Big decision for Johnson next Saturday

Does he drop a midfielder, bring Winnall in to the side and attempt to get at Oldham from the off, but risk losing the midfield battle?

Or does he stick with what we've been doing, keep it tight for 60 minutes, let Oldham wear themselves out against our five man midfield, then bring Winnall on for the last half hour and attack them?

Winnall is right up there with the best players we've got, arguably our very best. There's no doubt that his introduction yesterday lifted both the team and the fans, which helped turn a workman like victory, the likes of which we've seen a lot of at Oakwell recently, in to a great performance that's had folk buzzing ever since. But he's not so good that he can make a 4 man midfield protect the back four better than a 5 man midfield, particularly against fresh legs, all of whom will be desperate to put one over the bloke who walked out on them. And for all Winnall's great attributes, and the fact that he can do a job as a lone striker, he's not as well suited to that role as Waring. So if we do go with the same formation, you'd think Waring would get the nod, particularly after his 4 goals in 3 games.

Tough decision. Glad I'm not making it. If we lose, and we will lose a game eventually, he'll receive criticism whatever he does. It'll either be, "Why change a winning team?" or "Why didn't he play Winnall after the way he performed against Walsall?"

 

2nd option then unleash winnall

 

I think Winnall wil be on the bench again TBH

not sure if he is 100% over the hamstring problem, so for that reason I think he will on the bench. I also do think he will be on the pitch at some point in the proceedings.

 

If Pearson is still here I'd play five in midfield(leave Winnall on bench) if not i'd play four and with Conor behind waring and winnall. And tell Scowen to run his ******** off in midfield to break up play with a view of fetching Bailey on mid way through second to do the same.

 

Re: I think Winnall wil be on the bench again TBH

I think he will start same side. Winnall looked sharp and fit but maybe not fit enough for 90 mins given we don't really have an option to replace him for last 30 mins like for like. Bringing Winnall on changes things positively and the alternative (starting Winnall and bringing Lalkovic on) may be less offensive. My feeling is LJ will know Oldham better than anyone but will work on roles and tactics with the team rather than try to over complicate things in the formation. Having said all that I'm sure LJ and us fans are chomping at the bit for Winnall and Waring to start.

 

I don't think you should change the formation as it is obviously working for the rest of the players, winnall to replace laikovic and do a job for the team on the left. Can easily change to a 442 if the game allows. Waring must stay in the team his size and goals would be missed and changing hourihanes role in the team might affect his current good form

 

Stick with the winning formula for me.

 

I think he'll do what he did yesterday and bring him on in the second half. I just hope we have Pearson back for the game.

 

Assuming we don't pick up any injuries during training this week and Ben Pearson is re signed on loan, I'd go with the same starting line up.

 

I think that will dictate what he does. If Pearson is fit he'll keep to 4-5-1, if he isn't he'll switch to 4-4-2 with Winnall replacing Pearson

 

So do I but be be fair Bailey didn't put a foot wrong replacing him.

 

Keep it same we are winning. Also Connor is more effective in this role

 

Having said that Bailey did play well when he came on.

 

Good point. I'd prefer Pearson but Bailey is a capable replacement.

 

Shows how well things are going when we might not start winnall

Great position for BFC


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We've had to find a way of playing that plays our best players in their best position, unfortunately that means there's only room for one striker and it would be a bit harsh on Waring to drop him.

 

Quite happy whichever way LJ sets em up. But I'd like Winnall and Hourihane in the same XI.

 

No brainer for me. Play without a keeper and you can keep 5 in midfield and have 2 up top. #ThinkOutsideTheBox

 

keep it the same at this stage of the season as we keep winning and have a good chance of going up

 

He could "pull a rabbit out of the hat" and go 3-5-2

I'm not saying he will, or ought to, but he could.

If the accepted wisdom is you get your XI best players on the pitch, and Waring has to partner Winnall in 2 up top, and Houriane needs to play in a 5 man midfield, the 3-5-2 is an option.

Davies

Holgate Crainey Nyatanga

O'Sullivan Pearson Houriane Scowen Lalkovich (or Declan John)

Waring Winnall

Not sure George Smith is ready for wingback duties, bit inexperienced and still a lot more to learn offensively, as well as he has done.

Holgate is supposed to be more of a CB anyway long term and this could suit him.

Could wingers like O'Sullivan and Lalkovich play wingback? Don't see why not, they have the attributes.

Ashley Young has made a good w/b from being an out an out winger, and not many would have thought that. Plenty more have as well.

If it was me, I'd stick with same team for Saturday, as I don't think the conundrum has to be solved until Winnall is fully match fit, but there's a possible solution in the making to get 5 in midfield with 2 strikers.