I don't understand the levels of dislike towards this guy. He reminds me of Grella, despite perhaps not being a 90 minutes a game player (certainly not regularly). Sensible head who will put a tackle in. How come people are obsessed with making him out to be below championship quality?

The corner variation which had us running from deep and wide was far more effective than everyone just standing in the box. You're far less likely to get dragged into the grappling if you're moving towards goal rather than camped around the keeper. Means the only people likely to be grabbing and pulling are the defenders and also has the potential to open up more space to attack the ball in. Wouldn't surprise me if you were more likely to score from an open play cross than a corner (given the corner success rates) so why not try to replicate a free flowing counter attack? Something like with Beck (I think) nipping back to receive it short can't be replicated once people are on to it but it doesn't mean it has to be a one off, nor that other routines couldn't be utilised that start with that set up

As for the Travis posting I will never understand the people who follow football and can't understand why athletes may need to rest to be able to perform at a decent level against other, fit athletes. There is a reason why lots of clubs are having injury crises and the sport would likely improve from having less games to rest the players. Saying we can't rest Travis because he's too important doesn't really make sense if it leads to him back on the sidelines and him missing even more time. Obviously there are pressures which means the players best interests aren't always followed but if he needs it and we can then I'd hope we wouldn't be sticking him in for the 90. The expectation that just because someone is a professional sportsperson means that they can just play limitless minutes or regularly twice a week, even when not back to full fitness would only make sense if the people saying it thought that Travis was going to be up against them.

We have time to phase in players when there's Hedges, Cozier-Dubbery and Weimann who can play on the wing

Blowback from the volcanic eruption that scuppered the Lewandowski deal

I personally haven't noticed anything different in his play other than now he's starting and before he was an impact sub. Even as a sub he was known to make a few runs into cul de sacs and have the odd unusual decision making moment. The apparent differences in his performance could well be based on the differences in minutes he and his opponents have had. This could be why he appears leggy as far as I can see. His substitute appearances and his his 70+ minute appearances aren't particularly comparable

Unsure what this is based on. He's likely starting for Rovers in part due to his attitude in training. That was what was highlighted by Eustace in the first interview referencing his call up. And he came in to Rovers with a bang so I'm not aware of any evidence that he shrinks in new situations

It's the kind of game that I can see Dolan playing well in and we are trying to secure a contract with him. Hoping Cantwell is there or there abouts when it comes to putting in 90 mins with ease. Can't see Ohashi starting after all the travel. Hoping that taste of squad life with the national team fills him with ambition to get his first cap after more goals for us. Gueye should be chomping at the bit too given his time out of the starting eleven. When he has come on he hasn't looked as effective off the bench so all things considered I'd be hoping for him to lead the line. Beck has to go straight back in for me, on previous merit. I like Pickering but it would take a dip in form for him to work his way back in. Elsewhere in the team it could be anything (outside of CMs). It all depends on who has been performing in training and who Eustace thinks will stick to his gameplan. A bit pointless predicting that given all the variables.

People seem to be misunderstanding Duberry's use as a counter attacker given that would mean he'd be spending much of that time in defensive positions. Hedges is a much better player to use as a counter attacker unless you're already losing. We would already have Gueye or Ohashi up top and Dolan looking to break. I don't think we could afford Duberry as well if we were playing counter, there's not enough defensive players in there for it.

I'm sure Eustace can get him knuckled down and he will be pushing for a place soon. Haven't seen enough of him defensively to merit a start yet. A few flashes here and there but almost everything went down the left yesterday (for obvious reasons) and the derby against a backs against the wall team was what it was and nobody else covered themselves in glory so no major complaints about him there. It's early in the season and he's young so there's plenty of time

Thought Brere had rejoined for a split second when Hedges shot went for a throw, yesterday

For me it's Gueye to lead the attack. More presence and hold up play than Ohashi and he seems to play better when starting rather than having to adjust to a game already underway. I think Cantwell coming on at half time was ideal for that same reason, yesterday. Allowed him to start as the opponents restarted. Unsure of whether to start Cantwell away from home against Coventry although that could be based on their reputation more than anything. He ducked a header and despite doing a lot of busy looking running back he didn't any actual defensive challenges in and we could need that midweek. If he thinks he can get 60 minutes out of him then I'd want him in the hole rather than shirking defensive responsibilities, with Dolan out wide (despite Dolan being better in the middle he does at least track back these days). I wouldn't want to drop Dolan right now but that'd be the way I'd fit Cantwell in. As it's an away game I'd stick with Hedges for his defensive work but be looking to make subs of Weimann, Ohashi and Cozier-Duberry for an impact, no matter the scoreline. So providing no injuries that's the same keeper, back four and CMs with Hedges Cantwell Dolan Gueye It's not ideal but it's what I'd do

You'd imagine they'd coach the dive and may eye contact with the ref technique but I guess if it still works then why bother? Enjoyed Travis intentional standing on Fosters hand though. Had plausible deniability

I'm not having that the first Gueye yellow was deserved

Genuine question and not an attack - did any club do this?

I think it's the perfect time to play them. I say a slow start but then we knuckle down and beat them 2-0. That is very, very possible but you've made it sound unlikely whilst covering all bases.

Yes

Pretty much ha.

Christ.

The Sunshine Underground - The Chemical Brothers

Candy Says - The Velvet Underground

Pere Ubu- Heart of Darkness

To me it doesn't taste a million miles off but has more taste.

Queen Bitch - David Bowie