Some really nice problems ahead
Two points from our first two games wasn’t what we wanted, but we’re still unbeaten in what looks a very competitive division.
We won’t know whether our first two results were good or bad until much later in the season, but a win against Scunthorpe next week would take probably take City back into the top ten and, after three games that’s OK.
Dilemmas to come?
GJ’s biggest dilemma could come when all our squad is available. Murray is in fine form and looks sharp, so will GJ start him in place of his signings Sproule & Wilson?
When McCombe’s available, will GJ stick with Fontaine after the big man’s exploits last season?
Steve Brooker, when fit & on form is arguably the best striker at the club - Without argument, he’s the second best, but will he compliment Trundle in a 4-4-2?
We can play any system with the variety of players in our squad, but how do we get Lee Johnson & David Noble in the same midfield in a 4-4-2 formation? I don’t think you can.
Only one number one
We already know that we have three very capable, indeed excellent, keepers - however, as with The Highlander, there can only be one!
Looking at formations, we played some of our best stuff last season when GJ introduced Noble into the hole between a lone striker and midfield in a 4-4-1-1. If we played that at present it might look something like this:
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Basso |
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Orr |
Carey |
McCombe |
McCallister |
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Murray |
Johnson |
Elliott |
McIndoe |
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Noble |
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Trundle |
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We can play 4-1-4-1 against teams like Man City who play with a man in the hole. A flatter midfield would still provide attacking threat:
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Basso |
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Orr |
Carey |
McCombe |
McCallister |
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Elliott |
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Murray |
Johnson |
Noble |
McIndoe |
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Trundle |
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But surely we need Brooker & Sproule’s goals in any starting XI?
Whilst Sproule could replace McIndoe who hasn’t hit top form, play up front or even replace our top goal scorer (so far) in Scott Murray, including Brooker, unless you drop Trundle, would mean playing two up top, which we can do in a 4-4-2, a 3-5-2, a 4 -3-1-2 or even a 3-4-1-2.
We beat Barnsley 4-1 away a few seasons back playing 3-6-1, then never played it again!!
We have the players to play wing back on both sides in Wilson & McAllister, and Bradley Orr’s form has convinced some doubters that he could take on the role, although he lacks the quality of distribution of, for example, Brian Wilson, as well as his pace. For me he’s a better defender – and he’s improving all the time.
Brooker & Trundle seem like a quality strike force, both are goal scorers, but let’s face it; neither are blessed with terrific pace.
With all the players fit:
4-4-2
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Basso |
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Orr |
Carey |
McCombe |
McCallister |
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Sproule |
Johnson |
Elliott |
Murray |
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Brooker |
Trundle |
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3-5-2
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Basso |
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Carey |
McCombe |
Fontaine |
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Wilson |
Johnson |
Elliott |
Noble |
McCallister |
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Brooker |
Trundle |
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3-4-1-2
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Sproule |
Johnson |
Elliott |
McCallister |
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Of course, it’ll be rare that all of our players are available for selection at the same time, as the first four games of the season have demonstrated. The real strength of the teams above can be judged by looking at the players who miss out in each of the starting XIs.
In that last team, there’s no Murray, McIndoe, Betsy, Skuse, Keogh, Orr, Jevons, Showunmi or Weale.
A strong squad?
Question is, does that make our squad one of even strength or is it of average strength without enough outstanding players?
I haven’t even mentioned our up and coming players in Plummer, JMW or Artus.
If GJ’s successful in signing a pacey striker, that will just add to the mix.
As always, it’s never dull at AG.
The views expressed in this 'Soapbox' section are those of the author of each article and do not necessarily reflect those of the Bristol City Supporters Trust
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