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The next four league games offer a brutal run to the cup tie - away to Aberdeen and Livingston, home to hibs and Celtic.
Individually you could see us losing ebery game very easily. You'd hope we can get at least two points though and even three would keep us ticking over nicely. Four or more would be outstanding.
For Aberdeen I'd bring in Grimshaw and Donnelly...I'd also be tempted to use a diamond in midfield and just one winger at pittodrie.
A tad pessimistic. I'd expect to get a draw at Livingston and beat Hibs at Fir Park. That would be my starting point. Anything less would be disappointing and anything more would be a bonus. Agree about Donnelly and Grimshaw. Tait and O'Hara are not the answers. The midfield needs stiffening defensively.
Agree Grimshaw and Donnelly need to return for Dons game, but we have to make sure Donnelly controls his temperament and doesn’t needlessly get booked/sent off. If we can match the Dons physically at set pieces in and around our area we have a good chance of coming away with something. I am more concerned about Hartley’s performances of late and would seriously consider benching him on Wednesday night
IMO only Celtic the banana skin next four games for obvious reasons.
I’d bench Hylton and Seedorf indefinitely and play 4 across mid-field (any shape) but FOUR.
Agree the return of Grimshaw and Donnelly. Hartley’s form will return
Even with Hartley's form there's surely no way we drop him for Mugabi in a game where we can expect to be forced back to defend, unless he's not fit obviously.
I think Aberdeen, over the course of the season, will still finish third by a distance. Hibs are a different prospect under Ross to when we thrashed them, would be happy not losing on Saturday.
Agree that Aberdeen will finish 3rd but there's no reason why we can't beat Hibs. Although we do have a few senior centre backs on the books only 2, Gallagher and Dunne, are first team standard.
It's got to be 5 at the back at Pittodrie - best chance to get the point, or a win! Hartley, Gallacher and Mugabi central, with Tait / Carroll on the flanks. Lets Mugabi and Hartley deal with Cosgrove, so Gallacher, and the wing backs push us forward. 3 in the midfield, with Long and Scott occupying their defence. What's not to like?
Some merit in a 3-5-2 formation but not with Tait at RB. He's fallen back this season and had a very poor game at Dundee. It has to be Grimshaw unless he's not fit.
The obvious is what is not to like - the absence of a 100% player Grimshaw