It looks like Brucey has a few selection dilemmas on his hands. A shake up would be expected following the Burnley debacle, but I can't see him being keen on dropping Huddlestone or Livermore against their old club. It also looks like Dawson, Jelavic and McGregor will all be in contention to start and perhaps the most difficult choice will be Brady/Robertson, a decision that might(when added to Chester's below par performance at Burnley) push him towards a 4-4-2, possibly... -------------McGregor Rosenior Dawson Davies Robertson Elmo Diame Livermore Brady ---------Jelavic Hernandez Personally, despite Burnley, I'd still play Huddlestone ahead of Livermore, or possibly a 4-3-3, with Elmo dropping to right back, with Huddlestone coming into the middle and Brady playing further forward. I don't envy Bruce this week, it's not easy to decide this one.
I know Davies is the captain, but I would rather see Chezzy and Dawson at the centre with Rossy and Robertson at full back. I still think Huddlestone is getting overly criticised, and would still have him in the team, as without him I think he will be a big loss.
4-3-3 Greegsy Elmo/Rosey-Dawson-Davies/Chester-Robertson Hudd-Diame-Ramirez Ben Arfa - Jela/Hernandez - Brady
I suspect that Hernandez will be rested after his travelling (even though he didn't play). Jelavic unlikely to be fit for 90 minutes up front by himself, so I think it's up front that will cause SB the biggest headache. My best guess would be: McGregor Davies Dawson Chester Elmo Livermore Huddlestone Diame Robertson Jelavic Brady Subs: Harper McShane Ben Arfa Hernandez Rosenior Quinn Aluko
He really has to do this to get our best players on the pitch, with Jela up top, Abel, Aluko, Ramerez on the bench. Cant see Hudd n Livermore being dropped for this one either. Don't Spurs play 4-2-3-1 also?
4411 and return to a more simple structure for me. -----------------McG Rosie Chester Dawson Brady Elmo Thudd Meyler Robertson ---------------Diame --------------Jelavic Starting line up gives some height for Elmo and Robbo to aim for. Ramirez, Ben Arfa and Hernandez can come on to go for it if needs be. Feel bad leaving Davies out but I don't rate him and Daws together in a 4.
Robertson has run his heart out the last few games, I'm not sure he will start v Spurs though the extra recovery day might help. Just read a godawful article in the HDM with Fewings? (think thats his name) their journalists are so bad, he made some point about Quinny having overexerted himself in the internationals and being left out at the weekend yet on the other hand he picked Robertson in his team! I would start Brady over Robertson again, as he has had the one full match and arguably will be in better condition
I'd play him as he has a point to prove (Hudds) and because of being clear of international games, same with Livermore. Bruce has to get the balance right, there is no point playing players under condition even if Spurs are in the same boat as their players have arguably more quality and that will be the deciding factor
http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/Hull-City-Nikica-Jelavic-Michael-Dawson-track/story-24555617-detail/story.html A bit old, but hopefully nothing has happened to eitehr of them since writing
My guess would be Sagbo and Hernandez starting up top with a view to bringing Jela on for Sagbo after 60-70 minutes. Can't see Jela starting.
I think what also must be considered is the wish to prove themselves against their former club syndrome, for that reason I think Brucie will tend to have both Thudd and Livermore in the line up hoping this gives them the desire needed to go out and do a job. If Jelly has shown enough in training he`ll be in, simple, but i suspect it may be a tad early for him, only those watching him will know. I fully expect Robertson and Brady to start on the left, so with this in mind i suspect it may look something like; McGregor Elmo Dawson Davies Robertson Thudd Livermore Ben Arfa Diame Brady Jelly (if fit)
After how Brady played yesterday I would make sure he was on the field. It wasn't just his goals, his crossing and corners were all dangerous.
