Strange tactics from Slavan Bilic tonight, playing his best player Hernandez completely out of position on the wing, to fit Andy Carroll in the team. Hernandez's strengths are his ability to read play, and pounce on balls in and around the 6 yard box. Sticking him on the wing is just completely stupid, as he's not going to run past or dribble round players and play good balls in for Carroll, in the same way Antonio will on the other side. You either have Carroll on the bench, or you go with 2 upfront. You don't play Hernandez on the wing ffs
Carroll up front on his own plays into their hands. The defence is solid but slow. A load of Germans aren't going to be put off by an eight foot pikey but WHam's bench is full of dross so it's probably worth a try. Should go 4-4-2 now though and take off a centre-half.
It's ok, they got a very fortunate deflection and they're winning. Harsh on Huddersfield, but it's the risk you take when you try to nick a point. And it's 2-0, as I type. Game over.
They definitely deserved the win. Huddersfield looked like the Championship side that they really are in terms of quality for the first time this season. They offered nothing whatsoever, I think they could do a Hull this season. Win the first 2 and still go down. West Ham definitely won't go down, far to much quality throughout. If they are going to play a 3 up top then they need to go with Ayew and Antonio on the wings, and Hernandez through the middle. Putting Hernandez on the wing is completely pointless, as I said at half time. No way should they be dropping Hernandez for Carroll though. Carroll should be used as an impact sub if you ask me.
I don't know why so many were quick to declare them safe so early. Loadsa teams start well and go on to struggle. Still think both them and Brighton will go.
Looked average as Shergar has said. Devoid of any real quality. Could be a long season if they get caught up in playing like that. Hernandez looks a bit tubby
I actually think Brighton might be alright. Bournemouth and Huddersfield would be the 2 I'd strongly fancy to go down, both are just hugely lacking in quality for me. They should never have sold Matt Ritchie to Newcatle IMO. Palace have to many quality players for me, and will start picking up points once Hodgson starts setting them up more effectively. Burnley could well be the other one for me, they looked ****e yesterday even though they won. Was one of the luckiest wins I've seen.
My 3 pre season picks were the 2 I mentioned and Burnley. Agree Palace will be alright and I'd expect Bournemouth to be too. Swansea are another one who I think will be down, plus there's always a surprise team, hopefully not us.
So that's 4 teams you think will go down? Another hour or so and we are into Tuesday, sort yourself out Libby.
No my 3 pre season picks were Brighton, Hudders and Burnley but I expect Swans to struggle too. I'm very confident Brighton and Hudders will but there's a few sides who could take that last spot.
Huddersfield are a good well organised side, with a quality manager. Over the course of their first season they're bound to be in the mix come the Spring, as that's simply how it works for a side of their stature, but I think they'll stay up personally
Not sure I think their running on momentum at the moment and will end up struggling hugely for goals.
