Klose will start. But i realize he was anonymous in the 2nd half, something has to do with his stamina. Afterall, he is 32 n it shouldnt come as a shock But since Cacau is now out, shall we have Kiessling as the backup striker? Mario Gomez is just terrible n i think Kiessling's mobility, ball control and condition are much better. Or shall we use Thomas Mueller at CF and have Marin/Troche at RW? So in the second half, its either: -----------------Khedira-------Schweini ----Mueller-------------Oezil---------------Podolski ----------------------Kiessling or -----------------Khedira-------Schweini ----Marin---------------Oezil--------------Podolski/Jansen -----------------------Mueller
i would much prefer putting mueller on to the spot light. But if Kiessling is doing well at the training camp (which is isn't currently), he could do it too.
It'll be Gomez. Mueller is far too comfortable coming from the right and he will always drift there by instinct. And Loew loves Gomez doesn't he?
Podolski would be the best replacement. He's got that striker instinct, loves to shoot, and I can definitely see him as a frontman to target. I just feel sorry for Gomez. I really want him to score goals, because I can tell his confidence has gone to ZERO. Feel bad for him. Something funny I've noticed: Podolski only scores when Klose is on. Guess it's a good luck charm to have Klose.
Definitely Kiessling, Mueller should stay on the left. Kiessling would fit so well in this team, I hope he gets his time
He certainly didn't look full of confidence in the few minutes he got last game. I don't know if there is a replacement for Klose in the team honestly - especially with Cacau out, although even he is not a like-for-like replacement.
Podo has been working really hard lately and I think would do well as 2nd choice striker...that is if 2nd choice LW is solid. In the end Lovey opted for an extra striker in camp and should play his card - as much as I agree with the anti-Gomez sentiment here, I believe Gomez will be the final answer. IMO Podo, Keezer or Muellerifico will not even get a sniff of striker action in a close game. Could we light Gomer's greasy hairdoo and maybe redirect shots off him while he's punching himself in the head running around the penalty area? I don't know, something has to motivate the guy...obviously football doesn't.
He drifts there because he's a RW, it has nothing to do with him going there by instinct. He was fine when he played with Bayern as a striker when he stayed in the middle. Either way he's not a choice. As a super-sub, probably Cacau is a good choice or Gomez. Gomez would be perfect if we had the lead and were playing in the counter, but he has no confidence. Cacau is good because he can run at defenders when they are tired, a logical choice. Kiessling is just overrated in general, and the only reason he's still in the squad is because of injures like Balla, Westermann & Co.
Mueller is at his best in a support role, making runs, cutting the ball back into the penalty area. His best role is supporting striker, but when the offense is flowing he gets to do the same things on the RW. He is not a pure RW as his crosses from wide are not so good. As much as I have loved Gomez in the past his current form is terrible and I'd rather see Cacau or Kiessling in the striker position. I don't think Podolski has the tactical awareness to play the lone forward in a 4-5-1, i.e. hold the ball, distribute, make runs past the defense... Podolski at his best recieving the ball while already in a LF position, already facing the goal, and hammering away.