Pre-Match Thread Southend United v Dover, Tuesday 2nd November, 7:45pm, NL

[* ORM *]

I’ll be waking up somewhere during the second half..COYB!!!

 

[palexander]

Agree. But it was interesting listening to Mica Richards talking about 352 at man city in Mancini's time. Basically the WBs would be told to push on. On the counter the two defensive CM job was to fill back to allow the R/L CB to cover the FB position or for the defensive CM to do it. He expected his Was to be more advanced the the CMs.

Thing is the system needs to relentlessly rehearsed and everyone know and stick to their roles.

The worst thing would be to play with 352 for a few games not perfect it then revert to something else that doesn't work either.

Yup, this is what I mean about our MF not being athletic enough to get around the field. If the wing backs are bombing up and down, when they 'up' a midfielder needs to shuffle across to fill in the gap behind a WB, which I cant see Dunne, Ferguson or Ogogo doing (but can see Bridge and to a degree, Phillps doing).

Its a complex old system to play right 352 and not just a given if you stick players that seem to fit the round holes in it will be ok. We've been found out a lot of times this season playing it (look how many goals we've let in with opponents getting crosses in behind Bridge on our left), so yea, our squad probably leaves us with little option but to play 352, but it needs work!

 

[Massimo Giovanni]

I DO understand the thinking of a 3 5 2 or a 5 3 2 system, certainly it makes conceding less likely BUT it does stifle our attack options.
AND, surely no'one who has watched our players can be serious on thinking any of them (other than injured Ralph) are capable of playing as effective wing backs?
Keep it simple, get some width running into flanks/corners, get forwards supported.

 

[Userorange]

I DO understand the thinking of a 3 5 2 or a 5 3 2 system, certainly it makes conceding less likely BUT it does stifle our attack options.
AND, surely no'one who has watched our players can be serious on thinking any of them (other than injured Ralph) are capable of playing as effective wing backs?
Keep it simple, get some width running into flanks/corners, get forwards supported.

Could not agree more. Get hold of the ball, get it wide, get those crosses in, back of the net. Simples

 

[danburyshrimper]

I might be tempted to revert to 3 at the back only once Demetriou & Ralph are fit again , as they would be superb wing backs.

For now , i'd go for the Diamond :

---------------------ARNOLD----------------------
HOBSON------WHITE-------LOPATA-------SAYERS
--------------------FERGUSON--------------------
-----------PHILLIPS-----------BRIDGE------------
---------------------BRUNT-----------------------
----------DALBY-------------MURPHY------------


bench: WALSH, DENNIS, HOWARD, DUNNE, SEADEN


Give Ferguson the responsibility that he is the holding man. Nothing gets past him. Sit in & allow Hobo & especially Sayers to attack the flanks. Phillips & Bridge buzzing, probing & creating. Get Brunt on the ball in a free role weaving his magic & making space for the strikers to bang in a few to lift our spirits & our confidence.
Score in the early 10 mins & we will smash in 7 !!!!! COME ON SOUTHEND!!!!!!!!!!

 

[RHB]

I just want us to win. I'd take scrappy, dirty, pub level, anything. 3 points is the important outcome for this game.

 

[MisterStubbs]

Driving to Roots Hall tonight for the first time in a long time. Where is best to park if not at the ground?

 

[SeldomSeenShrimper]

Anyone else really not confident about tonight?

I have a ticket but I'm genuinely too scared to go (plus i'd be going on my own) ... Think i'd rather go for a walk and follow on Twitter with everything crossed.

 

[Whispering Bob]

My choice 11 for tonight (4-2-3-1):
Arnold

Howard Hobson Lopata Sayers

Ferguson Phillips

Bridge Brunt Walsh

Dalby

Always been a fan of 4-2-3-1 (if the personnel fits) and I think you've got it here hlane.

 

[hlane17]

Always been a fan of 4-2-3-1 (if the personnel fits) and I think you've got it here hlane.

Cheers pal just thinking round pegs in round holes. I think everyone selected would be comfortable in their given role

 

[Tommy2holes]

Driving to Roots Hall tonight for the first time in a long time. Where is best to park if not at the ground?

You will find a space down Shakespeare, Gainsborough or Wenham etc.

 

[MisterStubbs]

You will find a space down Shakespeare, Gainsborough or Wenham etc.

Thanks mate, I thought it was all permit parking round there.

 

[Tommy2holes]

Thanks mate, I thought it was all permit parking round there.

Just a matter of time but not yet.

 

[Userorange]

Anyone else really not confident about tonight?

I have a ticket but I'm genuinely too scared to go (plus i'd be going on my own) ... Think i'd rather go for a walk and follow on Twitter with everything crossed.

Now come on, man. Pull yourself together. Imagine if some of the players took that attitude......

 

[Zeuss]

You will find a space down Shakespeare, Gainsborough or Wenham etc.

Don’t drive down Shakespeare—it’s a one-way street.

 

[Massimo Giovanni]

Thanks mate, I thought it was all permit parking round there.

Priory Park?

 

[nick12]

Having not been to Roots Hall since pre covid but going tonight, can you still get a ticket at the gate for the West stand?

 

[TJC]

Priory Park?

Don't they close the gates?

 

[rararblue]

Having not been to Roots Hall since pre covid but going tonight, can you still get a ticket at the gate for the West stand?

Yep

 

[mattytheshrimper]

The reason we are persisting with 3-5-2/5-3-2 at the moment is simple. Our midfield is too weak to not have three players in the centre.

That would make sense if our defence wasn't also so weak and easily exposed. I firmly stand by stating that if you just sit back and invite pressure on your eventually going to become unstuck, hence whats happened throughout the whole season so far. We're no good at the back, shocking in midfield and not much better up front. All goes to show how pathetic the recruitment was in the summer. I genuinely believe Maher and co cannot coach the vast majority of these players because they simply do not have the talent or skill set. The only thing he can get them doing is working hard and being organised and pray we stay up.