Curtis Davies and Steve Bruce in attendance for today's presser. Curtis Davies on those scratch marks: "I just got caught when going for a header by somebody with nails too long. There's no need for any further action." Steve Bruce says Jake Livermore is "definitely in contention" for his first league start of the season at home to Blackburn. Steve Bruce is a big fan of ELO. Alex Bruce (groin) will miss tomorrow (set to be out until after the next international break). No new injury concerns. Uneventful one today. For anyone who's interested, here's a Blackburn forum match thread (the OP's a bit crap at Geography) - http://www.brfcc.com/mb/index.php/topic/30742-hull-city-a-saturday-26th-september-3pm-kc-stadium/
Do we expect Maguire to come straight in for Bruce, or will we switch to four at the back? Also, what will we do with Maloney? Personally, I'd go with: ---------------McGregor ------Maguire Dawson Davies Odubajo----------------------Robertson -----Diame Huddlestone Maloney ----------Aluko Hernandez I'd be equally happy with Elmo for Odubajo, or Akpom for Aluko and it's harsh to drop Clucas, but I think we need Maloney starting.
Think he may go with Maloney up top with Hernandez with Livermore in the three. Could then see Maloney dropping off, allowing Diame and Jake to run beyond. The squad really is looking strong now, Meyler, Clucas, Hayden, Elmo, Akpom, Aluko not getting in that team.
I don't think Maguire is strong enough to play in a back 3, so I would go with: McGregor Odubajo Davies Dawson Robertson Elmo Huddlestone Diame Clucas Maloney Hernandez Difficult to leave out Meyler, Livermore and Aluko but that's why Steve Bruce is there and I'm here!
-----------------McGregor--------------------- -Elmo---Dawson---Davies---Robertson-- ---------Diame---Hudd---Clucas--------------- --Aluko-------Hernandez-------Maloney jak, maguire, meyler, hayden, livermore, akpom, odubajo Jake in for Clucas if Bruce deems him fit enough
If he does go 4-3-3, then I'm pretty sure he'd play Odubajo at right back, with Elmo on the right of the front three.
Most likely, although personally I think Elmo further back with someone with more guile in front of him would work better.
I thought ELO were great. I'm not sure what you mean by the emoticon OLM. You are wondering if Bruce is really a fan?
No, I just thought it was an odd thing to come up in a press conference about a game against Blackburn.
Jeff Lynne was on Radio 2 this morning, maybe that's what reminded him that he liked them...although why he had the need to tell us that I've no idea
See what you mean regarding the OP on the Blackburn site. Hope he isn't designated driver tomorrow. He might end up in Grimsby or god forbid Glanford Park
Completely disagree about Maguire, this lad needs games and is one of those that can adapt to different formations and positions.