09 Sep 2015 11:44:05
Another great podcast guys, nice work!

ED001, I was just wondering if by playing two up top, and trying not to lose out in midfield we tuck any wide players we play inside to better protect the middle of the pitch, we leave Clyne exposed against Depay? If Depay wreaks havoc from his favoured LW position, then it’s likely a midfielder will go over to help Clyne… this will give a strong United central midfield pairing more space than before which could also cause us damage. We know BR loves to control the middle of the park as best he can, and this is one of the main reasons I don’t think BR will play two up top.
For what it’s worth, I’d quite like us to set up with 2 forwards. BR needs to change the system to create some attacking impetus, and frankly if we can’t score against this United defence (even without Couts and Sturridge), then I fear top 4 really is out of our reach this season.
So Ed, do you think BR should adapt his tactics to be more attack-minded against United even though it will expose our defence? Moving forward in the season, a balance of course is ideal, but we haven't shown much improvement in defence and again our attack is so impotent.

I look forward to your response!

{Ed001's Note - have you not watched Depay play? He always looks to cut inside, so tucking people in will help deal with that mate. Sorry that sounds harsh, it wasn't meant as a dig at the beginning. I was just pointing out that if you watch him a lot you will see he doesn't look to get down the sides at all. He will be constantly cutting in to where the midfield should be packed and waiting for him.}

1.) 09 Sep 2015
09 Sep 2015 12:59:40
I did not listen to the Podcast yet so no comments what Ed01 has said about the UTD game in perticular.

I don't think BR is good enough to win this match with his tactics or any kind of system. Like always, someone has to produce a magic of brilliance and Who is the only question BR would be asking himself and his coaching staff.

What happens if LVG brings in Young and Fellaini?. Young is an out and out winger who would get to byline and whip in balls. I have a strong feeling Fellaini might start playing off Rooney and Young replacing Mata midway through.

2.) 09 Sep 2015
09 Sep 2015 13:13:03
Haha a fine point ED001! Don't apologise. That was me not thinking it through.

Hopefully we will play with 2 forwards and come away with 3 points then!

{Ed001's Note - fingers crossed. I don't think I could cope with another disaster against them.}

3.) 09 Sep 2015
09 Sep 2015 14:27:57
What would be your starting XI ed001 ?
Sorry, haven't listened to the podcast yet.

{Ed001's Note - I don't remember doing anything on the team to be honest, I can't remember that. Mind we did have to keep redoing it so it gets confused.

Harry you clearly haven't watched Young play, he usually checks back on to his right peg to cross, if Clyne is any good then he should be able to deal with that. It will be a good test of whether he actually is a decent defender or not.

I would go with Clyne, Gomez, Sakho and Moreno as the back four.

Midfield Hendo (hopefully) if not fit Can, Lucas. Firmino on the left with freedom to roam, Ibe on the right with the instruction to just get the ball whipped into the box.

Up front Benteke and Ings.

4.) 09 Sep 2015
09 Sep 2015 15:21:57
Not a bad line up Ed01, But unffortunately not happening. in my eyes.
Skrtel would come in place of Gomez who would keep the place at LB pushing Moreno to the bench ( that will weaken our Left side comapred to Moreno would trouble both Darmian and Mata with his pace )
Ibe won't be starting and BR would yet again pick Lallana ( Same cut inside and cramp for room)

I would slightly tweak that Line up.

Play the same back 4 as you suggested.

Can alongside Lucas in the middle.

Henderson to play the Gerrard role behind Benteke

Firmino and Ibe on other side of Henderson.

Tactics. Lucas to break up the play and Can to spread the ball and pick the players. Instructions to Moreno / Clyne to push high up to recieve the first time ball from Can / Lucas.
Stretch UTD and create the space in the middle.

Henderson would provide a much more threat than Ings.

If Henderson isn't fit, I would play Milner out wide comibing with Clyne and Firmino behind Benteke, Lucas and Can in the middle.

5.) 09 Sep 2015
09 Sep 2015 17:30:07
If we play a narrow diamond, we stop there midfielders playing hopefully, which is where their strength lies. Shaw may be dangerous without a direct opponent but say henderson is right of the diamond he can close him down and whoever is top of the diamond cover the middle. I think firmino may be better at the tip with ings up top personally

6.) 09 Sep 2015
09 Sep 2015 20:06:08
In my opinion it will be.

Mignolet.
Clyde.
Skrtle.
Sahko.
Gomez.

Henderson.
Milner.
Moreno.
Firmino.
Can
Benteke.

I think he will try and have Moreno doubling up on left due to Gomez's inexperience. Plus Moreno's pace can be utilised to counter at pace when required. I do hope Sahko gets a start.

7.) 09 Sep 2015
09 Sep 2015 20:13:09
Spot on Ed and Fencey. i proposed a 442 diamond as well which will help defend against depay who comes inside a lot like Sanchez does. Hopefully, BR will be courageous enuff to do it because they are there for the taking.