Millwall Next Game-Strikers

[warksclaret]

With Fleming ineligible for Millwalls game next Sunday, and Foster injured, would you take a point now-I would. Its going to be a tough one for Parker. Does he play Jay there and maybe Hountondgi later in the game. If Sarmiento is fit I might consider Anthony down the middle. Do we have anyone in our revitalised U-21 team-surely they would provide more pace and threat than Jay or Hountondgi

[Devils_Advocate]

Id be tempted to bring Pires in to add a bit of creativity

[bobinho]

NOT Jay… that’s a massive backwards step.

Hountondji (sp) gets a run out for me.

[billyhamilton82]

Oh Oh !!

I didn't realise that.

We really have shot ourselves in the foot in regards to the striker situation.

The explanation that Jay Rod is home grown so we can have an extra player on the bench definitely holds no water now.

Its been a problem all season not having a decent impactful striker off the bench or challenge for a start but now we are literally relying him to lead the line as first choice.

Back in the day when we had no cash, then fair enough but in the current situation it defies any sort of logic that we didn't replace him.

We now have to deal with a situation that could and should have been rectified at the end of last season if not before.

Brilliant servant but this is a season too far and it may well cost us.

[AGENT_CLARET]

------Trafford

-RB--CB--CB--LB

-Hannibal- -Cullen

RW--Brownhill--LW

----Hountondji

Other than that god knows

[jdrobbo]

Trafford

Roberts
Egan Riley
Esteve
Humphries

Agyei
Laurent
Cullen
Anthony

Brownhill (10)

Hountonji



Koleosho and hopefully Sarmiento to cause havoc in the second half…or at least that’s the thinking!!

[GDK]

Surely it has to be Jay. Hountondji may improve with time and experience but he hasn't shown much to suggest he can lead a line on his own at this level yet.

This may be Jay's only chance to prove he can still do it and I really hope he makes the most of it.

[Foshiznik]

Has to be Hountondji. Yes he's looked a bit like a competition winner so far, but he must have something about him or we wouldn't have signed him. He's not had an opportunity to play striker of any note so hopefully will grab his chance.

[Aclaret]

Has to be Hountondji. Yes he's looked a bit like a competition winner so far, but he must have something about him or we wouldn't have signed him. He's not had an opportunity to play striker of any note so hopefully will grab his chance.

I agree, I'd like to see him have a run of games to see what he's about. He's only had bits and pieces up to now.

[RVclaret]

Id be going with Jay Rod but dropping deep, with Koleosho (left) and Agyei (right) encouraged to make runs in behind him. It’s not ideal but Agyei is the only natural right winger and I’d really like to see Koleosho start a game on his best side.

[Foshiznik]

Id be going with Jay Rod but dropping deep, with Koleosho (left) and Agyei (right) encouraged to make runs in behind him. It’s not ideal but Agyei is the only natural right winger and I’d really like to see Koleosho start a game on his best side.

Agreed but I'd have have Anthony on the right.

[MarkGreen]

As Flemming will be ineligible, it isn't something that comes as a shock like an injury or suspension. Jay has seen more game time than Hountondji so I suspect we will see Rodriguez up top at the weekend.

I'd rather we start Hountondji and give him a good run out. His cameos have been very poor, but it is hard to impress with 5 minutes to go when all we do is pass sideways.

[CnBtruntru]

Hountondji with Brownhill behind him, as he seems like the only one who can score, Laurent and Cullen together, i'm ok on FIFA

[Poulton-le-Claret]

If Hountondji can't get a start in this game, then we need to shift him in January and recall Obafemi (who should not be out on loan anyway).

[Foshiznik]

If Hountondji can't get a start in this game, then we need to shift him in January and recall Obafemi (who should not be out on loan anyway).

It hasn't got so desperate that we need Obafemi has it?!

[NewClaret]

Got to be Hountondji for me. We need a proper look at him.

Could be another Laurent situation; not necessarily our best player but one that makes up part of our best eleven.

[kentonclaret]

It hasn't got so desperate that we need Obafemi has it?!

The fact that his name even has to be mentioned shows an air of desperation.
The Burnley attack is as blunt as an old butter knife so we will be forced into trying to keep the back door shut and try and nick something on the counter.

[rufus lumley]

Mother Hubbard comes to mind.

