Albion still hit by defensive crisis (From The Argus)
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Albion still hit by defensive crisis
10:41am Thursday 20th December 2012 in Sport By Andy Naylor
Inigo Calderon
Albion still have a right-back crisis for Saturday's trip to Blackburn.
Boss Gus Poyet does not expect Bruno (Achilles) or Inigo Calderon (knee) to be on the flight to Lancashire.
Poyet, speaking at his regular Thursday morning press conference, said: "It doesn't look good. It's difficult times.
"The weather doesn't help either, because right now we have got no pitch to train on, which is not fun."
Poyet will revert to an orthodox back four at Ewood Park, probably with Adam El-Abd at right-back, after abandoning an experiment with three central defenders during the first half of Tuesday's 2-2 home draw with Millwall.
He said: "When the fixtures came out Blackburn was one I was looking forward to. We are probably not in the best kind of shape. I would have liked the chance to go there with a fully fit squad but you cannot plan it like that.
"I am sure we are still good enough to win the game, so I am calm and relaxed. The idea is to make the right decisions now because of the injuries and make it simple, nothing complicated any more, because we're not very good when we change things."
Comments(32)
goldstone
says...
10:55am Thu 20 Dec 12
Whatever you do PLEASE not El Adb at RB. Leave Lopez there. He did a great job.
Smartbloke
says...
11:25am Thu 20 Dec 12
He went to Spurs after the Albion offered him a contract.
ballantrrae
says...
11:26am Thu 20 Dec 12
Alfie T wrote:An excellent post yet again Alfie T as is Goldstone's as well.
El-abd is not a right back,left back,midfielder, he is a centre back only, Lopez did a fine job there on Tuesday why change?
Starting the Blackburn game with the same defence as finished the Millwall one makes for some continuity and with Dunk on the bench provides defensive cover.
Also it occurs to me that if playing El-Arb at right back is such a good idea why didn't Poyet simply ask Adam to play there against Millwall rather than adopting the 3 CB option or at least get these same players to switch to that formation when the 3 CB plan wasn't working.
Alfie T since you successfully 'flagged up' Kuszczak's arrival in the Summer I wondered if you had heard any whispers as to whom we might sign in January ?
Given our current defensive crisis perhaps the first acquisition might be a defender.
Comments anyone ?
MelsTels
says...
11:27am Thu 20 Dec 12
David Lopez did a good job there - keep the same
Feel confident the win will come - hope it is Saturday
Merry Christmas to all genuine contributors
To all the others - Humbug
str8outtaDC
says...
11:44am Thu 20 Dec 12
VegasSeagull
says...
12:30pm Thu 20 Dec 12
Lack of goal scoring, we hear of all the players we should not have let go.
Players go out on loan, call them all back.
If Gus did as all of you are asking he would need a 747 to get them to matches, no longer a problem of filling the plane seats.
Willie, Willie Irvine
says...
12:31pm Thu 20 Dec 12
fratsomrover
says...
12:49pm Thu 20 Dec 12
VegasSeagull
says...
1:01pm Thu 20 Dec 12
CMS must start IMHO, and I would give Hoskins the first half to deliver and if he doesn't, then bring Barnes on. I would have Dobbie in too with Hammond in mid-field.
Kaz and Buckley a must and I would play David at right back.
We have been saying for a long time that one day someone is going to get beaten badly at our hands, this could be the one where that happens.
Gee Jay
says...
2:12pm Thu 20 Dec 12
Our forwards are going to get luckier soon (aren't they?)
Interesing that Gus is talking about players coming and some going in January, We won't know until it happens....its the Brighton way.
wiseman of hove
says...
2:29pm Thu 20 Dec 12
fratsomrover wrote:Agreed. Hoskins, Buckley and LuaLua should do the trick up front. If Dobbie plays no part again, then he really is out of favour and might as well go out on loan. I certainly would want to see him ahead of Barnes.
