Midfield for Leeds Game

I agree, since Mutch got injured are midfield has been the one problem we have had.

I said after a couple of games that I did not think Gomis was good enough and I haven't seen anything that has changed my mind.

I am a fan of Fahey and if he had a good defensive partner next to him he could be the one to unlock defences.

I haven't seen enough of N'daw to comment he has only played a couple of games so its hard to judge.

For me your best players are your best players doesn't matter if your home or away in this league. We should be going to win every game anyway so it shouldn't make to much of a differnce.

On wednesday I would like to see us play Fahey and N'daw. Think N'Daw needs to be given a chance ahead of Gomis. Wade would also be a good option in central midfield with Fahey but may leave us a little bit lightweight in midfield.

Burke - Elliot - Fahey - Beau

Nice attacking midfield. I think we should have a midfield thats willing to attack (Elliot) as well as hold the ball and defend (Fahey). Would like to see Redmond get some time as well. Whats happened with him? He seems to have just vanished, unless I've just stopped noticing him.

For me, Burke and Beau should always start (but obviously that's not going to happen in a season of 55+ games).

That leaves the centre of midfield. There, I'd go for N'Daw and Elliot against Leeds as those two probably have the best mix of aggresion and creativity required for what will be a tough game.

Personally, once Mutch is back, I don't think we're too badly off for midfielders with Gomis, Fahey, Redmond and Spector all available as and when required. It's inevitable that some rotation is required now and then.

I'd agree with bcfc83 about the home and away question- Blues have pretty much settled into a 442 formation with attacking wingers and there's no real reason to change that home or away - it seems to be working well.

In the end of course, its all academic as CH picks the team and in him I trust- I really do.

As much as I like Gomis who's a 100% tryer I think N'Daw looks more accomplished on the ball.
Against Leeds I can see it being Elliot and Fahey.

I would disagree that N'Daw is better on the ball than Gomis. However, I have always said that we are currently lacking a ball winner in the middle of the field and N'Daw fits that role perfectly (although the Brugge game was the only reference point, other than that painfull first 30 minutes against Braga).
So, I would be happy for any one of Elliot, Fahey or Gomis to play along N'Daw in the middle, as they offer the vision. N'daw is there to get us in possession and give us an impact in the middle.

Whether he is really match fit yet is another question...

Central midfield (attacking and defensive) and an upgrade on Rooney loan or Jan window please and we can reach the playoffs as we'll have the depth to weather injuries.

I totally agree the right team works home or away on our current form and in this league. There are no top four sides here.

Attack is the best form of defense and much better to watch.

Isn't it nice to not be watching a game thinking why on earth doesn't the manager do X or Y?

CH is the man.
KRO

Remember the days of 4-4-2 chants?

I hated how all the pundits condemned that without knowing how exacerbating McLeish's persistent use of 4-5-1 was.

I also hated how it was all brushed under the carpet once he started playing 4-4-2 and we went on our unbeaten run.

I just can't see that happening with Hughton; the guy clearly takes calculated risks and isn't happy with drawing enough games for mid table!

brummerdickens you are spot on. Like when AM played 4-4-2 against Fulham last year when we had no-one up front who could hold the ball up and we got mullered. It should be horses for courses, there were times 451 worked for AM but equally he used the tactic too often.

CH has proven to been clever, 442 hasn't always worked for us with the front two occassionally isolated, so he went 4411 against Maribor. He seems to balance making changes where necessary nicely versus not making rash decisions. The team sem to know how he wants them to play now and even when he amkes 5 or 6 changes the 11 he puts out seem to do a job every time.