Having had a scan on his knee on Tuesday, it sounds unlikely that Dudgeon will feature on Saturday... http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/story-16995234-detail/story.html? This shows up our lack of depth, Dawson is fine as a left back, but definitely doesn't have the pace or guile to play as a wing back in a 3-5-2. Switching Elmo to the left and using Rosie on the right is probably the most likely option, though I don't think Rosie really suits a 3-5-2 either. Connor Townsend is the player that would most suit the system, but I doubt Bruce will take a punt like that in a game we really need to win. Will Bruce consider changing the system to suit the players, or will he switch the players round to try and suit the system? I'd suggest the latter and personally I'd quite like to see Townsend given a chance.
I flagged this up some time ago as a possible issue with 3-5-2 if the wings backs, and Dudgeon in particular, were injured or suspended. The opinion was Elmo on the right and Rosy on the left (where he has played apparently). Peterborough may be a good game in which to blood Townsend. Better the pointless (& by many accounts clueless) team at the bottom than one of the teams at the top. I have never seen him play but going on what has been reported he is one of the best prospects from the juniors in many a year.
I think he'll definitely keep the system. Safest option would be Rosie and switch elmo to left but I'd tend to agree and would welcome Townsend coming in.
If Townsend doesn't get a chance against the team bottom of the league when will he? If Daws doesn't get picked this weekend you have to wonder if he ever will again. I wouldn't move Elmo across though, his crossing with his right is his best attribute and to move him to the left would take that away.
Either Rosie or Townsend will fill it fine. Agree with above posters, if you were to give Townsend a debut, it'd be against Peterborough.
Keep same system - Why not try Townsend? We can always switch personnel in the second half if it isn't working
He had him on the bench for the Rotherham game, so presumably he thinks he's half decent and he obviously saw him in pre-season, when he gave a good account of himself. It seems unlikely though.
Bruce sees them all in training through the week, he's a top class ex defender so whoever he chooses should be the right decision. Can't see it happening, but I just hope he doesn't switch back to 4-4-2 to accommodate Dawson.
I dont think he will switch to a 4-4-2 in a home game against the bottom club; therefore I think Rosenior will come in and play left wing back.
Rosie will be fine playing as a wing back. Yes his crossing is a stumbling block, but when he came on during the milwall or bolton game (Can't remember which one), he put in a pinpoint cross, but nobody took advantage. As a full back he used to overlap with the winger all the time, he has the engine + dribbling skills to play as a wing back. It also gives Bruce the chance to give him a start and Rosie will be champing at the bit, so it should be an enthusiastic and good performance from him in hopes he can stake his claim. I can also see Rosie getting more chances in away games if Elmo isn't providing enough defensive solidity.
Agree with you. If SB is going to give Townsend a go then it has to be against a poor Posh team. If he is struggling then Dawson can take over at half-time. Dawson would be a good wing back even for the 2nd half. If there is big doubt on Dudgeon then save him for the bigger game on tuesday against Blackpool. imo
I think Elmo on the left is a bad idea. He's totally right-sided. Against Leicester when he moved there he just kept knocking it straight up the middle of the pitch on his inside to the strikers. He's a good crosser of the ball, but it has to come from out wide or else it'll just be headed out easily. Also don't think Rosenior is really the man for a 3-5-2. I'd play Townsend personally, or Rosenior out left. Like Goochie says, I think you'd be mad to put Elmo on the left and thwart his crossing ability.
I'd play Townsend. Rosenior didn't play well against Leicester and his crosses where awful. Dawson will not fit into the present system due to his lack of speed, and I can't see us going 4.4.2.
Completely agree with that, as soon as Elmo went to the left he had nowhere to go, and Leicester figured that out straight away and it took away any width we had inthat game. Personally i would like to play Townsend but it would be a bit of risk, and i think Rosenior would do a fine job on the left.
I don't see why playing someone like Townsend should be viewed as such a risk. If he's good enough he should play end of. We're obsessed with experience and 'blooding' youngsters gradually in this country but there just isn't enough time. By the time you've given them cup games for a season, then loaned them out for a season in each of the lower leagues they're 22 and they're no longer a prospect. We need to play these good youngsters while they're still young and see how they do. Not saying he should overtake Dudgeon but if he is injured and Townsend is the best bet it makes sense to play him. In other countries the youngster would get a chance in this situation and people wouldn't be left bemoaning a lack of talent coming through
Couldn't agree more mate. Look how Liam Cooper and Mark Cullen are doing here, where they will never be trusted to take their place in the side because they've come through our system.
