Decision Time for Merse

Plan B ?
By TSFC.com
February 13 2005

After the fantastic result at Ashton Gate the gaffer now needs to decide which way he is going to approach the MK Dons match. Will he revert back to his favoured 4312 formation or leave himself on the bench again?

After the magnificent result away to Bristol City on Friday will Merson now change our way of playing for the forthcoming home match against MK Dons?

There is certainly a case for keeping Roper in the heart of the defence in preference to Bennett. Admittedly Bennett displays all the necessary attributes to be an excellent defender but he is also extremely error prone. These individual errors have of late cost the Saddlers dearly. Bennett needs a spell in the reserves to iron out his defensive weaknesses.

Against Bristol City Merson packed the midfield in order to control the game and limited City’s attacking threat. As long as the midfield is balanced, incorporating wingers to provide an attacking threat and the central midfield players move forwards to support the lone striker, there is no reason why this formation cannot be used at home.

During the last home game against Wrexham the visitors packed out their midfield negating our tried and trusted 4312 formation. This left Merson a virtual spectator for most of the game leaving only 9 outfield players to compete.

If the gaffer is going to use the same tactics as against Bristol City he will again be sitting the match out as he admittedly can’t play that way himself. If he is left out then we have previously looked like a side totally lacking in creativity.

However, if Wrack and Taylor can provide the width and Surman the supporting forward role then this may well be the best strategy for Saddlers to edge towards the play offs.

The important point is that we now appear to have a plan B.

Hoorah! for Merse.