Norwich City The Preview
Thursday 19 Nov 2009 21:19:04 by TUI Staff

Alan Pardew has to decide what formaation to play again.
4 comments have been left on this story

I have to admit I have a feeling that  Norwich City will go up with Automatic Promotion, that being the case this is going to be a tough game for Saints.

The first question that Alan Pardew has to ask himself is what formation to play, does he play 4-4-2 again or revert back to his previously favoured 4-5-1.

Many fans felt tht 4-4-2 was better, however perhaps the point was missed in the fact that 4-5-1 allowed Saints to get a grip on the game early on and make sure that the opposition couldnt catch them on the break as Brighton did with devastating effect on Sunday. It allowed Saints to use the players they have to the best of their talents and then having taken charge to bring on the Antonio for his pace and Connoly to poach the goals.

Hindsight is a great thing, but you have to surmise that if we had remained tight against the Seagulls we wouldnt have had to have faced an uphill struggle and haiul back a two goal deficit.


So with this in mind i feel that Saints need to revert to the 4-5-1 against a team of Norwich's qualities and if we do so and stick to the game plans that enabled us to put our winning run together, then we ccan overcome the canaries and put another streak in place.

The fact is Saints have to kick start the season again, with two tough games in the next few days they need to take at least four points points from them and preferably all six.

But if Pardew does go for 4-5-1 he also has a few selection problems, the first is who to partent Jaidi in the centre of defence, Trotman has been atrocious in recent weeks and cast doubts about whether he is an option longer than his loan period and the second poser is if there is an extra man in midfield then who should it be, Wotton didnt deserve to be dropped after several good games in the roll, but it also wouldnt surprise me if AP didnt throw Graeme Murty in at right back and slot in Lloyd James in the centre of the park.

The final question is should Waigo start in place of Antonio, the Reading loanee overtook Waigo, but their is a feelin that Antonio is a more effective in the second half using his pace against tired legs, Waigo is a bit less brute force and more about guile, so could find himself back in the starting line up.

All in all its looking like being a decent game between two of the best sides in the division, Saints are capable of winning and have something to play for and if there is a lesson to be learnt from Sunday its that complacency needs to be put out of minds and that the fighting spirit that Brighton had needs to be found.       

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garylyons posted at 19 Nov 2009 22:46:05

I know the formation looks like 451 but to me they change when attacking to 433 with papa and Lalana joining Lambert in attack.

AdamThom posted at 20 Nov 2009 9:23:08

Agree Garylyons, it definitely looks like a 4-3-3. Can't wait for the game tomorrow. Regardless of formation we need to go all out for a win - therefore we need to start with at least two strikers and two wingers - in whatever formation they can play in! Norwich are a good team, well led by Gary Holt it will be a battle, but think we will be ready for them.

MarkH posted at 20 Nov 2009 12:05:30

Think Papa might get the nod over Antonio tomorrow. Papa has a bit to prove and I believe Antonio is far more effective off the bench. Murty not fit enough yet? Wouldn't expect him to be involved tomorrow after only 60 mins for the Reserves, so think Thomas should get a start.

WilliamWalker` posted at 21 Nov 2009 10:31:25

Getting the tingles now! Can't wait for this game. Think the whole team were so bad last Sunday that they owe AP a bloody good performance! Don't care what 'system' we play as long as they give us grit and determination and at least three goals!!!!!!!!! COYR

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