Team v bolton

[Thracian]

I can't read Levein's mind at the best of times, but these are some of the things I reckon he'll be thinking...

- there's little prospect of us carving Bolton up for Sunday dinner like we did with the Blades. We'll have to be patient. I'll take penalties.

- I'm still going to take it seriously. I'm not going to throw young players in for the sake of resting the older ones.

- I need someone who can hold the ball up (MDV).

- I'm backing my goalscorer from Saturday (Elvis)

- Tiatto may well relish this one, he's always up for a scrap.

So I reckon Levein will go for:

------------------ Henderson ---------------------

Maybury - Gerrbrand - McCarthy - Johansson,

-----Sylla - Kisnorbo - Gudjonsson - Tiatto

-----------Hammond - DeVries--------------

Subs: Dublin, Hammill, Stearman, Williams/Hughes, Douglas

That's my Craig. And that's what he'll always do in that sort of situation away from home which is why I wouldn't dream of spending hard-earned money on a ticket..

I can watch a kick-in down my local town centre any evening without paying.

Nevertheless, you'll probably be closer than the rest of us on team selection --- three rottweilers should make it at least as bad, perhaps worse, than Blackburn.

If I'd still got my old alsation I'd have asked if she could have gone too.

When it came to bite in the tackle Tiatto had nothing on her, believe me.

[Nationwider]

That's my Craig. And that's what he'll always do in that sort of situation away from home which is why I wouldn't dream of spending hard-earned money on a ticket..

I can watch a kick-in down my local town centre any evening without paying.

Nevertheless, you'll probably be closer than the rest of us on team selection --- three rottweilers should make it at least as bad, perhaps worse, than Blackburn.

If I'd still got my old alsation I'd have asked if she could have gone too.

When it came to bite in the tackle Tiatto had nothing on her, believe me.

Yup. Not my team, but probably his. I'm not surprised Sky didn't exercise their option on this match.

Regardless of whatever horrors he unleashes down our left flank on Wednesday, I hope he starts with Hammond. Everything I've read and heard of Saturday's game suggests he flogged his guts out. He deserves to start and, hopefully, to keep scoring.

Incidentally, I completely agree with your analysis of the Stearman/Sheehan v Nils/Maybury situation. He's dropped the seniors once each this season for their bad behaviour, but any more games out than that and the agents will be on overtime.

It's a bit unfortunate, really. Stearman is one of the best eleven footballers at the club - he should start each week, no debate. I wonder if Sheehan sits at home at night with a Nils voodoo doll, stabbing away at his hamstring? I won't wish an injury on any City player, but what if....

[lush]

Your argument about bringing the game back a level carries weight and has been our previous tactic (working well against Charlton from listening to the commentary). My reason for going for pace is twofold:

a) because we need to follow up on Saturday by becoming familiar with the style.

b) Because Bolton have had a heavy programme, lots of travel and I'm convinced they'll suffer from that.

c) I really want to see how Chambers and Hammond combine and there won't be lots of opportunities to do that for real.

You point about holding the ball is important and it was a big criticism I had of Hammond but on Saturday he fought well to hold the ball and succeeded, partly because he stopped trying to fall over all the time for free-kicks he didn't deserve. The thing is though, he gets onto far more balls than MDV and possession is going to be important cos if we don't retain the ball our task will be more difficult.

Altogether there is a case for both approaches although I wouldn't play Hughes wide right. I'd sooner have him in the centre with Joey and leave Tiatto out. Giving daft free kicks away against Bolton is not a bright idea and I cannot see this is the game for Williams' return (if any).

I wouldn't dream of spending hard-earned money on a ticket..

a, i understand that, and theres a great argument for that theory.

b, suffer enough for "little old Leicester", a team without hume and smithy (unless arsol loose v reading)?

c, well i wana see... its my team not yours

Possesion is key to us doing well. Older more experienced players are much better at doing this, chambo isnt im afraid.

No i wouldnt have hughes bombing it down the wing, hell no. Just be the link between the defensive midfield and deep freeze, but if hammonds on his toes, play it through to him. I`d say to hamill, go get to the by-line as much as poss, and get the ball over, deep freeze and hammond are tall, and it will be a ball crossed in the box which`ll give us our best chances to score, set peice, corner etc.

If were to slow the game down (to champo level), tiatto is capable of harrassing them, even kick em a little, make em think its not their night if he gets booked, joey and kiso on bench. The aim should be to stiffle bolton, and play for a 1-0 win.

I doubt it`ll be £20`s worth Spose we could go all out attack, be worth going then, even if we lost 8-4

[Manwell Pablo]

But at the moment were 3 games off a play-off place...just like 3 games from cup final.

But thats only IF we beat bolton. Honestly, who would you most rather play, bolton or leeds. next round, aston villa or stoke, next rd, arsenal or crewe. If we were playing donny or even reading, i`d say lets go get at em.

