It's quite a mild day in the North West today however theres been some monsoon style rain in parts so make sure you bring your jackets!!
This is what I'd be looking out for if I was manager for tonight
1) Jay rodriguez and charlie austin are big players for Burnley so our defence will have to be very active and switched on from the start (both pacey strikers)
2) Wallace has a decent free kick and scored a super free kick against Blackpool on Saturday
3) Defensively, not the biggest and strongest but they are graced with Ben Mee and we all know his strengths and weaknesses - Not that we're likely to be given a penalty in any circumstances!
4) Fairly solid midfield who like to get stuck in and pass the ball around
Taking the above into account, I'd be looking at playing a flat out 4-4-2 with fernandes / dyer on one side to make some runs and Gally on the other for a decent ball into the box, with either King / wellens / Danns in the middle. Howard for his strength and battling ability with Nugent running off him up top. Usual back 5.
Burnley Away Tonight
posted on 1/11/11
Whilst I can understand that some may want Gallagher on the bench, I can't see any justification to start IMO. He was woeful just before he got injured so not sure what it would say if he just waltz back in to the team.
If we do play a flat 4-4-2 which I don't think we will, I think nowadays, both wide players need to be able to be capable of getting back to defend, covering the FB, and also helping out in the middle when needed.
For me, Gallagher can offer neither of these. I think the only position he can play is as part of a three pronged attack in 4-3-3, and as such, is why some view him as a 'luxury' player.
Certainly a luxury worth having to come on if we need to pull someout of the bag, and certainly worth considering because he is part of the Pearson gang and could help with 'team spirit'.
With Dyer likely to be out, I think we will look to play Danns and Fernades on the edge of a diamond as they offer more stability than Gallagher when we are being pushed back.
It seems they are likely to start with Beckford again, which, although I personally wouldn't do, I can understand.
If we are struggling come the second half, it would be interesting to see Beckford and Howard up top for a bit (considering this is, by all accounts, the best sort of partner for Beckford), particularly ahead of the Leeds game, as there will be different reasons for both of these to play.
posted on 1/11/11
One thing is guaranteed - if we start with 4-3-3 again, we will lose.
As we are away, I would go with the diamond - with Richie holding, Kingy at the front and Fernandes and Dannzy left and right.
If both are fit, I would like to see Howard and Nugent up front. I think big Stevie has earned his chance and Beckford has not.
Must win game !
posted on 1/11/11
I also like the sound of your line up lcfcprawn
posted on 1/11/11
Howard is surely chomping at the bit. I will be disappointed if he is not at least on the bench.
posted on 1/11/11
We need a big performance tonight, and 3 points. Potential managers will be watching, and may be weighing up how hard it would be to take us up, and whether we are worth jumping ship for.
I hope Howard gets to play - it's guys like him, King, Mills, Konchesky and Nugent (and of course Schmeichel) whom I would most trust to have the testicular fortitude to really go for it under this sort of pressure. Bamba too, in his own harum-scarum way.
I'll be listening in from Cologne, all digits crossed and re-crossed.