Although Pim has an idea on his team make up for next week, I am sure his final decision will be made after seeing how his squad performs under the pressure of the final HAL round this weekend.
Choosing positional groups of players, thus trying to combat what will be a ultra short preparation, is a smart move.
And we know that Pim has his mind set on a particular style for Indonesia: his “Game Plan.” So the “Groups” that he will utilise need to give his “Game Plan” the best chance of success.
This may mean another of Pim’s left-field choices, rather that what we see as the leading contenders.
Friday nights Melbourne Vs Wellington will showcase six of the squad, all from the Victory: 1 Goalkeeper, 1 Defender, 2 Midfielders and 2 Forwards.
In Sunday’s Mariners Vs Adelaide game, no fewer than seven squad members put their hands up:
1 Goalkeeper, 1 Defender and 2 Forwards from the Mariners and 1 Goalkeeper, 2 Defenders and 1 Midfielder from United.
In the Roar Vs Perth match on Saturday we have four candidates, 1 Defender, 1 Midfielder and 1 Forward from The Roar, and 1 Defender from Perth.
In the other match on Saturday, Sydney Vs Jets, three get their chance: Sydney: 1 Midfielder; Jets: 2 Defenders.
Moore has to be there at the back, so which bunch of defenders gets the guernseys?
Adelaide has had a long but successful season, so their Asian experience should see them get a presence at the back. So that’s Galekovic and Jamieson.
We need someone with Craig Moore. Vargas will be the man. The last defender is a toss up: maybe Cornthwaite, as he gets the group nod.
Four across the middle, the “Group” thing says Victory group as others only have maximum of one midfielder. Thus Celeski, Pondeljak and perhaps Thompson dropping back from up front.
From the other midfielders available, I’d give Shannon Cole a run.
That leaves the two forwards.
If Archie is in midfield, then the next group choice is the Mariners pair, with Simon and Macallister offer an imposing choice for any defence.
If we bring McKay into midfield, then we can push Thompson up for a group pairing with Allsopp.
For me this weekend will answer a few questions.
1. Mariners Attack Vs Adelaide Defence.
2. McKay’s fitness.
3. How the Victory six perform with the title on the line Vs Wellington with nothing to lose.
Pim has some homework to do on his “Game Plan”, but the “Group Plan” looks this way:
Galekovic
Moore Vargas
Jamieson Cornthwaite
Celeski
Pondeljak Cole
Thompson
Simon Macallister
The Indonesians would be scratching their heads trying to figure out this lot.
And maybe that’s what Pim has in mind.
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