Do something different: How Leicester City should line up at Newcastle
While it may seem too late to turn this tanker around, there are still decisions to make for the trip to Newcastle on Monday night. Helen Thompson, Becky Taylor and Iain Wright tell us what their approach would be.
Play the kids
Is it too obvious to just say that we should play the academy kids? It wouldn’t be amiss for Dean Smith to throw some caution to the wind given this very much feels like the last throw of the dice. He’s been pretty loyal so far to the same names and a lot of those names haven’t rewarded his faith.
Others (see Youri Tielemans) also just look pretty tired and/or unfit. Nobody expects us to give Newcastle a game, so what else is left to lose? We may as well just try changing about nine of the starting eleven from Monday.
While I have my own doubts about the progression (or lack of) Luke Thomas has made recently, I wouldn’t be against restoring him to the team, perhaps alongside Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and maybe promoting some of the younger players in the wings. Effort wise, you think we’d be guaranteed it from them and right now, that feels like it’ll count for more.
It’s probably too little too late to save the season but the fans who are travelling deserve to not have spent more money and time for nothing. Just give us something to cheer for, Leicester, please.
Helen Thompson
Energy and madness
Is there an option to change every single one of them because you're sick of the sight of them?
I'd say play the whole youth set up as you'd hope they'd show some fight, but their recent relegation and aligned terrible season it probably would somehow be worse.
There's many changes I'd make, starting with the midfield. Smith came out and said he was surprised by how they managed vs (a very weakened) Fulham, but then proceeded to play the same players for the Liverpool game.
Youri and Soumare in particular play like they're running through treacle. We need energy, fight and pressing not ambling around the pitch.
The stat about Wilf not making a tackle in the 3 starts prior to Liverpool, when that is literally his job on a pitch, was the most absurd thing I'd seen. I'd bring KDH (if fit) and Mendy in for Wilf and Soumare, I'm not Dewsbury-Hall's biggest fan but my word we miss his energy.
Kels absolutely has to come back in too, even if for some pure Keldog madness for one last time. I love the bloke because even he hasn't got a clue what he's going to do next. Whether it's score a worldie or do something so ridiculously bad it's funny I want to see it.
I'm over the defence, whoever plays they seem to be terrible. I'm not sure what Souttar has done wrong though, I can see a lot calling for him to come in and I couldn't disagree. May as well start playing those we think might be here at the start of next season.
Becky Taylor
Something different
I found James Knight’s article this week fascinating. Although we're obviously not going to replace Dean Smith, I'm very glad I'm not the only one who feels he's not tried to make enough changes and barely had any impact. We're not going down because of Dean Smith but he has hastened our impending relegation rather than brought us nearer to safety.
Yes, he inherited a difficult situation but I'm astonished that anyone coming in thought more of the same and hoping for a different outcome was the way to go. His only win came on the back of trying something different but since then he's been Brendan with a Brummie accent. Maybe we'll get something new in the next two games. I really hope so and as ever wish him well.
I'm going to put forward how I'd approach things.
First of all, Ward in goal - only kidding! Iversen obviously keeps the gloves.
I'm going for a back 5 of Ricardo, Souttar, Evans, Faes and Kristiansen. It's a back 5 which is a change in itself but the other big change is how deep they are going to be. We've been hopeless at playing players offside so this time we're not even going to try. For Wilson to be offside, he'll need to stand on the goal line. We'll be so deep we may need snorkels.
In addition to this, no one is allowed forward (while we're level or even one down). The wingbacks are completely banned from firing balls into the midfield and being marooned up field awaiting a one-two that never happens. They stay put, simple as.
In midfield, obviously Papy Mendy starts, I mean what on earth does he do wrong in training? Alongside him, KDH comes in. Even if he's half fit, it's better than half hearted. Mendy is allowed as far as the centre circle, KDH the half way line.
Ahead of them, Vardy, Barnes and Maddison. Maddison drops in when we don't have the ball, Barnes and Vardy push up and offer an out ball. All three need to press.
Now, I know there are holes in the above, but at least it's trying something else. Surely that team won't concede 20+ shots like we did on our last visit (and that was just the first 10 mins!). The game plan is to keep it tight, build the pressure and win it late.
It's the hope that kills you sadly...
Iain Wright
