Carroll & Dann

[Millsy]

To be fair, it's probably not just the service. Carroll hasn't scored many for years. Nor has Long.

True, but he definitely ain't gonna score if we're not putting crosses in.

As for Long, I've never liked him for that very reason, even when the first time round, but I admit he does add a lot to the attack and I think Carroll does the same. Someone who can actually win headers. Shame it's only utilised for pumping long balls up to him and hoping he lays it off to someone, rather than actually putting in decent crosses as I say.

We're back to the days of Gurney when it comes to crossing ability.

[Coppells Lost Coat]

Dann - passed it. Shouldn't be a CB to be regularly called upon, Squad filler at best.

Carroll - he could be effective - reality is, he really isn't. Ok so he wins headers 35-50 yards from goal big whoop. Strikers are to score goals or at least threat to score. He is too slow and has a turning circle of the QE2. Bench option in my eyes.

[Snowflake Royal]

Just don’t think Meite has performed since his injury sadly, not the same player. He’s only actually started 30th times in the last 3 seasons now

It’s 3 goals in 1400 mins since the big injury and he isn’t contributing a lot else either

I think I’d stick with Carroll and Long for this season now. They have the know how and look most likely to score to me; whilst also bringing other attributes to the game as well

Not sure how Long possibly looks more likely to score.

[Hound]

Just don’t think Meite has performed since his injury sadly, not the same player. He’s only actually started 30th times in the last 3 seasons now

It’s 3 goals in 1400 mins since the big injury and he isn’t contributing a lot else either

I think I’d stick with Carroll and Long for this season now. They have the know how and look most likely to score to me; whilst also bringing other attributes to the game as well

Not sure how Long possibly looks more likely to score.

He has at least scored this year

[YorkshireRoyal99]

Just don’t think Meite has performed since his injury sadly, not the same player. He’s only actually started 30th times in the last 3 seasons now

It’s 3 goals in 1400 mins since the big injury and he isn’t contributing a lot else either

I think I’d stick with Carroll and Long for this season now. They have the know how and look most likely to score to me; whilst also bringing other attributes to the game as well

Not sure how Long possibly looks more likely to score.

Shane Long's expected goals for the season is 0.88, whereas his expected goals per 90 minutes is 0.09 (barring in mind his average mins per appearance is 44 minutes this season). Non-penalty expected goals is 0.18. He has 1 goal and 1 assist this season.

Meite's expected goals for the season is 2.66, whereas his expected goals per 90 minutes is 0.23 (Meite averages 49 minutes per appearance for comparison). Non-penalty expected goals is 1.96. He has 3 goals and 2 assists this season.

Both have featured in 21 games this season, where Meite has played slightly more minutes than Long, 1028 compared to Long's 932.

What does this mean? It means that both strikers are outperforming their expected goals tally for the season (although it would be poor if Long hadn't scored this season granted), which is a positive individually, but probably a negative for the team as it means we haven't been creating enough quality chances for either striker in their respective involvements in games this season. You would be expecting Meite to score more goals because he has had the better quality of chances.

Meite is also slightly better on the expected assists side of things, Meite was expected to assist 1.76 goals and his expected assists per 90 is 0.15, whereas Long's expected assists are 1.16 and expected assists per 90 is 0.11.

So it seems like Meite is better suited to how we play as a CF, one thing these stats do not show is obviously the context of the situation. For example, Long has been substituted on 3 times more than Meite which means he's coming on in a different situation, potentially chasing a game/holding onto a lead.

Editing in, sorry it's a bit long and data heavy, just think it's quite an interesting insight to both players. Joao is actually the forward who has the highest expected goals ratio of all of our strikers this season.

[Snowflake Royal]

Just don’t think Meite has performed since his injury sadly, not the same player. He’s only actually started 30th times in the last 3 seasons now

It’s 3 goals in 1400 mins since the big injury and he isn’t contributing a lot else either

I think I’d stick with Carroll and Long for this season now. They have the know how and look most likely to score to me; whilst also bringing other attributes to the game as well

Not sure how Long possibly looks more likely to score.

He has at least scored this year

Woo, and indeed, hoo.

1 goal in 934 minutes of football

Meite has 3 in 1028.

[Hound]

2 in 934

Both are shite anyway

[YorkshireRoyal99]

Putting it mildly, but yes 4 goals between the pair isn't anything to be shouting about. Wouldn't be disappointed to see both leave come the end of the campaign unless they can hit 4-6 goals (realistically) in the last 16 games of this season.

[Snowflake Royal]

2 in 934

Both are shite anyway

Cup games not included.