WBA53 match thread

[billsbest]

Very lucky not to be losing. Perhaps we can pinch a goal in the second half but a draw wouldn't be the worst result.

[Leicesterbaggie]

We certainly have Swedish. We're far too open at the back. I realise that this is the style that we play but if we do concede we're going to have to score twice and we haven't really looked like scoring once so far tonight.

[SwedishBaggie]

And Hugill, poor touch, slow and late…

[rambaggie]

Stoke are 1st to most 2nd balls. Actually being out muscled. And Hugill is just awful tonight. We will be lucky to come away with a point on this showing so far.

[boingy]

I think Furlong sets very high standards for himself and he will be really angry with himself for trying to be too tidy and it not coming off.

[Omegstrat6]

Appreciate that Hugill offers the physicality that too many of our forwards lack but he isn't having a good game tonight, time for a change and bring Diangana on?

[boingy]

A lot of teams are playing our game against us.

[mickd1961]

I’ll say this forever and a day......I played as a full back for years and a back three is a very difficult thing to keep pulling off especially with such a high line as we play.

You need three exceptional players and athletes to play a back three and the wide players in the midfield four and the front three have to be prepared to never switch off and to work their nuts off for the entire match.

It’s impossible to close off the space down both flanks with a three.

I just wish managers would be more pragmatic at times.

Stoke will have spent all week preparing for a back three so why not mess them about and go 4-5-1 and flood the middle of the pitch?

I hate this “one size fits all” when you’re stuck with players of limited ability.

At the moment this has defeat written all over it, I’d take the draw if offered as I write this at 0-0.

[boingy]

I’d settle for 0-0 tonight. Lots of games and this one looks like we need a rest.

[boingy]

Very poor passing. Probably worth bringing subs on.