1st team (who to pick?)

[staines_rebel_Jr]

we are getting closer to the start of the season and it seems that mr Bateman has got a very good set of players together and now has the very tough task of picking a starting team.

 

there have been a lot of good trialist and very few good players have left which will make the task of picking a team even harder.

 

My personel choice would be play 3.5.2 (3.4.1.2)

 

Smith

 

Sweeney, Brown, Woozley

 

Sinclair, Coyle, Coyne, Swift

Sonner

 

Burnell, Mpi

 

But you could easily change players in and out of this squad and the team would be just as good.

 

N.B i haven't considered Martin or NBH as they haven't yet played and are coming back from injury. Though this will cause Bateman another headache as they won't get much chance to prove themselves unless someone else gets dropped but it will be harsh on whoever gets dropped.

[Cookham Rebel]

If NBH and Adam Martin are fit to start the 1st league game, Bates will pick them... Personally, I now think we'll lIne up:

 

Smith

 

Sweeney NBH Woozely Murphy

 

Sinclair Martin Coyne Marsala

 

Burnell Sonnet

[Premiership Joy Rider]

If NBH and Adam Martin are fit to start the 1st league game, Bates will pick them... Personally, I now think we'll lIne up:

 

Smith

 

Sweeney NBH Woozely Murphy

 

Sinclair Martin Coyne Marsala

 

Burnell Sonnet

 

Have we changed Sonner's name to Sonnet because his football is so poetic?

[Rebel_Glen]

Come on PJR let's not be so picky, let's keep on topic!

[3spirit]

If NBH and Adam Martin are fit to start the 1st league game, Bates will pick them... Personally, I now think we'll lIne up:

 

Smith

 

Sweeney NBH Woozely Murphy

 

Sinclair Martin Coyne Marsala

 

Burnell Sonnet

 

 

I think your team is spot on to the one Steve Bateman would choose for the first game of the season in the league if everyone was fit. He's quite predictable most games !

 

I'll be gobsmacked if he opts for a 3-5-2 formation now, given that so far all the pre-season games have been 4-4-2 with the very occasional 4-3-3 thrown in. Using three centre backs takes a lot of understanding and co-ordination with the midfield and really the best way of practising this is in games, not only training. You don't want to go into the league games if you've not practised it enough.

I do,still feel,though, that for the players we now have in squad [if Mpi,Marsala,NBH and Adam Martin join] that a 3-5-2 would be the ideal formation. It also can accomodate an extra midfield player [other than the two you've named] which we have an abundance of ie Swift, Logie, Sam Bateman,George Coyle or your mate,Shaun Byrne !

 

As I can't envisage Adam Martin being ready to play for the start of the season. I think our manager will go for a straight toss up between Bryne and Swift who gets to play alongside Paul Coyne. I suppose that depends on how cautious or adventurous Steve Bateman wants to be against Aylesbury,first game of the season.

I personally would plump for Adam Logie playing the attacking midfielder/Adam Martin role and use Paul Coyne as a more defensive midfielder/breaker up of attacks/and the passer of the ball,similiar to a Michael Carrick[spurs/Man Utd] role,if we play a 4-4-2.

I would also plump for Charlie Mpi upfront with Danny Burnell.

I would start with Stuart Swift on left wing but be looking to bring Marsala on, as an impact sub in the 2nd half [for Sinclair or Swift].

My subs would be Fanner,Brown /or Perkins,if available, Bateman or Byrne[little to choose from/both got different strengths/weaknesses],Sonner and Marsala.

Edited July 27, 2011 by 3spirit

[Don Juan DeMarcus]

Completely agree with Staines jnrs team (tought it wont happen) only thing id do is maybe swop MPI and Sonner around. Although as i said im sure bateman will go with 4 at back

[readingrebel]

Make no mistake, if Dom Marsala signs he will not be sitting on the bench.

 

If everyone is fit (except Adam Martin, because I don't think he will be) and unless someone is injured or something extraordinary happens between now and the first league game, there are players that will be shoe-ins to start:

 

Sweeney NBH Woozley D. Murphy

 

Sinclair Coyne Byrne Marsala

 

Sonner Burnell

 

 

 

One reservation I do have is that can Sinclair and Marsala play in the same team and not leave us too lightweight and vulnerable in midfield?

[Cookham Rebel]

I think Marsala and Sinclair would be definite starters out wide, with those 2 on the wings other teams would be seriously open to the counter attack!!!

[staines_rebel_Jr]

All of the teams which have been suggested are all strong teams imo which just goes to show that Mr Batemans decision will be a very tough one.

 

I think we will probably play 442 but personally thought 352 would be the best way to get as many of the best players playing.

[Graham Cox]

All of the teams which have been suggested are all strong teams imo which just goes to show that Mr Batemans decision will be a very tough one.

 

I think we will probably play 442 but personally thought 352 would be the best way to get as many of the best players playing.

[C'est la vie]

If NBH and Adam Martin are fit to start the 1st league game, Bates will pick them... Personally, I now think we'll lIne up:

 

Smith

 

Sweeney NBH Woozely Murphy

 

Sinclair Martin Coyne Marsala

 

Burnell Sonnet

 

 

I think your team is spot on to the one Steve Bateman would choose for the first game of the season in the league if everyone was fit. He's quite predictable most games !

