I only watched the game on iFollow, so more difficult for me to judge, but looked much more like a 4-2-3-1 to me, rather than wing backs. In fact, the starting positions were pretty distinct in that position, but with Styles sometimes dropping back to make a back 5. But looked to me that he was ahead of and narrower than Williams for much of the game. While Vita's starting position was in line with Helik, Andersen and Williams. Not sure I would want to lose either Gomes or Wolfe from the starting team. Wolfe got a lot of plaudits, and rightly so, but I think Gomes also put a shift in, and for the last half hour got through a lot of work supporting Kitching and Quina on our left as they loaded that side. Replacing him with a centre forward would be too big a risk imo, leaving Wolfe with too much work to do. Probably all academic anyway. If we're still in with a chance of survival if/when Woodrow is available again, will mean we're in good form and won't want to disrupt that. But he would be a very good option to bring off the bench if we need a goal. On Saturday, was a shame Adeboyejo wasn't fit. Would've been a better option than Cole to come on when Morris was done. What he lacks in quality, he makes up for in graft and general nuisance value, which is what we needed in that last 15 mins.
Agree on this. We're really missing him. He isn't Championship quality but he knows the drill and understands the press. Plus he's got the strength and desire you need when trying to close a game out. Agree with your other points. Wolfe is vital to our season as he screens the back 3/4 in a way none of our other midfielders can. Would love to have Woodrow back as an option by the middle of March - hopefully with enough points before then to be a real contender for staying up.
Yeah, if Wolfe isn't available, I think we've seen enough to know that neither Palmer or Benson should be starting there in his place. I'd be putting Halme, or maybe even Brittain there ahead of them.
If Wolfe does get injured I would definitely be tempted to try something different and spend the week before the game showing videos of everything he does well, and those playing a similar role in the Premier League. Going back to Palmer and Benson just reverts us back to everything that has been poor about the season thus far. A lot of pressure on Wolfe's shoulders, which is another majestic move by the owners on recruitment. Imagine if he was playing alongside Hourihane or someone similar?
