It’s like Cast, in Order of Disappearance in our defence at the moment; two goalkeepers and all three first choice right backs will be missing from tomorrow’s squad. In today’s press conference Kit confirmed the latest injuries; Lonergan (4-6 weeks) and Fredericks (2 weeks). Add in Matilla (flu), Hyndman (calf strain) and a doubtful Parker (ankle). Birmingham haven’t scored in their last 3 games but nonetheless sit in 6th place, five points above us and the same goal difference. Significantly it’s their away record that has largely contributed to that League position; wins 4 drawn 3 lost 1 and, goals for 10 against 5. Normally they play 4-2-3-1, defending deep and breaking quickly. They haven’t an obvious lead scorer, the striker Donaldson tops the list with 4, and goals have come from all over the pitch; ominously a fair few from set pieces. One bright piece of news is that Cotterill – you might remember he got their equaliser at the Cottage last season from a free kick – is doubtful. One man to keep an eye on is, referee Ian Williamson. So far this season the Berkshire-based official has taken charge of 11 games, where he has produced a total of 43 yellow cards and two reds. So, what will Kit do? Given his selection choices I believe the three at the back system isn’t an option for this one and in fact, his best ploy is to match Birmingham’s format; Dan Burn being the sacrificial lamb. The starting line-up then: ………………….Lewis…………… ..Voser….Stearman…Ream…Husband.. ………..Tunnicliffe….O’Hara…. ….LVC…….Cairney…….McCormack… ……………….Dembele….
The official site now say that Kay Vozer isn't available either, for family reasons. Blimey, bit thin at RB then, and no obvious U21 candidate. Wait a minute, hasn't Dan Burn played there?
Parker appears to be with age and long term injury + high wages somewhat of a liability. We must splash some cash in the Jan window, my choice would still be Tarkowski, a defender who is happy at centre and full back position
Seen a suggestion in the local paper (GetWestLondon) that Kit will move Stearman to RB, with Burn and Ream at CB and Husband LB. Has to be some credibility in the story since this is the lot that Kit share his 'exclusives' with. But I do hope it's not true - Stearman has many qualities but pace and recovery when turned are not among them. Birmingham will attack down that side regardless of our problems and thank goodness Cotterill is unlikely to play - he was as good down the right side as I saw from any opposition player last season. Much though I dislike playing someone out of position (Voser at LB being a recent example where it didn't work), anyone know if Luke Garbutt has a right foot he can use at least a wee bit effectively? A preferred option might be Liam Donnelly, who has been recalled from Crawley Town in the last couple of weeks. Although a CB, I think he played RB a few times for them.
If Voser is out then may be ………………….Lewis…………… .........Stearman…Burn ......Ream… …LVC..................................Husband... .............Tunnicliffe….O’Hara… ….….....….Cairney…… ....….McCormack……….Dembele…. By playing McCormack and Dembele both up front you'd think Birmingham would be reluctant to have a 1 on 1 with their Center halfs, so they'd either have to go at least 3 at the back or keep four at the back. I expect them to man mark Cairney. Looks like a 0-0
My prediction (never correct) is 3 ~ 1 to Birmingham total disaster in the back line up, post match statement on how we are getting there
If its any help, I recollect Dan Burn (no fault on him) at Right-Back, but's that's aprt of another story how we got to where we are!
Sorry, 4-4-2 with Ream at RB and LVC on the left wing did not make for a good first half. Sure the linesman on the JH side was iffy and sure it's bad luck to hit the woodwork. The bottom line though is that there was no solidity between the defence and the midfield. Same old, same old was the cry! The half time change of Kaca for LVC was simply replacing somebody who was having a poor game, out of position, with someone else. Only when we were down to 10 men and Ream went to LB, Tunnicliffe to RB did we show any shape. Too late was the cry!
We were beaten due to once again incompetent managerial decisions. Lets face it, the teams in this division are mediocre ,a managerial change yes, our promotion hopes are over so let a new man at the helm rebuild for the future,
I didn't comment after the two wins or the defeat against Burnley. Will not comment now either... I protest in silence...
Yesterday was a lesson in Symons not learning. Again he tried slow build up with possession football, as soon as Birmingham Isolated O'Hara there was no forward quick passing, and their midfield controlled everything on the break. Really not sure why Ream was played on the right, you could see from his crossing he is natural left footed. Only Cairney had a good game. Lewis was always going to be 2nd to the ball for the penalty, a poor judgement call. And for their 3rd the player who collected was a least 4 yards offside when he originally got the ball on the run. I wonder if subs warming up fooled the linesman, only explanation. With Smith on in the 2nd half we started to worry their defense and their midfield had to fall back to help, but same problem with defensive lapses when teams break away.
There are several newspaper reports that we may have a managerial change within a week or so, if Kit goes I do not want to see Curbushly stepping up,as I would regard him as part of the problem.
I don't like speculating on managerial appointments while an existing manager is still in a job, but if the reports of Kit's demise turn out to be true, it's Paul Lambert for me.
