Match Thread - Port Vale v Lincoln City

[TheSage]

Ooops, wrong post!

 

Bit early to be drinking!

[onestepatatime]

Bit early to be drinking!

 

I've been up since 1am. Getting pre-match nerves now!

[Upfromnowhere]

I can't see Aspin changing his ways, and though it draws a lot of criticism I can see him making his customary changes that will put the emphasis on not losing again.

Though many would love to see Vassell and Clarke filling the full back berths cant see that happening, and despite the fact that again most would opt for a Miller/Pope partnership, I can see the skipper playing up front on his own again, I really can, which if it happened would really play into the leaders hands.

Midfield is the hardest area to predict, there are so many possible permutations you could almost have a sweepstake.

Hardcastle must have put himself into contention, and I wouldn't mind seeing him and Conlon in the middle with Whits on the left and Hannant on the right, but knowing the bosses tendency to tinker, I am probably way off the mark.

If as I fear Pope is up top on his own again, we could well go with five in the middle, and because they are such a strong, big, and physical side (even more so if Rhead starts) can see Kay sitting in front of the back four, with Joyce and Conlon in the middle. Whatever the line up, and it's going to be such a hard game, I just hope NA grows a set and that we at least try and take the game to them, if we don't, if we sit back, I fear the worse. Don't often say this, especially at home, but would certainly bite their hand off for a draw now though!

[jamiepvfc109]

we can't sit back and soak up the pressure against these you have got to have a go at them so we've got play 4-4-2. pope upfront with either miller or kanu pace on the wings and have pressure them like we did last season. hopefully no silly mistakes from thr defence because we have looked strong mostly its just the odd mistake keeps costing us. central midfield is the one with manny being out who do we play with conlon ? like a few have said I think id try hannant in there. but with a good away following there should be a good atmosphere and hopefully a better result for us than in the league cup game

[Paul6754]

4-4-2 for me with Kay sitting in front of the back 4 to combat their physicality, Hannant and Whitfield (If fit) on the wings, rest of the team same as last week.

[Bald Eagle]

It won’t be the same without Brabin squaring up to the Chuckle Brothers!

[SourceOfTheTrent]

If Aspo plays one up front I think it would be suicidal, we have to give them something to worry about or they'll dominate the game and compress it into our half. I don't think he will, I expect to see two up but which two depends on Popey's fitness to play.

[wwindsor]

I can see Kay sitting infront of a back 4 with Joyce and Conlon in front then Whitfield, Hannant and kanu behing the lone man Pope so a very narrow 4-1-5-1. Not enough experience on the park if Kay and Joyce arent in their!!!

[bookworm]

All I can see is a ******* good kicking and nil patwa.

[sheffield61]

As big as 14/5 for a home win, you can even get 3/4 that we won't loose, I think a point would do fine today.....

[darren1810]

I can see Kay sitting infront of a back 4 with Joyce and Conlon in front then Whitfield, Hannant and kanu behing the lone man Pope so a very narrow 4-1-5-1. Not enough experience on the park if Kay and Joyce arent in their!!!

 

I also saw Kay sitting in front of a back 4. Then i woke up in a hot sweat from my nightmare .

 

In all seriousness Kay did ok last season once it was realised he was abysmal at centre half. However he is a bit part player now and a starting place against the League leaders is tantamount to raising the white flag .

[philmpv]

I can see Kay sitting infront of a back 4 with Joyce and Conlon in front then Whitfield, Hannant and kanu behing the lone man Pope so a very narrow 4-1-5-1. Not enough experience on the park if Kay and Joyce arent in their!!!

If were allowed to play 4-1-5-1 then we've certainly got a chance!

[Hagrid]

When I get worried about games like today I remind myself we pasted Luton 4-0 with Kay and Tonge in the middle.

[connor hackett]

Nothing to fear today, we need to start fast, get the crowd up and show the Imps we’re a good side. Despite what dross you read on here at times, we are a good side, todays the time to show it, 2-1 victory, last minute winner, absolute scenes!!!! Let’s make some noise valiants..

[wwindsor]

If were allowed to play 4-1-5-1 then we've certainly got a chance!

 

Hehe, 4-1-4-1. Sorry