I think Lopez would be abetter option at right back than El Abd. Keep El Abd central alongside Greer to combat the threat of Rhodes. Blackburn have lost their last three home matches so their confidence must be rock bottom, so lets attack them and start with a positive line-up. They'll crumble if we take a lead and their fans get at them. I hope Hoskins gets recalled. Wouldn't mind seeing him up front on his own with Buckley and Lua Lua providing width, maybe with even Dobbie as support as the attacking midfielder. Think CMS should be rested after Tuesday's performance .
Tommy11
says...
2:57pm Thu 20 Dec 12
However, he was abysmal first half... and I mean ABYSMAL. He was ok second half...but not great. Nothing really to shout about.
I thik half of the people making comments were not even at the game! Please... trust what i'm saying!!! I had a perfect view of the match.
Vincelot is the best option, but some pratt let him go out on loan!
fratsomrover
says...
4:20pm Thu 20 Dec 12
Tommy11 wrote:I dont think people are getting carried away about Lopez playing right back. I think people are saying that he would be a better option than El Abd cos El Abd is most effective in centre defence. Also, if Lopez plays right back he will be similar to Bridge on the opposite flank in so much that both can contribute effectively going forward. I also cant bear the thought of Dunk playing centre back after his performance at Palace and last Tuesday. It's a case of choosing the best man for the job. Vincelot could have been a possibility had he been here, but with Bruno, Calde, Painter, Dicker, Orlandi, all injured, Lopez is more than capable of stepping in and doing a job, unless you fancy Harley or Sparrow there.
Erm...listen I think people are getting a bit OTT about Lopez doing a great job at right back. Yes, he hit a wonderful free kick when hitting the post, and he took his penalty well.
However, he was abysmal first half... and I mean ABYSMAL. He was ok second half...but not great. Nothing really to shout about.
I thik half of the people making comments were not even at the game! Please... trust what i'm saying!!! I had a perfect view of the match.
Vincelot is the best option, but some pratt let him go out on loan!
Tommy11
says...
4:42pm Thu 20 Dec 12
fratsomrover wrote:Yes I agree with you there mate, and your right about Dunk.
Tommy11 wrote: Erm...listen I think people are getting a bit OTT about Lopez doing a great job at right back. Yes, he hit a wonderful free kick when hitting the post, and he took his penalty well. However, he was abysmal first half... and I mean ABYSMAL. He was ok second half...but not great. Nothing really to shout about. I thik half of the people making comments were not even at the game! Please... trust what i'm saying!!! I had a perfect view of the match. Vincelot is the best option, but some pratt let him go out on loan!I dont think people are getting carried away about Lopez playing right back. I think people are saying that he would be a better option than El Abd cos El Abd is most effective in centre defence. Also, if Lopez plays right back he will be similar to Bridge on the opposite flank in so much that both can contribute effectively going forward. I also cant bear the thought of Dunk playing centre back after his performance at Palace and last Tuesday. It's a case of choosing the best man for the job. Vincelot could have been a possibility had he been here, but with Bruno, Calde, Painter, Dicker, Orlandi, all injured, Lopez is more than capable of stepping in and doing a job, unless you fancy Harley or Sparrow there.
Im my view, under the word 'Dodgy' in the Thesaurus there should be a mug shot of Dunk.
Wooah Wooah
says...
4:46pm Thu 20 Dec 12
smilingseagull
says...
4:50pm Thu 20 Dec 12
Howie2
says...
5:36pm Thu 20 Dec 12
Alfie T
says...
6:05pm Thu 20 Dec 12
ballantrrae wrote:Sorry ballantrrae nothing to report of any substance, I think Wood is a real possibility though.
Alfie T wrote:An excellent post yet again Alfie T as is Goldstone's as well.
El-abd is not a right back,left back,midfielder, he is a centre back only, Lopez did a fine job there on Tuesday why change?
