Lallana CM?

[saint_bert]

With Morgan out for the next 3 games, would you switch Adam into the centre?

 

With his vision,ability and distribution skills he could be just what we need.

 

I suspect it will be Wotton though.

 

 

Thoughts?

[Golden Balls]

I would rather Lallana in the middle with Antonio and Punch on each side

[saint_bert]

I would rather Lallana in the middle with Antonio and Punch on each side

 

Yep. Id take that. With Barnard starting up top with Lambert.

 

Have to win anyway so might as well go with two out and out goal scorers

[Window Cleaner]

With Morgan out for the next 3 games, would you switch Adam into the centre?

 

With his vision,ability and distribution skills he could be just what we need.

 

I suspect it will be Wotton though.

 

Thoughts?

 

It won't work because he can't tackle well enough to get the ball in the first place.

Morgan hasn't gotten 8 yellows and 2 reds this season for his needlepoint and flower arranging abilities, some are because he's a silly boy, others are because he puts in some crunching tackles and professional fouls when all is lost otherwise.

If you read the DNA piece that I put up on a thread the other day he says that he has changed from a ball artist to a bit of a bulldog on the pitch, guess he just hasn't learned no to overdo it yet. Anyway no Lallana in CM if you please, we need him where he already is. Wotton will be OK for the games we have.

[JibMcdo]

I assume Puncheon will play in the middle with Hammond?

[mitch01]

Pardew won't play Lallana in CM, he doesn't even like him playing just off the striker. I suspect it will be Wotton brought into central midfield, although I'd rather it was Gillett.

[paulwantsapint]

Can't we just go for it & play Barnard & Connoly up front with Rickie in the MLT role of play where he wants Punch & Lallana each side of Hammond

[Dig Dig]

It won't work because he can't tackle well enough to get the ball in the first place.

Morgan hasn't gotten 8 yellows and 2 reds this season for his needlepoint and flower arranging abilities, some are because he's a silly boy, others are because he puts in some crunching tackles and professional fouls when all is lost otherwise.

If you read the DNA piece that I put up on a thread the other day he says that he has changed from a ball artist to a bit of a bulldog on the pitch, guess he just hasn't learned no to overdo it yet. Anyway no Lallana in CM if you please, we need him where he already is. Wotton will be OK for the games we have.

 

I think he can tackle and gets stuck in fairly well. I'dlike to have a look at him in the middle but these games are just too crucial to gamble so I can imagine Wotton stepping in. This means that the defence often hoofs up to Lambert as there is no outlet in midfield as I don't believe there is much trust in Wottons ball retaining and distributing.

[doddisalegend]

Didn't Lambert start his career as a CM player? is James not fit yet? as CM is supposed to be his position we could just play him there.

[Andy_Porter]

I'd bring in Gillett or James.

[dubai_phil]

Lambert in CM is not a daft idea. He "technically" dropped into that position yesterday.

 

Would give us Barnard up front and enables AP to keep to the same basic formation and style that did so well in recent games (his words).

 

Would prefer that to Lallana or Puncheon, we're playing against lower table sides with more "down to earth" footballers and think the idea of either of those two makes us too light-weight in a scrap.

 

If not then it is Wotton's moment. We may not like it, BUT he didn't let us down at Wembley

[oggiee]

It's an interesting one, the problem with Lallana used to be that he was lightweight and couldn't handle the defensive part of a CM role. However i've been impressed with his tackling and tracking back this year from either side, I would like to see this explored over the next few games, if not then maybe have a play with the thought during pre-season.

 

Think it will most likely be Wotton brought in though.

[Andy_Porter]

If we go back to 4-4-2 we would probably just drop Puncheon into the middle rather than pick Wotton and stick with 4-5-1.

 

Schneiderlin is probably our most important player when we go with five across the middle and I think his suspension probably forces us into a more rigid 4-4-2 long ball fest.

[Matthew Le God]

When Schneiderlin was banned for one game and most times he has been subbed, Puncheon goes into the middle (where he also played on numerous occasions for previous clubs). This is the most likely option imo with Barnard going upfront and Antonio wide right.

 

Perhaps he may do something leftfield and play Lambert in central midfield as that is where he played for a number of years and have Barnard and Connolly upfront.

[ericb]

I hope to god it's not wotton since he plays more like a fifth defender than a midfielder. Truth is if he's in the side i'd be very surprised if we won all the games, it seriously damages our team having someone so defensive (not to mention his inability to pass the ball)

[Thedelldays]

lambert in midfield

dear god

[Weston Saint]

I would definately play Lambert with Hammond in midfield with Puncheon & Lallana providing width. Connolly and Barnard up front with Antonio and Waigo on the bench to freshen up.

 

Lamberts distribution and vision would keep the balance previously provided by Schneiderlin.

 

Please not Wotton or James.

