“Oilers Better Than LISCR”

 -Says Bedell

Veteran Liberian sports analyst Wleh Bedell

Ahead of their plum fixture on Thursday at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium (ATS) in the final match of the first phase of the LFA premiership, the Public relations Officer (PRO) of LPRC says the Oilers of LPRC are by far better than LISCR FC this season.

In an interview with liberiansoccer.com, the veteran Liberian sports analyst said “the match on this Thursday can be described as an un-sung and on-form outfit against a prima Dona and inconsistent one", he told this website on Sunday when he was quizzed as to how he see the match.

“I don't want to be discussing local football nowadays. I am thinking of top level football on the outside, however, since we cannot divorce ourselves from local football and in fact ostracize local talents, I think I am willing to throw light on some relevant things as far as the melee on Thursday is concerned", the long time sports analyst, consultant and promoter averred.

He noted that the Oilers are a fantastic proponent evidence of their virtuoso form this season, while LISCR are the season's flop.

"Oilers have a parsimonious defense, as they have conceded just six. They also have a 7 makes it a new record in Liberian football", Mr. Bedell intoned.

As for LISCR he said, “they have a leaky defense and have managed to keep not more than four clean sheets so far.

“They have conceded 19 goals in 17 matches which prove their defensive vulnerability,” the consultant noted.

On the players and tactics to be used, the long time analyst said LISCR has a virtually young squad, but the problem of confidence is a major factor impeding their game, "Quite frankly, the Oilers Thursday’s opponents are in a tactical make-shift. Three coaches in less than four months in an amateur setting, and a host of relatively big name players who despite not really glittering performance wise are to a large extent being preferred to the relatively unknown and hungry players", the one time South African based digital Network Super Sports invitee during the Ghana 2008 African Nations Cup noted.

He further noted that LISCR could implore a trident strike force of 4-3-3 where the emphasis will be to be more adventurous with the trident strike force of the meteoric Patrick Doeplah, silky Patrick Wleh and the mazy Vatalise Sieh could be in the final third.

Mr. Bedell however said they (LISCR) could be tempted to feature Henry Gobah who has just returned from Indonesia after a somewhat torrid spell. "If Gobah is used, then it could be an added incentive for them, but whether he has in his arsenal the artillery shots where he used to fired close to eight controlled shots in a match is what remains to be seen", he highlighted.

One thing the LPRC P.R.O. said for sure is that the once gritty hit-man is a bit rusty as he has not been in active competition for the last six months. He also stated that "while they maybe keen to feature him, it is hoped that fair play would be observed in terms of retrieving his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) from the Indonesian FA".

Mr. Bedell believes that Gobah's ITC was sent a couple of years ago by the LFA which made him eligible to feature for Persikabpas and other clubs in Indonesia, and now that he is back home trying to resurrect his career, the rule dictates that his ITC be sent for in order for him to be eligible to play in the local league.

"The Secretary General of the Indonesian F.A. Besoes Nugraha will be immediately contacted to see as to whether the player's ITC has being sent for or a request has in fact being made to get it sent to Liberia. A request is not however sufficient, the document must be at the FA before the player is eligible except the LFA has other ideas", he noted.

According to him, with the Oilers imploring their tried and trusted 3-4-3 formation, the defensive trio of stoppers Solomon Wisseh and Teah Dennis, Jr. must keep reign on the opposing attackers for libero Bill Payto to pick up the pieces.

He said he is of the believe that the LISCR kind of 4-3-3 will be a more conventional one where there are two wide players (maybe Doeplah and Wleh using their skills to run at the opponents) and then either Gobah or Sieh plays the lone role upfront where he could be outnumbered. "But, if they are rotational, then there could be a lot to see", he intimated.

 The LISCR front three share thirteen goals between them, while the Oilers would be front three in ex- LISCR duo of diminutive Victor Nyanti and the pacey William Jebor who are expected to effectively blend with the free shooting Alex whitmore share 15 goals between them which is a further proof that Oilers is more deadly in that department than LISCR.

With four midfielders for the Oilers against three for LISCR, it is a sign that on paper there could be a numerical advantage for the Oilers. Holding midfielder Robert Teah will be required at times to drop deep to probably cut off a diagonally running wide man, but will be more involved with closing down the player to provide the final ball which might be Frank Nagbe, Jr. who could be facing a stiff opposition from a certain Eric Toe.

Wleh Bedell also told the gathering that former LISCR man Blamo Weah would play the trequatista where he should use his pace and vision to illuminate his side attacking foray, and is expected to face a strong test against a revived Adolphus Blamo who will be in the balance midfield role. The always lively Johnny Blidi and the greatly motivated Joseph Flomo will be the ones to cause all the trouble in the world as their forward runs and cross-cum shots could prove a handful.

LISCR could have a shout of numerical advantage as well as the dressing room heavy weights; Murphy Nagbe, Goerge Baysah and Gizzie Dorbor are to guide young Emmanuel Tarpeh to complete the defensive quartet which could make it 4v3. But, with Blidi and Flomo bursting upfront and Dorbor and Tarpeh expected to the same for their sides as well, it is expected to be an intriguing affair.

Though Mr. Bedell said LISCR has the option to parade their squad in a double block defensive formation of 4-4-2, the 4-3-3 is the most likely.

LISCR he said plays a more direct game, and their long-ball game is somewhat predictable, while the Oilers are more involved with the possession game, as they are admired piling the passes together at an easy rythm, and soon become quick when they are on the wings.

"Both sides are mainly deadly during the first half, and whether it is due to fatigue or perhaps complacency during most of their matches, they seem to be a bit out of steam in the second period.", he opined.

He continued, on paper the Oilers are the favorites, but, they know the pressure will be on them. Since they are the only unbeaten side in the competition so far, they will be going against LISCR and 16 other clubs which could arguably bring Barrolle and IE together, as both sides will be hoping LISCR do the damage.

 With an effective gloves man in the form of Saylee Swen who has scored four goals, all from the spot, the Oilers have a reliable shot stopper, unlike their opponents who to some extent have some question marks in such a department.

While Oilers can boast of having strength in depth, with the robust Nicodemus Jacobs, sleek Jacob Toe, mobile Ernest Karneh and others, Gabriel Johns and co have good things to do in the pegging order, while his opposite number Haysay Duworku has not much to choose from.

"On a day, any team can be beaten, and though LISCR are not at their usual best in their quest for their first ever premiership crown after seven attempts, they are capable of an upset, so they should not be termed as pushovers", the consultant warned.

He also said that LISCR will be buoyed by their 2-0 victor over Mighty Barrolle, where the Rollers unbeaten run ended, and warned Oilers against complacency.

The highly versatile man, who is well respected for his intrepid views in football and other activities, said the Oilers have players who are winners and are quite aware of the threat posed by LISCR.

Concluding he noted that people should go and watch the game. They should encourage local football. "When you go to the stadium, don't be over expectant in terms of the brand or quality of football. while it is true that there is a need for amends, you should know that it is not a match involving Dansoma Liberty Professional or Accra Hearts of Oak, it is not Dolphins against Kanom Pillars, Orlando Pirates verses Super Sports United, Zamalek taking on club Alexandria, Esperance verses Club African, or even Chelsea locking horns with Manchester, Barcelona engaging Alethico Madrid or A.C Milan entertaining Genoa.

It is Liberian football, and there should not be comparisons made with leagues or brand of football where there is much organization, attraction, motivation and glamour"

 "By Liberian standards, it is a plum fixture, and if you ask me who will win, I will tell you Oilers favorites to get the maximum three points, but LISCR should not be seen as a pushover"