now that the window has closed

[AucklandRover]

As a long-term fan of 4-4-2, I am now going to go against my instincts, in the interest of greater defensive strength:

Robinson
Lowe Hanley Duffy Spurr
Marshall Cairney Tunnicliffe Evans Conway
Gestede
(Obviously, injuries would probably mean not all of these are available).

I don't think for a minute that GB will pick this team, as dropping Rhodes is a big call, but we have to make some sacrifice to create improved defensive security.
Having Rhodes and King in reserve would give attacking flexibility at some stage of a game.
GB is quite conservative, though, and (if Spurr is still unfit) the team I expect him to play against Wigan is:
Robinson
Lowe Hanley Kilgallon Olsson
Marshall Cairney Evans Conway.
Gestede Rhodes

I would have no major issues with that team, normally, but the OBVIOUS isn't quite working.

[DanRrr]

the team I expect him to play against Wigan is:
Robinson
Lowe Hanley Kilgallon Olsson
Marshall Cairney Evans Conway.
Gestede Rhodes

I think it's massively unlikely that you'll that your expectations will go unfulfilled Aucks. It might be worth even having a bet on this starting 11!!

[jordan12rhodes]

cairney will continue on the right in my opinion, with tunnicliffe and evans central. not saying i agree with it, just reckon that`s what GB will do.

[AucklandRover]

cairney will continue on the right in my opinion, with tunnicliffe and evans central. not saying i agree with it, just reckon that`s what GB will do.

Saxo/JR - that wouldn't be the end of the world, but it's a bit of a waste to have your main creative influence - Cairney - out wide, although I admit he has versatility to do well there.

I wonder if GB has ever considered the currently fashionable idea of three centre-backs and two wing-backs, in a line-up such as this:
Robinson
Kilgallon Duffy Hanley
Lowe Cairney Tunnicliffe Dunn Olsson
Rhodes Gestede

Both Lowe and Olsson are very fit and defensively capable, and with Tunnicliffe tackling in central midfield, Dunn and Cairney would be freed up to fill the creative roles.
Of course, this would be very unfair on Marshall, Evans and Conway, but I'm trying to think of ways of improving defensive solidity. The wing-backs would have to work hard, though, because that back three mi

[DanRrr]

Seriously though, I'm not sure myself: Is Steele and better than Robbo?

Cant really be any worse Dan ..time to get someone younger in the sticks ..at least plan for the future (what future i hear you all say ?)..and hes been brought in by GB so must be seen as more than capable ..plenty of Championship experience too so not really a risk throwing him in ..

I hate to say it, but I still think Robbo going to be no.1. I think Steele has come because if he's going to be an understudy, he'd rather be one with an ex international,

Who let the ball slip under his foot once [/quote]

Is it bad form to quote your own post?

Anyway, it seems Steele will be no.2 from this interview - view external link

[Bobcrompton1896]

After much soul-searching my line-up would be:
1.Robinson
2.Lowe 5.Duffy 6.Baptiste 3.Olson
7.Marshall 8.Cairney 10.Evans 6.Tunnicliffe 11.Conway
9.Rhodes.

Im assuming Gestede and Spurr are still unfit.
Wholesale changes dont seem to work at Blackburn,but I do agree its pointless taking these players on loan,and letting them warm the bench for months on end!Might as well have a threadbare economy squad like Burnley if thats what your going to do.

We dont have the luxury of £750 million from shirt sponsors over the next 10 years so this is as solid a defensive line-up as I can muster.



I think Hanleys current worrying lack of form cant be indulged any longer.

On merit,I believe this is the best weve got! Subs: Steele, Hanley,Kilgallon, Williamson,Dunn,King & Brown(possibly Rittenberg NOT Varney).