Starting the Blackburn game with the same defence as finished the Millwall one makes for some continuity and with Dunk on the bench provides defensive cover.
Also it occurs to me that if playing El-Arb at right back is such a good idea why didn't Poyet simply ask Adam to play there against Millwall rather than adopting the 3 CB option or at least get these same players to switch to that formation when the 3 CB plan wasn't working.
Alfie T since you successfully 'flagged up' Kuszczak's arrival in the Summer I wondered if you had heard any whispers as to whom we might sign in January ?
Given our current defensive crisis perhaps the first acquisition might be a defender.
Comments anyone ?
VegasSeagull
says...
6:55pm Thu 20 Dec 12
This article and the one entitled, 'Seagulls struggle for numbers,' are just one and the same story. The article about Kaz, well yeah we noticed his recent improved input ourselves.
So guys what are we going to chat about? I think we done the transfer window to death yesterday, so that's out.
Man I am bored.
Freeloaders
says...
6:59pm Thu 20 Dec 12
Tommy11 wrote:Nice one Tommy 11.Like Fergie said im only interested in players who are bad losers like me.As soon as Dunk is out the club the better,which im very sure he will be.I was spot on with Elphick & Cook.A group of us watched the Liverpool game from last season,and the Chelsea game again.Im sure he will be playing lower league football very soon Tommy.
fratsomrover wrote:Yes I agree with you there mate, and your right about Dunk.
Tommy11 wrote: Erm...listen I think people are getting a bit OTT about Lopez doing a great job at right back. Yes, he hit a wonderful free kick when hitting the post, and he took his penalty well. However, he was abysmal first half... and I mean ABYSMAL. He was ok second half...but not great. Nothing really to shout about. I thik half of the people making comments were not even at the game! Please... trust what i'm saying!!! I had a perfect view of the match. Vincelot is the best option, but some pratt let him go out on loan!I dont think people are getting carried away about Lopez playing right back. I think people are saying that he would be a better option than El Abd cos El Abd is most effective in centre defence. Also, if Lopez plays right back he will be similar to Bridge on the opposite flank in so much that both can contribute effectively going forward. I also cant bear the thought of Dunk playing centre back after his performance at Palace and last Tuesday. It's a case of choosing the best man for the job. Vincelot could have been a possibility had he been here, but with Bruno, Calde, Painter, Dicker, Orlandi, all injured, Lopez is more than capable of stepping in and doing a job, unless you fancy Harley or Sparrow there.
Im my view, under the word 'Dodgy' in the Thesaurus there should be a mug shot of Dunk.
Alfie T
says...
8:23pm Thu 20 Dec 12
VegasSeagull wrote:European football at the Amex?
A quiet news day today, don't you think?
This article and the one entitled, 'Seagulls struggle for numbers,' are just one and the same story. The article about Kaz, well yeah we noticed his recent improved input ourselves.
So guys what are we going to chat about? I think we done the transfer window to death yesterday, so that's out.
Man I am bored.
fratsomrover
says...
8:27pm Thu 20 Dec 12
Tommy11 wrote:Don't be unfair Tommy. Dunk has potential but it has certainly been unfulfilled this season. Maybe because of his off-field problems. He's looked well off the pace this year. He fumbled and then lunged late at Palace to get sent off, he was late in closing down Woods on Tuesday. He just hasn't adjusted to the pace of the game this season and looks a liability. He maybe one for next season, though not if we go up !! That's wishful thinking isn't it on current form. Christmas cheer must be getting to me. Still I am a positive thinker so I never give up hoping
fratsomrover wrote:Yes I agree with you there mate, and your right about Dunk.
