Squad depth

[Tamesaint]

The depth of our squad will hopefully see us in a strong position as the season progresses. A 46 game season with many midweek games takes its toll on every team. Leicester had to play a rookie on Tuesday as they had nobody else. Charlton had to reorganise their defence as Bree couldn't play against us. Wednesday had a reorganised defence and according to TSP Millwall are down to the "bare bones."

We obviously are also  going to have injuries and suspensions but we do have a lot of replacements. We depend a lot for example upon Scienza and it would be a blow if he was injured but Robinson is waiting in the wings.  Fraser could fit the role if Robinson couldn't play. Our midfield strength is going to be immense when Shea returns to join Downes, Bragg,  Romeu and even Williams in contention for a place in the team. 

There are a few areas where we are weak with the lack of a traditional number 9 being the obvious one. Also I am not sure that the role that Armstrong plays atm could be easily replicated by anyone. Archer perhaps?? 

On the whole however we do have a squad deeper than so many of our rivals and this could prove decisive at the end of the season. 

 

 

 

 

[Dusic]

Was talking about this with @QuintanaPhilip the other day.

Think the attacking/ wide areas would be a slight concern. We havent really had any injuries there and Scienza, Azaz and Fellows are shaping up to be massively key for different reasons.

Personally think Fraser is wing back or not at all now as he doesn't beat a player anymore and isn't a goalthreat. Once fit, Edozie would be a great sub to have in this kind of system - even if he then goes in January.

Fellows seems like a chalk on his boots wide player so not sure how he would go playing inside where Azaz does - its only really Robinson in our squad who seems like he could slot in there.

Downs seemed to pick up an injury on Tues and we can discount Stewart so definitely could use another striker option but think that was obvious.

Midfield and defensive depth is very strong but expect Edwards will be pushing to leave in Jan.

[macca155]

There is always a balance to be had between squad depth, and unused players. The problem is amplified by having a really decent U21 side. A number of those players are pressing for a place now.

I'd imagine Frazer is happy to see his career out here now. He's a decent utility player and doubt he makes a fuss.

Edwards, Aribo, Edozie, Matsuki, Archer, and sick note Stewart are really too expensive to keep hanging around. None has a future in the PL so time to get rid, one way or another. Downs needs a loan, and Jelart will be sent back. No room for him in the treatment room.

Frightening as well when you consider how many players Saints have out on loan. The wage bill must be crippling. Major major clear out required.

[malcolm waldron]

20 hours ago, Tamesaint said:

The depth of our squad will hopefully see us in a strong position as the season progresses. A 46 game season with many midweek games takes its toll on every team. Leicester had to play a rookie on Tuesday as they had nobody else. Charlton had to reorganise their defence as Bree couldn't play against us. Wednesday had a reorganised defence and according to TSP Millwall are down to the "bare bones."

We obviously are also  going to have injuries and suspensions but we do have a lot of replacements. We depend a lot for example upon Scienza and it would be a blow if he was injured but Robinson is waiting in the wings.  Fraser could fit the role if Robinson couldn't play. Our midfield strength is going to be immense when Shea returns to join Downes, Bragg,  Romeu and even Williams in contention for a place in the team. 

There are a few areas where we are weak with the lack of a traditional number 9 being the obvious one. Also I am not sure that the role that Armstrong plays atm could be easily replicated by anyone. Archer perhaps?? 

On the whole however we do have a squad deeper than so many of our rivals and this could prove decisive at the end of the season. 

 

 

 

 

I agree with much of what you've said - and let's face it we should have the advantage of this squad at least for this season, hence a lot of the frustration with the poor performances under WS.  I've only seen the 45 mins of Williams against Sheff W where I felt he was largely trying to keep himself out of trouble, so wouldn't to comment too much.  Maybe you've seen more of him?

But overall we should look forward to the busy schedule coming up with some confidence - that would be helped with a better target man option up front.  I wonder if we'll think about upgrading there (a bit like Billy Sharp coming in to give a different option back in Jan 2012).