A bit early I know, but with Meyler out for the Watford game & Quinn a major doubt, our midfield will be fairly unusual. If Quinn is out, what will it look like? Prior to today I think we'd have expected it to guarantee Fathi a place in the side, but Bruce opted for Bruce, Evans & Cairney before him today, so may do so again. Evans did a professional job when he came on today and obviously that vital challenge at the death, will probably see him come in. Although Evans & Bruce at home, too defensive? Out of the two, I'd go with Evans on Tuesday but as we all know, Bruce likes to give Jnr a start. Cairney barely touched the ball today, but he was only on the pitch for 5 minutes or so. Can't remember the last time Cairney started but don't think he has for a fairly long time. Whilst obviously we haven't seen a lot of Fathi but 91 caps for Egypt shows he must have something about him. Then there's the option of dropping Boyd back and bringing Gedo in to the side. If it were me, I'd go with Koren, Evans & Quinn if Quinn were available. If not; Fathi, Evans & Koren.
I think it'll be between fathi and cairney since quinn is out Problem is now, i'm not sure if id like either of them to start such a vital game.. Cairney came on and had simpson in space, a simple ball, but placed it the opposite direction and they ended up almost scoring.. Chalobah will be a big threat in midfield
Its all set up for Fathi to come in and do his job. Great to have the option of an international player if we need him. Could see Evans coming in for Meyler as the only change. Its now become a game that a draw wouldnt be too bad. We can score 3 if Burnley did. I cant wait for it.
If Quinn is still out then so what ? We have enough to cover. I would go with Koren and Fathi in the middle of midfield actually. Watford have to win so the game will be an open one i guess. If Quinn makes it then Koren should drop into midfield with Boyd into the hole and Gedo up top with Simpson. Simples.
I'm not convinced that Faye will be fit enough to start so I wouldn't be surprised to see Bruce Jnr go back into defence alongside Hobbs and Chester. If Quinn is fit I can see Bruce opting for a midfield trio of Quinn, Evans and Koren. If not Boyd may drop back into the midfield with Simpson and Gedo upfront.
It was interesting to see Vydra didn't start for Watford v Burnley. Is he injured? He came on as a sub.
Koren, Cairney and Evans (bar Evans) would be a bit weak in the tackle, IMO. Maybe Bruce might move Brady into Quinn's usual position and put Rosenior at left wing-back? Thought he played well when he came on yesterday. A reason for this would be that Koren and Brady didn't offer much cover on our left last night and a better team would exploit it. I don't want to see Alex Bruce in central midfield Vs Watford - it's only just OK against cloggers like Huddersfield, but a decent passing side like Watford - definitely not! The lad can tackle, but has no vision and cannot pass the ball. You could see each time he got the ball yesterday that he's a defender by trade as he just hit the ball anywhere into some space, rather than trying to pick out a pass - and when he does pick out a pass when in midfield, he seems to launch it at the player he's passing to, almost like he's making a defenders clearance, making it hard for the player receiving the ball to control it. I'm not a fan of square pegs in round holes when we have some round pegs available to us.
Alex Bruce is a ****ing liability in midfield and its a travesty Bruce sr even considers him there ahead of the established midfielders we have. If he starts there v Watford I'm starting a campaign to get one of them oit
Think it is simple to select the team, yes we have options, but not many realistic ones!! I reckon: Bruce, Evans (both holding), Koren Boyd, Simpson No other real options. Fhati has had very little game time and will be no where need match fit, we need match fit lads out there. If Faye doesnt/cant handle 2 games in 4 days the Bruce will drop back and Fhati go into holding midfielder role. We cannot risk Koren as one of our holding midfielders.
I hope Faye can manage two games in quick succession, he was excellent yesterday, but if not, Bruce can drop back no problem and as a spin off benefit it improves the midfield. I'd have Evans holding, with Quinn and Boyd ahead of him(Koren if Quinn isn't fit), with Gedo and Simpson up top. Simpson plays like a second striker anyway and he and Boyd can interchange and we'd have ball players right across midfield and attack. We shouldn't fear Watford, we're at home and we should make that second place our own(at least until we take first from Cardiff on the final day).
If Quinn isn't fit then it's got to be Koren Evans Cairney in midfield for me. Watford won't bully us, and they aren't long ball so apart from giving the ball to their keeper there would be even less point having Bruce in there than normal. It's going to be a passing game, so lets get our best passer of the ball in the team!