Is hughes still not fit? Twatto and dubs arnt rubbish, and it gives them a chance to play, we dont want discord amongst the fringe, however bad they are. If we give em a chance, they cant then complain, and we might need them through injury/suspension. Weve got between 13-18 games in the next 9 weeks, its atleast 1 and half games per week, they will be needed depending on smithy staying and someone coming in.

Is it only worth having 11-14 players feeling good, or the 25 odd players feeling good?

Im struggling to make any sense of your first paragraph. Were not 3 games off a play of place at all, teams around 6 - 10th will pick up points so even if we win all three we will still not be in 6 th place.

I really couldnt care who we play in the next round, its not as important as the league granted, but the postives must continue immediatley after our best performance of the season, even if we do lose we need to give a good account of ourselves

. I know Twatto and Dubs ( I stood up for him earlier in the season when u were slating him ) arent Rubbish, And Thinking about it he might be able to do a job on Borgetti ( More then Likely going to play ). Tiatto shouldn't really be used if he's going to give free kicks away. Bolton are Dangerous from set pieces, I have seen them score from set pieces taken just in front off the half way line.

Id say resting Joey would be benefical, I think Williams will probabley play quite well in this match as he doesn't need motivating for it ( I still can't wait to see the back of him in January though )

I think the young full backs would learn alot, and I think Maybury could do with a rest after Saturday.

If Kisnorbo is actually the great Athlete that he is suppoused to be then he shouldnt have a problem playing. Not that I really want him to but I would prefere him to Tiatto.

I dunno what Stephen Hughes condition is at the moment obviosuly but he looked like he was still feeling the effect V Watford and obviosuly left out against Sheff U.

[Manwell Pablo]

Just had a thought actually, everyone is picking 5 subs, dont we get 7 in the Carling Cup?

[Cobbo]

-------------------Henderson

Maybury---McCarthy---Gerrbrand---Skillz Erik

Sylla----Gudjonsson----Kisnorbo----Hughes

------------de Vries------Hammond

Not a bad side that, whether it could do owt vs Bolton is another matter.

[Ric Flair]

Henderson

Gerrbrand

McCarthy

Nissa

Maybury

Gudjonsson

Hughes

Kisnorbo

Tiatto

MDV

Elvis (could be doubtful though, please not Dublin!)

[LCFC-IAN]

Henderson

Stearman

McCarthy

Gerrbrand

Johansson

Sylla

Hamill

Williams

Gudjonsson

De Vries

Hammond

Subs: Logan, Dublin, Hughes, Kisnorbo, Sheehan

[Manwell Pablo]

Hammond is now a doubt for Wednesday

Leicester striker Elvis Hammond is an early injury doubt for Wednesday's Carling Cup fourth-round clash with Bolton at the Reebok Stadium.

The 25-year-old was on target for City at the weekend as Sheffield United were beaten 4-2 at the Walkers Stadium.

But an injury forced Hammond out of the game in the 83rd minute and manager Craig Levein: "Elvis went over on his ankle following a tackle, so we took him off. We'll have to wait and see how he is ahead of the Bolton game.

"He put in a terrific performance on Saturday and although he hasn't scored as many goals as he would've liked so far, hopefully that'll get him off and running."

Pretty much gives Levien a 4-5-1 License if he's not playing.

[MONreborn]

Firstly Chambers - a 16 year old kid - is not going to play against the likes of Bolton when he has not even got on to the bench against championship opposition. So stop the ludicrous suggestions Thracian.

In goal: Henderson

RB: Maybury

LB: Nissa

CB: Mcarthy

CB: Gerrbrand

MR: Sylla

ML: Hammil

MC: Joey

MC: Kisornobo

MC: Hughes

FC: De-Vries

I'm sure this will be our side

[Milky]

Firstly Chambers - a 16 year old kid - is not going to play against the likes of Bolton when he has not even got on to the bench against championship opposition.

he's just had a scan on knee injury anyway, so he's out injured at the moment whilst they asses it. you've right aswell, he wouldn't play him, let's not rush things his time will come.

[Mark]

Henderson is a doubt now - http://www.teamtalk.com/teamtalk/News/Stor..._859391,00.html

Goalkeeper Paul Henderson is the latest Leicester player to be rated doubtful for Wednesday night's Carling Cup clash with Bolton at the Reebok Stadium.

The 29-year-old has been forced to play second fiddle to first-choice Rab Douglas at the Walkers Stadium this season, being restricted to just five senior appearances so far.

But Henderson has played in all three of City's Carling Cup clashes and manager Craig Levein pledged to keep faith with the Australian as long as the club's run lasted.

