It is worth mentioning that Lenihan cleared off the line to save Dawson the embarrassment of an own goal and Maguire had to play left side centre back when he is naturally right sided. I would play Maguire on right side instead of Dawson. As with earlier in season when we had half decent time with Maguire in side back comes Dawson and creativity and performance dips.
If Sam could replicate his form from earlier in the season, fine, but I think he's had it for this season. Dont think the fans have helped him either. The more i think of it I wouldnt mind Meyler playing LM. Christie's a bloody good RB. Very strong in the tackle and good in the air. With Ince in front of him I really worry for Robbo's defensive frailty. Someone tell me Christie's injured... We could do with Brighton stuffing them 3-0 and Rosenior going round kicking a few of them.
Assuming Meyer is injured I am wondering if Livermore could go wide left and stop Ince leaving either Hayden or Clucas to partner Hudd in centre. Bruce isn't going to look too clever if he cannot find a team from his squad with a range of tactical plans to vary according to conditions to counter the Derby threat.
any team with Diame in will certainly lose over the 2 legs....Meyler to start if fit which is doubtful....and Maguire for some added bite which we usually lack.
Jak (his distribution is better than Mac's) Moses Dawson Maguire Robertson Elmo Livermore Hayden Snodgrass Akpom Hernandez Bench - Mac, Davies, Huddlestone Clucas Diame, Aluko, Maloney
I've posted this before, I don't think it matters who he picks, if they turn up they'll win, otherwise they won't. I've got a feeling we might just do Derby this time, assuming it's them we get, not so sure about the final though.
I'm wanting a team that will dig in for the fight over 180 minutes, and not go missing when the going gets tough. I'm hopeful that plays to Clucas's strengths. You're right about the fans. Booing a City player is something to be reserved for charlatans, makeweights and Christian Sansam. Not out of form but willing youngsters.
Team I'd like to see Jakupovic Odubajo Dawson Davies Robertson Elmo Hayden Livermore Snodgrass Hernandez Aluko Subs..McGregor Maguire Bruce Huddlestone Clucas Diame Akpom Bruce's probable selection McGregor Odubajo Dawson Davies Robertson Snodgrass Huddlestone Livermore Clucas Akpom Hernandez
Still ignoring all the other ones? I must have explained on about 10 occasions on here that it really wasn't just that one time. Anyway I scrolled this far to make an observation which was thus; I'm surprised that more people are suggesting the dropping of Dawson than Davies. I think Davies has been a long way short of the form he had in his first season here. His awkwardness on the ball is a real problem and gives us more defending to do than is necessary.
I'm not ignoring them, but it's that one that people seem to base his ability and reliability on. I agree about Dawson though, he has to be in the team if fit, especially playing alongside Harry.
I think it's the fact that he's done it so many times in so few games. There's always one just round the corner with him.
I'd go with Dawson and Harry, two exceptional defenders on the ball as it gives us a lot more outs when the likes of Jake/Meyler are struggling to pick passes. Bruce will won't pick Maguire though, unfortunately I think he has a little Waggy whispering in his ear about certain players going on this season
Away from home we are going to be under a lot of pressure and need players who are going to run and fight for 90 plus minutes so for that reason I would be tempted to save Huddlestone for the home leg although its a big call because he's been very good lately. So defensively Robbo, Dave, Dawson and Davies- they have to get back to that mentality of keeping a clean sheet, in front of them Snodgrass, Myler if fit, Livermore and ? I'm tempted to put Elmo (the reason been we need someone to keep up with their right back and put him under pressure, he was better Saturday but not been good enough this season, This midfield is full of workers but will it create enough id be tempted to bring Huddlestone on once players tire and the game opens up. Up front Hernandez with who? its anybodys guess because nobody has been consistent, Diame could be the difference if in the mood surely he will be in a big game like this, Aluko will give us more energy and space and Akpom works but misses to many easy chances. I honestly think we all have a good idea of eight starters but two or three places are a guess simply because in some positions who ever we play there is a lack of consistency. The main concern for me with this team would be central midfield if Mylers not fit then Haydon or Huddlestone both have different qualities, left midfield we need someone who will run and tackle his heart out to help Robbo and up front is Diame after his recent terrible heartless displays got that extra quality to win it for us.
I change my mind thinking of our team a number of times simply because we are weak in a couple of positions, who would put Diame in he could if in the mood be the difference between City and derby but at the same time if not on his game he's a big weakness.