[AlfredKo]

I hope to god it's not wotton since he plays more like a fifth defender than a midfielder. Truth is if he's in the side i'd be very surprised if we won all the games, it seriously damages our team having someone so defensive (not to mention his inability to pass the ball)

 

Or inablity in anything apart from heading.

[Thedelldays]

I am utterly stunned that people would play lambert in midfield

[SamKimish]

I am not totally against us playing 4-3-3 with Rickie, Barnard and Connolly up front supported by a midfield of Lallana, Hammond and Puncheon.

 

Althought, that team would probably get ripped to shreds on the counter attack but would score a f*ck load of goals.

[Window Cleaner]

I would definately play Lambert with Hammond in midfield with Puncheon & Lallana providing width. Connolly and Barnard up front with Antonio and Waigo on the bench to freshen up.

 

Lamberts distribution and vision would keep the balance previously provided by Schneiderlin.

 

Please not Wotton or James.

 

Might even ratchet up his transfer fee a bit more as well.

[Matthew Le God]

I am utterly stunned that people would play lambert in midfield

 

He played in central midfield for a number of years earlier in his career so isn't that strange and he knows how to do it. Pardew even moved him into midfield against Yeovil when Connolly came on. It is not as if Saints wouldn't have two very good strikers upfront with Connolly and Barnard.

[Thedelldays]

He played in central midfield for a number of years earlier in his career so isn't that strange and he knows how to do it. Pardew even moved him into midfield against Yeovil when Connolly came on. It is not as if Saints wouldn't have two very good strikers upfront with Connolly and Barnard.

yes...the best striker in the league who scores for fun...

going into a game that we have no option but win

 

I know, lets play said striker centre midfield

 

[Avenue Saint]

.....................davis

 

John........Fonte..........Jaidi.........Harding

 

Antonio............Hammond...........Punch

 

.......................Lallana

 

.................Lambert........Barnard

 

No wotton or james please.............................

[Matthew Le God]

yes...the best striker in the league who scores for fun...

going into a game that we have no option but win

 

I know, lets play said striker centre midfield

 

 

He would still take penalties and free kicks.

 

Barnard is the League's 2nd top scorer, Connolly is a very good striker at this level. So hardly missing out and Lambert is still on the pitch so can still score and offer a threat, just from a little deeper.

 

When Lambert plays upfront he can in some games drop deep and to the left when he has a striking partner. Hammond would hold, allowing Lambert to do more of the attacking. If Lambert had never played in midfield I wouldn't consider it. However he has played central midfield for a number of years and he know what it entails. Pardew also sees that he can play there as he moved him to central midfield in the Yeovil game.

 

So not really that stunning is it? Certainly a better option than the extremely limited Paul Wotton playing the next 3 games.

[Thedelldays]

ok...I will eat my own face if pardew starts lambert in CM...seriously, have a word with yourself

[sfc4prem]

....................Davis..................

Otsemebor.....Fonte....Seaborne.....Harding

....................Hammond...................

Puncheon.....................................Lallana

....................Connolly...................

.........Lambert............Barnard.................

 

Pretty attacking, but why not? All of our games are 'must wins'.

[B Rabbit]

Imagine it will be Puncheon in CM...he played there for MK...and is strong with a good engine..Lallana is too lightweight to go in there...and pushing Rickie Lambert into midfield when we need to win (34 goals is it?!) is just a f*cking nuts suggestion...

I hope it isn't Wotton who..well..probably the worst player in the squad

[Matthew Le God]

ok...I will eat my own face if pardew starts lambert in CM...seriously, have a word with yourself

 

If you read my original post you will see I said the most likely option is to play Puncheon in the centre. I then said as a "leftfield" option to play Lambert and ended with a wink.

 

When Schneiderlin was banned for one game and most times he has been subbed, Puncheon goes into the middle (where he also played on numerous occasions for previous clubs). This is the most likely option imo with Barnard going upfront and Antonio wide right.

 

Perhaps he may do something leftfield and play Lambert in central midfield as that is where he played for a number of years and have Barnard and Connolly upfront.

 

Also you seem to forget that 1) Lambert played central midfield for a number of years 2) Pardew moved Lambert to central midfield against Yeovil when Schneiderlin was sent off 3) Barnard and Connolly with Lambert supporting behind is quite a potent strikeforce for the next 3 must win games.

Edited 18 April, 2010 by Matthew Le God

[Evil Monkey]

yes...the best striker in the league who scores for fun...

going into a game that we have no option but win

 

I know, lets play said striker centre midfield

 

 

But with Wotton in the team, there would be less creativity in midfield, meaning less chances for Lambert anyway. Its definitely an option for me. He's got the passing quality for midfield. He's strong, aggresive, and wins everything in the air. And it means we can start with Barney and Connolly up top. Connolly is dynamite in this league. We went to sh*t when he got injured. Would love to have him back in side.

