Poyet vows to stick with front pair (From The Argus)

Well I'll be jiggered, that's shot me down in flames!

From what i saw of Ulloa,i think he will have been well worth the wait. The man was willing to help out all over the pitch. He`s strength is superb,he could have gone down on several occasions,and no one could have blamed him,but he stayed on his feet and fought on.

Craig always works his socks off,so with his effort and Leo`s obvious quality,we may have the partnership we need to see us to the POs.

I agree with many of you lads,our midfield suffered a bit as a consequence of our new formation,i like you hope we make up the shortfall by Tuesday. UTA

Yep The two of them should be given the chance to deliver and I think they will.
Some would have Hoskins replace CMS but I am not sure why. It's true that CMS has dropped off in terms of goal scoring but he is still a threat and has genuine pace.
Where CMS goes usually two defenders go too and that in it's self will help Ulloa by giving him more space.
Interestingly we don't hear too many calls for Buckley to be on the bench even though his goals have also dried up.

I agree with those calling for Dicker to replace Hammond but to be fair to Hammond, the two striker game does leave the middle less well protected so who ever plays in his role will come under pressure.

Start Vicente and leave out who, Hammond or Dicker depending on who would have got the nod, that sounds dangerous. Perhaps David makes way but again sounds dangerous to me. David is very good defensively and is also capable of creating something from midfield.
Start Vicente and leave CMS out would seem one way to go but then we lose our two striker attack.
I guess Vicente for Orlandi could be the deal.

I don't think that we should throw caution to the wind, we must keep a balance as best we can with that balance tipping toward attack. I have a feeling that Blackburn are going to be better than Hull and won't give up the forst 45 minutes of the game as Hull did.

Fair enough. I'll shut up about Hoskins over CMS now.
Like Wiltshire seagull posted on another thread, we know CMS will give everything .. and yes, he is always first to acknowledge the fans at the end of matches. Fans notice this. I hope he recovers his form - he has the opportunity now with Ulloa in situ.

Just three matches to be played tuesday night and the results of which are so important to all six teams.

Hull and Middlesgrough will want to bounce back at home when they take on Derby and Leeds respectively and of course, we so dearly want to beat Blackburn.

Derby and Leeds being just behind us must still fancy their chances of nicking a playoff place, like us they know that from now on in it's wins that count.

Three draws could be on the cards but I do fancy Leeds to possibly get a result. Our new approach might take off and if it does, who knows, we might just hammer them.
Derby - Hull, I could bet on the draw.

Tuesday evening could be a defining moment in our season, one way or the other.

On a completely different thread, can anyone tell me why the '2's o some of the team shirts are on upside down. Any special reason or has someone been on the wacky backy?

It will be very interesting to see how Gus sets out the midfield if he plays both up top. The narrow diamond matched up to Hull's unusual 3-5-2 yesterday but against a more common 4-4-2 or 4-5-1, it puts a lot of pressure on our full backs to defend and provide our only width. It also makes Buckley tricky to fit into the team.

Would love to see Vicente start on Tuesday. The guy is just pure class. It's so amazing to see a player of that quality playing for Brighton. I thought Jeff Minton was good!!! I'd love to think there is some small chance he will stay beyond this season but, if not, I just want to enjoy watching him as much as possible. His reverse pass to Bridge to set up Orlandi's chance yesterday was sublime but he does things like that with seemingly no effort. Just a class above everybody. Brilliant.

Sorry, should be on some of the team shirts

wiseman of hove wrote:
Fair enough. I'll shut up about Hoskins over CMS now.
Like Wiltshire seagull posted on another thread, we know CMS will give everything .. and yes, he is always first to acknowledge the fans at the end of matches. Fans notice this. I hope he recovers his form - he has the opportunity now with Ulloa in situ.

Hoskins has a good first touch, CMS works the defenders. Two different players and I am not fussed who starts as long as they do the job.

Hoskins has always done well coming on from the bench, but that might be because CMS has tired them out?

WestStander, on this thread, just a few postings back I too wonder how to line up so as to allow Vicente to start but with two strikers I am not sure how we can do it and not leave ourselves too exposed.

