WBA53 match thread

[DaveP67 is back!]

Absolutely buzzing! For me the difference between Saturday and today was control, first half Saturday we had the afterburners on 100% from the get go and it was frantic entertainment, today we were far more measured and in total control for the whole 90 minutes, thats 9 goals now in 3 games and we should still see improvements in the squad. I am now satisfied we don’t need a striker but do need to add strength in depth to the midfield and centre backs, O’Shea moving into CDM in the second half confirms that..

[TipperaryBaggie]

Definitely need to strengthen the back line. Clarke and O'Shea are performing well but Bartley looks shaky at times and Ajayi is just an accident waiting to happen. We do look a bit vulnerable to the ball over the top so a bit more pace wouldn't go amiss.

[Barrera]

Priority for me is central midfield. If Livermore or even worse Mowatt get injured then who do we have to replace them? Although our defence seems shaky at times at least we have some cover options in Ajayi and at worst Kipre. Plus Townsend and O’Shea can play different positions. Clarke has been a revelation coming into the side. Also need a forward - but would be good to see what Tulloch can do. The entire squad looks a bit thin .... if you take out Sawyers and Zohore.

[Prando]

Bartley performs well in the air and is a competent header. He is indeed shaky with the ball at his feet and positionally poor. Undoubtedly having Clarke alongside him is a major plus and indeed O’Shea improves each game. I’m sure Val will include AJ within his rotation planning.
As with all Championship standard players there will be weaknesses and Bartley’s failings and preponderance to produce unnecessary and costly fouls, should in fairness be considered alongside his heading prowess.