[Thedelldays]

But with Wotton in the team, there would be less creativity in midfield, meaning less chances for Lambert anyway. Its definitely an option for me. He's got the passing quality for midfield. He's strong, aggresive, and wins everything in the air. And it means we can start with Barney and Connolly up top. Connolly is dynamite in this league. We went to sh*t when he got injured. Would love to have him back in side.

 

 

anyone seriously reckon lambert will start in CM...seriously..?

[Matthew Le God]

anyone seriously reckon lambert will start in CM...seriously..?

 

I will eat my own face

 

What did you think when Lambert played central midfield yesterday for Saints. It has already happened. Did you eat your face then?

[Matthew Le God]

For those that think he didn't play central midfield yesterday listen to this from 35 seconds onwards...

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southampton/8627663.stm

[Thedelldays]

What did you think when Lambert played central midfield yesterday for Saints. It has already happened. Did you eat your face then?

 

did he start..or did that happen as the game progressed..did he play there that long

 

 

stop pretending you are playing football manager..lambert, the leagues best striker will start (spookily) upfront and james/wotton/gillet/waigo will probably come in

[Matthew Le God]

did he start..or did that happen as the game progressed..did he play there that long

 

 

stop pretending you are playing football manager..lambert, the leagues best striker will start (spookily) upfront and james/wotton/gillet/waigo will probably come in

 

Read post 29

 

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/forum/showpost.php?p=695503&postcount=29

[Thedelldays]

ok...will give you 1000/1 odds on lambert starting in CM next game..If he does, I will donate a fat wedge to charity...if not, you donate

[Matthew Le God]

ok...will give you 1000/1 odds on lambert starting in CM next game..If he does, I will donate a fat wedge to charity...if not, you donate

 

You clearly haven't read post 29.

[Thedelldays]

You clearly haven't read post 29.

yes I have..and am aware that when we had a player sent off, the course of the game meant lambert dropped deeper..

 

but to suggest he will start CM when we HAVE to win is stupid beyond belief

[Matthew Le God]

yes I have..and am aware that when we had a player sent off, the course of the game meant lambert dropped deeper..

 

but to suggest he will start CM when we HAVE to win is stupid beyond belief

 

If you read my original post you will see I said the most likely option is to play Puncheon in the centre. I then said as a "leftfield" option to play Lambert and ended with a wink.

 

When Schneiderlin was banned for one game and most times he has been subbed, Puncheon goes into the middle (where he also played on numerous occasions for previous clubs). This is the most likely option imo with Barnard going upfront and Antonio wide right.

 

Perhaps he may do something leftfield and play Lambert in central midfield as that is where he played for a number of years and have Barnard and Connolly upfront.

 

Also would a team with Lambert, Barnard, Connolly, Puncheon and Lallana starting not be a team capable of winning against Oldham at home?

Edited 18 April, 2010 by Matthew Le God

[Thedelldays]

If you read my original post you will see I said the most likely option is to play Puncheon in the centre. I then said as a "leftfield" option to play Lambert and ended with a wink.

you did..

 

I apologise..

 

[forever a red and white]

put James in there.

 

With Wotton an Hammond there is no pace in the middle and risk getting slighty overun

[Red]

Naw - Fonte in for Morgan - can do I job there, and we have enough cover in CB. If it's not working during a game, the option to move Fonte back is always there, and sub the inferior stand-in with Wotton/Gillett/James.

 

Simples :-)

[Dig Dig]

put James in there.

 

With Wotton an Hammond there is no pace in the middle and risk getting slighty overun

 

Are you saying that James has pace? It's his lack of pace which causes him to get his pants pulled down on occasion when at RB

[Ewell]

If you read my original post you will see I said the most likely option is to play Puncheon in the centre. I then said as a "leftfield" option to play Lambert and ended with a wink.

 

Personally I have not seen Dulldays have a rant and moan whilst getting his frilly knickers in a twist without actually reading the post properly before! :lol:

[RonManager]

Personally I have not seen Dulldays have a rant and moan whilst getting his frilly knickers in a twist without actually reading the post properly before! :lol:

 

Hopefully he doesn't have command of the big red button on his sub.

[sotonist]

Are you saying that James has pace? It's his lack of pace which causes him to get his pants pulled down on occasion when at RB

 

seconded.

[saintwarwick]

put James in there.

 

With Wotton an Hammond there is no pace in the middle and risk getting slighty overun

 

You mean like at wembley

[L1Minus10]

I am utterly stunned that people would play lambert in midfield

 

 

so am i - it's like this thread has been posessed by the spirit or George Burley

[WATERSIDEIFASAINT]

James best position is central midfield.He would be desperate to play well to still have a chance of remaining a Saint next season as he must know his squad position next season is under threat if we bring in another cm & rb as expected.We should play him or Puncheon in cm.

[trousers]

Can't we just play three up front? Would save all this centre midfield debate....