Apart from Brighton, Swansea was the next game I’d expect us to win as I think their style of football will allow ours ( well the one we were playing ) to succeed.

Now it’s anyone’s guess what will happen.

Based on his comments this week, I’d be surprised if he changed anything.

I reckon it will be pretty much the same. 3-5-2 or 4-4-2 with the same players as last week. Maybe Okazaki back if it’s 4-4-2.

He may surprise us though...

Not optimistic at all. It doesn't feel like a 'dead cat bounce' situation. Shakey hadn't lost the dressing room in spite of everything else.

Hang on I thought the players picked the team...😡

It'll be interesting to see what formation he picks today.

Mersey, there's nothing much the same about playing 3-5-2 or 4-4-2!

We looked so much better with 3 at the back he might be tempted to try that from the start. That would most probably mean Simpson missing out.

Alternatively bringing back Shinji and 4-4-1-1. Whatever he picks it had better not be 4-4-2 with a weak midfield as this could allow the Swans to boss the game. Their confidence must still be fragile so we have an opportunity to harvest all 3 points and get out of the relegation zone.

comment by True Blue (U9486)
posted 1 hour, 31 minutes ago
Apart from Brighton, Swansea was the next game I’d expect us to win as I think their style of football will allow ours ( well the one we were playing ) to succeed.

Now it’s anyone’s guess what will happen.
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You didn't expect us to beat West Brom at home?! Or Huddersfield away? So we can only beat teams who play into our hands under Shakespeare? Wasn't going to end well under him if that's the case

If it's any improvement on the "shocking away performance at Bournemouth that would be a step forward but we will just have to wait & see.

Not expecting much though.

I think Okazaki will come back in and possibly ChIlwell in a 442.

I am actually open to a 352 and although I’m not sure that it categorically proved against West Brom that it was more suited to it, I felt it would allow for the progression of one of brightest young players in Chilwell.

My big concern with it, is Mahrez. I think it will be very easy to see it as a ‘fix’ to our problems and play him in a free role behind two strikers. Ultimately, this means we will sacrifice the main benefit of a 352 (the solidity of 3 CMs whilst still having two forwards) and still be left with the same failings as a 442 (fragility in the centre of the park). As usual, our formation choices are being dictated and hindered by an underperforming creative player. The only plausibility to it is that Chilwell and Albrighton would be both decent at dropping across to help defensively in the middle, but this is far more dangerous with wing backs (with space behind) than when Albrighton does it as a traditional winger.

Of course there is th argument that, that space behind should be covered by the closest CM sweeping across, but playing Mahrez out wide with no Simpson behind scares me!

I think we might play with one out and out winger and pack the midfield. but it will show Appletons view of what happened this week.

Can’t imagine there will be too many changes from MA today. Expect pretty much the same side. If we can come away with at least a point .... just need to kick start our confidence/season

comment by MIAMI_FOX (U2650)
posted 56 minutes ago
Can’t imagine there will be too many changes from MA today. Expect pretty much the same side. If we can come away with at least a point .... just need to kick start our confidence/season
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LOL, so not much point in sacking the Manager then?

And the answer to my question is ahh no.

Told you. Appleton basically saying Shakespeare was right.

Of course he was.

Good to see Okazaki back.