Samba Sow

[Sniffer Dog (Admin)]

We have to keep in mind that every time Sow has played he has played together with Watson. Personally I think I would have selected Watson of the two if I was forced to choose.

That's true Gari but except for last Saturday every time Sow hasn't played Watson has played and we have struggled.

Sadly the facts show that we cannot win without Sow and that needs to change and change quickly.

Moving Cash into midfield is an option we must at least try surely?

[GaribaldiRED]

That is not entirely true. We haven't lost every time Sow hasn't played. I do agree that Sow has a very impressive record at Forest but would they have won as much if he was paired with Yates? Could be but I believe that Watson and Sow complement each other perfectly and that is the reason why we have been so successful with Sow in the team. We seem to keep forgetting how good Watson actually is for the overall performance of the team but he unfortunately is not able to carry the whole midfield alone.

I would like to point out that I believe Silva has matured a lot as he slowly gets to grip with English football and I don't disregard the possibility that Watson and Silva could be quite effective as a midfield pairing. Moving Cash into the middle would weaken the side considerably as it would be like turning the best right back in the league into an average midfielder. We could simply not afford to do that. And btw, we did try Cash in the middle in one of the cup matches and as far as I remember that was not any great success.

So imo not all is lost if Sow is out but Forest cannot afford to loose both Sow and Watson. We need to have at least one of them available.

[Sniffer Dog (Admin)]

Sorry Gari. I have to disagree on a lot of that. We have a lot of evidence that we cannot win without Sow even with Watson in the team alongside Silva or Yates. Also I don't agree that moving Cash will weaken the team. Jenkinson and Darikwa are both proven at this level.

[GaribaldiRED]

But we haven't played Sow with Yates or Silva. Are you so sure that we would have won the same number of games with Sow paired with one of them?

With Cash we will have to disagree. Either Jenkinson nor Darikwa are anywhere near the best right back in the league.

[Sniffer Dog (Admin)]

I understand where you are coming from Gari, I see your point.

I can't answer your question, nobody can.

All I can say is that based on the facts that we have available we struggle without Sow in the team. Unfortunately there are no facts available for Sow being paired with Yates or Silva.

[GaribaldiRED]

Understand Sniffer. I'm just pointing out the fact that Sow has only played together with Watson and maybe, just maybe, that has contributed to his great success. I at least, believe so.

[optimistic_red]

I'm not sure we can say we will or won't do well based only if Sow plays. Although I understand why it's been said.

For me he has been exceptional using at getting the ball, making space and playing forward quickly. We are a counter attacking side, so if our midfield play it safe we don't create many chances.

I really hope he gets fit soon and can contribute, if not we need to either change tactics to suit the players we do have or coach the replacement midfielder to play as required.

[GaribaldiRED]

What we can say is that he is one of our best midfielders and having him available will strengthening the team. Same goes for Watson.

[Sniffer Dog (Admin)]

I think we can all agree on that Gari.

I must say that not having Sow and Watson available concerns me greatly.

I am not so confident of our chances anymore like I was before. Hate having that feeling but I am not going to prentend that it's not there.

[GaribaldiRED]

I hate to admit it but I share your concerns Sniffer.

[Paplane]

Sorry Gari. I have to disagree on a lot of that. We have a lot of evidence that we cannot win without Sow even with Watson in the team alongside Silva or Yates. Also I don't agree that moving Cash will weaken the team. Jenkinson and Darikwa are both proven at this level.

Sniff, Cash's attacking threat, and his athleticism in pumping in the runs back and forward on the right, have been just superb this season. He's a regular in the EFL team of the week. He was in and out of the team playing further forward last season. Why would you upset the apple cart and play him out of a position at which he has simply excelled?

[Sniffer Dog (Admin)]

Because both Sow and Watson are missing and we are crying out for help in the middle of the park. Are you happy with Yates?

In an ideal world I wouldn't entertain the idea but things are far from ideal.