Originally Posted by
pass_and_move
Personally I think the best approach to the game tonight is to put Cosgrove, Cole and McAtee in a 3 pronged attack. Luca with either Russell/Grant (no pun intended) both in the midfield holding role and the usual back 5 with the wing backs pushing on when they can in a 5-2-3 come 3-4-3 formation.
The normal approach in our scenario would be to keep it tight, hopefully pinch a goal then push on for the last 20 mins for the equaliser. Unfortunately though, we are unable to 'keep it tight' as our defenders just aren't good enough and are too prone to basic errors. With that in mind, this leaves only one feasible scenario that may win us this tie in my honest opinion.
I feel that we must go with the 3 up top, go direct and get Bolton under pressure defensively with Cosgrove being the hold up/flick on type player with Cole and McAtee making runs off Cosgrove and our wing backs pushing on when we're in possession. An Ismael formation and it could do the trick. We go all out for goals.
We are in the shyte being 2 goals down to begin with. We have nothing to lose and expectancy is pretty low. However, we must really assert ourselves, get an early goal and the atmosphere changes. The two holding midfielders can be just that, just protect our back three and watch the ball sail over their heads when our defenders go long. The obvious drawback to this formation is that our front 3 will inevitably tire and we have no real effective replacements barring Phillips or the inexperienced Jalo and Marsh who could replace any of the front 3 and offer the same threat. Our Wingbacks will have to work incredibly hard too but they can be replaced like for like.
The league encounter earlier in the season at the Bolton stadium saw us really give Bolton some problems. They may be susceptible defensively if we apply the necessary pressure. I saw that defensive vulnerability in the League encounter where we should've won quite convincingly but didnt take the guilt edged chances that we created.
It's a very tall order but why not go all out for this. We may have to score 4 or 5 just to force extra time but it's possible. We just need to do something different to pull this miracle off.
Here's hoping