However, the Foxes boss said: "I was going to use Paul Henderson but he's gone over on his ankle during training on Monday morning. We don't know how bad it is yet and we're just going to have to wait and see if he can make the Bolton game.

"I really do want Paul to keep playing because you never know when an injury might strike Rab."

[Teeno]

Henderson

Stearman McCarthy Gerrbrand Nissa

Sylla Hughes Gudjonnson Hamill

Hammond De vries

Subs:Douglas, Kisnorbo, Maybury, Williams, Dublin

If Arsenal loss I'd put Smith in for De vries as I think we need to stick with what worked on saturday which was a quick threatening front line.

[Bert]

Conrad Logan to start!!

[City_4_Life]

Thats unlucky i would of liked Henderson to play because i think he is actually a good keeper making some great saves at cardiff and he aint done not wrong so far

but talking of keepers does anyone know if Walker will be playing on wednesday

[Strokes]

Thats unlucky i would of liked Henderson to play because i think he is actually a good keeper making some great saves at cardiff and he aint done not wrong so far

but talking of keepers does anyone know if Walker will be playing on wednesday

quite likely as jussi is doubtful

[Milky]

Fresh faces for bolton game

Williams, Hughes, De Vries and Dublin back in contention

[Mark]

No thanks Dublin.

"We will have to work extremely hard to try and stop Bolton from playing. That will be the theme for the game and the players that I have mentioned will help us to do that."

Now where have i heard this before, oh yes, before all those games we've failed to score in I understand we can't go out and play like we did against Sheffield United against Bolton, but try and give the away fans travelling a long trip on a cold Wednesday evening some hope.

[Thracian]

Firstly Chambers - a 16 year old kid - is not going to play against the likes of Bolton when he has not even got on to the bench against championship opposition. So stop the ludicrous suggestions Thracian.

In goal: Henderson

RB: Maybury

LB: Nissa

CB: Mcarthy

CB: Gerrbrand

MR: Sylla

ML: Hammil

MC: Joey

MC: Kisornobo

MC: Hughes

FC: De-Vries

I'm sure this will be our side

Go for age and experience eh. Play the same old sad song which has bored us to death most of the season. Have no faith in youth and learn nothing either.

You go your way, son, and I'll go mine. But if you want to start calling me "ludicrous" I can tell you this, my friend. I backed youth instead of old timers throughout my sporting career and won enough silverware to flatten out and cover a boat.

I have also long called for the sort of approach we saw on Saturday. I won't ask which you prefer because your side gives your answer.

Sounds to me as you would put up with anything so long as we don't lose and would back the sort of players who have contributed to our appalling lack of victories with blind faith.

And before you carp I know we couldn't play the same side as Saturday at Bolton. But no reason to be so bloody negative.

As it happens, the Chambers issue is academic because he's injured. So is Henderson by all counts.

Consequently Levein is limited in his choices but the fact he's got no forwards to choose from is his fault. I, and others on this site, screamed out for attacking re-inforcements in August.

Don't mistake me. I think we can win - even with the dour, uninteresting team you've chosen there. But pay to watch? I don't think so. We'll be spoiling all we can and trying to pinch something. Inevitable in the cirucmstances but not the way I see the future.

Nor the crowd, generally, judging by the way they reacted to Satuday's entertainment - yes, new word that - entertainment.

It's what football used to be about before people like you started being managers and picking teams like yours.

[City_4_Life]

Personally i think we should play for the win you never know it might not be Boltons day and it will also make the game more exciting

we aint got nothing to lose so lets just go for it and if we do lose then we have loss to a good premiership side that also plays in europe

SO COME ON LEICESTER LETS F*!KING KILL THEM!!!!

sorry about the last bit got excited

[MONreborn]

Go for age and experience eh. Play the same old sad song which has bored us to death most of the season. Have no faith in youth and learn nothing either.

You go your way, son, and I'll go mine. But if you want to start calling me "ludicrous" I can tell you this, my friend. I backed youth instead of old timers throughout my sporting career and won enough silverware to flatten out and cover a boat.

I have also long called for the sort of approach we saw on Saturday. I won't ask which you prefer because your side gives your answer.

Sounds to me as you would put up with anything so long as we don't lose and would back the sort of players who have contributed to our appalling lack of victories with blind faith.

And before you carp I know we couldn't play the same side as Saturday at Bolton. But no reason to be so bloody negative.

As it happens, the Chambers issue is academic because he's injured. So is Henderson by all counts.

Consequently Levein is limited in his choices but the fact he's got no forwards to choose from is his fault. I, and others on this site, screamed out for attacking re-inforcements in August.

Don't mistake me. I think we can win - even with the dour, uninteresting team you've chosen there. But pay to watch? I don't think so. We'll be spoiling all we can and trying to pinch something. Inevitable in the cirucmstances but not the way I see the future.

