Midfield protecting defence?

I used to think that we needed Olofinjana in the midfield as the 'destroyer' to protect the defence.

When Chopra came on I thought it was a good move by DJ, but when I realised that Whittingham and Ramsey were together in midfield, I thought we'd be weak as they are both creative players.

However, the defence seemed much more exposed in the first half, when Olofinjana was on the pitch, than the second.

Granted, this may have been because we had more control of the ball in midfield, but that makes me wonder - maybe we should set up like this more often? Two creative players to get control of the midfield - if we have control of it, we don't need a 'destroyer' to protect the defence.

Or is that too risky a strategy?

They way Oli is playing we may aswell bring Rae back in or have kept Wildig.

If only there was some sort of 'window' where we could 'transfer' a player from one club to us that actually knew how to boss midfield. But unfortunatly Dave Jones is unaware of such a tool and we have to make do with Oly.

Ramsey and Whitts is fine, albeit not a long term option if Ramsey goes back. But against the jacks it might be tough to play that way.

I can see him doing 5 in midfield against the jacks again. May be the right idea, but Chopra had a very good game when he came on today that it'd be harsh not to start him in the next game.

Bring back Rae!

I still think our best 'patch' this season was when we were playing 4-5-1/4-3-3 (notably the Portsmouth/Doncaster games) with Oli in front of the back four and Bothroyd playing as the lone striker.

I take the point on Chopra, but at times he gives me the impression of being a square peg in a round hole when it comes to our playing formation, in other words a great player but he just doesn't fit in.

i feel we need more in midfield we get dominated to easily and they always have a clear run at our defence

Perhaps if we play 5 across the middle, Jet Rambo Oli Whitts Bellamy, that would make us stronger. Jet and Bellamy are fast enough to support Jay. But please no Naylor then we have a spare player , because at the moment we need someone to protect him, which is crazy.

too much ball watching,not enough tackling,we are not blessed with the best defensive MF,whitts defensive skills are a joke

We need someone to protect the back 4 because we can't control possession at all. Away teams nearly always seem to dominate possession at the CCS and I can't see us controlling a derby game away from home!

I'd play Burke Ramsey Oli Bellamy ------ Chopra Bothroyd

Our wingers here don't mind getting back and ramsey can do all the playmaking whilst Oli holds.

If Burke isn't effective and the midfield feels a bit light bring in JET as he can mix it up.
If we aren't creating enough Whiits can come in for Oli and we just push for goals.
If we really are getting dominated or need to hold on Chopra can come off and JET could play CM allowing Oli to follow Pratley.

We've got possibilities, but i'd much rather McPhail and see some tackles fly in

And we need Chopra starting because he is by far the best off the ball strike in the Championship, his runs are phenomenal and we need to stretch the jacks, and make the most of Monk being out.