MATCHWATCH : Queen's Park Rangers (a) sponsored by only 1 true hoop

[genome]

or move yann to the centre of midfield

[Ian Royal]

It's a bit of a shame that Stam spent so much effort bringing in wingers, because I think the solution would actually be to go with three at the back and wing backs, then you can keep the three across the middle of the pitch and two upfront. It is extremely difficult to find a striker not only good enough, but with the right characteristics to flourish upfront on their own.

I'm not saying this is the right balance from the players we have, but for example...

............................Al-Habsi
...........McShane - Moore - Blackett
Gunter............................................Obita
...............Williams - JVDB - Swift
...................Samuel - Kermorgant

Worked alright in '95.

I think we should certainly see more of the McDermott style attacking last 20 min substitute to bring on a second striker and go 4-4-2 by sacrificing a midfielder for a striker and going with more conventional wingers... or even 4-2-4. Switching up the wingers doesn't seem to be working particularly brilliantly... and none are really scoring enough from open play. Two of McCleary's three come from penalties, Beerens only has one. Harriott none, from limited opportunities admittedly.

[genome]

I'd be up for that, but swap in McCleary for Gunter. Garath looked good in the wing-back role towards the end of last season and with 3 CBs you've got enough defensive cover not to need the cautious Gunter.

[tidus_mi2]

3-5-2 could be pretty solid, would even give Cooper a better chance in the team, especially with a couple players alongside him who are more comfortable on the ball he can use as an outlet.

[Ian Royal]

I'd be up for that, but swap in McCleary for Gunter. Garath looked good in the wing-back role towards the end of last season and with 3 CBs you've got enough defensive cover not to need the cautious Gunter.

Given my general lack of enthusiasm towards Gunter I'd be perfectly happy with that. I think there's several areas you could tinker with who is best for the position without significantly altering the style or shape. I think there's more leeway for substitutions to easily change shape and approach, either defensively or offensively if Plan A isn't working.

But I'm not a professional manager who's played successfully at the very highest level and been managed by the best there is.