Burnley

[QPRDave]

It's not patronising, it is just that it is all I hear on this forum, everyone says oh you are never gonna win a match with 1 up front and all that and it is annoying to hear for me because I know for a fact that tactically the formation works. But please, be my guest and continue your great agenda of anti-mi and anti stats. It really is hilarious

Think you'll find the majority on here realise that Chaz is a more effective striker when he has a partner....which is why a lot call for 2 up front

[Jimmy Floyd Rabbit]

Think you'll find the majority on here realise that Chaz is a more effective striker when he has a partner....which is why a lot call for 2 up front

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[nasser95]

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He seemed fine scoring as a lone striker last season as well. I agree that we have seen him thrive at home playing 2 strikers but i do wonder how he would do playing alone at home

[MattyRangers]

He seemed fine scoring as a lone striker last season as well. I agree that we have seen him thrive at home playing 2 strikers but i do wonder how he would do playing alone at home

Personally think he would struggle big time. He needs Zamora to be the "battering ram" and do the nasty stuff like take the fouls etc. The few games I remember Charlie up top on his own at home (I believe Stoke was one?) he was just completely nullified by Shawcross.
He did score up fornt on his own last season, yes, but the gulf in class between the leagues is enormous.

[West Acton]

Definitely will, their two first choice centre-halves will be out (Duff and Shackell), and 1 that they brought on yesterday got injured too, so will likely have to play a youth player alongside that Michael Keane who looked decidedly dodgy when we played them last month.

We HAVE to play Zamora and Austin and try for the win, as Bobby should be able to impose himself on their inexperienced defence creating chances for us.

Sit back and we will lose again, as Burnley are good going forward and pressurising teams.

CAT you can see it I can see it but will Harry see it as when we have gone away and faced vulnerable defences with patched up CB pairs Blackey at Utd and Monreal at Arsenal intead of going for their weakness we have sat back.

I got no idea what reserves Burnley have in defence (might be an area there well covered in) but if there first three choices are indeed out then to me its common sense to target that area; im going to Burnley in hope rather then expectation but god willing we pull something out the hat. I would go as far as to say if we beat Burnley we would stay up

[nasser95]

Personally think he would struggle big time. He needs Zamora to be the "battering ram" and do the nasty stuff like take the fouls etc. The few games I remember Charlie up top on his own at home (I believe Stoke was one?) he was just completely nullified by Shawcross.
He did score up fornt on his own last season, yes, but the gulf in class between the leagues is enormous.

It is true I suppose, I just think maybe using zamora is nullifying the creativity possible in the team. I would love to see Fer played in Zamora's position. Creative, good shot, strong etc. everything you need and more. Plus it will allow us to play someone more creative in the team

[Ranger]

Have to agree with two up front bz to work there patched up defence first half then sub him for vargas if needed I would prefer to go down fighting rather than sit back but if it were to get us the points I wouldn't mind but on present away form it has done us no good and burnley will throw the kitchen sink at us so we must exploit their weaknesses. do agree that this is a vital game and they will be up for it but we can get a result and we will if we play right burnley showed at the home game that coming forward they are good so we will need to attack them am sure HR knows this well I hope he realises that we struggle to shut teams out and close out games !!!

[stanistheman]

It's not patronising, it is just that it is all I hear on this forum, everyone says oh you are never gonna win a match with 1 up front and all that and it is annoying to hear for me because I know for a fact that tactically the formation works. But please, be my guest and continue your great agenda of anti-mi and anti stats. It really is hilarious

It's not the 1 up front that is the problem, but rather that he gets little or no support from the other 9 outfield players because I suspect they are told to play with caution and keep it tight in midfield and defence.

A change of attitude and training tactics are required.

Hoilett, Vargas Fer & Phillips etc need to be quicker and more direct getting forward and the full backs should also be pushing up to help with the attacks.

Henry and Barton, as they are probably the least likely to be able to track back, can provide defensive cover to assist Caulker & Dunne.

[winalotto]

Difficult game this one , both teams think they can win this , i would take a draw from this game no problem

[West Acton]

It's not the 1 up front that is the problem, but rather that he gets little or no support from the other 9 outfield players because I suspect they are told to play with caution and keep it tight in midfield and defence.

Do you think we could get away with Charlie as focal point and Fer and Niko playing off him???? so kind of three up top but two behind are creative and can hold the ball when it goes forward

[nasser95]

Do you think we could get away with Charlie as focal point and Fer and Niko playing off him???? so kind of three up top but two behind are creative and can hold the ball when it goes forward

This is where I think Zarate comes in, it isn't exactly a 433, it is a 4321 where the two behind charlie (Fer and Zarate/Niko) are primarily central but can move out to help open the play when needed. As Stan said, 9 players who aren't helping in the final phase doesn't allow us to get chances away from home.

[West Acton]

This is where I think Zarate comes in, it isn't exactly a 433, it is a 4321 where the two behind charlie (Fer and Zarate/Niko) are primarily central but can move out to help open the play when needed. As Stan said, 9 players who aren't helping in the final phase doesn't allow us to get chances away from home.

Agree but I would probably go 3 4 2 1 and tell the two wingers there going to have to work their nuts off I think Isla has the ability and engine to pull it off think Yun could on left if fit too but hes injured just feel we need the extra body in the middle at Burnley and a four and a two gives you if top two work hard 6

[nasser95]

Agree but I would probably go 3 4 2 1 and tell the two wingers there going to have to work their nuts off I think Isla has the ability and engine to pull it off think Yun could on left if fit too but hes injured just feel we need the extra body in the middle at Burnley and a four and a two gives you if top two work hard 6

The way I see it is that Fer and Charlie (and whoever else is up with them - hopefully Vargas or Zarate) will work their socks off in attacking phases of play. Charlie and Vargas will help defensively as well. Having 3 cm's of Barton, Henry and Mutch will be brilliant for 2 reasons, 1 being that Barton and Henry are excellent defensively and the second being that Mutch can be freed up as a creative midfielder who brings the ball forward and is strong on it. The defensive Quartet we are running at the moment is fine as it is.

[Rich]

4-3-3 for this game, sod it what have we got to lose? Use the full backs as wing backs so we keep 3 in the middle and play Dunne and Caulker CB's. One of the forwards drops a little deeper to win and retain the ball (zamora) with austin and vargas up top giving them no space. This would be my team given what we have:

Green
Isla
Caulker
Dunne
Onouha (pacey fit and defensive)

Henry hold infront of CB's
Mutch (for energy levels)
Fer to create

Zamora
Vargas
Austin

[Jimmy Floyd Rabbit]

So who's gonna get dropped for Zarate, should he sign?

Would be harsh on Bobby, who for me is having his best spell at the club.