 

I'll be gobsmacked if he opts for a 3-5-2 formation now, given that so far all the pre-season games have been 4-4-2 with the very occasional 4-3-3 thrown in. Using three centre backs takes a lot of understanding and co-ordination with the midfield and really the best way of practising this is in games, not only training. You don't want to go into the league games if you've not practised it enough.

I do,still feel,though, that for the players we now have in squad [if Mpi,Marsala,NBH and Adam Martin join] that a 3-5-2 would be the ideal formation. It also can accomodate an extra midfield player [other than the two you've named] which we have an abundance of ie Swift, Logie, Sam Bateman,George Coyle or your mate,Shaun Byrne !

 

As I can't envisage Adam Martin being ready to play for the start of the season. I think our manager will go for a straight toss up between Bryne and Swift who gets to play alongside Paul Coyne. I suppose that depends on how cautious or adventurous Steve Bateman wants to be against Aylesbury,first game of the season.

I personally would plump for Adam Logie playing the attacking midfielder/Adam Martin role and use Paul Coyne as a more defensive midfielder/breaker up of attacks/and the passer of the ball,similiar to a Michael Carrick[spurs/Man Utd] role,if we play a 4-4-2.

I would also plump for Charlie Mpi upfront with Danny Burnell.

I would start with Stuart Swift on left wing but be looking to bring Marsala on, as an impact sub in the 2nd half [for Sinclair or Swift].

My subs would be Fanner,Brown /or Perkins,if available, Bateman or Byrne[little to choose from/both got different strengths/weaknesses],Sonner and Marsala.

 

 

It does seem that most of the fans are for the 3-5-2 system,but i do feel it would leave us somewhat exposed at the back with only the 2 defenders.Are we flooding the midfield to cover up for our non competitive players in that area? I too would start with Charlie Mpi up front with Danny and agree with 3spirit on his choice of wingers.

[readingrebel]

If NBH and Adam Martin are fit to start the 1st league game, Bates will pick them... Personally, I now think we'll lIne up:

 

Smith

 

Sweeney NBH Woozely Murphy

 

Sinclair Martin Coyne Marsala

 

Burnell Sonnet

 

 

I think your team is spot on to the one Steve Bateman would choose for the first game of the season in the league if everyone was fit. He's quite predictable most games !

 

I'll be gobsmacked if he opts for a 3-5-2 formation now, given that so far all the pre-season games have been 4-4-2 with the very occasional 4-3-3 thrown in. Using three centre backs takes a lot of understanding and co-ordination with the midfield and really the best way of practising this is in games, not only training. You don't want to go into the league games if you've not practised it enough.

I do,still feel,though, that for the players we now have in squad [if Mpi,Marsala,NBH and Adam Martin join] that a 3-5-2 would be the ideal formation. It also can accomodate an extra midfield player [other than the two you've named] which we have an abundance of ie Swift, Logie, Sam Bateman,George Coyle or your mate,Shaun Byrne !

 

As I can't envisage Adam Martin being ready to play for the start of the season. I think our manager will go for a straight toss up between Bryne and Swift who gets to play alongside Paul Coyne. I suppose that depends on how cautious or adventurous Steve Bateman wants to be against Aylesbury,first game of the season.

I personally would plump for Adam Logie playing the attacking midfielder/Adam Martin role and use Paul Coyne as a more defensive midfielder/breaker up of attacks/and the passer of the ball,similiar to a Michael Carrick[spurs/Man Utd] role,if we play a 4-4-2.

I would also plump for Charlie Mpi upfront with Danny Burnell.

I would start with Stuart Swift on left wing but be looking to bring Marsala on, as an impact sub in the 2nd half [for Sinclair or Swift].

My subs would be Fanner,Brown /or Perkins,if available, Bateman or Byrne[little to choose from/both got different strengths/weaknesses],Sonner and Marsala.

 

 

It does seem that most of the fans are for the 3-5-2 system,but i do feel it would leave us somewhat exposed at the back with only the 2 defenders.Are we flooding the midfield to cover up for our non competitive players in that area? I too would start with Charlie Mpi up front with Danny and agree with 3spirit on his choice of wingers.

 

 

Barry, you mean 3 defenders.

 

If you have 3 at the back with Sinclair and Marsala as your wingers that leaves 3 defenders from Woozley, Sweeney, D. Murphy, M. Murphy, Brown, NBH and Sturgess. Who are your preferred 3 players from those 7?

[3spirit]

Make no mistake, if Dom Marsala signs he will not be sitting on the bench.

 

If everyone is fit (except Adam Martin, because I don't think he will be) and unless someone is injured or something extraordinary happens between now and the first league game, there are players that will be shoe-ins to start:

 

Sweeney NBH Woozley D. Murphy

 

Sinclair Coyne Byrne Marsala

 

Sonner Burnell

 

 

 

One reservation I do have is that can Sinclair and Marsala play in the same team and not leave us too lightweight and vulnerable in midfield?

