So How's Critchley going to approach the first leg at Oxford?

Kaks more dangerous than Embleton I think. Embleton harder working, the age old conundrum for a manager
Embo seems to have that eye for a pass thing. Hasn't quite clicked yet but he has a football brain, I reckon, and yeah he works hard.
 
The most crucial thing for me is getting the first goal as the stats will show we only lost 3 times all season after scoring first....which is a fantastic record...Also after ditching the 4-3-3 after 9 games....most of our season has been made on 4-4-2 with the later third we now have 3-5-2 and 4-5-1 which gives us great options especially with the returning injured players.We know from the last couple of seasons that Oxford are a good Footballing side but we are capable of beating anybody on our day. Would love to see the perfect 7....I think it will be close but I'm sure we can do it.
 
Our game isn't suited to chasing, it is about controlling the play, restricting the opposition and hitting teams on the break. I'm sure we have every chance but there is one element we can't control and that is luck/decisions, hopefully we get a decent ref for the latter and that we've earned a little bit more luck than the other sides.
 
Looking ahead to tomorrow, I think Critch will go for similar when we beat them in March, a 4-5-1, or 4-2-3-1 depending on shape. Oxford have been beaten a few times at home using the 4-3-3, but also won with the same system, scoring a few but letting in a few too. Perhaps they'll play it a bit more cautiously and match us like for like. The ideal scenario is for us to get an early goal and them to come onto us, with us hitting them on the break.
Either way, it will be interesting to see the systems both teams use.
 
I honestly can't see NC changing much in the way we play.
That's the way we got where we are.
Of course a lot depends on who is fully fit and available.
 
I honestly can't see NC changing much in the way we play.
That's the way we got where we are.
Of course a lot depends on who is fully fit and available.
Totally agree Dave.
It will be 4-4-2 and we will play our possession game and see if Oxford can get the ball off us.
We have strengths all over the pitch and on the bench and we are in very good form
Saying that, Oxford have hit form at the right time as well so should be two very interesting and entertaining games and I can’t see either leg being goalless.
 
So many options🤔I would play KK or Anderson, not convinced by Embleton yet. Please play Simms alongside Yates, I have to admit Simms had come on miles in the last month or so, long gone are the days of him being taken off at half time. Cannot risk Big Marv, so for me the full backs and central midfield is where the decisions have to be made. But we have good options for these positions👍And poor Mr Mitchell doesn’t get a mention, but I rate him and would not be concerned if he started, but feel he will be on the bench.
 
I don't think what's happened before in games this season has much relevance in these play-off games. Everyone knows what's on the line and that extra pressure can make or break teams. KR has already been try to stir the pot and I think that's how we wants to play it by turning it into a physical battle and will target some of the younger players in our team like Ballard and Simms. Hopefully the more experienced players in our team like Maxwell, Husband, Turton and Stewart will be alert to this tactic and make sure we play our game rather than theirs.
 
Totally agree Dave.
It will be 4-4-2 and we will play our possession game and see if Oxford can get the ball off us.
We have strengths all over the pitch and on the bench and we are in very good form
Saying that, Oxford have hit form at the right time as well so should be two very interesting and entertaining games and I can’t see either leg being goalless.
Surely he’s not going to revert to 4-4-2?
Has to be 3-5-2 with Garbutt and Gabriel as wing backs.
 
First leg if fit
Maxwell
Ballard Thorniley Husband
Turton. Ward. Dougal. Garbutt
(One from Kai Kai, Anderson or Embleton)
Simms Yates

stewart if ward not fit.
 
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