The Voice - Match preview Morecambe vs Bradford City Saturday 19th August 2023 3:00pm

He started against Wednesday in the paint pot cup and played well. Multiple occasions he got around the back to make recovery tackles.

I don't remember Wednesday being overly physical in the air though so perhaps that's why I didn't notice him being particularly troubled with any high balls.

 

I agree with you and unfortunately Oyegoke was the same on the other side as well. Maybe he was having an off game because I suspect that the step up to Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday matches isn't easy for young kids in men's football and he didn't show a lot going forwards either.

 

May be an unpopular opinion but while Pattison is fit then I don't think we'll miss Walker because I think that they both prefer, and play best, in the same position - centrally, at the top of midfield, behind a striker/two strikers.

It is fair to say though that with Walker, Chapman and Oliver out, we are short of options at the top of the pitch.

If Hughes really wants to play a back three then I'm surprised he hasn't tried 3-5-2. Surely suits the midfielders we have available more and enables Smith and Cook to be closer together.

 

My thoughts too BB, I'd mentioned before about both taking the same space on the pitch to where I saw Pattison back in his own half, which is the exact opposite of where you want a potent goal threat. Don't get me wrong I like Walker as a player but Pattison is exactly what I thought we were getting when we signed him, a player we haven't had since Lewis O'Brien.

 

Oyegoke looked really promising in pre season but has looked quite shaky at times since the real games started. Hopefully like you say it is just a period of adjustment for him and he'll settle into the position over the next few weeks, but could be a real issue if he doesn't.

 

Bet placed at 7/1.

 

7/1 for what?

 

I've previously mentioned that I will be placing a £2 bet on The Voice Match Score Predictions. Prediction for this game is a 1-0 City win.
There is sticky thread explaining my intentions mate. https://bantamtalk.com/index.php?threads/the-voice-match-score-predictions.7375/

 

Ah I see. I got over excited thinking you'd found a bookie offering that for a city win.

 

He tried 352 on Tuesday and Odour was useless in the 10 it may work if Walker plays there

 

That's where I'd play Pattison with McDonald playing alongside Smallwood. Hypothetically speaking and based on Hughes' current wish to play 3 at the back!

 

That would certainly steady the ship defensively but will take away some attacking threat

 

Problem is though that Pattison seems to be getting goals after runs from drop and timing his arrival right.

If he's already up there with Cook it may be easier to mark him and harder for him to find the same space.

 

Derek Adams Vs Derek Adams (MH)
Who will school who!

I'm glad I'm missing this one.. Morecambe beating us doesn't bare thinking about.

 

Gilliead out as well as Walker and Taylor this weekend.
Gilliead has a leg strain and Walker still recovering from the knock against Colchester.
Both back for the Crewe game apparently.
No idea on Taylor.
Oliver and Chapman the obvious long term injuries.
Good news that Walker is just a knock and swelling and nothing more.

 

I don't think we'll miss Walker for this game.

Oliver would have been helpful for it though.

As we're inevitably going to have 70% possession, I'd have started Cook and Oliver and just whack a load of crosses in.

They will inevitably sit deep, low block, 10 behind the ball, try and win it and hoof it forwards. The more we fanny around and pass it sideways, the happier they will be. Get it wide, chuck in the crosses.

 

Chapman was out sprinting on the pitch before our last game so can't be too far off

 

2, maximum 3 weeks, away is what Hughes said in his presser earlier

 

I would like to see this: -

lewis

Platt - stubs - Kelly

Halliday - Smallwood - Macdonald - Gilly

odour - pattison

cook

gilly likely out at the weekend so will be ridhalge, so replace Halliday with Oyegoke.

 

I wish the FA would hurry up and announce whatever penalty they going to be giving him.