Home against Newcastle then away to Brighton and Bournemouth, home to Burnley and then away to Villa that should be enough, all the other games will be a bonus.

Leicester and Liverpool won't enjoy playing us as long as Tosun remains fit.

No

Not a chance. Do you actually watch our games? This would have to mean a complete change in tactics for Roy to win those number of games. We have won 3 games in 19..

Roy does not set up to win games, he sets up not to lose.This may be enough to limp over the line granted but now the defence is leaking goals he could have a problem - unless the give it to zaha tactic can pay off.. again.

Beat me to it. And this the essential point - this is the way RH has set up the team all season. One can assume that his plan is to collect the odd point here and there, thus keeping us above the relegation pack. Unfortunately the team, which is set up tactically not to concede, is conceding regularly now, compounded by the lack of goals at the other end. It seems clear that a different strategy is called for, but who in all honesty thinks Hodgson is capable of making that call?

Edited by southnorwoodhill (10 Feb 2020 9.23am)

442

Benteke/Tosun with Ayew up top

Wilf and Andros out wide

We could also talk about the merits of 4231 with this squad but this a step too far for Roy. At least hes played 442 with some effectiveness before.

He has alternatives in midfield in Meyer and Jairo to add a bit more dynamism. Its frustrating to hear he has a poor ageing squad(he has btw) but he should be doing better with those players at his disposal. He hides behind this excuse imo. I just dont think Roy has enough tactical ability to change. I think we will crawl over the line with some hard fought draws but I am worried.

I like your positivity and you are right in recent times we have put a strong run in at the end of the year. In my opinion we have an experienced manager but is limited in his set up and in our situation with so many poor displays this season, especially at home and devoid of any attacking intent I am concerned Roys out of ideas. The Zaha tactic looks busted now, double if not treble up on him and thats our game plan nullified. I agree, I like Tosun but when you look at what he has behind him i'm not sure it matters who we had striker wise. Our midfield is so rigid and predictable it must be awful for an attacking player. Not a single one of the midfield 3 has an ounce of natural creative instinct in them. Its painful.