Starting team and formation without Rene?

[Richinns]

Will be interesting how Ling approaches this as I do not think Jarvis can do the lone role. I would go in 4-4-2 (team below)

Poke (hopefully)

Oastler - Saah - Downes - Nico

Stevens - Lathrope - Craig - Bodin

Jarvis - Thompson

Dropping Manse would be a BIG call but as much as I love el capitano he just is not at it at the moment. Playing Thompson up top as he has more physical presence and would take the defensive responsibilities and naivety away from him (he and Bodin could interchange as and when needed).

[Richinns]

Team obviously depends on Thompson being available. Anyone have any info as to why he was not in the match-day squad last night?

[Plymouth Gull]

Can't see the formation being changed at all. It'd make sense, but I think it'll just be Jarvis up top on his own, meaning we'll be as threatening as a paper plate up front.

[chippygull]

Surely after Oxford's defensive shambles last night, we're better off gunning for them up front with two attackers?

[SteveDeckchair]

4-3-3

Jarvo, Thommo and Boddo up top

Lathro, Easto and Craigo in the middle.

Lingo will go with steve-o in place of Thommo though.

[miltonkeynesgull]

Agree with Nick, can't see us deviating from 4-5-1. We went 4-4-2 at Wycombe and we know how that turned out - and we had Howe on that day!

Will surely be a straight swap, with Jarvis in for Howe. Really like Steve's 4-3-3 idea, but again just can't see Lingy doing that.

Also, can't see any reason to drop Manse. Not had his greatest season, but was back to his best last night in my opinion.

[jonnyfive]

Does anyone know what Jarvis is?

All we have learnt about him so far is that he isn't a centre-forward or an inside forward. Perhaps he is a 2nd striker a la Beardsley, Dalglish or Bergkamp. I doubt it though. He seems as if he would be more useful as a book-end.

[Plymouth Gull]

Not a footballer

[stevegull]

Why would be play a formation that would require 2 fit strikers when we barely have one?

No change of shape and hope Jarvis can provide a similar contribution to Atieno last season (who did score some important goals when required).

[Dave]

Lingy wont drop Mansell and to be honest I would agree with him, Mansell isn't the only one going through the ringer right now, when your manager of Torquay you simply can not rest them all.

Lee mansell's influence on the team and general leadership is worth a starting place all on its own, as for Saturday you only thing you could do is either use Yoeman or Bodin in a supporting role to Jarvis, as for Ryan Jarvis give the lad a break, last christmas we faced 4 games with out Rene Howe and we were saying the same things about Atieno, when needed he stepped up to the plate, now its Ryan Jarvis, and Maybe martin Rice aswell, niether will let us down.

[AlexGulls]

If we have to play Rice I'd seriously consider a 6-4-0 formation and go for the 0-0 draw.

[Kernowgull]

If Poke is out and Rice isnt given a go Ill be both very surprised and very disappointed.

Firstly, if theres no budget for a striker, why would there be one for a keeper? Secondly, Why have a back up keeper at all if you wont play him. I think Ricey deserves to get the chance to show us how much hes improved, and if he cocks it up, then we'll look eksewhere. Hes waited more than long enough for his chance!!

[AustrianAndyGull]

If we have to play Rice I'd seriously consider a 6-4-0 formation and go for the 0-0 draw.

I'd be a bit more cautious than that Alex mate and go 11-0-0 formation to try and get the draw.

[AlexGulls]

Good shout Andy. I dont mean to be down on our players but I have no confidence in Rice....Like a few others on here aswell clearly!

[SteveDeckchair]

Will surely be a straight swap, with Jarvis in for Howe. Really like Steve's 4-3-3 idea, but again just can't see Lingy doing that.

Also, can't see any reason to drop Manse. Not had his greatest season, but was back to his best last night in my opinion.

Ooops! :S

Manso in place of Easto of course.....