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Writer: pompeyrug 
Date:Saturday April 19 2008
Time: 9:32AM
UK time is: 18:50:23
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Defoe to be the lone ranger
It looks as though 4-5-1 will be the weapon of choice against Citeh tomorrow - with Jermain Defoe leading the line. This could be the case despite the return to training of Milan Baros after injury, and Kanu and Dave Nugent being available.
Clearly this is not assured but judging on what Tony Adams has told The News it seems a distinct possibility: 'I don't see why Jermain can't do it - he is certainly good enough.
'If he does play that role up there on his own, it is about getting support up to him quickly from other areas'.
When Nugent was used in this role against West Ham he ran his socks off but the support that he needed from midfield was not forthcoming - at first anyway. In the 2nd half this happened more and we benefited in the end.
Do I think Defoe can play the lone role? To be honest I am not sure - he must get this support from midfield if he is to do this successfully, and unlike when Nugent played the role this must come from an earlier stage in the game.
I do without question think he is a lethal striker, but the question I ask myself is 'are his striking instincts better suited alongside someone else?'
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Your Comments
If JD does play alone up the midfield will have to get up in support quickly. But give it a go.
eastneydave
Be interesting to see how they do.
pompey4me
this means utaka will almost certainly be starting...
pompeycarpet
carps, you're just baiting me, are'nt you!
pompey4me
I Hope i'm proved wrong, but Defoe isn't the man for the lone striker role, that means Krunchie and Utaka providing the back up...that is John Utaka, the man who makes the Yak industrious!!
pentonpompey
He looks more like Tonto to me!
storagematt
Dare I say it but I think Varlet is right... if JD is to play the lone role then we needs service and support .... The support must almost certainly come from Utaka... If we are to play this way next season away from home then he (Defoe) is gonna have to get used to playing this way and although it isn't his natural game it will suit him .. he has the pace and the greed to play alone.... If he gets the support he'lll do ok, if he doesn't we'll be playing with 10 men from the off.
Chix
lol chix...who is Varlet??? but yes, if we are playing with just one up front, then utaka will be starting, as he attacks as if he is the second striker, but can pick the ball up in space, in our half, and (hopefully) run with it a bit!
pompeycarpet
Ok, today , I think, confirmed what we all already knew, Defoe isnt the man to play up front on his own.
pompey4me
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