1. Show them some respect, but not too much. FA Cup 1st Round always brings at least one of those results which makes the headlines. This is that type of game where Chippenham will have their moment in the glare of national interest and will be very much up for it. We have to be professional, whilst knowing that 9 times out of 10, this is a game that the side in League 1 will win. It all comes down to having the right attitude. Turn up thinking it will be a walk in the park will result in a disaster on the cow patch. We've been on the end of such results before but have also been the victors when we have been in Chippenham's shoes tomorrow. Know that we are better than them, but respect them as opponents and be aware of complacency.
2. Play 2 up front. I still like the 3/5 at the back system in general. With practice it can become a very dynamic system. We are still in the process of getting to grips with it and it should be maintained. However one aspect that needs addressing is the midfield area being over-run more often than not. To do this, in my humble untrained opinion, would be to tweak the attacking formation to more of a 3-5-2. This would solidify the centre of the pitch with an extra player, who may just then have the time and ability to make those forward thinking passes whilst the other two sit. It would also mean that we would have an extra player in the opponents danger area. On Tuesday I noticed that on a couple of occasions our wide forwards were playing in the same areas as our wing backs. On one instance Diamond actually got in the way of Robson who was making a decent attacking play. This would be avoided if we play with 2 up front. It would also mean that our lone striker isn't isolated. Second balls could fall to us in dangerous positions. Like I say I have no tactical nous, but occasionally them slight tweak can bring dividends.
3. Play the Conditions. I haven't been to Chippenham's ground but if it isn't a little open to weather conditions I will be surprised. The weather on Saturday is predicted to be wet and windy. That will lead to a heavy pitch and the ball not running as smoothly as you might hope. It can be a leveller and we will need to be prepared to change how we play based upon the pitch condition and the weather conditions. Such little things as if you have the wind behind you, well why not have that pop from distance. They do fly in sometimes you know
