The poor performers vs Leeds: Loach, Hewitt, Edwards, Tabb and Murphy have all been axed for this afternoon's game. We all love to give it the billy big bollocks with the benefit of hindsight, but for me regardless of result this afternoon I'm glad he's still in touch with what's right and what's wrong so I welcome four of these five changes (I'm concerned for Loach though). I'm still a little concerned that Hyam and Skuse are both in, but they're also two of our very best. This will hammer Loach's confidence, so for me we need to think ahead for another contender for number one unless that's to be Gerken. Hewitt's not ready to be in a dogfight - he needs to be bedded in when we've got a bit of momentum. Murphy is cracking on his day so he will have to show his best now to regain his place. Surely Edwards needing to be dropped indicates it's time for Tommy to be handed the captaincy. As for Tabb, I'm sure he will still feature in the coming weeks, probably in place of Anderson, because Tunnicliffe will surely be a consistent starter from here on in. It is time for heroes this afternoon, we're at a pivotal point of our season.
I'm not too bothered about the Skuse/Hyam partnership IF we're getting crosses in from the wings. Using those two in the middle means the wingers really have to be at the top of their game to create the chances for the strikers. Many people suggested these changes, although I am surprised that Mick is splitting Chambers and Smith up (if Berra's coming in at CB) so let's see how we go.
So glad to see Edwards dropped. He's still got something to offer but is not good enough to play week in week out
I hope Anderson is going to be more effective Clapham. I think his corners and dead ball delivery will be far superior to Carlos'.
And you may be right Hampy, but whoever plays there needs to be effective if we are going to use Skuse and Luke centrally.
I'm with hampy on loach. But it's good to see a change. We need to spice things up. Tunny I hope will be a revelation and keep his place. Maybe another left back is required and cressy can move up where he will be more effective.
I'm glad to see Edward was finally dropped and I agree that Loach probably deserves to be dropped along with Murphy. Not really sure why Tabb was dropped he's probably been our best midfielder in an attacking threat all season, although would prefer to see him used centrally. I'm glad Tunnicliffe was brough in although on the LW??? And something really needs to change in the Skuse, Hyam partnership particularly given that we actually have no wingers in our team and even if we did, I'd still prefer to see a different partnership. I was also a little dissapointed to see Hewitt miss out, as although sometimes he's been caught out a bit, he's done well enough and is learning but perhaps Mick thinks it's time to rest him given how he's never really played many games particullarly following on from his injury. Although think it shows where Veseli currently is in his thoughts if he took Chambers to RB instead of bringing him in. I think what these changes highlight is that 442 is not the best formation for the current set of players we have. We've played 3 CB's and 3 CM's, so why don't we play 532 or 433??? It was something which people criticised Jewell over, that he said he was a 442 man but he never brought in the personel (mainly wingers) to play it. Hamps don't think Smith is ready for the armband yet, maybe in the future but for me this season Chambers has looked the real standout choice for Captain, he's looked superb and really motivated the players.