Maybe Vicente and Lua Lua are impact subs and we just have to accept that.
If we can get a two goal lead and then bring on Vicente to push for the third and fourth goals all would be great, but we rarely get two goal leads.

I would like to see him start, get him on the park and hope he can weave his magic so that at half time we are winning and then think about taking him off at 60 mins rather than bring him on at that time.

How do we do this WestStander?

CMS is becoming a bit of a quandry - always works hard and is a fan's favourite. However most of the required basic skills were missing yesterday - control, running with the ball, holding the ball up were poor. I am not even that sure he is as quick as people suggest. He seems a lot quicker chasing down defenders than he is chasing the ball when invariably he seems to arrive after the event. I really do want him to do well but he just seems to lack any conviction at the moment.

On balance, I would like to see the manager start with Vicente instead of Hammond, with Dicker standing by, if and when Vicente tires.

Hovite wrote:

wiseman of hove wrote: Fair enough. I'll shut up about Hoskins over CMS now. Like Wiltshire seagull posted on another thread, we know CMS will give everything .. and yes, he is always first to acknowledge the fans at the end of matches. Fans notice this. I hope he recovers his form - he has the opportunity now with Ulloa in situ.

Hoskins has a good first touch, CMS works the defenders. Two different players and I am not fussed who starts as long as they do the job. Hoskins has always done well coming on from the bench, but that might be because CMS has tired them out?

Good morning Hovite.

Gus has painted himself into a corner by coming out and making the statement that tops this thread. Ulloa and CMS will start from now on, that's the decision and that means that Hoskins is cover for both of them, he is a bench player. Is Hoskins in front of Barnes, I think he is as I can see Barnes maybe coming into his own as the utility player that Gus has moulded him into.

Barnes will not have a role as an out and out striker, to my way of thinking that's done now. Two strikers need a striker on the bench and Hoskins is a striker and very little else.
Barnes can adapt, he can cover for David in midfield, but not in defense, Buckley out wide and Orlandi. If either of the strikers, CMS or Ulloa, for what ever reason have to be taken off then I htink Hoskins will get his chance under this new approach of Gus.

Gus said he is ready to take risks for promotion and I think Hoskins is part of his thinking, it just makes sense to me.

Hoskins MUST play a part in my view,he is far,far too good not to get a shout. UTA

wiseman of hove wrote:
On balance, I would like to see the manager start with Vicente instead of Hammond, with Dicker standing by, if and when Vicente tires.

I can see your thinking but Vicente for Hammond is massive. I have not heard of Vicente ever being thought of as a defensive midfield player and that is the role that Hammond, Crofts or Dicker have.
With two strikers up front and Vicente on for Hammond, or who ever, we would be very exposed.

.

VegasSeagull wrote:

Hovite wrote:

wiseman of hove wrote: Fair enough. I'll shut up about Hoskins over CMS now. Like Wiltshire seagull posted on another thread, we know CMS will give everything .. and yes, he is always first to acknowledge the fans at the end of matches. Fans notice this. I hope he recovers his form - he has the opportunity now with Ulloa in situ.

Hoskins has a good first touch, CMS works the defenders. Two different players and I am not fussed who starts as long as they do the job. Hoskins has always done well coming on from the bench, but that might be because CMS has tired them out?

Good morning Hovite.

Gus has painted himself into a corner by coming out and making the statement that tops this thread. Ulloa and CMS will start from now on, that's the decision and that means that Hoskins is cover for both of them, he is a bench player. Is Hoskins in front of Barnes, I think he is as I can see Barnes maybe coming into his own as the utility player that Gus has moulded him into.

Barnes will not have a role as an out and out striker, to my way of thinking that's done now. Two strikers need a striker on the bench and Hoskins is a striker and very little else.
Barnes can adapt, he can cover for David in midfield, but not in defense, Buckley out wide and Orlandi. If either of the strikers, CMS or Ulloa, for what ever reason have to be taken off then I htink Hoskins will get his chance under this new approach of Gus.

Gus said he is ready to take risks for promotion and I think Hoskins is part of his thinking, it just makes sense to me.

