Help Me Pick a Team to Face Chelsea

By: Daryl | July 6th, 2009

Apologies for the hiatus folks. I was distracted by the Confederations Cup recently, but now that’s over we can get back to work with Newcastle.

Must confess, I was a little disappointed with the response on the last post. If we’re going to go ahead with this co-managing thing, I need a bit more input from everyone via the comments.

Seems that maybe part of the problem was the length of that last post. So rather than beating around the bush (pictured) I’ll get straight to it. After the jump of course…

Here’s the situation. We just lost 2-0 to Portsmouth in the Prem because their three man central midfield outnumbered my diamondish 4-1-2-1-2 (which had previously been pretty successful). Now we play Chelsea at home, and so the two big questions are:

1. Which formation? 4-1-2-1-2 or 4-4-2? We got it wrong vs Portsmouth, as they outnumbered us in midfield. So what should we do vs Chelsea? This is an important decision in my opinion.

2. Who starts up front vs Chelsea? We now have Pog, Lewandowski, Laurito and Marquinhos available. Marquinhos could play wide right (and has had more success there than up front) but someone still has to miss out. Who should it be?

The two responses so far have been from t’OM

Lop sided formation… nah, keep that for the lower leagues of Spain.

1)I’d play a 4-1-2-1-2. With Lampard and Deco getting forwards (and not so great coming back) you’re unlikely to be so overwhelmed in the middle of the park, and there is a fantastic opportunity for Arshavin (get me the tank) to exploit a lot of space. I’d withdraw my wingers slighty to give Arshavin more space ‘around the hole’ (tank).

2) Pog and Marquinhos

Good luck.

and from Benjamin:

go with 4-1-2-1-2. your DMC will break up their attack through the middle and your AMC will be enough to break their defence. shouldnt get any problems in midfield. doubt you’ll be overrun over there.

also, you might wanna try laurito. he is a very consistent striker will can score goals just about every match. partner him with either the pog or lewandowski. both should do well.

marquinhos on right with arshavin on left and diego through the centre. thats quite a scary thought if you think about it