What would you do, if you were BR in the cup game?

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2000

Answers

Playing a 4 - 4 - 2, cetainly worked against Liverpool and I think the players still look more comfortable playing that way. It's a shame as I think that playing 3 at the back gives you a better midfield.

still if it is to be 4 - 4 - 2 , I would give Harper a game, play Caldwell in the centre with Hughes and stick with Domi and Griffin. Midfield still needs a left winger, time to give glass a chance alongside Acuna and Lee in the centre and Solano on the right. Cordone is due a run out and although I don't think Dyer is good playing up front I think after todays goal , it would be a good idea to stick with him up front.

What about Speed, Barton, Goma, Given, Bassedas and Shearer?All are slightly injured or have just come back from injury, give them a rest, keep them for the league game against Villa.

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2000

I'd say "Thank you very, very much, but you're not required this time bonnie lad" to Shay.

I'd have Barton and Griffin as FBs - both need match practice, WB more than AGr. I'd be tempted to bring Goma back just to get him used to playing again as we defintely need him against Villa. Probabnlyt stick with Hughes, tho we could give Caldwell another start.

Up front, I'd definitely rest Shearer. Bring back Cordone, and perhaps Gallacher (if he's fit) or Louis Lua (or one of the bairns - Ameobi or Coppy).

Midfield is still a problem. Definitely rest Speed and Lee, and probably Dyer too. Could even let Nobby have time off for good behaviour. So, I think I'd be tempted to string Gavillan, Acuna, Bassedas and perhaps Domi across the middle.

But what do I know. Exactly.

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2000

On Rad 5 today, Murray and Brian Hamilton were the presenters and to give Murray his due he was complimentary about the stadium, the crowd and most things "Toon". Brian Hamilton (ex Ipswich) was waxing lyrical about Dyers movement OFF the ball, on being asked what he thought was his best position, he said even though he has played as attacking wing back for his country he must be played as a attacking midfielder, Griffin also came in for some hefty praise from the panel as did Given. Rik has asked the question, from afar the same thoughts run through my mind, YBR has to be cruel to be kind, we appeared to carry all the luck today, this does not happen all the time, I cringed on hearing the defensive set-up, lack of authority and height especially when faced with set pieces, same back four could let in a boatload next game, Barton no way at cb, IMHO selling Charvet was a big mistake (at the time), Give Harper a run out, Barton and Griffin (full backs), Goma and Caldwell,(need Aarron for Villa), midfield of Solano - Acuna - Bassedas- Glass , Gallagher and Cordone up front.

For Saturday only 4 guaranteed to regain places, Shearer, Dyer, Hughes. Given, no matter how well the above plays, I repeat YBR at this stage of the season does not know his best formation, in M/F and now up front, this bothers me, hand on heart do any of our regular match attendees know,? Bobby has to sort it out, funny aint it that in the one area we are OTT we don`t seem to suffer from injuries!!!!

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2000

If I was YBR my team pick would depend on whether or not I was serious about wanting to win this competion. Birmingham are no mugs and you can't expect just to put out any old 11 and win it just because we are Prem and they are Div 1. Remember what happened there last year. If he is taking the comp seriously - which I assume he is after the lads he put out against Orient - then Dyer and possibly Lua Lua must play from the start. The lower down the leagues you go the more they are frightened by pace. Dyer is a must. As I'm going to the game I would also like to see Bassedas but that's just a personal preference! Whoever we put out - I want a little more effort than was displayed this time last year and no missed penalties please lads.

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2000

>>What would you do, if you were BR in the cup game?

That's easy Rik. I'd win the game. Then I'd fix it for us to face the Mackems at home in the 5th round.

HE WHO LAUGHS LAST etc etc ...

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Bobby is one of the few managers in the Premier League that actually takes this competition seriously, and he has already stated that he will ALWAYS play his strongest side. The exception being for the goalkeeper, wher he wants to play Harper in place of Given, and will do again on Wednesday apparently. Apparently he can not find anyway to justify sending out a weakened team in any form.

BTW LOONY: it is already predetermined that we will play either West Ham or Sheffield Wednesday in the next round.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

If we beat Birmingham that is!

:0)

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Isn't Lua Lua cup tied?

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Yes......he played for Colchester against QPR and scored a fabulous hat-trick......I just wish he would do one for us!

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Shearer doubtful with his back injury. Cordone and Coppinger up front? Ouch!

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Shearer, Goma, Given, Speed (all question marks over fitness) not risked. Match practice for Barton and Caldwell, who will hopefully not be played this weekend. Maybe rest Lee, maybe not. How about:

Harper Barton Hughes Caldwell Griffin Solano Acuna Bassedas Domi Dyer Cordone

very lightweight up front, but that may not be a bad thing

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000