If we have to play Elmo right back he's going to need good cover in front of him. Boyd is energetic and tracks back so I'd opt for him. Or dare SB go 3 at the back after the last time we played them ?
not to bring up the formation debate, but 442 looks good for us at the moment. don't know how we will go with a fully fit Brady and Aluko. I don't envy some of Bruce's upcoming selection headaches. I would anticipate that it will be elmo at RB, with likely Boyd in front. I just cant see 352 after last time. is 451 too defensive at home?
Long and Jela are nailed on starters so deffo 2 up front. If we stick with 4 at the back we could always keep Elmo RM bring in Bruce and move McShane to RB. STOP. THINK ABOUT WHAT I'VE JUST POSTED. CLEAR HEAD AND START AGAIN. Yeah Long and Jela nailed on for starts.
He's got skill on the ball and can come up with a killer pass, but he always tends to look better coming off the bench. He steps out of everything, which is not what you want from the start of a game.
From Bruce's comments, it sounds as if we'll be sticking with a back 4, with either Elmo or McShane there. Defensively, I'd play Boyd on the right, but from an attacking perspective, I think playing Brady on the right with Boyd on the left would be more naturally suited.
The thought of Macca at right back fill me with dread, he is fine at centre back, but not at right back please. Elmo is not the best there, but better than Macca, I would also go for Boyd on wing, rather than start Koren.
Please don't play the legend at RB. Even I have to admit he's **** there. Play Rosey or Elmo there. Please.
I think the back four and the front two pick themselves, the central pairing will be Huddlestone/Livermore, it's only the wings that are hard to call.
Would be harsh to drop Meyler but at home we need to create a bit of something and unless we take it to Southampton, I think they have the passing and movement to hurt us. As I've said before, trust the back 4 and go..... Boyd Thudd Livermore Brady --------Long Jelavic
Harper Davies McShane Figueroa Elmo Livermore Huddlestone Meyler Brady Jelavic Long Or Harper Elmo Davies McShane Brady Aluko Livermore Meyler Boyd Jelavic Long
I don't think we'll play a back three and I like your other option, but I don't think Brucey will consider Aluko for a start until the Brighton game.
I'd stick with McShane and Davies as a solid recent centre back pairing, don't want to shove the Ginger Ninja out of position when he's playing well. Elmo can drop back to right back. Harper Elmo - McShane - Davies - Figueroa Boyd - Livermore - Huddlestone - Brady Jelavic - Long or, for a bit more cover for Elmo (which would also let Elmo get forwards more)... Harper Elmo - McShane - Davies - Figueroa Livermore - Meyler - Huddlestone - Boyd Jelavic - Long Livermore has the most pace out of our central midfielders to cover on the right (if we want something a tad more defensive) and good touch. Koren has been used there but he really doesn't have the legs any more to play wide. Koren for me has one role now: in the hole behind a forward such as the 4411 against Fulham. He's still effective floating around there but we have better options in other midfield positions. The second option would also allow for Brady not being up to fitness, though I suspect he'll start after being rested saturday, so feel free to see Brady's name where Boyd is there. Aluko will be on the bench and likely get a few minutes again.
[video=youtube;eY0bc22EZno]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eY0bc22EZno[/video] Why not post this? Too bad about the intro.
