Taming The Shrews

[just.reading]

I'd be surprised if it wasnt this line up. Looking at the likely bench (Goff, Phillips, Smith, Poole, Bowditch, Long, Revell), I think only Bowditch may be considered for a start, if any of the 3 midfielders are struggling for fitness.

I reckon Bowditch will start instead of Kasim.

[The Rauldinho]

I reckon Bowditch will start instead of Kasim.

If Bowditch starts the formation will be different I think:

                        Cornell

               Barnett   Ash   Pierre
Powell                                        Buchs
                Crooks    M. Taylor
           
                      Bowditch

                   Waters  Rico

[Joes Sweet Left Foot]

I know Bowditch has played most of the pre-season games but I would sooner have Chris Long starting up front with Richards and Waters playing just behind. With his pace and finishing ability Long will get us goals. But I suspect your line-up is the likely starting one.

[Irchy cob]

I reckon he'll go for kasim instead of bowditch just to get an extra body into midfield - my worry would be that this would potentially isolate the front 2. Looking at their forum they seem to think their left back is their weak link so hopefully Powell will be able to push him back. Remembering back to when they played at sixfields last season I seem to recall that whalley caused loads of problems for buchs so it will be interesting to see how that develops.

[Dr Feelgood]

If Bowditch starts the formation will be different I think:

                        Cornell

               Barnett   Ash   Pierre
Powell                                        Buchs
                Crooks    M. Taylor
           
                      Bowditch

                   Waters  Rico

No Long?

[The Rauldinho]

No Long?

Not for me. I haven't seen enough of him as I missed the Newport game. People are raving about his contribution so I am hoping he is going to be great for us.

For now, especially away from home, I would stick with a tougher midfield three and Rico and Waters up front. The front three of them and Long sounds great though, but would be better suited at home for us maybe?

[guest2995]

If Bowditch starts the formation will be different I think:

                        Cornell

               Barnett   Ash   Pierre
Powell                                        Buchs
                Crooks    M. Taylor
           
                      Bowditch

                   Waters  Rico

I would much rather Kasim than Taylor .
Waters may lose out to Long

[Irchy cob]

I know the arguments for and against Matt Taylor are the same as last season but this time we are a significantly bigger team and his set-pieces - if he gets them right - should be a major weapon.

[BedsCobb]

I know the arguments for and against Matt Taylor are the same as last season but this time we are a significantly bigger team and his set-pieces - if he gets them right - should be a major weapon.

Its a bit of a luxury to sacrifice an energetic box to box midfielder for an occasional free kick and corner, we must have others who can take a decent free kick and corner? 

[cobbler150]

Its a bit of a luxury to sacrifice an energetic box to box midfielder for an occasional free kick and corner, we must have others who can take a decent free kick and corner? 

WTF? That luxury kept us up last season.

[BackOfTheNet]

Matt Taylor was a funny one for me last year and I could never make my mind up if his set pieces made up for his lack of contribution in open play. Still, he did play a lot of football last season and I think it took its toll. I'm more than happy to see how he starts out this season now he's had a break before making any judgement about whether he should be in the side or not. Also, I think it's fair to say there are better players around him this year that may be more on his wavelength  (and may mean he won't be required to chase around quite as much)

[Vintage Cobbler]

Matt Taylor made a significant contribution last season. How some supporters don't recognise this defeats me.  He was also played out of position for several matches due to the short-comings in last season's squad. Like Rico & Revell there is no way he is going to play 46 games this season and I am sure he will readily accept the situation but still be an important player. 

[Aitobs]

Its a bit of a luxury to sacrifice an energetic box to box midfielder for an occasional free kick and corner, we must have others who can take a decent free kick and corner? 

I agree entirely. Surely Rico, Revell, Crooks and Bowditch are all perfectly capable of taking a good set-piece considering their experience and talent?

[Joes Sweet Left Foot]

Matt Taylor made a significant contribution last season. How some supporters don't recognise this defeats me.  He was also played out of position for several matches due to the short-comings in last season's squad. Like Rico & Revell there is no way he is going to play 46 games this season and I am sure he will readily accept the situation but still be an important player. 

So what is his correct position. It can't be protecting the back four because he simply isn't up to it and is an accident waiting to happen.

[Aitobs]

Happy New Season Day everybody! Here's hoping we have a great season.

Well done to all those heading to Shrewsbury.

My prediction for today is a 2-1 win for NTFC.

[Ralap]

Safe journey and have a great day of celebrations and sing songs all that are managing to get there.

[everbrite]

So what is his correct position. It can't be protecting the back four because he simply isn't up to it and is an accident waiting to happen.

No he isn't

[everbrite]

Trust us to stop in Shifnal pubs closed
Fez out!

[Aitobs]

TEAM NEWS: Cobblers: Cornell, Barnett, A Taylor, Pierre, Powell, Crooks, M Taylor, Buchanan, Bowditch, Waters, Richards (c)

[Baldy]

Afternoon all. What's happened to Cobblers Wall?