If You Were Steve

[ramspride]

The next two games are very important in our season. Next Saturday night we could be still top of the league or in the playoff places looking behind us. So if you were Steve what would you do before Tuesday nights game?

1 What team would you play

2 What tactics would you employ?

3 How would you handle the players - what would you say to them? Would you handle each player seperatly, and aproach them differently thinking different players react differently, or address them together in a team meeting?

[Rob_the_Ram]

A lot depends on whether Martin and / or Bent are fit to play.

I'd start at Brighton with (4-3-3):

Grant
Christie - Keogh - Buxton - Forsyth
Hendrick - Omar - Hughes
Ince - Martin (or Bent) - Russell

If both Martin and Bent out, then (4-4-2 Diamond):

Grant
Christie - Keogh - Buxton - Forsyth
Omar
Ince - Bryson
Hughes
Russell - Ward

Either way we'd have a decent bench to replace poor performers on the day or to change the system if not working.

As for dealing with players. They've just lost to a struggling side in a one sided game.
However we are still top of the league due to efforts prior to Saturday.
After Saturday, no-one can really say they deserve their place based on that performance.

I would want to see commitment, effort and no-one allowed to wear gloves or long sleeves!!!

Brighton are no great shakes and if we fail against them, playoffs at best beckon.
Smac should just need to remind them that a Fulham performance is unacceptable and be prepared to make changes soon

[clough08]

If I could answer that lot, I would want Shteve's salary. This next week is a big test for the management. If we're still top a week today, they've done well.

[su4eranio]

I am sure Shteeve and his team have it all in hand. Everyone needs to chill out. Thankfully Boro and Bournemouth are both on a wobble too. Norwich looking strong for me.

[Andy_Faber]

I think the way he would think would be:

regardless of the result, who needs a rest after Saturday. answer, maybe Christie (I'm going on reviews, I wasn't there). Who's the natural replacement, Shotton

Then it would be, who's out injured, and have I got someone who could fill that role to at least a fair degree. answer, Bent. who's the natural replacement, Russell

So there you have it, two changes. No need to panic