Good post, Vegas. When CMS scores again, which he will it will become v. interesting indeed much as I am an admirer of Hoskins. Nice to have some quality on the bench, why am i worrying, lol.
UTA..........

CMS may work his socks off and he is fast but his first touch and control invariably lets him and the side down! Maybe time will tell but those who thought he needs a big man to play off might be disappointed because there has been precious little evidence of an improvement so far!

Conudrums all round in todays posts. Not sure any straight answers cms not great on seeing match back today.
Would love to have Buckers and vic on at same time as worked well last season ,they had a good understanding .
Feel either or with some players aka
Buckley/lopez
Orlandi/vicente
Dicker/hammond (def former on yesterday performance)
Cms/Hoskins but with poss no ulloa or barnes the pair or substitute one as all season with extra midfielder.

Not easy for Gus on Tuesday . but good to have options and still be in the mix which lets is all we all want for as long as possible.

Problem starting Vicente is there is more space from the 60th minute, ideal for him to come on find space and produce,
If we started Vicente can we play 5 attack minded ? I can see us maybe going 4-5-1 .. With Vicente in the hole if he was 100% fit. I have to say Gus has a massive question to answer when GG is fit? I thought upson was outstanding..

Jaghebby wrote:
CMS may work his socks off and he is fast but his first touch and control invariably lets him and the side down! Maybe time will tell but those who thought he needs a big man to play off might be disappointed because there has been precious little evidence of an improvement so far!

The last line of your comment leaves me a tad bewildered. 'Little evidence so far,' an observation based on one game!

Can it really be possible to evaluate how this pairing will work from just one full match, I think not. I odn't know what you do for a living but I bet it took more than just one day to learn how to do it. If 90 minutes of football equall one weeks work in a regular job I would ask you, could you do all you can do now after just one week?

VegasSeagull wrote:

Jaghebby wrote:
CMS may work his socks off and he is fast but his first touch and control invariably lets him and the side down! Maybe time will tell but those who thought he needs a big man to play off might be disappointed because there has been precious little evidence of an improvement so far!

The last line of your comment leaves me a tad bewildered. 'Little evidence so far,' an observation based on one game!

Can it really be possible to evaluate how this pairing will work from just one full match, I think not. I odn't know what you do for a living but I bet it took more than just one day to learn how to do it. If 90 minutes of football equall one weeks work in a regular job I would ask you, could you do all you can do now after just one week?

Agree, lots of work still in progress for Gus, interesting to hear yesterday the Albion have Been given a good report that the club will be chosen for the rugby World Cup in 2015

CMS needs a little more composure, if anything he tries too hard, which is because the pressure has always been on him to score without much service in the past.

He has to improve his game, but so has the whole squad, we could all do better in life.

In fact that was my school report; Hoveite could do better.

See, I couldn't even get my name right.

Listen to Vegas he knows everything, such wise words again, it must be great being you

VegasSeagull wrote:

wiseman of hove wrote:
On balance, I would like to see the manager start with Vicente instead of Hammond, with Dicker standing by, if and when Vicente tires.

I can see your thinking but Vicente for Hammond is massive. I have not heard of Vicente ever being thought of as a defensive midfield player and that is the role that Hammond, Crofts or Dicker have.
With two strikers up front and Vicente on for Hammond, or who ever, we would be very exposed.

.

Not sure about it being a massive gamble, Vegas. I'm not suggesting Vicente in a defensive role at all, by removing Hammond - who for me underperforms whatever role he is assigned to.
Digressing to MBTS's posting, certainly on yesterdays performance, I'm sure the manager will not wish to disturb the current centre back partnership even if Gordon is fit.

Simon Mew wrote:
Listen to Vegas he knows everything, such wise words again, it must be great being you

And you offer what as an opinion on the match, the team, the future or the manager?

A similar post was put up by you yesterday but again that's all it was, nothing by way of a comment about BHA just a child like little dig at me, what a sad and empty life you must lead.

I wonder how many names you use on here, ever stayed at the Bellagio?

This is great news as far as I'm concerned. Striker partnerships take time to form - though nothing quite came off for them y'day I thought there were some promising attempts to link together. The other plus of playing two up front is that it occupies another defender.

