Monday, 17 October 2011

4-4-2 or 4-5-1 at Southampton?

The debate is raging: should Doctor Evil revert to 4-5-1 for the table topping head to head at St Mary's, or should he stick with a winning formula, retaining 4-4-2 and going for Southampton's throat?

There's no doubt in my mind. To change a winning team would be to show fear and we have nothing to be scared of! Southampton are a goodish team but nothing more. I like Lallana and Lambert but they're not Modric and Rooney are they?

There's suggestions that Allardyce fears being outnumbered in midfield but the best way to combat Southampton's undeniable attacking threat is to give them something to worry about at the back. Two banks of four is a great way of smothering a game when you don't have the ball, and with two men up front you have a much better chance of hitting a team on the break. With Diop anchoring, the full backs can push on when we are in possession and I have a hunch that Nolan could join Baldock and Carew on the score sheet if we go into the game looking to outscore our opponents.

Why give Southampton a psychological boost before a ball has been kicked? Allardyce should say to the team, "Same again lads, now go out and justify my confidence in your ability!" If he reverts to 4-5-1 the message will be the opposite, Doctor Evil will be admitting that he is scared of a team of Saints!
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10 comments:

  1. Anonymous17 October 2011 at 19:14

    Come and join the big boys debate over on the Org, Wrights put a good one up about this.

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  2. Hammersfan17 October 2011 at 19:29

    LOL That's enough to keep me away! Is Wrongy still trying to play spot the Fanno?

    Sorry, but no wit on the site now. I'll leave it to Wrongy to hold court in his drab style. OSP rarely contributes, davefking is in semi-retirement (although I guess a semi is the best he can hope for these days) and even del seems to be bored with the site. Shame.

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  3. Anonymous17 October 2011 at 19:41

    Fair dincum, but your only debating this with yourself on here. Swallow your pride!

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  4. Anonymous17 October 2011 at 19:43

    If you read between the lines you are worried about Southampton as a good team. Be afraid, coz any formation will have problems at St Marys. Look at the stats. You will probably test us to the full and we can guage how far we have come in the last 18 months. Should be a good game. 5 goals will be scored. Which way it will go Im not sure.

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  5. darrenharry17 October 2011 at 20:16

    I have to say you have better pictures than the org. I personally think 4-5-1 to start with, take the sting out of the home crowd, then change if need be for the last 30mins.

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  6. Hammersfan17 October 2011 at 20:17

    I'm not debating, I'm blogging. And if I do debate on here, it involves rival fans. The Org is a closed club and much of the old sparkle has gone sadly. But good luck there and look in here whenever you choose.

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  7. Hammersfan17 October 2011 at 20:21

    Shame on you darren! A lilly livered formation! And as for looking at the pictures! Tut tut! ; }

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  8. Essexhammer17 October 2011 at 21:06

    Agree with your reasoning HF.SOUTHAMPTON are nothing great,still think they are in a false position and they shouldn't be given TOO much respect.Even though we gave BLACKPOOL a thumping they will be up there come the end of the season,I'm sure.HOLLAWAY is a shrewd old boy, and had them playing some great football last season,the team is not that different from last season.I think with DIOP as that midfield anchor, ALLARDYCE can play a straight 4-4-2 .The only frustrating news I have heard is that TOMKINS and TAYLOR may miss out through injury....bloody typical!! FAYE for TOMPINS ,no problems there but who covers the left side? FAUBERT plays on the right,has he ever played on the left side of midfield? O'BRIEN is now fit so he can resume his fullback role.There is NOBLE and LANSBURY or COLLISON could switch sides,but none are proper wingers.I think FAUBERT should take the right midfield role and let the best left footer go on the left.

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  9. Deane17 October 2011 at 23:22

    I live in Southampton so this is one that we have to win and I don't care if we use foul play just bloody win I'm surrounded by scummers

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  10. deanosaint17 October 2011 at 23:34

    looking forward to the game should be a cracker! you seeem to have hit a bit of form in recent weeks and should be a good test. however, i feel your doing us a bit of dis-service! you mentioned lambert and lallana who are undoubtabley our stars, anruably two of the best in the league, but also players like fonte, cork and fox are also top players at this level! look forward to a ding dong battle at the top all year between the two of us. COYS!

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