I wouldn't play him on Thursday either, at least not from the start. But I think he was as much a victim of the terrible system we used as poor himself. The fact he was largely anonymous and almost forgotten about is testament to it, he had nothing to work with, whenever he managed to snatch the ball he was isolated on his own with four players charging him down in an instant. Everyone was knocked off the ball whenever they tried anything a bit adventurous. Jelavic has supposedly only trained for a week, and it told on Thursday in as little as 5 minutes. I'd go with Sagbo with Long, I think he'd cause them problems and would allow long to focus on attacking and causing problems rather than chasing everything down and fighting for nowt but scraps.
Davies should always always be centre of defence - pushing him out on the left so he can pick his son is ridiculous - hopefully he packs it in before its too late
I wouldn't argue with that,though I'd be tempted to go four at the back and get more attacking players on.
Why do people assume that the best player plays down the middle? I remember a similar discussion about Cullen and Fryatt a few years ago under either Pearson or Barmby. I think the reason Bruce always plays down the middle is cos he's the slowest/least mobile.
If Jelavic is as unfit as you say then Sagbo would probably be a better starting choice against their big Brazilian at the back with Jelavic coming on later in the second half. I'd assumed Jelavic was up to speed with his World Cup involvement. If Quinn is ruled out then I think Boyd should get some playing time as LWB.
I'd personally pick a team like this (won't happen - but can only dream). McGregor Rosenior Davies Chester Snodgrass Livermore Huddlestone Elmo Ince Long Brady Bench: Jakupovic, Aluko, McShane, Sagbo, Meyler, Jelavic, Quinn If we need to be attacking - why the hell not?
Is that one of the longest surname midfield lineups that City have ever had. Imagine. Jan Vennegor of hesslelink - huddlestone - Livermore - Elmohamady. As it stands currently. Snodgrass - Huddlestone - Livermore - Elmohamady. I advocate a pro name change/s to our central midfield. You would hardly want to add any more letters to the end of any of their names, would you!?
Can someone help me . . . I listened to the Humberside commentary and whilst Aluko wasnt mentikoned much, I got the impression that Bruce played well and was the pick of the players, yet in this thread, it seems that wasnt the case . Was he any good or was it just Humberside reporting it wrong??
My friend who went said he was ok, he threw himself about a lot but when it actually came to playing football, he was abysmal. He compared him to "that **** kid who nobody really wants on their team and never plays football, but somehow has a decent game and looks a little bit like he might make a footballer."
He was crap, they should have scored when he passed them the ball, in fact he passed to them a few times, but they couldn't take advantage.
Thanks!! - got that analogy I just remember Burnsie saying his name peobably more than anyone on Thursday, but maybe it was just the throwing around then. Maybe we will have 4-4-2 on Thursday then?
This would be my choice, though as you say pity Robertson isn't available, and then Rossy could go to right back.,
The thing with Bruce is that he's a solid defender who gives everything to the cause to shut out the opposition, which is great but the problem comes when he has to pass the ball to a team mate and invariably fails. Mcshane is a little bit similar, although better on the ball but more inclined to make a mistake defensively. They are both reasonable back up at this level but nothing more. Whether we require two similar players for that role is open to debate.
