The starting formation.

[Nigel517]

I feel that our starting formation in our last two matches has allowed Crewe and Wimbledon to overrun us in midfield. They have both had great starts where they were unlucky not to score. Slowly in both games we got a foothold , adjusted our formation and took control of the game.

In the second half of both matches we started well and were in control and the better team. So what did we do? We changed our formation both times by taking Simms off. As others have said. Why ?
To me when its working and you're in control swap like for like. Rest those tiring players. We have many players of the same Ilk. Stop trying to be to clever . Changing formation upsets the whole balance of a team. It is rarely a 5 minute fix. Especially when you're changing two players at a time.

 

[TangerineSeasider]

I would be telling the players it’s sh!t or bust time, go out , enjoy yourselves ..... and ATTACK !

 

[Atletico_Seasider]

I agree Nigel that we have been overrun in midfield in those two matches. I feel our best formation might well be 3-5-2.

Defence - not much choice on the back three currently, but when all options are back fit it would be any three from Ballard, Marv, Viking, Thorniley and Husband

Midfield - I would have Garbutt as left wing back (but in a more attacking than defensive sense), Gabriel as a right wing back (again more attacking like Garbutt). Then the central midfield three could be two holding defensive types (take your pick from Stewart, Dougall, Virtue, Ward) and one more attacking 'link man' type (I reckon this could be the best role for the enigma that is Kai Kai but also Embleton could play this role).

Attack - any two from Simms, Madine, Yates, CJ

In summary, I think this formation would allow us to control games far more than we are doing and it would get the best out of the players we have....

 

[Ping Pong]

I agree Nigel that we have been overrun in midfield in those two matches. I feel our best formation might well be 3-5-2.

Defence - not much choice on the back three currently, but when all options are back fit it would be any three from Ballard, Marv, Viking, Thorniley and Husband

Midfield - I would have Garbutt as left wing back (but in a more attacking than defensive sense), Gabriel as a right wing back (again more attacking like Garbutt). Then the central midfield three could be two holding defensive types (take your pick from Stewart, Dougall, Virtue, Ward) and one more attacking 'link man' type (I reckon this could be the best role for the enigma that is Kai Kai but also Embleton could play this role).

Attack - any two from Simms, Madine, Yates, CJ

In summary, I think this formation would allow us to control games far more than we are doing and it would get the best out of the players we have....

I agree with Gabriel & Garbutt as wing backs ( at least till CJ & Madine fully fit) I said this weeks ago & not tried yet.
I also think it's time Holmes got on bench?

 

[Dark_Side_of_the_Lune]

Agree. Was saying the same on Saturday as it was a rinse and repeat if Crewe

 

[Nigel517]

I agree with Gabriel & Garbutt as wing backs ( at least till CJ & Madine fully fit) I said this weeks ago & not tried yet.
I also think it's time Holmes got on bench?

I agree. If Madine cannot make the bench and you feel Simms cannot do 90 mins then like for like, as the 2 strikers does work, put Holmes on the bench.