery must play further up the field. We have to try and impose more as draws in isolation look fine but not in our position. The next 2 home fixtures are absolutely ***** for 6 points and would have us believing again. Let's play on the front foot please.

[gazan]

Great news that MickeyD has signed another contract. Let's hope he rediscovers his goalscoring abilities starting Saturday!
Will LB go for it or will old habits die hard? With 2 extra CBs available, I suspect the latter. We could start on the front foot and play two strikers/forwards, one of which should be Lankester. At this stage of the season he needs to go for broke and never mind possible injuries to all those strikers.

[frogpole]

We can win this one - and the 'local lads' in the side really know how much this one means to the fans.

Hope that Billo retains his place on the team, he is very underestimated (imho). Love the way that LB utilises him to switch from a back 3, to a back 4.

Here's to a good crowd, a good game - and a cracking atmosphere ...

... Oh and a 3-1 win.

[gazan]

We can win this one - and the 'local lads' in the side really know how much this one means to the fans.

Hope that Billo retains his place on the team, he is very underestimated (imho). Love the way that LB utilises him to switch from a back 3, to a back 4.

Here's to a good crowd, a good game - and a cracking atmosphere ...

... Oh and a 3-1 win.

I admire your optimism re: 3-1 🤞(and I hope the police let me catch my train after the match!)

[frogpole]

I admire your optimism re: 3-1 🤞(and I hope the police let me catch my train after the match!)

That was my pessimistic prediction...

... optimistically we'll win 5-0 !!!!!

[gazan]

So, some intent, 2 forwards. But of course 5 at the back.

[Wartman]

Poor league showcased today by 2 poor sides who are up at the top end of the league, Crewe’s problem is that Hemings and Long are well passed their best Long offers the team absolutely nothing, however our midfield is poor Holicek and Tabiner are both weak contribute nothing in attacking or defending, Lowery is just too small and he set pieces are pathetic, Thomas just can’t stay fit and Powell is clearly out of favour. Another season in league 2 and a transfer window where we will bring in half the amount of players we need. Unless the club addresses the first team budget soon this will be forever thus, big clear out in June headed by Long, Hemings and Thomas.

[frogpole]

Poor league showcased today by 2 poor sides who are up at the top end of the league, Crewe’s problem is that Hemings and Long are well passed their best Long offers the team absolutely nothing, however our midfield is poor Holicek and Tabiner are both weak contribute nothing in attacking or defending, Lowery is just too small and he set pieces are pathetic, Thomas just can’t stay fit and Powell is clearly out of favour. Another season in league 2 and a transfer window where we will bring in half the amount of players we need. Unless the club addresses the first team budget soon this will be forever thus, big clear out in June headed by Long, Hemings and Thomas.

Yeah but, apart from that ...

Actually, I do agree with you regarding Long, Hemmings and Thomas.

Difficult getting the balance right between youth and experience - got it right with MickeyD !!