Ivan Klasnic

[TANGODANCER]

Instead of trying to control and turn, he swivels and gets it away first time, giving the keeper no chance to react.
This is a bit of a ramble, but it's just something which has really impressed me and something I haven't seen a striker do - take on the shot early - and be as successful. It's a joy to watch.

Most really good strikers hit their shots instinctively with very little backlift, the Brazilians did it years ago. A lot of strikers waste time controlling and setting up the shot; both Sturridge and Klasnic have it in the net before keepers have time to think about reacting.

[officer_dibble]

This swivel n volley is his thing.

I can't help but compare him to mcginlay actually... I know they are different super John more reliable but I can't get the comparison out of my head. the crucial goal factor, fans favourite aspect and the fact that's what they both just did/do - score goals.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

I distinctively remember last season Klasnic and CYL were starting to build an exciting partnership and a really good understanding. Both are technically very good and I think we should start utilising again in the run in. I know both have had a bit of a stop-start season but I personally would like Owen to develop it further.

Forty points and seventh, best we've had for a fair while. Hardly a time to start tinkering. If it ain't broke etc...

On the other hand, perhaps it's the ideal time to start improving, considering a loss won't risk relegation. Anyway, we might see CYL and Klas paired up again on Saturday, unless OC goes with Elmo and Taylor/Petrov wide.

[Lord Kangana]

I think he'll pretty much start with the team at Fulham. So Davo and Klasnic up front, Lee and Petrov wide. The only questionable starters I see are Muamba and Jussi. Does he let Bogdan keep going, does he give Moo a chance against his old club?

[BWFC_Insane]

Surely he picks what he considers to be our strongest team for the Brum game? Surely?

[Lord Kangana]

Which is?

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Exactly. (And he can't pick our strongest side as Sturridge is cuptied and, er, JLloyd still injured, or kidnapped, or something.)

[BWFC_Insane]

Which is?

The side that played against Villa with a replacement for Sturridge? Or thereabouts?

He obviously sees that as approximately our strongest side.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Which is?

The side that played against Villa with a replacement for Sturridge? Or thereabouts? He obviously sees that as approximately our strongest side.

I'm not sure. I think he may be getting close to playing horses for courses. This is no bad thing.

So the questions are:

* Up top: Does he pair Klas with SKD, or shift Elmo back up top with a view to bringing Klas on if necessary?
* In the miggle: Against Birmingham's hard-working midfield, does he go for the more solid if less creative Muamba, again with Mavis as an option?
* Wide left: Petrov to run at Carr, as LK (I think) suggested earlier - or, again, is he an option from the bench as Carr tires, if OC thinks Taylor affords more protection? Or maybe CYL?
* Wide right: Depends largely on quandaries one and three, but Elmo? CYL? Mavis?

[Wandering Willy]

Only two decisions to be made for me:


Jussi/Bogdan

Steinnson Cahill Wheater Robbo

CYL M Davies Holden Petrov/Taylor

Elmander SKD

Klasnic to come off the bench. Petrov will probably get the edge over Taylor. Can he drop Jussi after saving a penalty?

[BWFC_Insane]

Which is?

The side that played against Villa with a replacement for Sturridge? Or thereabouts? He obviously sees that as approximately our strongest side.

I'm not sure. I think he may be getting close to playing horses for courses. This is no bad thing.

So the questions are:

* Up top: Does he pair Klas with SKD, or shift Elmo back up top with a view to bringing Klas on if necessary?
* In the miggle: Against Birmingham's hard-working midfield, does he go for the more solid if less creative Muamba, again with Mavis as an option?
* Wide left: Petrov to run at Carr, as LK (I think) suggested earlier - or, again, is he an option from the bench as Carr tires, if OC thinks Taylor affords more protection? Or maybe CYL?
* Wide right: Depends largely on quandaries one and three, but Elmo? CYL? Mavis?

I'm not sure we're at horses for courses, more that out of necessity there's been some rotation with Lee needing a rest, FA cup runs, small squad over Christmas etc.

I think Coyle has an 11 he'd pick as his "best" and I'm sure that will be picked on Saturday. On current form that may well (and should IMO) include Klasnic. The rest will depend on what OC thinks is his strongest side right now.

But I'll be surprised if Bogdan and the like play, because although they've done well for us on this run so far, surely with 40 points bagged and a Wembley chance we can't go pissing around with second string keepers etc?

[Lofthouse Lower]

Bogdan has done well so far, but if Coyle follows up on his comments to the meeja and at the fan forum things then he HAS to go with his best XI, and that, unfortunately (and for now at least) doesn't include Bogdan.

It does, however, include Petrov and Chung.

[Lord Kangana]

He's yet to concede a goal in the Facup, isn't he? Coyle is a superstitious type, afterall.

And its hardly like Steinsson covered himself in glory on saturday, to the extent that you'd say he was a certain starter, anyway.

Birmingham relied on the sucker punch against The Arse, I'm not sure its something they could make a long term tactic of, so then the question is, do we attempt to play fast ball players (so a midfield of Mavies, Petrov, Lee, Holden) or do we play it canny to start, and get Muamba and Taylor in.

Frankly, I'd prefer the former. If we get early goals, I can't see McLeish chasing the game. He's had his Wembley final (and cup win) and he has a relegation scrap on his hands. The longer the game progresses goalless, the more the home crowd might pressure him into attacking subs.

[BWFC_Insane]

Bogdan has done well so far, but if Coyle follows up on his comments to the meeja and at the fan forum things then he HAS to go with his best XI, and that, unfortunately (and for now at least) doesn't include Bogdan.

It does, however, include Petrov and Chung.

I don't believe we can carry Petrov and CYL. Not with Holden and Davies in midifeld at least.

If CYL plays I'd have Taylor on the left myself.

[Lord Kangana]

You feeling sorry for them or something?

[CAPSLOCK]

Bogdan has done well so far, but if Coyle follows up on his comments to the meeja and at the fan forum things then he HAS to go with his best XI, and that, unfortunately (and for now at least) doesn't include Bogdan.

It does, however, include Petrov and Chung.

Those two might be the best in their positions but they don't necessarily play in the best team, especially if he plays Mark Davies

And your theory about Petrov running the old man they have at right back, I can only assume Carr didn't play in the game at our place, cos Petrov didn't have too much for whoever played there, that day

[Lofthouse Lower]

Taylor come off it, man

and Steinsson was atrocious again at weekend - at fault for both goals.

[Prufrock]

On what planet, even with an irrational hatred of our only fit even nearly right back, was the first one his fault? Petrov is getting better but it's still pick one from two uninspiring options at the moment. Given I think a midfield of LCY-Holden-MD-Petrov would get flattened, I'd rather have Taylor and MD that Petrov and Muamba.

[Lofthouse Lower]

er you mean when Bent moved from stood next to Steinsson to in front of Steinsson with nary a moment's thought from our only fit even nearly right back to maybe move inside and block the shot?

Then.

[Lennon'sEleven]

This thread will usurp the official Bolton v Brum one at this rate! It's about Klansnic!

... who I think should start up top with Elmander, with CYL on the right and Davies off the bench. Taylor to start with Petrov available, and Holden Mavis in the middle. Same back 4 as v Villa.

Bogdan stays in until he lets us down, or we get to the final. In which case, Jussi gets the nod and young Bogdan still gets a medal if things go well.