Match Thread Most liked posts in thread: Mansfield v City | League 2 | 17 October

I predicted a 3-0 defeat and I was straight on here at the final whistle. I am glad I was proved wrong with the scoreline

 

Tuesday we play the team with the longest unbeaten run in England - Walsall - then we face second place Newport who are flying.

Beating either will be impressive, 4 or even 6 points will be strong evidence that we're a top side.

 

The problems on Monday night were twofold. Not only was it the wrong formation to counteract Harrogate, we also had too many players asked to play in positions they are neither comfortable or confident in. Take nothing away from Harrogate, they were better than us all over the park but that's the risk you take when you put out a team of square pegs in round holes.

 

It's hard to call this one. As I alluded to earlier in the week, both teams respectively out of form (at home/on travels), so to make a genuine call based on form,,,,,,,, well.

Ive suggested a low scoring draw based on the stats, though I note, just like Monday night, the punters are backing the opposition (5/4 Mansfield into evens).

Back in January in that shameful 3 - 0 defeat, when GB was so lucky to keep his job, Mansfield had poor home form drawing 2 from 7, with no home wins and 1 in 11 wins full stop.
Speaking of Bowyer, (using McCalls 10 games in charge in his third stint) he amassed 11 points from his final 10 games in charge (2-5-3) vs McCall whom has amassed 12 points (3-3-4).

Today is about an aligned performance. About taking the game by the scruff of the neck and exerting pressure on Mansfield in a fluid performance.
Do I think it will happen. I have doubts but would be happy to be proven wrong. I honestly can't think of a game this season where for sustained periods, we have controlled the game but more importantly look compact from front to back, or being decent in possession.

1-1 draw.

 

great start; round pegs in round holes and everybody has a clearer idea of their role. simple game when not overcomplicated.

 

I'm enjoying the the commentary without the intervention of the "you know" expert.

 

All day long. And not just him. It suits the majority of our players. For all that people talk about Wood being a wing back, to me he always looks better with someone in front of him. Watt and Cooke are a good midfield 2 at this level.

442 is the easiest system to play well at this level.

 

Would we have gone with this line up today had Sutton and Evans been fit? Playing a left footer on the left side of any formation is just common sense yet on Monday we go with a player used to playing on the right. Have to stick with this for Tuesday now.

 

He even brought the best out of DMH who had a good game especially first half.

 

The problem I have is "we're suited to it"

Who is the "we" in this statement because as a collective group half of the players today have played less than 10 games together.

I think what people mean is 4-4-2 is a basic set up that most lower league teams play.

The problem with that simple analysis is that our squad is only able to play 4-4-2 with every player in their specialist position when everyone is fit. As soon as someone gets injured we're scrabbling for players in certain positions.

The right side of the pitch/squad in particular is especially stronger than the left side. It's a bit odd that we haven't tried to get 1/2 more left sided players in.

I don't mind NOT playing 4-4-2 as long as its because we're playing to our strengths or the strengths of the players fit and available. What I have a problem with is carry on regardless when something isn't working or playing a certain way because of the opposition (the latter I feel Stuart does too often - even today Kenny said they weren't playing Billy in midfield because they had a similar player and it might get congested - he focuses on the opponent too much)

 

Absolutely bang on.

4 4 2 is right if it sees us making the most out of our available players, which today it seemed to do.

But if people think DMH is a certain starter or that Donaldson needs to start every week, we're in the Land of Make Believe.

I wouldn't switch things up for Tuesday; those that are out are likely to still be out, and confidence will be high among that particular xi.

But beyond that, all bets are off.

 

Cheer up guys we won 3 - 1, a couple of home wins in our next two home games and were up there.

 

I'll make a prediction now, that we don't stick with 442, we may not even play that system in the next game. Stuart and Kenny will argue that we played 442 because of the way Mansfield set themselves up. I'm not that bothered about us changing our system from time to time as long as we play each player in a position that they are comfortable with so they can perform to the level we need them to.

 

Sutton. It only takes one player to be out of position for the whole system to be compromised. When you have a left sided player there is no excuse to play a right side player in the left. It's inexcusable.

 

we were good yesterday, but no more than that.. consistency is key now and yesterday gives us something to build on. it will be interesting to see what McCall does on Tuesday - there's no reason to change that system or starting XI for Walsall. the only downside would be that we're still allowing too many shots at our goal and with better finishing (from both teams) it could've easily ended 4-4.. steady 7's all across the board.

 

No loss if its any of Donaldson, Guthrie, DMH, BRE, Longridge.

 

He should be motivated to strengthen purely through the gaps that exist when everyone is fit, not by injuries.

 

He should be motivated to strengthen because we're bloody crap!

 

Problem we've had stems from no cohesive structure to our transfer policy, leaving us with a squad of players that, individually, are probably no better or worse than most other league 2 sides. But like Harrogate showed, when players know their roles within a structure then their thinking and anticipation of others around them is always quicker than the opposition. When you spend nearly all game chasing the ball you usually tire out with around 15/20 minutes left. Some mistake it for being unfit, its not. First and foremost, despite us having an unbalanced squad, we need to go with a set up that suits those individuals at our disposal, not a set up that the manager has concocted because of opposition worries. I agree that a 3-5-2 kind of formation would be advantageous, it showed benefits in earlier games. Wood and French have looked good in this set up and we need to make sure we get the best from Clarke and Watt who have also shown good form. I'm expecting that Leeds will want Hosannah to get regular game time and Samuels will be eagar to please so i expect them to make an appearance but becuase of the square peg round hole scenario i'm not sure how or where they will play. Upfront remains a conundrum where none of them look convincing.