With another ill-conceived international break almost upon us, many on Teesside will be hoping to enter the two-week pause under new Covid restrictions with at least a first league victory on the board. In theory a home game against a Barnsley team that only picked up their first point last weekend (a goalless draw against Coventry) would seem like a decent opportunity to lift spirits.
Whether this could be classed as a must-win game may depend on your view of where this season could be heading if Boro fail to pick up three points sooner rather than later - especially if you consider the next two games after the break are against the two early form teams, Reading and Bristol City, who are currently both locked together on maximum nine points with identical goals for and against.
OK, Boro have been performing reasonably well without probably totally convincing they have solved their goal-shy tendencies of recent years - though the fallout associated with getting off to a bad start often doesn't make the task of being able to playing at your best any easier. So as Neil Warnock returns from his spell in quarantine, I'm sure he'll be quite keen on leaving that restricted group of six clubs that have yet to win a game in the Championship.
The Boro manager may also be keen to avenge the defeat against the Tykes that his team suffered in the Carabao Cup a couple of weeks ago - granted it was two weakened teams that weren't anticipating further progress in the competition after knowing the winner would be heading to Chelsea for a likely thrashing. The other factor that looms over proceedings is that the impressive Gerhard Struber is pondering a move to Major League Soccer after New York Red Bulls approached Barnsley about him becoming their head coach.
Whether the Austrian will consider it a good career move may depend on how the potential reboot of the American Civil War pans out in the coming weeks. Booming sales of semi-automatic weapons highlights the paranoia of the locals that the democratic process has become strained. Indeed, the inflammatory presidential debate prompted a spike in viewers Googling "How to become a Canadian citizen" during and after the contest.
Incidentally, the Business Insider offered a useful guide for its US readership on becoming a Canadian citizen with perhaps the first point on their checklist speaking to the most challenged applicants '1. Make sure you're not already a Canadian citizen' - which was also possibly intended as more of a virtual slap in the face to calm down those low on ammo and hyperventilating.
Anyway, perhaps Gerhard Struber will ignore the hype and opt to head to the New York Stadium - albeit safely down the road in Rotherham instead. Still, hopefully he'll be suitably distracted by the offer and his players will be feeling slightly dejected at his impending departure too. Either way, it's not ideal preparation for the South Yorkshire club as finding a comparable replacement will not be easy.
Of course, the other cloud that now hangs over the plans of many clubs is that the prospect of having supporters back in the stadiums has all but been ended by the government. This move has according to Neil Warnock meant that the club's transfer plans have been adjusted from contemplating permanent moves for players to now seeking loan deals instead. The finances were already looking tight but few clubs will now be willing to risk increasing their debts in an uncertain future.
Nevertheless, Boro are still short in many areas of the squad and particularly in defence after new signing Grant Hall suffered a torn calf muscle against QPR. The severity of the injury hasn't been reported as yet but as long as he doesn't need an operation it would normally be anything between 3-6 weeks before a players recovers sufficiently enough to take to the pitch sporting those big colourful plasters . It does at least provide an opportunity for Nathan Wood to continue his development - but any more defensive injuries would leave Warnock scratching his head and possibly being forced into a back four.
Despite the problems at the back, the Boro manager has declared his intention is to bring in a number ten who can add a bit of creativity to his attack. "I’d like something that’s in between a striker and an attacking midfielder. Somebody who can drop into that hole."
Although, many believe Boro have often signed players that looked like they should be dropped into a hole and were definitely in between a striker and something that was hard to quantify - plus we've frequently seen attacking midfielders in a red shirt that were certainly in between either being attacking or capable in midfield. So is it really just a question of finding that magic player who can suddenly make the midfield and attack gel? I suspect such a player on our reduced budget will require a lot of luck to pluck out of the Premier League's surplus list.
Despite the limitation, it's been clear in the opening few games that for large parts of games Boro have looked competitive but just lack a bit of poise and quality when it matters. On paper, this team should have enough to beat limited sides and Barnsley are one such team who shouldn't be leaving the Riverside with the points. The new arrivals of Akpom and Morsy look useful additions and the return of Dael Fry to full fitness will improve the defence. With Warnock also back from his Covid scare then this is surely the time to get that first win and failure to do so would be a missed opportunity with not many other ones on the horizon in October.
Thanks Werder for another stylish, topical and very funny opener.
So funny in fact that I read out large sections of it to my wife and daughter, neither of whom have the slightest interest in the Boro, but who have now become confirmed members of your fan club.
Great start to the thread.
When Neil Warnock said in his press conference about wanting a player to drop into a hole I had a little chuckle to myself, but Werdermouth beat me to it by putting it into print. Nevertheless it’s good to see Neil back in good health and talking a lot of sense about Covid. I’ve just managed to purchase a reconditioned DVD/Cassette player but unable to connect it as I found it difficult to get down to floor level to instal it so paid £45 for a local firm to connect it. The money doesn’t bother me as I’m only spending part of my brother’s inheritance, but I quickly disinfected the remote controls and door handles after the technician left. My wife would have called that obsessive compulsion.
@werder A good starter.
Next I will go for win for the hungry Boro. A clear home win 4-1 at the Riverside.
