Rotation?

[Jezleeds]

I wonder how much TC will look at rotating this weekend with the two games in three days.

I would imagine Saiz will come back in on Saturday, although nobody played badly at Burton, so maybe save him till Monday given on paper that looks the 'harder' game. Perhaps Hernadez and Saiz switched for each other?

Think the defence will stay the same (unless Berardi gets sent off in an argument with a blade of grass that looked at him in a funny way by the end of the Brum game).

Perhaps Phillips replacing O Kane in one of the games, and Alioski having a rest in one - he worked really hard at Burton.

Up front we don't really have much choice to mix it up - that really needs to be remedied in January.

What do you think? Other alternatives?

[Tichi1]

I think a good shout Jez
We are a bit thin on the ground - could have done without Dallas being absent so long as he is missed in terms of who we can rotate.

Only real viable alternatives are Phillips, Saiz,and Lassoga - which really emphasises the problem of squad depth that we currently have.

Suppose we could bring Pennington against Brum to get him some more game time - but that would be risky, or perhaps shove Anita in at left back switch Berardi to the right and give Ayling a much deserved and needed break?

As everyone keeps pointing out [With the exception of Clive in cuckoo land] we DO need a couple more players [Emphasise a couple not loads] in key positions...I'd be happy to start with Clayton and a decent LB

[joellufcprice]

We don't have a good enough squad to rotate and be competitive at the moment hence why we need 2 additions + sending Borthwick-Jackson packing and getting someone in who could actually play LB.

At the moment if say Saiz was a long term injury and Jansson or even Alioski/Hernandez picked up an injury I'd struggle to see us beating good sides.

This is why it is crucial we make 2/3 additions- one LB (basically swapping CBJ for someone competent/who could start), a striker and either a centre back or another attacking option for the inevitable time when Alioski can't play and we need someone with pace outwide.

[Rev72]

We need to add to the group that's for sure..and I mean add quality to the group.

We have a chance..look at the table..we must grasp it by the b0llocks and take it.

[Jezleeds]

Lots of fair points made. I do think Anita has had a bit of a bum deal with us - he played week in week out at Newcastle in a championship winning team. Wonder if he'll get any game time as Tichi says - although it seems like he's one of those whose face just might not fit - managers seem to have players like that don't they, where perhaps they have a bad game or one part of their game isn't quite what they want - perhaps with Anita it's that he's quite lightweight on the ball? Think Allioski suffered from that early on but is improving a bit in that area now.

[Billyni]

Not really a fan of rotation unless all your players are of equal quality. Play the best team that you have available at all times. We shouldnt be taking Birmingham for granted and start tinkering. Remember from another thread, 'anyone can beat anyone', and theyre due a result.

[Ozwhites]

If ready, Saiz obviously will be back in...probably with Cibicki out. And Phillips replaces Viera if struggling. The only other way to rotate to give the midfielders a break, would be to use Lasogga from the start again as a one off. And I don't think anyone really wants that option at present... Agree about blokes like Ayling having a freshen up by sitting out a game, but as Billy says, when is the right time to do it? Any game can backfire on us! 😮

[hopelesslyoptimistic]

If Roofe is fit surely he has to start up front. Playing well and scoring in a winning team. Love Cibicki too great pace and crosses early.

Must be progress from last season as we are discussing options so all good

[Ozwhites]

Bottom 4 sides.....Birmingham, Bolton and Sunderland all won...and Burton drew! When is a good time for rotation? Just highlights what has been said about no easy games in this league.

[Jezleeds]

Bottom 4 sides.....Birmingham, Bolton and Sunderland all won...and Burton drew! When is a good time for rotation? Just highlights what has been said about no easy games in this league.

yep - and that we don't have the squad depth to be able to rotate and deal with those sides.