Tommy11 wrote: Erm...listen I think people are getting a bit OTT about Lopez doing a great job at right back. Yes, he hit a wonderful free kick when hitting the post, and he took his penalty well. However, he was abysmal first half... and I mean ABYSMAL. He was ok second half...but not great. Nothing really to shout about. I thik half of the people making comments were not even at the game! Please... trust what i'm saying!!! I had a perfect view of the match. Vincelot is the best option, but some pratt let him go out on loan!I dont think people are getting carried away about Lopez playing right back. I think people are saying that he would be a better option than El Abd cos El Abd is most effective in centre defence. Also, if Lopez plays right back he will be similar to Bridge on the opposite flank in so much that both can contribute effectively going forward. I also cant bear the thought of Dunk playing centre back after his performance at Palace and last Tuesday. It's a case of choosing the best man for the job. Vincelot could have been a possibility had he been here, but with Bruno, Calde, Painter, Dicker, Orlandi, all injured, Lopez is more than capable of stepping in and doing a job, unless you fancy Harley or Sparrow there.
Im my view, under the word 'Dodgy' in the Thesaurus there should be a mug shot of Dunk.
namgo49
says...
8:35pm Thu 20 Dec 12
Play Bridcutt, Crofts, LuaLua, Hoskins Lopez with CMS up front.
Subs Gkeeper, Dunk, March, Barnes, Harley, Dobbie and Buckley.
VegasSeagull
says...
9:14pm Thu 20 Dec 12
Alfie T wrote:Do you mean hosting a match or playing in one, I fear the latter is a few seasons off yet.
VegasSeagull wrote: A quiet news day today, don't you think? This article and the one entitled, 'Seagulls struggle for numbers,' are just one and the same story. The article about Kaz, well yeah we noticed his recent improved input ourselves. So guys what are we going to chat about? I think we done the transfer window to death yesterday, so that's out. Man I am bored.European football at the Amex?
wiseman of hove
says...
9:47pm Thu 20 Dec 12
namgo49 wrote:I think Hammond at right back is a good shout. Not convinced about Crofts and would like to see Dobbie in there. CMS to the bench. If the manager is still wearing his cautious hat regarding two wingers, you might be right about Will Buckley on the bench (to be unleashed early in the second half)
Don't understand the report. El-Abd was at right back on Tuesday and was awful. No good lining up Lopez there. I would play Hammond at full back with Greer and El-Abd in the middle and Bridge on the left. Hammond has the tackling ability and would be able to press forward which is our style of play.
Play Bridcutt, Crofts, LuaLua, Hoskins Lopez with CMS up front.
Subs Gkeeper, Dunk, March, Barnes, Harley, Dobbie and Buckley.
Alfie T
says...
10:26pm Thu 20 Dec 12
VegasSeagull wrote:Playing of course, how good would that be for our city.
Alfie T wrote:Do you mean hosting a match or playing in one, I fear the latter is a few seasons off yet.
VegasSeagull wrote: A quiet news day today, don't you think? This article and the one entitled, 'Seagulls struggle for numbers,' are just one and the same story. The article about Kaz, well yeah we noticed his recent improved input ourselves. So guys what are we going to chat about? I think we done the transfer window to death yesterday, so that's out. Man I am bored.European football at the Amex?
championshipgull
says...
10:44pm Thu 20 Dec 12
Hovite
says...
10:54pm Thu 20 Dec 12
Lopez would work it up the park from the back as long as Bridcutt is covering when he takes more forward position with Buckers. KLL can play central or wide to mix it up a bit.
I reckon a 4-2-2-2 formation;
WH/CMS
KLL/WB
DH/LB
WB/EA/GG/DL
TK
I think it would be risky playing WB at right back championshipgull
Alfie T
says...
7:32am Fri 21 Dec 12
wiseman of hove
says...
9:52am Fri 21 Dec 12
Hovite
says...
11:53am Fri 21 Dec 12
I just think that Lopez working in a triangle with GG and LB would be able to pick the pass to Buckers or KLL and then join them in midfield, whilst GG and LB cover the right back positions.
Alfie T says...
10:52am Thu 20 Dec 12