I've just been to the City Training Ground. I was talking to Waggy and he said he would be fit for the next game. Stewart said maybe a fortnight. Oli said next month. Dawson said a fortnight. Garcia said next month and Pusic said the next game.
Thanks for that excellent news. I reckon Pusic should slot back in for balance and considering Fryatt and McClean scored I would have Waggy on the bench.
I would have said the same normally, but dropping strikers the game after scoring can dishearten them. Waggy also shouldn't feel that he can just walk back into the team. An hour on the bench won't hurt him and if it brings the best out of Fryatt and McClean then it's win win.
I kind of agree with Craig, both strikers scored last week so dropping one of them is ridiculously harsh. However, McLean was pretty wretched apart from the goal so I'd drop him for Waggy. However, McLean, away from home, is an utter nuisance who bugs defenders and gets into good areas. Glad I'm not deciding.
I think it's a bit academic, as Waggy will almost certainly start on the bench anyway. If it was me deciding though and he was definitely fit, I would bring him in for Mclean, just as I'd bring Pusic back for Cairney.
Absolute no, no for me. Pusic gave us balance. he's a proper wide player. There should be no fannying about putting square pegs in round holes unless injury dictates. Tough decisions need making. NP will make 'em.
thought waghorn played left winger for engand u-21s? no more of a square peg then koren/cairney....anyway your right ive had a rethink, just put him in for mclean, one 6 yard tap in doesnt rule out all the rest of the misses.
Not so sure it's that much of a square peg. From what I have seen, Waghorn tends to play more left-sided anyway. However, not sure he would suit being in a deeper role unless it was a proper 4-3-3 and he played the left side of a front 3. Like you said though, glad I don't have to decide!
Not that I think we would start with a 4-3-3 but how about this: Gk and back 4 as usual, Koren, McKenna, Cairney (or Evans) McLean, Fryatt, Waghorn A strong midlle three should dominate, Koren can run at teams, and pass well, Cairney sprays the ball well, and playing on either side of McKenna who would provide great protection for the defence. McClean and Waghorn can naturally drop wide or drop back to cover and pick up the ball. However I think it will be the same as this weekend in the next game, Pulsic and Waghorn coming on for the last 20-30 mins
Personally, I don't think Brady's done much good. He doesn't do anything with the ball when he gets it, he just cuts in and blazes the ball over the cross bar time and time again. Fair enough, he did play well against Cardiff and he does give us that extra bit of pace and creativity when he actually wants to. But IMO I don't think he's up to standard on terms of creating a good opportunity for the strikers and scoring goals. However he does give the team balance. As for McLean, I thought he played reasonably well on Saturday, got stuck in and got his goal. I don't think he quite knew what to do once he scored, he's not used to it Good news on Pusic, will give us the balance on the left, or as NP said about putting Waggy on the left pre match to Watford he might go with that. As I've said a number of times, really looking forward to seeing Cameron Stewart back. Looking forward to my second visit to the City Ground at the weekend, and another win! UTT
TC did ok against Watford, but if fit i would bring back Pusic on the left wing for the balance. The team that played @ Brighton would have started last saturday if Pusic had been fit. Waggy should get 20mins from the bench as you dont mess with hamstrings. No need to rush anyone, imo. the bench against watford was down to the bare bones. so by having barmby - waggy and pusic back and available gives more strength from the bench @ forest. gulacsi - mckenna - cairney - barmby - waghorn. (now that looks like a quality bench to me folks)
Brady is a brilliant winger and can't be overlooked. What you have to consider with a player like him the same goes for Stewart) is that the winger is always the underdog, the full back should keep hold of him most of the time and if the winger beats him once or tweice a game then that has to be considered a success. Brady in a one-on-one situation will beat the defender nearly every time, in certain situations he suffers, such as when playing against a dirty Watford side who play with 11 men behind the ball. Like you say he was fantastic against Cardiff as well as many other games. When he's not being man-marked, doubled up or whatever he is an amazing weapon to have because not only does he beat the man every time but he can put the ball in very dangerous areas too. Like all wingers he will have games where the defender marks him out of the game, particularly if the team is very defensive. But in games of proper football, such as when we play West Ham in a fortnight, you wouldn't want anyone else.
