Alessandro

Brownhill...

Really? Am I being stupid, who is the third CB? Kent wide right supported by Brownhill. Pato wide left supported by Bryan. Looks 4-4-2 to me with our usual fluidity?!

That may well be the case from time to time, who knows, easy to say, harder to prove - but it still doesn't explain that it would have been a very odd choice, IMO, to drop either top scorer Reid, or Fam who has scored and looked good since he came back, for someone who clearly hasn't been up to speed since he arrived. I imagine he needs more runs off the bench first. I'm guessing if you're right he'll start against Leeds next Sunday when he has had chance to recover from the flu, although if he did have it, i'm surprised he is on the bench today. Which suggests maybe it was a cold, in which case he could have started.

I’d be surprised if Diony was going to start today and I’d be even more surprised if you knew specifically LJ was going to start with him. That’s pretty private knowledge I would imagine. I’m sure in training this week they tried all sorts of combinations, that people could have seen, but if he has had the flu, but was going to start, that means LJ would have decided that some time early last week, which seems a little early and certainly a little harsh on whoever would have made Way and a gamble after his performance against Bolton showed someone no where near upto speed with the division yet.

Can't see how that line up is anything but a variation on 4-4-2. Agree about Korey at RB, let's hope we are bettered prepared this week with this set up.

Frustrating stuff. Some nice football - but the lack of killer ball key. Smash and grab by Norwich, don’t think we dealt with their 5 across the back and we NEED to do better against teams that come to sit back or counter. It will happen over and again between now and end of season with teams coming to do the same, because that’s how to beat us. But onwards and upwards, pick up and go again. All will be forgotten if we beat Derby away.

Walsh in the hole and Pato left? Or Walsh left and Pato in the hole?

That is probably up there with the worst half performances by our boys this season. Need some magic to get back into this game.

No need to sit on the fence so much, tell us how you really feel!

Don’t worry - there’ll be plenty who know how to on OTIB! www.youtube.com/thatch-howto-stickaseasoncard-hack.otib.co.uk

Agree with that 100% Dave - we’ve seen very little of him, too little to judge fairly. Especially as he has been kept out the team by some good performances from others. He did well at Burton, I really hope he can take his chance over the coming weeks...

This is Famara-gate all over again.....just the other way round......hope you’re right!

Boom!

Near perfect first half. Harassed and hounded them off the ball and on the ball the interplay between Bobby, the five in midfield and Bryan bursting forward, superb at times. Smith spotted Brownhill’s run on the right, who knocked it across to Bobby for a tap in, before Smith finished into the corner from a cut back from O’Dowda, after he did his marker for pace. We look pretty confident and in control (famous last words). The only real joy they had was a few shots on their right, no doubt aided by settling the changes made at right back with Pisano unfortunately going off. Maggers needs to calm it though and do the simple things better, I counted three mistakes that led to chances for Fulham. LJ seems to have called this one right with the formation, exploiting the width well where Fulham are giving us too much space. I expect they’ll react to that and then we can bring on Durex to help protect the lead.

Bobby - slight deflection of the defender

Brum losing 6-1. Ouch

Wright at right back has not worked for me today

More goals in this game for us, same again and we'll take the three points.

Wow! Come on City, keep it going...

Again I'd be happy with a draw. But I think the players will believe they can win this one. They've lost three of their last 6, once to Fulham, who are level with us. COYR

Opinions, as I said before, I'd like to see the game again, i'll try and watch him, but my instincts watching today make me think your 5 and your analysis is a little harsh today, as I feel he won more headers than anyone else in attack and held the ball up more than anyone today as well, IMO. I remember thinking a number of times he got himself about well and looked to give an outlet, a few times out wide. Certainly not his most effective game, don't get me wrong. Things may have improved with Taylor, but I don't think it was because he was stronger or necessarily put more pressure on defenders, it was his movement opening up space.

Of course all opinions. I guess if it's your opinion that that's Famara's main purpose in the team, to hold up the ball, then you will judge him mainly on that. I think it's not and he is linking up better every game. Equally Leko, Bobby and Matty had the ball into feet a number of times today and it didn't stick. Thought he held up the ball several times today, certainly won a number of flick on's. I'd like to watch the game again and see the again.

Think 5 for Famara is harsh. For me influenced the game as least as much as Bobby did while he was on, so at least a 6. Seemed to win a lot in the air today, and had one sublime moment of skill controlling the ball out the air, turning and sending a pass across to Bobby in a good position, who should have done better. Thought Bobby was more wasteful today, personally.

Not vintage by any means, but a solid draw....

Well that was pretty close to vintage City. Great stuff, very exciting times. Could be a fun season!