Was hoping for an Adil start as gives us more balance with a natural no10 starting Got to trust TM i suppose
either way I hope for earlier subs today. We need to make sure we don’t tire. I know there’s a decent break after this but we need to make sure we keep energy up. Aouchiche etc off bench should help with that
Agreed, i expected a couple changes as need to keep intensity levels high Dont think roberts as a no10 works from the start, ok if he comes on in that role when the game opens up
same but I think there’s a few things at play here: Ba deserves the run he is getting Roberts doesn’t deserve not to play Aouchiche was probably earmarked to settle in until after this international break. I think we are intentionally and structurally doing that with all our international signings There’s the other not insignificant point that we want Roberts to sign a contract. Firstly to keep him but I guess also to retain his value. If he’s not starting games even with Pritchard, Dack, Rusyn and Mayenda all not ready to start - it won’t send him the right messages about his importance to the team. Not for one second saying we should play him just to appease him as that’s a slippery slope, but when you combine it with 1-3 above I think it becomes a factor
Roberts wasn't Pritchard on Wednesday but did quite well I thought, linked up well at times and got around the pitch well. If he's there again I'd expect him to do better. Whatever the case I no longer worry, the players adapt quickly as the game progresses and usually find a way ... ... it's fascinating to watch imo.
I’d like to see Ba and Roberts potentially swap positions occasionally just to keep their full backs and holding midfielders guessing who to pick up.
games like today with everyone tired as well can be settled by moments of magic. In addition to Clarke I’d say he’s the player in our squad who’s most likely to just get the ball and score a screamer
To nullify Jones with his speed, also to help Clarke going forward as I think he had the better of Clarke the last time we played
Surprised we've not changed it up a bit as I'm worried about energy/fitness levels, but hopefully Mowbray uses his subs a bit earlier/better today. It'll be a tough game today, Boro have found some form and Hackney in midfield seems to be quite a prospect for them. Good to see Catts there today. I'm looking forward to following his managerial career once he gets going. 2-1 Sunderland. Roberts, Burstow.
