Match Thread Newcastle v Bradford Wed 24 Sept 19:45 Carabao cup

I think he may have gone for Powell, Humphrys and Pointon up front as they are all comfortable with the ball and he thought they may link up better with the midfield/wing backs. As it was, Newcastle were really on form and no one really got any time/chance with the ball.

 

We can never predict the future with regards players availability etc but you would have thought once Humphry's was not a starter after the AFC Wimbledon game we could have as you say got him in to a private hospital and had his tonsils removed, unfortunately with Swan missing last night and for some reason Alexander preferring Humphry's and Powell starting rather than Lapslie (who had started in all our previous Carabao Cup games) it was strange starting 11 but then again were not privy to things that go on we are not aware of.
Obviously if Swan is just a pull or a strain and is fit enough to start I'd go with the attacking 3 that started at Cardiff if no Swan then I'd go with Lapslie who IMO is the most likely to get amongst the goals.

 

Lapslie up front?

I'm not sure if I've misread the post but that would be absolute lunacy when we've got fit and available forwards in the squad.

 

I'm pretty sure he means Lapslie behind the front man as Lapslie has never been mentioned as a forward,. certainly not on here.

 

If Swan and Kavanagh are not available, Alexander says Cook is not ready to start a game, we saw Humphry's and Powell aren't up to playing that role who would you suggest as your front three ?.

 

Campbell, Edhino and Carbone.

 

A Humphrys will start and Cook/Powell introduced from the bench if needed.

 

Who's he playing up front then with Lapslie, Pointon and Sarcevic being his 3? I'm confused.

 

He has to be ahead of Powell in the pecking order now, even if Humph is backup to Swan, who is our best option right now

 

I'm wondering, once he's properly match fit, if we'll see a Cook/Swan partnership now and again.

It means sacrificing either Sarc, Bobby or both and that means losing some of the press but that could be a very, very good front two.

 

If it's not broke don't fix it IMO. Cook can be used if we're in trouble.

 

I'm not suggesting a permenant switch, just horses for courses and we've seen a top two a few times this year so it's a good option to have.

 

But like you intimate in your post, we would have to sacrifice some press if Cook starts. He would be good to come on when the press isn't working as well, a la Wimbledon, but personally I wouldn't change the tactics unless really necessary.

 

I guess how pitches hold up this winter might be an influence on this. Someone made a good point about it being more demanding to use the press on heavier pitches.

 

No surprise you're moving the goal posts to suit your argument, the present opinion of many is Humphry's is not up to playing the striker role he even says he doesn't want to play that role, so you saying you'd start Humphry's is quite another debate, unlike you not to be on the ball.

 

That could be an occasion the would necessitate a different approach so we'll have to wait and see.

 

Possibly but not two up top . The formation sees us top of the table, Swan could drop.behind the front man in the 2 but essentially the one up top works.

 

I’m hearing a larger percentage of gate receipts have been gifted to the club from Newcastle.

Whilst it’s pocket change for a club like Newcastle, they certainly don’t have to!

 

Nothing but good vibes from Newcastle and their fans this is another very nice gesture from the club, so is that £300k plus the bonus ?.

 

PLAYER REACTION: Cook on goal and Newcastle clash

Rated his best goal, sorry even though it was a classic Andy Cook finish its sentiment getting the better of you mate.