Blackpool v Ipswich Official Matchday Thread 10.10.20

I feel as though we have strengthened well down the flanks but not sure about the spine. Maxwell picks himself then for me its Garbutt left back Mitchell left midfield Gabriel right back CJ right midfield. I keep hearing how we line up 4 3 3 but Im not sure we ever actually play that way. Yates certainly isnt up top and I could argue its more of a 4 6 formation. I think Keshi needs to be further forward interchanging with Yates and both need to get in positions that can hurt the opposition...also CJ needs to be up on the left back utilising his electric pace and scaring them to death. Robson has to be in the middle and we need better from Ward. I thought he was a good enough player to convert to centre mid but he has struggled to impact on the last few games. The centre halves will eventually be Ballard and Viking but for now it will be Marv and Viking I guess. I dont think Madine is the answer up top and I doubt he will be at the club for long. I hope and expect we may yet sign a number 9 to support Yates.

Its a gamble to play a very in form Ipswich at this point when we could have taken the week off and done more training and work together but it is what it is and hopefully the gamble will pay off.

My Team would be

Maxwell
Garbutt
Viking
Marv
Gabriel
Mitchell
Robson
Ward
CJ
Keshi
Yates

I would push Keshi further forward to specifically support and interchange with Yates and hope that Ward can find his form again
 
A 2-1 win ..... providing defensive clangers are cut out!

Maxwell
Gabriel Ekpiteta Thorniley Garbutt/Mitchell
Ward Robson Anderson
Hamilton Yates Lubala
 
I went 5-2 to Pool last time so after that slight error of judgement I'll go 2-1. Really I haven't got a clue but I can't offer a prediction that shows us losing, it just goes against the grain. I do get the feeling if our new style comes off & we cut out the silly mistakes we will be a force to be reckoned with. If Yates is more left sided he scores first on 31 minutes.
 
Lambert on Garbutt...

“I never saw Garbutt as a total left-back, I always thought he was better higher up,” said Lambert. “I didn’t want to sign him as a left-back, we needed a left-back and Wardy came into the equation. And he’s been an absolute revelation for us.”
 
Another vote for resting Ward. Perhaps replace with Williams to shore up the defence and Robson and Anderson to push forward.

Lubala hasn't really worked on the left of the front three. Save him for an impact sub when legs are getting tired. I'd like Yates on the left, Madine in the centre, and CJ on the right, but Critchley has put me on "Ignore" -- he never takes any notice of my advice! 😜

2-1 to the Mighty.
 
I hope Madine is fit... we need to have that option of bringing on a big target man or we are very limited indeed
 
There has been something not quite right with the midfield, despite it being much better at retaining possession than last season. It made a noticeable difference when Robson came on on Tuesday but played much further forward than normal as Williams was still on the pitch. What then happened is that when the full backs had pushed forward, Williams slotted in to a centre half position and Husband and Thorniley both moved out wide. It seemed to work quite well.

So I think Williams in for Ward allowing Robson to get more involved at the top end of the pitch, then Viking alongside Ekpiteta, and I'd like to see Mitchell left wing in place of Lubala.

Maxwell
Garbutt
Gabriel
Viking
Ekpiteta
Williams
Robson
Anderson
Mitchell
Yates
Hamilton

Yates is an interesting one - I think if the midfield offer more support he'll get more space. Right now there is too much passing in front of the opposition - Robson was making runs behind the Accy defence on Tuesday in his brief appearance, and it made a massive difference.
 
BFC_53 said:
There has been something not quite right with the midfield, despite it being much better at retaining possession than last season. It made a noticeable difference when Robson came on on Tuesday but played much further forward than normal as Williams was still on the pitch. What then happened is that when the full backs had pushed forward, Williams slotted in to a centre half position and Husband and Thorniley both moved out wide. It seemed to work quite well.

So I think Williams in for Ward allowing Robson to get more involved at the top end of the pitch, then Viking alongside Ekpiteta, and I'd like to see Mitchell left wing in place of Lubala.

Maxwell
Garbutt
Gabriel
Viking
Ekpiteta
Williams
Robson
Anderson
Mitchell
Yates
Hamilton

Yates is an interesting one - I think if the midfield offer more support he'll get more space. Right now there is too much passing in front of the opposition - Robson was making runs behind the Accy defence on Tuesday in his brief appearance, and it made a massive difference.
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Enjoyed reading that.

The midfield is a concern for me too. You're right about the possession as well. Not watched all the games, just a couple, but there was lots of sideways passing, especially by Robson, and here's my pet hate, a midfielder who passes to to the right back or CH to lump it forward when really the ball, on most occasions, should be going forward to a player looking for it.

Yates should play out wide, hopefully freeing up space for CJ.

I'm hopeful that the defence will become settled with 3 of the 4 places nailed on.
 
BFC_53 said:
There has been something not quite right with the midfield, despite it being much better at retaining possession than last season. It made a noticeable difference when Robson came on on Tuesday but played much further forward than normal as Williams was still on the pitch. What then happened is that when the full backs had pushed forward, Williams slotted in to a centre half position and Husband and Thorniley both moved out wide. It seemed to work quite well.

