With Guevara on the field, I'd expect to see more of a 3-5-2 formation. Mathis slides up front with Moreno with Guevara tucked in behind them. Move DiGi up to a straight left winger, with Clark and Williams at the D-Mid spots. Either LeBlanc or Zaidie at right wing, with Jolley, Pope and Zaidie/Leitch/Regan as the 3-man backline. But the defense looked great most of the last match, so maybe they'll stick to a 4-4-2 with no real wide midfielders.
I expect something like this: -----Mathis---------Moreno----- --------------Guevara-------------- ------Clark--------Williams------ DiGi------------------------Leitch/Moore ----Jolley----Pope----Ziadie---- Leitch/Moore and DiGiamarino as Defensive Wingers because they both defend well and have ability to push foreward. We need 3 strong defenders if we're going to have a 3 man backline so we need Ziadie to stay there, hes hardcore. Clark and Williams keeping their spots in the middle with Guevara right in front of them. Mathis and Moreno up front with the finishing touches. Magee will be our first man off the bench.
I sure hope he adjusts to the MLS in time... although we could have Zidane in our midfield and it wouldnt make a difference..no one moved out there on Sat... it's the same old story for us..no one ever moves on the pitch and never do you see someone switch the field of play. I sure hope this brings a new spark to the midfield...we need it.
Although I like Moore and his style of play, I don't agree that he has the ability to push forward. I would rather slide Zaidie up to that spot. The right back could be either Addo (if he ever gets another chance) or Regan. I believe in the pre-season, Bob used Arena in central defense. If he works out there, we could use a back line of Jolley-Arena-Pope.
I agree with many of you... the team I would go with is: ---------------Mathis------------Moreno----------- -----------------------Guevara--------------------- Digi-----------Clark-------------Williams---------Ziadie --------Jolley--------Pope---------Addo/Regan/Arena--- ---------------------Howard-----------------------
Hoping for a Pineda Chacon or Ruiz (league MVP) impact is a lot of pressure to put on a new player. Let's hope he can deal with it.
Wow, the Gaffer really predicted an MVP campaign from the club's new schemer? Grave error, mates! Cheers!
What about Magee? I think everybody here is overlooking the fact that Magee is one helluva footballer and that he played fantastic this past game against the Crew... Yes I know he missed a few chances....but the kid is 18 and starting in MLS...expect him to make a couple mistakes before he gets comfy out there....all in all though he was dangerous the entire game...he moved laterally across the field very well putting himself in position for Moreno to put a couple nice through balls to him.... I am acutally gonna say drop Richie Williams out of the starting line up and slide Mathis in behind him, have Ricardo Clark act as a holding defensive mid/stopper type..... I think Magee has shown he can perform at this level and perform very well if given the chance, let him get two more games under his belt, see how that goes....then if you need adjust Mathis up top and slide Craig Zaidie wide, Jeff Moore, etc whatever you want to do....
One more time... I am going to say it again... 4-4-2 with a box midfield. I am thinking that Bob really wants Magee to get his time, so he will leave both Guevera and Mathis in the midfield with Williams and Clark supporting. The back four of Digi, Pope, Jolley, and Ziadie will remain solid.
I think Guevara is going to be great for you guys, but let's try not to lose our heads around here. Some of this is just crazy talk. Arena in central defense? Pushing Mathis out of position to make room for Magee? Get ahold of yourselves!
<html> <pre> Moreno Magee Clark Mathis Duevara Williams Clark Pope Jolley Ziadi Howard </pre> </html>
He doesn't have to be great, although that would be nice. He merely has to be competent and suited to the role of controlling the pace and orchestrating the attack. Be it a matter having the required skills, patience or temperment, Clint does not seem able to fill that role for 90 minutes. His creativity flourishes when he can concentrate on the attack. He is even more dangerous when he is paired with someone that will draw the attention of defenders in his own right. If Guevara successfully enable Clint to pair with Moreno, the acquisition will be worth it.
i absolutely agree, and the rookie that will remain in the starting lineup is clark...magee, as much as i agree with the majority of the pro-magee argument, will serve as an excellent super-sub this year, especially while mathis isnt in top shape...i do believe that mathis and moreno up top can be something really special if guevara is a consistently competent playmaker...
Any idea if Guevara is expected to start on Saturday against LA? What has his recent training situation been? Is Bradley likely to "ease him in" to the lineup or do folks expect him to start on Saturday?