04 Feb 2019 08:19:04
I'm sure a few of you will remember me, I used to write a novel for each post. Not been posting for a while as I've not been convinced since probably the villa game. With the exception of derby I don't recall a good performance. Coincidentally since that villa game we haven't had pontus coops and kalv in the same team. I feel like against the teams like stoke, derby away, norwich away, this was the reason for our success. Kalv just did the basics of a holding midfielder, think forshaw likes to prove how fit he is and how much he can run, but he has no end product. IMO Norwich deserved the 3 points and Farke had them set up brilliantly to beat us on our own turf. I'd love to see brown as we all would, even if its from the bench. He's had more games that douglas and bamford for 23's now so should be ready for boro if not swansea. Don't think roberts or pablo should have been axed. MOT its going to be a long run in.

1.) 04 Feb 2019
04 Feb 2019 09:35:14
I agree Samo, that KP has given the team defensive cover and made us more difficult to score against. I have never felt that we are a major force going forward but the ability to stay in games allowed us to miss a few chances and still win. Now we are having to score at least 2 to 3 goals to have a chance of winning. We need to go back to basics. Forshaw can be effective further forward in midfield because he does have a good engine and is a good passer when he keeps it simple. Unfortunately, if Pablo is not on his game we tend to struggle against teams that put numbers behind the ball. Browne could be that player we need in the No 10 position but Bielsa seems reluctant to use him and going on previous soundbites, Browne probably has to play another 3 games for the U23s before being considered for the bench. For me that is 3 games too much.

2.) 04 Feb 2019
04 Feb 2019 09:46:48
We lack wingers who can beat the defenders and put in balls that create difficulties for the defence. We lack a good number 10 as back up for Hernandez. Harrison is not good enough, Roberts is neat and tidy but lacks that killer pass and doesn't create opportunities. ( he has potential) . It was noticeable with Harrison and Roberts starting and Hernandez off his game we struggled. I was not a great supporter of Phillips last season but he's been a different player this year even if he is still reckless at times. We missed him against Norwich who were the better team on the day.

3.) 04 Feb 2019
04 Feb 2019 10:36:04
I also agree Samo- apols, as you may see if it gets past the Ends, I was so busy writing my own novel that I did not see your post go up.

KP simply has to start at DM. And yes Notts, Forshaw could be moved forward, to a role he has played effectively elsewhere, including for Boro.

Fingers crossed Pablo is fully fit. I'd also be very happy to see Brown on the bench against Boro. Bub did suggest they would review the number of games he felt he needed in tihe U23s, and given our struggles up front, surely even Bub can be flexible enough to add him to the bench options at his disposal. Would be great to see him tearing Ayala to shreds for at least the last 25 minutes- maybe inducing a penalty for Bamford to score as the first of a rapid fire hatrick-well we can dream.