Riera out. Lia under injury cloud. A thousand players back in.
R24 V Melbourne Victory | Sunday 5th April | 7:00pm
Riera out will be a massive loss against Victory. A-Rod is going to have to step into that role I guess, but Riera covers our arses so often when our full backs get caught up the pitch. A-Rod can pass as well (if not better) and tackles well but can he read the game as well for that job?
I guess if you go back to the usual formation Ernie has used for the majority of the season and the "usual suspects" subs, then the only hole is that DM with Riera suspended. With Lia being in doubt, what do you do and who else goes on the bench?
Does A-Rod play in that hole with Hicks coming in in front of Muscat and playing higher with Roly a little deeper? If Lia is fit, does he sit in there (as unsuccessful at that role in the past he has been we have to acknowledge) with A-Rod playing his 2nd fiddle and a tag-team approach to the defensive screener? Ernie says its about attack and not defensive so I doubt that's it. Its an interesting problem that's for sure.
One thing that will become very apparent to everyone with an interest in Riera/Phoenix is that we will find out actually how good Riera is in his position now that he is not there. Its a given he is bloody good but if he is a real key to the success of this team and the break point position that Ernie wanted to address in the off season, then it will be interesting how we hold without him.
Roly to replace Riera. Hicks/Lia to partner Rodriguez.
I think that's probably the right option really. That was the insurance policy reason that Ernie told us about when he signed Roly.
When I think about his skill base, I think Roly has more than enough tools for it. Its just how quickly he can adjust to playing deeper and out of the higher position he has played all year. Might take him a period of the game to adjust and curb the attack mindedness he has used all year to just being a screener and then making a pass to A-Rod and Lia/Hicks for them to build.
Roly is so crucial to our attack higher up though, I'd be reluctant to bring him further back.
Not necessarily my preference but Manny could also go in there with Boxall and Fenton at fullback. Seems less disruptive to the team overall.
Roly is so crucial to our attack higher up though, I'd be reluctant to bring him further back.
Not necessarily my preference but Manny could also go in there with Boxall and Fenton at fullback. Seems less disruptive to the team overall.
Manny is not capable of playing in the DM role that the team is now playing. He played that role for Ricki when it was more a straight defensive role. Nowadays it is more often than not, the start of our movement forward, collecting the ball from the back four then finding other options going forward and I do not think Manny has that skill set.
The defensive side is important, but the starting point of transition to attack is equally so.
We need to win this, given Victory's 1 game buffer on us. The formula is easy. Win + Win + Win + Win = Premiership.
No Riera, we are gonna get humped.
Rufer slotted into the Riera role when he was subbed on & was playing there for the wee Nix but I wouldn't risk chucking him in on such a vital game (plus 7pm is probably past his bed time)
I guess if you go back to the usual formation Ernie has used for the majority of the season and the "usual suspects" subs, then the only hole is that DM with Riera suspended. With Lia being in doubt, what do you do and who else goes on the bench?
Does A-Rod play in that hole with Hicks coming in in front of Muscat and playing higher with Roly a little deeper? If Lia is fit, does he sit in there (as unsuccessful at that role in the past he has been we have to acknowledge) with A-Rod playing his 2nd fiddle and a tag-team approach to the defensive screener? Ernie says its about attack and not defensive so I doubt that's it. Its an interesting problem that's for sure.
One thing that will become very apparent to everyone with an interest in Riera/Phoenix is that we will find out actually how good Riera is in his position now that he is not there. Its a given he is bloody good but if he is a real key to the success of this team and the break point position that Ernie wanted to address in the off season, then it will be interesting how we hold without him.
We need to win this, given Victory's 1 game buffer on us. The formula is easy. Win + Win + Win + Win = Premiership.
......:>)
6 pointer
I thought (first touch in the match aside) Rufer looked pretty decent when he came on.
I'm not sure using Roly in Riera's position is the best idea actually, although I'll admit we don't have many other options.
But I personally thought we really missed Roly in midfield yesterday. No doubt he can play as n.10 but he has been amazing in the middle of the park with his distribution and ability to beat player and transition for defense to attack.
On the other hand, if Lia is out, I have no idea who could play there. Unless we put Boxall at RB, Fenton at LB and Manny at DMF, but I highly doubt Ernie will go that way.
Am I missing something? Surely Rodriguez is the natural replacement for Riera. High work rate, makes himself available, keeps play simple.