Assonbalonga a brace, Howson and Fletcer scoring. And we fans sorry to have an International break next.
Well, I can dream, cannot I? Up the Boro!
Thanks Werder for another informative and amusing pre-match article which had me laughing out loud.
Well if the reports are true, Patrick Roberts is on his way back to the Riverside so that NW can drop him into the No 10 hole despite having previously said he needed two fullbacks to be able to play Roberts!
On recent performances we should have enough to beat Barnsley and if we don't then goodness knows how our season will progress.
i would be inclined to start with the team that finished at QPR i.e. Morsy replacing Spence and Tav moved out to the right side. The team looked better balanced to me; it may be just me but at times I am not always sure where Tav is playing as he seems to pop up all over the pitch. This is not always a good thing as at times we can often be overloaded in an area leaving us exposed elsewhere when we lose possession. If he hugs the right touch line and uses his speed and skill he could be very influential in creating opportunities both for himself and others.
Boro 2-0 Barnsley CoB 😎
Werder, many thanks for your leader. It definitely provided a few smiles although is Mr Trump's infection fake news or for sympathy?
Right, score prediction. I'm going Boro 2 - 1 Barnsley on the basis that we never make anything simple and I hope Mr Warnock can make his troops raise their game again.
We should win shouldn't we?
Stay safe everyone,
UTB,
John
Thanks Werder. I echo Len's comments - a quality start to the latest thread.
Ordinarily, I would be predicting defeat tomorrow given that Barnsley are a fluid, passing team of the sort we've had such trouble against. However, Boro found an encouraging counter-argument for that against Bournemouth and with Barnsley struggling so far, I fancy we might win this time.
Predicted XI:
Bettinelli
Djiksteel Fry McNair
Spence Howson Morsy Johnson
Tavernier
Assombalonga Akpom
Boro 2-0 Barnsley
Good news on Roberts. A frustrating player at times but one that does have that spark of creativity that we're missing. I fancy he's being lined up as an a replacement for Tav, unless Warnock is considering going to a lone striker now that he doesn't appear to be chasing a fourth for the squad. For my money, Roberts would be a real upgrade.
Thanks Len and thanks for increasing my audience too 🙂
Who knows what the truth of anything is these days - though if he did indeed catch Covid from his advisor Miss Hicks, I guess Trump will be keen to disprove the football cliche that it's Hope that kills you...
Thanks Andy and it appears Roberts is going to be that man to play in the hole - though you'd normally want your number ten to bring other players into the game so he'll need to work on his often reluctance to pass the ball to a team-mate.
I still maintain that if PL clubs want Championship teams to coach, and give match practice in the tough environment of this league to their promising youngsters, then we shouldn’t have to pay for the privilege, they should be paying us.
Despite the way he left the club, Gaston Ramirez was the last real No 10 we had. Obviously out of our price range but exactly the kind of player we are looking for.
The draw against Bournemouth is looking like a good result now.
I wonder if NW has gone for Roberts in order to play 4-3-3 rather than a bagging a 4th striker to keep with 2 up front. We still don't have a left back* but our wingbacks haven't really offered anything in the last 3 games and now we're a centre back down. I don't rate Johnson's defensive abilities but Warnock seems to.
I can see Warnock picking a team looking like
Bettinelli
Dijksteel Hall Fry Johnson
Howson Morsy McNair
Tav/Roberts Britt Chuba/Fletcher
The left side is still a mess and obviously Hall is out so McNair would drop back and, presumably, Saville come in. To be honest I would like to see Coulson shown some faith.
*To be fair to Bola I thought he did ok(ish) defensively in the cup
Werder, another belter with laughs along the way. Best thing I have read this week. Thanks for brightening up my day.
Well we need a win that’s for certain. Will it be tomorrow, who knows, but it should be one of our better chances.
Tean choice, I think Spence will be out and we will start with the team that finished last week. Morsy to stiffen the MF, Tav on the right to create something from there and Johnson to be able to play further forward.
Roberts, I am not convinced about. If he is really any good, he should be able to get a better team than Boro.
watched the U23 game today ,it looks like the new crop are better than the last few years, nothing spectacular but more organised and they kept it simple, a couple of players never heard of , or have been mentioned from the club.
the RB Dodds looks promising, Walker of course ,Hackney, there was a little NO 10 who put a lot of work in, two quick wingers,but have to work on their final pass.
Leeds were very good at retaining the ball ,and have some really good youngsters.
the game tommorow , have a good feeling , we might break out.
on another note
Harrogate v Bolton how things can change
Thanks Steve ,we are blessed COB
Another belter Werder, thank you.
The slightly Marmite reaction to Roberts is interesting. The main criticism seeming to be his penchant for over elaborating and hanging on to the ball too long.
To be fair to him, he was drafted into a team that often liked to play as if social distancing was invented on the playing fields of Rockcliffe and so no one got the chance to get to know how to play together properly as a team. A collection of individual players badly served because of very poor team organisation and no clear game plan leading to poor off the ball movement thereby creating few meaningful options to the player on the ball. Perhaps it is not surprising he had a tendency to take on the responsibility for himself a little too much.