[warksclaret]

Obafemi is on a season long loan and pulling up less trees than during his half season here with us

[Poulton-le-Claret]

It hasn't got so desperate that we need Obafemi has it?!

I actually think so! If Hountondji can't start ahead of Jay in a game where no other striker is available, then will he ever be ready to play for us Really desperate times.

[warksclaret]

I actually think so! If Hountondji can't start ahead of Jay in a game where no other striker is available, then will he ever be ready to play for us Really desperate times.

It may be the game to prove if he has potential. If not then we need prioritising loaning him out in Jan alongside Santos, Delcroix, Ekdal (we dont need 8 centre halves) and create some space in the squad for two strikers and possibly Whittaker

[GetIntoEm]

i'd like to think it'll be Jay who starts, give him an hour

[Colburn_Claret]

Has to be Houtonji.
He's had very limited game time, but doesn't have a problem scoring for Benin.
It's important that the team play to his strengths, rather than him filling the wrong shaped hole.

I liked Dyches, a chance to make a name for yourself, when calling on the untested. I hope he grasps it with both feet.

[Rileybobs]

Depends entirely on who is the better player of Rodriguez and Hountondji, and we’ll find out Parker’s view of that soon enough.

[ClaretAL]

I couldn't see what position Jay Rod was trying to play when he came on on Saturday, it certainly wasn't a number 9, and more midfield/winger.

[Billyblah]

Would I take a point v Millwall? Yes I would. They don't score very many. They don't concede very many. It's got 0-0 written all over it.
If Flemming is ineligible we may as well play a six man midfeld and pass it sideways all afternoon.

[kentonclaret]

Would I take a point v Millwall? Yes I would. They don't score very many. They don't concede very many. It's got 0-0 written all over it.
If Flemming is ineligible we may as well play a six man midfeld and pass it sideways all afternoon.

Perfect for those of us who still enjoy a Sunday afternoon nap.

[fatboy47]

Go 442.

Play them both.

[warksclaret]

I would take a 0-0 right now. QPR did it and they were bottom of the league. We need to to execute a game plan and maybe snatch a winner. Personally I would play Anthony through the middle (such is my faith in the ageing Rodriguez and inexperienced Hountondji) if Sarmiento is fit. Essential Laurent starts as he has shown he can get into the opponents penalty area through his strong running.

[dougcollins]

Just pretend Koleosho is Tella, play him more central and lob the ball over the top for him.

CJ could probably find him most times.

[Alan Young]

Depends entirely on who is the better player of Rodriguez and Hountondji, and we’ll find out Parker’s view of that soon enough.

Exactly this and from what I’ve seen so far that’s Rodriguez by a country mile. I think he can still do a good job at this level with the right system around him.

[ralph8]

Who told Jay to go out so wide.
Watched Liverpool yesterday who had their front two close together causing Arsenal no end of trouble at the back.
Yes, I know we are not Liverpool but we had enough in the team to defend against QPR.

[Mattster]

Jay doesn't have the mobility to play as a lone striker in the system Parker us deploying (which is w*** at creating chances anyway). If Flemming and Foster have had to drop deep to get on the ball and not had the pace to then attack the box then Jay has no chance. I don't think Hountondji has adapted to the league yet so chucking him upfront by himself would be madness. Better to go with them both with a midfield two of Cullen and Brownhill/Laurent.

But Parker will go safety first and start Jay ahead of the same midfield three.

[dougcollins]

Who told Jay to go out so wide.
Watched Liverpool yesterday who had their front two close together causing Arsenal no end of trouble at the back.
Yes, I know we are not Liverpool but we had enough in the team to defend against QPR.

Yep, even putting JR on was a move with a defensive purpose.

[blatherwickstattoos]

Just pretend Koleosho is Tella, play him more central and lob the ball over the top for him.

CJ could probably find him most times.

Koleosho hasn’t got the football brain, touch or awareness to play that role

[dougcollins]

I know.

I thought the word 'pretend' would give it away.

[Goliath]

Jay doesn't have the mobility to play as a lone striker in the system Parker us deploying (which is w*** at creating chances anyway). If Flemming and Foster have had to drop deep to get on the ball and not had the pace to then attack the box then Jay has no chance. I don't think Hountondji has adapted to the league yet so chucking him upfront by himself would be madness. Better to go with them both with a midfield two of Cullen and Brownhill/Laurent.