I agree the midfield is a conundrum. Hammond had a poor game y'day and the arrival of Vicente changed the game as we then had more forward impetus. His defence-splitting pass that should have led to a goal was world class. But two playmakers (i.e. Orlandi & Vicente) from the start is probably too risky.

My biggest concern y'day was the final 10 mins. Trying to defend the lead in our own half doesn't make sense to me - it's much harder for the opposition to score if we have the ball in their half. If Gus continues with this tactic I think the club will have to hand out defibrilators to us older fans!

wiseman of hove wrote:

VegasSeagull wrote:

wiseman of hove wrote:
On balance, I would like to see the manager start with Vicente instead of Hammond, with Dicker standing by, if and when Vicente tires.

I can see your thinking but Vicente for Hammond is massive. I have not heard of Vicente ever being thought of as a defensive midfield player and that is the role that Hammond, Crofts or Dicker have.
With two strikers up front and Vicente on for Hammond, or who ever, we would be very exposed.

.

Not sure about it being a massive gamble, Vegas. I'm not suggesting Vicente in a defensive role at all, by removing Hammond - who for me underperforms whatever role he is assigned to.
Digressing to MBTS's posting, certainly on yesterdays performance, I'm sure the manager will not wish to disturb the current centre back partnership even if Gordon is fit.

I think Bridcutt is all the defensive midfield we need. Vicente instead of Hammond hung ho...

El Abd will make way for GG no?

Let's be honest, we had CMS for nearly two seasons now and based on what we've seen, he's an average Championship striker. He's averaging about 1 goal in every 3 games for BHA which isn't bad but isn't great. He works hard, gives his all and scores some super goals. Conversely his first touch is very poor, his reading of the game average and his confidence slightly fragile.

He'll score more goals this season and he have some more games like yesterday where it just didn't click. Personally I wish we'd sold him in Jan and got a return on our investment, but as we didn't I'll get behind him and give him my support.

As for Hoskins, I think he's better than CMS but clearly Gus doesn't and that's what counts. It's doubtful that he'll sign another deal in May and he'll leave with us never really knowing how good he could have been if injury free and given a run in the team. Another club somewhere will make an excellent close season acquisition for no transfer fee. Ce la vie!

SiWilki

I once new a police man in Brighton that was affectionally known as Wilki, but that's another story.

I may or may not agree about how good or bad Hammond is, it makes no difference regarding whether or not to start Vicente, IMHO.

If Hammond is out of form then Crofts or Dicker comes in. If Vicente comes in for Hammond whilst we might up our goal scoring chances wouldn't we be left wide open in midfield. Of course I could be wrong, I often am, but that move does look very risky to me.

Wiseman, Hammond, or who ever of the three, are selected to work with Bridcutt to defend midfield, that's their role. I understand thta you are not suggesting that Vicente do that job but if he is selected ahead of Hammond, Crofts or Dicker then who would work with Bridcutt?

Wilki suggests that Bridcutt alone can get the job done but I don't see that happening. I would have to think that in order to start Vicente Orlandi would lose his place unless Gus opts to have Orlandi replace Hammond, or who ever, thus allowing room for Vicente, that might work.

Dr Baldhead wrote:
Let's be honest, we had CMS for nearly two seasons now and based on what we've seen, he's an average Championship striker. He's averaging about 1 goal in every 3 games for BHA which isn't bad but isn't great. He works hard, gives his all and scores some super goals. Conversely his first touch is very poor, his reading of the game average and his confidence slightly fragile.

He'll score more goals this season and he have some more games like yesterday where it just didn't click. Personally I wish we'd sold him in Jan and got a return on our investment, but as we didn't I'll get behind him and give him my support.

As for Hoskins, I think he's better than CMS but clearly Gus doesn't and that's what counts. It's doubtful that he'll sign another deal in May and he'll leave with us never really knowing how good he could have been if injury free and given a run in the team. Another club somewhere will make an excellent close season acquisition for no transfer fee. Ce la vie!