So I think Williams in for Ward allowing Robson to get more involved at the top end of the pitch, then Viking alongside Ekpiteta, and I'd like to see Mitchell left wing in place of Lubala.

Maxwell
Garbutt
Gabriel
Viking
Ekpiteta
Williams
Robson
Anderson
Mitchell
Yates
Hamilton

Yates is an interesting one - I think if the midfield offer more support he'll get more space. Right now there is too much passing in front of the opposition - Robson was making runs behind the Accy defence on Tuesday in his brief appearance, and it made a massive difference.
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I agree with most of that except Mitchell playing as a foward

Yates should be wide left for me
 
Phil_bfc deux said:
I agree with most of that except Mitchell playing as a foward

Yates should be wide left for me
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Yes definitely agree with Yates playing wide left, I actually thought about putting that. I just don't think Madine is fancied for whatever reason, so until then we're short of options. Yates was successful wide left for Swindon wasn't he? He's struggling in the centre, and I do think he's a decent player but he's too isolated and you really need someone to bully the defenders in that central role. Not Yates strong point. If Madine isn't fancied, we really could do with bringing in someone to do that job. I really hope we can find that player because if we get that right it could be season defining (providing the new defenders are good... still a lot of ifs!)
 
BFC_53 said:
Yes definitely agree with Yates playing wide left, I actually thought about putting that. I just don't think Madine is fancied for whatever reason, so until then we're short of options. Yates was successful wide left for Swindon wasn't he? He's struggling in the centre, and I do think he's a decent player but he's too isolated and you really need someone to bully the defenders in that central role. Not Yates strong point. If Madine isn't fancied, we really could do with bringing in someone to do that job. I really hope we can find that player because if we get that right it could be season defining (providing the new defenders are good... still a lot of ifs!)
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Totally agree with this. For me, Yates stays where he is until we sign someone. Mitchell on the left, for now.
 
Recall Joe Nuttall stroll on. Personally think Yates doesn’t warrant his place. My team would be;

Maxwell

Turton. Marvin Thorniley or Icelandic Guy. Mitchell


Robson

Anderson. Ward


CJ. Madine. Garbutt
 
Memphisboy said:
Recall Joe Nuttall stroll on. Personally think Yates doesn’t warrant his place. My team would be;

Maxwell

Turton. Marvin Thorniley or Icelandic Guy. Mitchell


Robson

Anderson. Ward


CJ. Madine. Garbutt
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I know what you mean, but Madine doesn't warrant a place. Someone has to play there. The Mansfield blogger on the Seasiders podcast said he thought CJ's best position was down the centre. Maybe move him into the middle for now?
 
I'm looking forward to today's game, as always, but with some slight apprehension.
My main concern is the back four we put out with all the activity in that area in the last week.
I was impressed with the two new full backs at Accy particulary Gabriel but they have only played one game here so far. I don't think either of the new CH's are available for today's game.
Husband is suspended and Nottingham has gone.
So hardly an ideal scenario but an interesting one for NC to deal with.
Our best formations for midfield and up top are still evolving as could be expected with the number of new players that have arrived.
Hoping for a win obviously but I'd settle for a draw today in the circumstances.
 
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I am going for a 1-0 win to pool. Significant changes to defence will hopefully bring an immediate improvement .I would love to see Madine starting and agree with Yates playing wide left.
 
Ruperthoop said:
I am going for a 1-0 win to pool. Significant changes to defence will hopefully bring an immediate improvement .I would love to see Madine starting and agree with Yates playing wide left.
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Who do you think will play in defence today?
 
voyeur said:
Who do you think will play in defence today?
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Given the performance against Accrington I think Thorniley will start at LCB alongside Epiketa at RCB. That being said if Grétarsson is match fit (which he should be) he could start. I’d expect to see him on the bench at least. If Grétarsson isn’t fit then maybe Williams will be an emergency CB if needed late in the game.
 
LA1 Seasider said:
Given the performance against Accrington I think Thorniley will start at LCB alongside Epiketa at RCB. That being said if Grétarsson is match fit (which he should be) he could start. I’d expect to see him on the bench at least. If Grétarsson isn’t fit then maybe Williams will be an emergency CB if needed late in the game.
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Yes I think Marv and Thorniley too. I wouldn't be using Gretarsson at this stage, he's only just flown over here. Ballard is with N Ireland of course.
 
voyeur said:
Yes I think Marv and Thorniley too. I wouldn't be using Gretarsson at this stage, he's only just flown over here. Ballard is with N Ireland of course.
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He’s been playing regularly though so he’s possibly more match fit than any of our squad - especially as the Norwegian season doesn’t run parallel to ours but starts and finishes earlier. I reckon the main issue is whether he’s OK Covid wise, international registration has all been OK’d and he’s shown a bit of tactical awareness at training on Thursday and Friday. He probably would have benefited from the game not happening this weekend tbf and giving him an extra week with his new teammates. That being said players want to play.
 