Nor the crowd, generally, judging by the way they reacted to Satuday's entertainment - yes, new word that - entertainment.

It's what football used to be about before people like you started being managers and picking teams like yours.

What are your pieces of silverware then?

I know this could be the side and I'm sure this team will have a good chance of a victory. Bolton have conceded one goal in the premierleauge at home all season thus to attack attack attack would be ludicrous. If Premiership sides can't score there what hope for us? Let's play the same system as we did at Charlton

Sylla, Hughes and De-Vries shall give us the attacking emphasis needed and the likes of Mcarthy, Maybury, Joey and Kisornobo have already proved that they can score. By gosh I hope that you were never the manager of us....

whats your policy...." Lets ATACK ATTACK AND ATTACK we'll score a goal" (but forget about the 4 that will go past us)

"PLAY A 18 YEAR OLD LEFT BACK AND OUT TEAM WILL BECOME WORLD BEATERS

"LETS SHATTER THE CONFIDENCE OF A 16 YEAR OLD PROSPECT"

[Magictv]

As you pointed out they havent conceded much so how will we score if we just defend, we wont full stop. Therefore we cannot win. However if we do go for a more attacking option yes we are more likely to concede but with a bit of luck we may score and if you score you never know...

Basically do we go out fighting or roll over and die.

[Thracian]

What are your pieces of silverware then?

I know this could be the side and I'm sure this team will have a good chance of a victory. Bolton have conceded one goal in the premierleauge at home all season thus to attack attack attack would be ludicrous. If Premiership sides can't score there what hope for us? Let's play the same system as we did at Charlton

Sylla, Hughes and De-Vries shall give us the attacking emphasis needed and the likes of Mcarthy, Maybury, Joey and Kisornobo have already proved that they can score. By gosh I hope that you were never the manager of us....

whats your policy...." Lets ATACK ATTACK AND ATTACK we'll score a goal" (but forget about the 4 that will go past us)

"PLAY A 18 YEAR OLD LEFT BACK AND OUT TEAM WILL BECOME WORLD BEATERS

"LETS SHATTER THE CONFIDENCE OF A 16 YEAR OLD PROSPECT"

I don't remember saying anything about attack, attack, attack at Bolton ... cos I can't see any way that choice is available.

I'd play an 18-year-old left back any time cos he by the far the best we've got (Kisnorbo's young enough and you seem happy enough with him) yet when I saw the two pay together Sheehan seemed different class so what you've got against him I've no idea.

I'd also play Stearman (as well as Maybury) for the same reason. Both have played well for us this season. Hughes has done nothing (decent player though he is by all accounts).

Like I said, Chambers can't play, but shatter his confidence?. Do me a favour. Every time I've seen him he's struck me as the last person who have his confidence shattered by tough opponents. When has a youngster let us down? Sheehan, Stearman, Smith are all young and have done us proud when they've played. That has certainly not been the case with everyone this season (Sylla, Williams, Tiatto, Gilbert to name four).

You clearly prefer Nils for whatever reasons. Yet almost every time I've seen him play he could have cost us goals (or did cost us goals) through the same flaws. Watch the videos if you disbelieve me. Just cos he older and more experienced doesn't make him a better player sadly.

He's a centre-back. Simple as that. I'd rather have a specialist left-back, thank you.

[MONreborn]

I don't remember saying anything about attack, attack, attack at Bolton ... cos I can't see any way that choice is available.

I'd play an 18-year-old left back any time cos he by the far the best we've got (Kisnorbo's young enough and you seem happy enough with him) yet when I saw the two pay together Sheehan seemed different class so what you've got against him I've no idea.

I'd also play Stearman (as well as Maybury) for the same reason. Both have played well for us this season. Hughes has done nothing (decent player though he is by all accounts).

Like I said, Chambers can't play, but shatter his confidence?. Do me a favour. Every time I've seen him he's struck me as the last person who have his confidence shattered by tough opponents. When has a youngster let us down? Sheehan, Stearman, Smith are all young and have done us proud when they've played. That has certainly not been the case with everyone this season (Sylla, Williams, Tiatto, Gilbert to name four).

You clearly prefer Nils for whatever reasons. Yet almost every time I've seen him play he could have cost us goals (or did cost us goals) through the same flaws. Watch the videos if you disbelieve me. Just cos he older and more experienced doesn't make him a better player sadly.

He's a centre-back. Simple as that. I'd rather have a specialist left-back, thank you.

I'm saying that that the team which I expect Levein to go with. Let's forget about the likes of Sheehan and Chambers for the moment and can you tell me your predicted line-up for the match...not one that you would like...because the calls for sheehan and chambers to play are getting rather repetitive.

[Collymore]

Just been drawn Bolton away in the FA cup 3rd round on FM, I'll experiment with a side and get back with the outcome.