But Parker will go safety first and start Jay ahead of the same midfield three.

Or maybe Parker wants his number 9 playing in a deeper role at times. In which case Rodrgiuez os probably a better fit than Foster.
It wasn't long ago he was top scorer in the Championship, he more than deserves a run of games imo.

[Mattster]

Or maybe Parker wants his number 9 playing in a deeper role at times. In which case Rodrgiuez os probably a better fit than Foster.
It wasn't long ago he was top scorer in the Championship, he more than deserves a run of games imo.

It genuinely seems that way which is the worrying thing since is one of the main factors in being so toothless in the final third.

[Goliath]

It genuinely seems that way which is the worrying thing since is one of the main factors in being so toothless in the final third.

He possibly overrated Anthony and in particular Koleoshos ability to make those runs into the space created by the striker. Neither look like they will do that consistently

[Safron]

It genuinely seems that way which is the worrying thing since is one of the main factors in being so toothless in the final third.

Nail on head I think the system sp is persevering with doesn't suit a centre forward, long gone is the excitement of a forward playing on the shoulder of the defender , it's like a game of chess now .

[scamander]

The thing about pace is that it needs space to work in. When we had Tella a tactic we used was to keep the passing short and drop deep to invite the opposition to press us. Eventually the opposition would press up high enough that we'd then have the space behind for a ball and for Tella to chase.

Teams know that Koleosho is quick and they aren't likely to leave him that space. So we have to work it, that's why we play a lot of short passes in front of their defence (and in particular high on the right). Hoping that someone leaves a gap for him.

In short, pace is good but ineffective against teams who are well drilled and sit deep. Currently we are far more in need of a player who can gaps in the narrow spaces and make those passes - a Championship David Silva!

[Guppyspotter]

Maybe the manager realised this problem before the rest of us. We've been keeping the back door shut for quite a few games. We haven't got any strikers who score goals so best keep it tight at the back or we will be getting no points every game.

[Mattster]

Maybe the manager realised this problem before the rest of us. We've been keeping the back door shut for quite a few games. We haven't got any strikers who score goals so best keep it tight at the back or we will be getting no points every game.

Nonsense.

[IanMcL]

NOT Jay… that’s a massive backwards step.

Hountondji (sp) gets a run out for me.

Houdonkey isn't really a footballer.

[Newcastleclaret93]

I would like our attacking four to look something like the following:

Agyei, Flemming, Anthony
Houtondji

My logic for the above is we dramatically need to improve our final ball quality into the box. So on that basis I’m pushing Flemming into his best position (an attacking midfielder), Agyei and Anthony out wide to try and improve the balls into the box.

Houtondji has to start in my opinion. He’s big, strong and quick he needs to be given a chance to shine in his actual position

[RMutt]

The thing about pace is that it needs space to work in. When we had Tella a tactic we used was to keep the passing short and drop deep to invite the opposition to press us. Eventually the opposition would press up high enough that we'd then have the space behind for a ball and for Tella to chase.

Teams know that Koleosho is quick and they aren't likely to leave him that space. So we have to work it, that's why we play a lot of short passes in front of their defence (and in particular high on the right). Hoping that someone leaves a gap for him.

In short, pace is good but ineffective against teams who are well drilled and sit deep. Currently we are far more in need of a player who can gaps in the narrow spaces and make those passes - a Championship David Silva!

The other way around this is to break more quickly. This is where Muric came into his own, bypassing the defence and finding someone higher up the pitch. You aren’t then drawing teams out you’re beating them on the turn. Tella took advantage of this too.
I wonder whether, obviously in the short term, JRod could be used up top in front of Fleming. He wouldn’t need to work as hard tracking back and can come off and have a rest when he’s scored his hat trick! Haha!

[Alan Young]

Houtondji has to start in my opinion. He’s big, strong and quick he needs to be given a chance to shine in his actual position

So is Usain Bolt but it doesn’t mean I’d want him leading the line.

[warksclaret]

Dont we have a young striker in the much improved U-21's. We all saw how well Tommy McDermott played when he played the second half v Premier opponents Wolves. Surely great experience to have our best young striker on the bench

[boatshed bill]

Houdonkey isn't really a footballer.

I bet you're proud of that.

[FCBurnley]

Joe Westley has 2 goals today in U21 game