Amazed at the amount of people leaving Aluko out. Last time he was in this division he was one of the very best performers. Until he got crocked.
McDogshit Elmo Curtis Dawson Robertson Fat lad Meyler Maloney/Snodgrass/diame/Aluko (pick3) Hernandez
I know he hasn't been in any mom top 3, and I am 99% sure he hasn't been even close to a top 3, and I am pretty sure that not more than one person has even voted for him in a single mom thread this year. So it's really not strange that everyone is leaving him out.
He's not really been in the team much though. I think he's far too good for Brucie to be using him as an impact sub. Especially at this level
He doesnt pass when he should and doesn't shoot when he should. He is right where he should be, riding the pine until he A. Goes back to the wing where he belongs and B. Makes proper decisions on the pitch.
We won't know our best XI until the dust has settled a bit and we see if Brucey can manage the players he's got with strikers and midfielders all competing for a start and at least 1 defender (CD) possibly unhappy to be still there. I don't think SB managed the squad too well after the window last summer and we paid a price, I hope he's learnt something.
If we say the following is the first choice (though I agree with folk we should look at finding a slot for Snodgrass) then its instructive to look at the second XI: McGregor Odubajo Dawson Davies Robertson Elmo Huddlestone Diame Maloney Akpom Hernandez Jako Taylor Macguire Bruce Townsend Snodgrass Meyler Hayden Clucas Aluko/Luer Diomonde At Championship level this looks like a squad that should be pushing for promotion. A keeper on loan would be reassuring though.
McGregor Odubajo Dawson Davies Robertson Elmo Meyler Diame Maloney Akpom Hernandez I think we are defensively weak with these two playing as full-backs, although they may improve. Edit: Ryan Taylor would be preferred as a RB Just covering the bases, what about 3-5-2 (first option first choice) McGregor Dawson - Maguire/Bruce - Davies Elmo/Odubajo - Diame - Maloney/Aluko - Meyler- Snodgrass/Robinson Hernandez - Diomande/Akpom Subs: Taylor (excellent Uility player), Jak + above One way or another there will be some fighting for places, I hope.
So I gathered, but one swallow... he was a bit of a marmite player with Newcastle, a cracking utility player in the eyes of many and awful to others; I always thought him a decent larker. I would like to see us carry on with 4-4-2, but I think we are weak on full-backs, we are strong on pacey wide midfielders who are supposed to be full-backs - this sways me to 3-5-2.
Not only was he terrible against Rochdale OLM he was terrible last season at Newcastle and his supposedly great set pieces (both corners and direct kicks) were abysmal. He has made mistake after mistake in his appearances for us this season and I'd be amazed if he starts again while Odubajo is healthy.
I think we will stick with a 4 2 3 1 after the weekend and we have a lot of options, so I think most of the above 442 won't be the go to starting line up.
Taylor's been poor, can't see him getting a game other than as a seldom used sub providing emergency cover when required. Still, in the absence of anyone better as a benchwarmer he'll be a useful squad member.
It was his lack of pace that was the big shock to me, think there's a chance that Huddleston faster than him.
That amazed you didnt even put him as a starter in your team Kev??? He doesnt get in ahead of those 3 does he??
Did we play 4231 on Saturday ? I was working so didn't go and only had access to the wireless so didn't get commentary either
Clucas and Meyler were in the middle. Diame was ahead of them AH was on the left wing and Elmo the roght. Chubs up top alone. Call it what you will.
Hallelujah praise the Lord, thank Allah thank buda thank the milkman !!! And we won!!! Back to 442 then probably next game