This year we have already seen the difference a manager who as a clear idea of what he wants and knows how to get his players to deliver it can have. NW might be a good thing in Roberts' development and we might just see more positive outcomes from him as a result. Here is hoping, anyway.
For today? I cannot see past Boro earning their first meaningful victory this season. I believe we are overdue bagging a hateful of goals.
4-0 to us.
CoB
It's going to be hard to find an alternative formation that provides the balance between defence and attack that also offers width and pace. If Warnock has brought in Roberts as a number ten as he hinted as that either suggest a lone striker or other strikers playing wide. Also without a back three then would McNair (our best performing player) now become a midfielder again.
Also I think the arrival of Roberts, who has come back for regular football, means players such as Spence, Coulson and even Tavernier could struggle to fit into the starting line-up.
For me a back three of Dijksteel, Fry and McNair looks a better option but that depends on finding wing-backs who can defend the wide areas. However, wing-backs do prevent the selection of wide players further up the pitch but in reality we have at the moment wingers playing as wing-backs.
The alternative formations (such as 4-4-1-1) that suit our players who have pace leads to only one target man on the pitch if Roberts does indeed play as number ten - which would appear to negate the reason for playing with them as attacking wide players.
There is that preferred formation of Karanka that accommodated a number ten (such as Gaston Ramirez as GHW reminded us) - i.e. 4-2-3-1 and that could offer more flexibility as to who plays in the wide positions of the three behind the striker. But again it requires proper fullbacks and more of a defensive two shielding the back four - where would the likes of McNair, Howson or Wing fit into that or indeed Spence, Coulson and Tavernier.
Basically, Boro have the wrong type of squad to accommodate a number ten and it's hard to see how that would ultimately improve our attacking game if we lost the pace and width to allow Roberts to play in the hole.
Therefore, I suspect Warnock will persist with a back three but maybe he could instead play a 3-4-3 or more likely 3-4-1-2 with Roberts being the 'one' in a free role. It would still allow pair of strikers and the wing-backs essentially become the wide players in midfield.
So my suggestion would be...
Bettinelli
Dijksteel - Fry - McNair
Tavernier - Howson - Morsy - Johnson
Roberts
Akpom - Assombalonga
Of course it would allow Spence, Wing, Saville and Coulson to cover that midfield and Fletcher to be an alternative striker - with Hall and Wood defensive cover. Possibly, Browne could play in that hole too. It means the current squad fit into positions without them needing to play out of position.
Although in the end we may just see a looser formation of what we generally set-up but with more flexibilty of where people play.
There’s been plenty to read about concerning Neil Warnock in the Yorkshire Post this week as he approaches his 1,500th game in management this afternoon. I must confess I had never heard of him as a player, but have always liked him as a coach and admired his managerial skills. There’s plenty of meat there for an autobiography of his life; perhaps when he retires he’ll write a book. As for today it would be really special for him to win his 1,500th game, so what could possibly go wrong? Typical Boro or typical Warnock? Come on Boro, don’t let the man down!
On the subject of formations JW was convinced he could play 4-3-3 the only problem for him was that he didn’t have the personnel to implement it.
Just a couple of statistical facts about Barnsley. They have conceded the first goal in 15 of their last 24 away league games and lost 14 of them, the other one being a draw. Also no team has lost as many ‘nought to nil’ games in those 24 away games.
3-4-1-2 with Tav as the no. 10 is my reading of the setup so far this season as it is. I think Roberts will most likely replace Tav.
I would probably prefer them both to play behind a lone striker. Extra creativity to replace one of the non-scoring strikers makes sense to me.
The wingbacks are the area where we need more quality and natural players for the role.
Not sure what Barry Douglas is up to these days. He’s not getting game time at Leeds and a loan move would be a good one for me. Equally Wolves have a surplus on the right and a loan there would make sense. I see we’ve already been linked to one.
Typical, I go in search of a formation to suit the squad and end back where we started - perhaps I've just proved why we play the formation we do if that is the case. Although I'm not entirely sure where Tav has been playing this season as he tends to end up all over the pitch and hasn't really been the playmaker that has linked midfield and attack.
I'm also not convinced by the idea of lone striker as I'm not sure if any of our strikers can play that role - Britt never does much when on his own and generally lacks the first to bring others into play - Fletcher doesn't impose himself against defenders and needs a partner - but too early to say with Akpom. I'm also doubtful about Roberts in that role as he's tended only to pass when he's run out of space to beat his man.
However, the better teams always seem to adapt their formation depending how the opposition play. GHW gave Liverpool as an example but for clubs like Boro perhaps the best examples are Sheff Utd or Leeds, who play with flexibility and rotation without possessing match-winning individual players. In theory, having defenders like Dijksteel, Fry and McNair gives Boro options - though the options tend to disappear the further up the pitch we get!
Very disturbing to read of dropping Tav after dropping Wing, it seems we are back to Woodgate, if the defence is not working, drop your forwards, with the emphasis on the better forwards. It is looking like we are back to square one. There is no team we are expected to beat, and we do not disapoint !.
Damn, I should have predicted lottery numbers rather than a 4-3-3 formation.