Best XI now transfer window closed

R.I.P.

 

I think we've potentially added pace and power to the 10s but possibly in place of the technique and know how of the other two. It definitely feels like a horses for courses situation in those positions and it'll be one that GA will need to get right but at least we now look to have options with different skill sets.

 

I don't think any of the current defenders are the first defensive name on the team sheet. He's rotated them all at various times and I think he'll continue to do so.

 

The transfer window has left us with a lot more attacking options both starting and from the bench. It means when he is fit we don’t have to-over use Sarcevic and allow him to rest.
Some headache selection for GA and plenty of rotation

 

Pretty much what I would go for too. There's a lot of rotation in that front three. Dunno if Mullin can start games, if not then Wheatly can slot in. Bobby and Hump rotate, as do Jackson and Sarce.

 

Very true. His best game for a long long while .

 

That’s the problem for me Dave . They have zero consistency in knowing their back line “partner”.

 

When we don't defend from the front the back three definitely has weaknesses. I'd go with Touray at LCB (although equally i could play him at LWB) Pennington at RCB, a toss up between Baldwin and Wright for the middle CB. Baldwin is really the only one our centre backs thats comfortable with the ball at his feet, Wright is hot and cold but did have a good spell before Christmas and is also useful at set pieces (despite our set pieces being generally poor)

 

This is the issue isn't it. GA needs to make his mind up and stick with it to give our CBs half a chance of forming an understanding

 

I get that this is the reason people select Baldwin but when you see the stats posted above, it generally doesn't back up that he's a good passer of the ball although I accept the caveat that many of them maybe longer, more difficult passes that a defender in a possession based team may play.

Couple that with the fact that I don't think he a particularly defender (there are stats I can provide to back this up too in terms of ground duels list and how often he gets run past) and obviously the eye test in terms of errors when playing in the middle and I'm surprised so many seem to accept that is his best position.

 

I think as defenders our CBs can all have there wobbles. The one advantage Baldwin has is that he is very comfortable on the ball and can often make himself a bit of space before skying it into the stand ( I just added that last bit to save you the effort )

 

You really have a fixation on trying to prove your point on him. Is he perfect no not many are at this level but he defends well and instead of get rid of it anywhere typical of lower league defenders always looks up and plays to a man.And he is now the mainstay of the defence and the one we miss most when injured

 

Stats can be used to suit whatever metric a narrative requires. I'll go with what i see from own eyes. Baldwin isn't the best centre back in league one, far from it, but he's a first choice in a team that sees us 5th. Generally when he plays we look a better team at the back. he has his limitations like all league one centre backs but passing generally isn't one of those limitations. I say generally as all players are guilty of wayward passes from time to time. Not sure he's suited to the right side centre back as he can get caught out over the top, if he's available Alexander picks him every time above other options due to his passing.

 

Spot on chief. You lose the impact of those two positions and everything falls like a house of cards.

 

For me next game...

Walker
Neufville
Touray
Baldwin
Pennington
Tilt
Power
Metcalfe
Jackson
Pointon
Mullin

Subs: Hilton, T Wright, J Wright, Evans, Sarcevic, Humphrys, Wheatley

Wouldnt drop T Wright after Donny winner. Would look to bring Ashby and Sibley in where form drops but I can honestly see a few of loans struggling to even make the bench.

Stands: Ashby, Kelly, Sibley, White, Lapslie, Swan

 

I'd be giving Tilt a rest in the next one if I'm honest, i think he's looked really poor for 4 or 5 games now. He was a touch better against Donny, especially second half after almost costing a goal in the first half, then Baldwin copied exactly the error that Tilt made about 3 minutes later heading it to a Donny attacker.

They start one up, which should be Wells unless they throw Cole in, either way they aren't physical threats and that's who for me Tilt usually plays better when he has a battle on. I'd go Touray LCB, Tyreik LWB against Luton. Let Tilt have a game off, bring him back in for Peterborough at home then the battle with Wootton against Stockport the tues after.

 

To me, Mullin looked like he was blowing out of his arse after 25 minutes on Saturday. If that was the case, I can't see him starting for another month.

 

I thought Tilt was dodgy against Hudds, Lincoln and Donny but was great at Blackpool and didn't give Salech a sniff at home to Cardiff.. am I alone in this?.. has something changed?

 

I thought his last really good game was Blackpool. Looking at the info, he won 1 or 4 aerial duals against Cardiff and picked up a yellow too.

 

That's interesting. Those stats don't really tell the story of the Cardiff game I watched. I don't rate Tilt as highly as many on here but I thought he looked to have a great game against Cardiff and as has been said, gave Salech hardly anything.