 

 

I don't think Dom Marsala or any player come to that,should think they are automatically going to play every week. I know Steve Bateman won't do this but if I was the manager I would start with the players who've turned up to play and been more willing than some, in the pre-season games and then it's up to those players to warrant a place in the side and the others to show in training and sub appearances that they are better and ready to come back in. Steve Bateman is far too lenient and has too many favourites,that know they never get dropped.

So my team for the first half of the home game against Aylesbury would be an attacking formation of 4-1-2-1-2,which doesn't have to be rigid and can easily change to a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3.

It would be:-

 

Smith

 

Sturgees,Woozley,Brown,Murphy.

 

Coyle [holding midfielder]

 

Logie and Byrne

 

Swift[licensed to have a free role]

 

Sonner,Mpi

 

Subs would be Fanner,NBH,Sinclair,Marsala and Burnell.

 

Sweeney,A.Martin,Coyne,Sam Bateman,Steve Perkins[if he comes back] , Ben Abbey and Tony Mendy, you then have chomping at the bit to want to play and thus you make competition for places.

Edited July 30, 2011 by 3spirit

[readingrebel]

Make no mistake, if Dom Marsala signs he will not be sitting on the bench.

 

If everyone is fit (except Adam Martin, because I don't think he will be) and unless someone is injured or something extraordinary happens between now and the first league game, there are players that will be shoe-ins to start:

 

Sweeney NBH Woozley D. Murphy

 

Sinclair Coyne Byrne Marsala

 

Sonner Burnell

 

 

 

One reservation I do have is that can Sinclair and Marsala play in the same team and not leave us too lightweight and vulnerable in midfield?

 

 

I don't think Dom Marsala or any player come to that,should think they are automatically going to play every week. I know Steve Bateman won't do this but if I was the manager I would start with the players who've turned up to play and been more willing than some, in the pre-season games and then it's up to those players to warrant a place in the side and the others to show in training and sub appearances that they are better and ready to come back in. Steve Bateman is far too lenient and has too many favourites,that know they never get dropped.

So my team for the first half of the home game against Aylesbury would be an attacking formation of 4-1-2-1-2,which doesn't have to be rigid and can easily change to a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3.

It would be:-

 

Smith

 

Sturgees,Woozley,Brown,Murphy.

 

Coyle [holding midfielder]

 

Logie and Byrne

 

Swift[licensed to have a free role]

 

Sonner,Mpi

 

Subs would be Fanner,NBH,Sinclair,Marsala and Burnell.

 

Sweeney,A.Martin,Coyne,Sam Bateman,Steve Perkins[if he comes back] , Ben Abbey and Tony Mendy, you then have chomping at the bit to want to play and thus you make competition for places.

 

 

 

Apart from the back line there's not a 'cat in hells chance' of that line up happening.

[3spirit]

Make no mistake, if Dom Marsala signs he will not be sitting on the bench.

 

If everyone is fit (except Adam Martin, because I don't think he will be) and unless someone is injured or something extraordinary happens between now and the first league game, there are players that will be shoe-ins to start:

 

Sweeney NBH Woozley D. Murphy

 

Sinclair Coyne Byrne Marsala

 

Sonner Burnell

 

 

 

One reservation I do have is that can Sinclair and Marsala play in the same team and not leave us too lightweight and vulnerable in midfield?

 

 

I don't think Dom Marsala or any player come to that,should think they are automatically going to play every week. I know Steve Bateman won't do this but if I was the manager I would start with the players who've turned up to play and been more willing than some, in the pre-season games and then it's up to those players to warrant a place in the side and the others to show in training and sub appearances that they are better and ready to come back in. Steve Bateman is far too lenient and has too many favourites,that know they never get dropped.

So my team for the first half of the home game against Aylesbury would be an attacking formation of 4-1-2-1-2,which doesn't have to be rigid and can easily change to a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3.

It would be:-

 

Smith

 

Sturgees,Woozley,Brown,Murphy.

 

Coyle [holding midfielder]

 

Logie and Byrne

 

Swift[licensed to have a free role]

 

Sonner,Mpi

 

Subs would be Fanner,NBH,Sinclair,Marsala and Burnell.

 

Sweeney,A.Martin,Coyne,Sam Bateman,Steve Perkins[if he comes back] , Ben Abbey and Tony Mendy, you then have chomping at the bit to want to play and thus you make competition for places.

 

 

 

Apart from the back line there's not a 'cat in hells chance' of that line up happening.

 

 

I know that ! ! !

 

As much as Steve Bateman likes to say his teams play attacking football, I do feel we are often very predictable and that Bateman is obsessed with wingers, which to my mind isn't always the answer,for every game. I wish he would be a lot more dynamic and experimental in his selection of his teams,as I'm sure this would bring us a lot more success.

It's no co-incidence that we have a usually good first half and then the 2nd half we fizzle out, till the final 5 minutes when we throw caution to the wind and often get caught on the counter-attack. The better opposition managers/coaches can read our game plan/strategy like a book.Let's hope Fred Cummings has some tricks up his sleeve.