Good job you're not picking the team then. I'd keep Bagan as left back and put O'Dowda in midfield. Also Mannsverk isn't slow at all. Pace isn't all about speed over the ground, it's about awareness and reacting to situations. He's dynamic and gets involved in the action whilst others just watch on. If Mannsverk is slow then Ralls must be stuck in first gear. Pace over the ground up front is essential but midfield needs control and that's what Mannsverk brings. Chambers divides opinions but before his illness he was a revelation in front of the back 4. I'd stick with him against the top sides like Sunderland. That still leaves the "creativity" element in midfield - I suppose Colwill is the obvious answer...............
O Dowda doesn’t cut it as an out and out winger for me; he’s far better as wing back. That though presents a Bagan problem as from what I’ve seen this season he’s too good not to play and has been good when forced to play CB but if playing LB he’s better when up the field on the flank - his cross for Salechs goal was top draw. Our central midfield this season has been a car crash. One could write a book on it. And for my money Colwill is a boon not a burden to the team; he’s may look clumsy but he does have that on the edge of your seat what’s he going to do. Largely he disappoints but I’d rather have him in the team than a safe Joe.
I really like Bagan and I think he deserves his place in the side, but to put a ball on Salech's head is not a benchmark attribute. Giles did it regularly for Keiffer but he was no world beater in other departments and is now very average at Hull. Our central midfield has been a joke since the days of Gunners and Whitts - no manager since then has really got to grips with it. If Colwill can keep us up this season with his little "flicks and stepovers", I'll have him in there. As it is and from where we are now, I'd take a "safe Joe" to do the job in hand. Cutting in from out wide and having a pop from 20 yards is spectacular when it comes off, but all too often it's been one for the stands at the expense of playing some one else in. Also his demeanour on the pitch without the ball seems lazy.
We are near the bottom for a reason. As a team we defend poorly. Our midfield were too slow and passed off the park by Hull let alone Burnley. Something needs to change there. We also need as much pace as we can get into the side. Maybe play Colwill Mannsverk and Robertson or Ramsey.
I thought you were very unlucky, hitting the woodwork, very fine margins. they don't look all that when you press them, much like every other team in this League, bar Leeds.
