The Gameplan
We normally play a 4-4-1-1 system with Mama being the link up man.
Strengths
Since the arrival of Salif Diao and Lee Hendrie, our midfield has become really competitive (not in a physical sense) and although everyone has latched onto the flair that Lee provides us with, Salif is very much the person who pulls all the strings by breaking up play and making the simple, but very effective passes. He is the one to watch. With the departure of Luke Chadwick to Norwich during this week, if we dont have a replacement come in, then watch for Lee to go to the right, and Peter Sweeney coming in on the left.
Weaknesses
Tony Pulis told us that 90% of all goals came from set plays. Since the back four has become settled we haven't conceded a goal, the last one was at Leicester, which was just unlucky as a clearance hit one of the Leicester players close by who just knocked it back into the net. We have become a very solid unit.
Player by Player
Steve Simonsen very steady keeper, but can be a bit dodgy on the crosses.
Carl Hoefkens Right back who likes to get forward.
Michael Duberry Centre back who is commanding in the air, also gets forward for set pieces.
Danny Higginbotham Centre back who reads the game exceptionally well and is extremely quick to cover if any of the other three are caught out.
Andy Griffin Left back, Andy also likes to get forward now he has his match fitness, strong in the tackle and has probably just scored the best goal of his career.
Lee Hendrie the flair in our midfield and one which your players will concentrate on purely because of the hype. This could be fatal.
Daryl Russell in this midfield, the unsong player who is likened to the Duracell bunny who just never stops running.
Salif Diao the puppet master, enough said I think.
Peter Sweeney could drop into this position if we don't have anyone else to replace the departure of Luke Chadwick.
Ricardo Fuller is suspended, so we will start with Mama and Vincent Pericard, two very strong forwards who will make it a hard day for your centre backs.
Courtesy of Stoke City Mad.