I agree with you. I thought CMS was very poor yesterday and I'd rather see Hoskins have a crack at playing alongside the big fella. He has a better touch, more composure and I think he's a better finisher. To me CMS looks out of his depth and short of confidence. Running around a lot to little effect will not get us promotion. I also hope Buckley and Vicente start. I have a feeling it's a good time to be playing Blackburn. They won on Saturday but will have their minds on Arsenal at The Emirates next Saturday, so I think they'll be there for the taking. Vicente for Hammond, Buckley for Lopez and Hoskins for CMS would suit me fine.

Dr Baldhead wrote:
Let's be honest, we had CMS for nearly two seasons now and based on what we've seen, he's an average Championship striker. He's averaging about 1 goal in every 3 games for BHA which isn't bad but isn't great. He works hard, gives his all and scores some super goals. Conversely his first touch is very poor, his reading of the game average and his confidence slightly fragile.

He'll score more goals this season and he have some more games like yesterday where it just didn't click. Personally I wish we'd sold him in Jan and got a return on our investment, but as we didn't I'll get behind him and give him my support.

As for Hoskins, I think he's better than CMS but clearly Gus doesn't and that's what counts. It's doubtful that he'll sign another deal in May and he'll leave with us never really knowing how good he could have been if injury free and given a run in the team. Another club somewhere will make an excellent close season acquisition for no transfer fee. Ce la vie!

An excellent post Dr.

VegasSeagull wrote:
SiWilki

I once new a police man in Brighton that was affectionally known as Wilki, but that's another story.

I may or may not agree about how good or bad Hammond is, it makes no difference regarding whether or not to start Vicente, IMHO.

If Hammond is out of form then Crofts or Dicker comes in. If Vicente comes in for Hammond whilst we might up our goal scoring chances wouldn't we be left wide open in midfield. Of course I could be wrong, I often am, but that move does look very risky to me.

Wiseman, Hammond, or who ever of the three, are selected to work with Bridcutt to defend midfield, that's their role. I understand thta you are not suggesting that Vicente do that job but if he is selected ahead of Hammond, Crofts or Dicker then who would work with Bridcutt?

Wilki suggests that Bridcutt alone can get the job done but I don't see that happening. I would have to think that in order to start Vicente Orlandi would lose his place unless Gus opts to have Orlandi replace Hammond, or who ever, thus allowing room for Vicente, that might work.

Thought it was going to be a limerick, what a let down Vegas.

The Phantom wrote:
CMS is becoming a bit of a quandry - always works hard and is a fan's favourite. However most of the required basic skills were missing yesterday - control, running with the ball, holding the ball up were poor. I am not even that sure he is as quick as people suggest. He seems a lot quicker chasing down defenders than he is chasing the ball when invariably he seems to arrive after the event. I really do want him to do well but he just seems to lack any conviction at the moment.

As a few guys from the press said 3.5million?I wouldn't pay 350,000 on that performance.I think the club should ask CMS,Hammond and Orlandi to give a weeks wages away after that.Now been able to watch back on tv.Like they said Brighton & Hull both have the same problem their strikers are rubbish and don't score goals.Like they also pointed out with Hoskins the club has spent over 7 million on strikers.Im sorry CMS does work very hard but this really must be his last chance this season.The only thing is how in heavens will we get the money back if he don't come good soon.

In response to Vegas, my middle starting four - Buckley Bridcutt Vicente and Orlandi - Dicker and David with roles to play later no doubt.
Yes, a big gamble in midfield if Blackburn are effective on the counter attack.

Its got to be said TK & Vicente are in a different league.If you are honest if we had been playing against a top team with good strikers yesterday we would have got smashed.

Freeloader I agree that the lack of goals from CMS is a concern but have we given him and Ulloa enough time to show what they can do TOGTHER.

On Hammond, well Dicker would always be my choice to start the game.

Orlandi, yeah he didn't have a great game yesterday but I don't think I am ready to write him off just yet. There have been times when he has been very good.

Hull didn't take their chances but for the first 45 minutes they didn't get any so we must have been doing something right. The second half saw them up their game but on chances we still were ahead on the count at the end of the game.

Two teams needing to be more adept at finishing. I am quite happy to wait untill the end of Barnes suspension to see what CMS and Ulloa can do, they have two more matches to go.