Lia is not a DM. That was proven conclusively last year when Riera was out. Manny is not a ball playing midfielder. Ask him to mark someone and effectively play as a 3rd centreback he would do fine, but the way we play now, we are well beyond that.
JV loving the Phoenix Football Manager 2015 (excel spreadsheet version). Don't forget to copyright!
Its the only I can actually look at who is in the team, where the holes are and visualise the options. There are a whole host of options but I guess Ernie gets paid the big bucks to make the right call
Victory's biggest loss of the year coming up against rebounding Phoenix.
Rufer for DM.
He's played there for WeeNix. I reckon he's being groomed as the successor to Riera.
Rufer for DM.
He's played there for WeeNix. I reckon he's being groomed as the successor to Riera.
Manny vs Kosta, give me the shivers. But he's maybe still injured, bad for him, good for us.
JV loving the Phoenix Football Manager 2015 (excel spreadsheet version). Don't forget to copyright!
Its the only I can actually look at who is in the team, where the holes are and visualise the options. There are a whole host of options but I guess Ernie gets paid the big bucks to make the right call
You have to run some 'Big Data' behind it to make the call.
Coming up for this match along with a group from the CHCH supporters club, looking forward to seeing us hump the victory. Albert is a big loss for us, Burnsy and Mikey back though should even it out.
We won't win. Won't win the league either. Oh well, was an emotional ride, boys. See ya next season.
Rufer for DM.
He's played there for WeeNix. I reckon he's being groomed as the successor to Riera.
The end of Victory as we know it. There will be no way back from the havoc and destruction we will inflict. A score line not seen in modern times. Their club will crumble from the inside, probably before they get back to the land of the one day trophy. Heavy defeat will ultimately lead to surrender and the Nix will expand its empire to include the A-League lands.
Coming down for this one. Bounce back big time!
amping for the game!
What's the deal with the pre and post match?
Are there liquor laws in place on the Sunday/Monday?
What's the deal with the pre and post match?
Are there liquor laws in place on the Sunday/Monday?
Easter surcharge, and can only buy beers at the game in the second half. They will cost $12 each.
Must put pointless liquor laws in place so as to not offend peoples imaginary friend.
yet on Sunday morning you can score free red wine at some places...and free bread.
yet on Sunday morning you can score free red wine at some places...and free bread.
Have to wait in line tho...
yet on Sunday morning you can score free red wine at some places...and free bread.
Only if you are a member of their cult.
Must put pointless liquor laws in place so as to not offend peoples imaginary friend.
Some people say this but then react angrily when the logical follow up is that Good Friday and Easter Monday should not be holidays.
They are pointless holidays too.
But the more days off the better, right? (unless you're a business owner etc).
Must put pointless liquor laws in place so as to not offend peoples imaginary friend.
Some people say this but then react angrily when the logical follow up is that Good Friday and Easter Monday should not be holidays days off work.
That's why.
Must put pointless liquor laws in place so as to not offend peoples imaginary friend.
Some people say this but then react angrily when the logical follow up is that Good Friday and Easter Monday should not be holidays.
Wouldn't mind loosing easter if we get a few more hollidays during the year. It's a long haul from Anzac Day to Labour Day, so spread them out a bit more. Also think we should give more importance to Waitangi day, maybe make that a two dayer (at least mondayize it).
Way off topic but Tyler Boyd aside most people in this country don't care two hoots about the various imaginary dieties, be it God, Xenu, or the Flying Spaghetti Monster - so seems a bit weird that the beliefs of a brain washed minority are forced on those of sound mind.
It has been Mondayized along with Anzac day.
What's the deal with the pre and post match?
Are there liquor laws in place on the Sunday/Monday?
Easter surcharge, and can only buy beers at the game in the second half. They will cost $12 each.
Must put pointless liquor laws in place so as to not offend peoples imaginary friend.
Some people say this but then react angrily when the logical follow up is that Good Friday and Easter Monday should not be holidays.
Wouldn't mind loosing easter if we get a few more hollidays during the year. It's a long haul from Anzac Day to Labour Day, so spread them out a bit more. Also think we should give more importance to Waitangi day, maybe make that a two dayer (at least mondayize it).
Way off topic but Tyler Boyd aside most people in this country don't care two hoots about the various imaginary dieties, be it God, Xenu, or the Flying Spaghetti Monster - so seems a bit weird that the beliefs of a brain washed minority are forced on those of sound mind.
Ifill Friday and Greenacre Monday