LA1 Seasider said:
He’s been playing regularly though so he’s possibly more match fit than any of our squad - especially as the Norwegian season doesn’t run parallel to ours but starts and finishes earlier. I reckon the main issue is whether he’s OK Covid wise, international registration has all been OK’d and he’s shown a bit of tactical awareness at training on Thursday and Friday. He probably would have benefited from the game not happening this weekend tbf and giving him an extra week with his new teammates. That being said players want to play.
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Sure. I would just give him another week in training. Thorniley played 90 minutes the other night. I reckon he'll probably get the nod.
 
voyeur said:
Yes I think Marv and Thorniley too. I wouldn't be using Gretarsson at this stage, he's only just flown over here. Ballard is with N Ireland of course.
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Gabriel Marv Thorniley Garbutt is probably the best option for today.
I'm looking forward to seeing Gretarsson he looks word class on YouTube (!) but I thought I read somewhere that he hasn't played for a few weeks.
 
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tango94 said:
Gabriel Marv Thorniley Garbutt is probably the best option for today.
I'm looking forward to seeing Gretarsson he looks word class on YouTube (!) but I thought I read somewhere that he hasn't played for a few weeks
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Jamie Devitt looks world class on YouTube! He really does.

Gretarsson on YouTube hits a diagonal ball every time! How good a defender is he?

I agree with your back 4 for today. Bit harsh on Turton though. And Ipswich didn't see Garbutt as a left back, they may know how to exploit him defensively.
 
Defence for me would be Gabriel, Gretarsson, Thorniley and Mitchell. Looking forward to watching Garbutt and Ballard soon.
 
Maxwell
Gabriel Ekpiteta Thorniley Garbutt
Williams
Anderson Robson
CJ Yates Mitchell

That's my team unless Gretarsson is looking seriously ready in training.
 
voyeur said:
Jamie Devitt looks world class on YouTube! He really does.

Gretarsson on YouTube hits a diagonal ball every time! How good a defender is he?

I agree with your back 4 for today. Bit harsh on Turton though. And Ipswich didn't see Garbutt as a left back, they may know how to exploit him defensively.
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If they are causing him a problem, we could always swap Mitchell and Garbutt? I don't see Mitchell missing out so the only way Garbutt plays is if Mitchell moves upfield.
 
voyeur said:
Jamie Devitt looks world class on YouTube! He really does.

Gretarsson on YouTube hits a diagonal ball every time! How good a defender is he?

I agree with your back 4 for today. Bit harsh on Turton though. And Ipswich didn't see Garbutt as a left back, they may know how to exploit him defensively.
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Everyone looks world class on YouTube including me!
Agree about Turton who for me hasn't done a lot wrong.
I thought Gabriel looked a bit special though on Tuesday.
As things evolve I can see Husband at LB, Garbutt LM and maybe Mitchell further wide up front...he looks like he's going to be a bit of a handful and could add a few goals..Yates may benefit too.
 
tango94 said:
Everyone looks world class on YouTube including me!
Agree about Turton who for me hasn't done a lot wrong.
I thought Gabriel looked a bit special though on Tuesday.
As things evolve I can see Husband at LB, Garbutt LM and maybe Mitchell further wide up front...he looks like he's going to be a bit of a handful and could add a few goals..Yates may benefit too.
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So you would play 3 left backs

Ffs..

Bring back Lee Clark
 
Football eh? jumpers for goalposts etc.

Done enough thinking about it for a week, just want to get on with the match. No idea how it's gonna go. The main ingredient we're lacking is confidence. Whatever we think of Critch's decision making or tactics, there are enough players in this squad to put out an effective first X1 and a bench with options, so hopefully we'll find the right mix and put in a good performance.

There's only so long we can be going 'if only we had a player x or y' - we've brought in a shed load and have some existing players who should be able to make an impact at this level so it's up to Critchley to get a tune out of them sooner or later. He deserves time to do that and support in doing so, but equally, he's surely got a squad now to start doing it and enough options to tweak and respond to different circumstances. There's a hell of a lot of talent there which is to his/recruitment team's credit. It's a step up from Nick Anderton and so on - but now, we need to see it applied. It's not going to just 'click' with one player or one match but confidence from a good win will go a long way. Today would be a really good match to get it, given the 'name' we're playing

Thorniley played well on Tuesday so if he plays and has a similar standard of performance he's going to put a bit of pressure on in terms of selection at the back. His distribution was pretty good. Safe, steady and simple. As you want from a centre half imho unless they're exceptionally gifted. Anderson was also best of a poor attacking display so hopefully he takes on a bit of confidence as he's got more potential than I think he's shown in some of the league games to date. I'd love to see Robson a bit more advanced as well.

If the Goal Machine is fit and we're losing and he doesn't bring him on and try Yates off the left, I might implode.
 
voyeur said:
Lambert says Garbutt isn't a left back, having worked with him last season. Mitchell started out as a winger, got converted to left back, but looks and plays like a winger. So it's not 3 left backs, and you know it, or you should.
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They are all left backs and anyway we don't play with a left midfield
 
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