As if our midfield wasn't beat up enough already, we manage to lose two left-sided players for an extended time. Garcia's done for the year and Gonzalez is expected back in 3 weeks or so. That sounds optimistic to me. None of the players we're rumored to be interested in are left-sided midfielders. Obviously we may end up purchasing one - as we well should; even before yesterday's debacle we were hurting on the left, with Gonzo not making much impact, our LB's not providing much in the way of support (or defense for that matter) - but if we don't, what's the solution on that side of the pitch? One idea is to start playing a 3-5-2. We've got the defenders to do it, Aurelio is a natural fullback, and Finnan is good enough to provide support in the attack. We can slide Gerrard into the hole, in front of Momo (when he returns) and Xabi, giving him the freedom to roam all over the field. Do we have any youngsters who can come up and step into a role on the left side? Paul Anderson is a RM, correct? Everything I've read and seen about him is very promising. Is he up to the task of first-team football, or is he still a ways off? What LM's are available in the transfer market?
For now Aurelio or Riise are going to play LM. It could be in a 4-4-2 or maybe as a wing-back in a 3-5-2 like you suggested. When Momo comes back, Gerrard can play as an attacking midfielder on the left side. I doubt Rafa will be able to make a major move in the transfer market for a winger now. We started the season with an abundance of left wingers and left backs. None of them have performed well, and now most of them are hurt. And we still aren't very strong on the right wing either.
I am against putting Auerlio and Riise on the same side in any type of formation, but it really looks like that is what is going to have to happen. Is the 3-5-2 that was mentioned what was the plan there. Carra Agger Riise Finnan Aurelio Pennant Xabi Gerrard Kuyt Bellamy ??????
More like: Carra Sami Agger Finnan Aurelio (or Riise) Xabi Momo Stevie Kuyt Bellamy Which admittedly would be lacking in the attacking 3rd.
Obvious step is to keep 4-4-2 with Aurelio and Riise playing Left Back and Left winger. Not sure who would play where as both can play either position. Anyway with Gonzalez out, Aurelio will feature more certainly. Gonzales won't miss too many games as his injury is not as bad as we initially feared. Zenden is back soon and Sissoko is only a few games away. Kewell is still out for the foreseeable.
Actually, it's the central midfield where we have problems. Warnock will soon be back. Gerrard can play on the right and Pennant pressed onto the left, if needs be, but we have very few options in the centre. And against Arsenal that was one of the reason why we got taken apart.
warnock to lb and rise to midfield and fabio to sub in after 65 mins. might be better than what weve been doing so far.
Yeah, but Pennant pressed to the left wouldn't be too terrible. His crossing wouldn't be as good, but he would be in a better position, to cut in, combine passes, or shoot.
Pennant couldn't be much worse than he has been. Aside from a few games, he's been shite the whole year. Maybe he'll at least take some shots if forced to the left.