On Hoskins, I think the lad and Gus know that he is one for next season after the clear out. If CMS doesn't deliver then I would expect him to go and for Hoskins to take his place.

Your thoughts?

Freeloaders wrote:
Its got to be said TK & Vicente are in a different league.If you are honest if we had been playing against a top team with good strikers yesterday we would have got smashed.

I'm being honest when I say no team in our division would have smashed us yesterday, because none are that much better than us. And how many saves did TK actually have to make? Two? Both of which he would expect to make.

Old Scrote of the Amex wrote:

Freeloaders wrote: Its got to be said TK & Vicente are in a different league.If you are honest if we had been playing against a top team with good strikers yesterday we would have got smashed.

I'm being honest when I say no team in our division would have smashed us yesterday, because none are that much better than us. And how many saves did TK actually have to make? Two? Both of which he would expect to make.

agreed

Anybody who went to Blackburn and i was one, will tell you they are a poor side, take out Rhodes and they have no one. 3 Points coming our way. Yorkshire Seagull

Brighton Bill wrote:
Anybody who went to Blackburn and i was one, will tell you they are a poor side, take out Rhodes and they have no one. 3 Points coming our way. Yorkshire Seagull

Good - Blackburn is my second game of the season and third overall at the Amex. Both previous games were v Derby and the same result would be nice!

For the next few games anyone offering up a team sheet had better start with CMS and Ulloa because Gus has said that's how it is going to be.

The back five for right now picks it's self, so that's seven selections nailed on. Bridcutt is a shoe in, so that's eight, just three left to mess with.

I think Gus will want either Hammond, Dicker, Crofts or David to start, a little insurance to balance off having two strikers. My guess would be David. Just two to go.

One wide player seems a must and one creative midfield attacker. Orlandi, Buckley or Lua Lua maybe Buckley for tuesday, assuming he is fully fit.

So now could Gus go with Vicente or will he put Orlandi in, is there anyone else to consider for the role. I think Gus might just go for Vicente this time around.

Hoskins on the bench to cover the two strikers.
Orlandi for Vicente. Lua Lua to cover for Buckley. Ankergren for TK. Dicker for Bridcutt. Calde and Dunk for defense.

This line up would be a tad risky but we could be 2 nil up by half time and I think it has enough midfield cover for when Balckburn break out.

Possibly the last chance saloon coming up for CMS, as he finally gets to play 'his' way for a spell. I think Gus wants to know catagorically and finally if CMS does have a future with Albion. It would be fantastic if the striking partnership was to gel, we sure need some goals from the front line, but I am not too optimistic about CMS rediscovering his form.

Gus likes either Hammond or Croft with Bridders in midfield. We got burnt last season when we did not protect the back 4. Gus learnt this, and hence his hesitation in pushing forward, until he thinks the opposing defence have tired. The Champ is a very tough league, and a big step up from Div 1.

Freeloaders wrote:

The Phantom wrote:
CMS is becoming a bit of a quandry - always works hard and is a fan's favourite. However most of the required basic skills were missing yesterday - control, running with the ball, holding the ball up were poor. I am not even that sure he is as quick as people suggest. He seems a lot quicker chasing down defenders than he is chasing the ball when invariably he seems to arrive after the event. I really do want him to do well but he just seems to lack any conviction at the moment.

As a few guys from the press said 3.5million?I wouldn't pay 350,000 on that performance.I think the club should ask CMS,Hammond and Orlandi to give a weeks wages away after that.Now been able to watch back on tv.Like they said Brighton & Hull both have the same problem their strikers are rubbish and don't score goals.Like they also pointed out with Hoskins the club has spent over 7 million on strikers.Im sorry CMS does work very hard but this really must be his last chance this season.The only thing is how in heavens will we get the money back if he don't come good soon.

Would this be the same Orlandi who forced a good save from the Hull keeper, and then won us - with a deft piece of skill - the free-kick from which we scored the winning goal? Still, I'm sure you could have done a better job if only you had been given nepotistic opportunity when you were younger and less bitter.

Orlandi excellent player.

Vicente and Buckley have to start on Tuesday. We have to win so let us start with our strongest attacking team. Buckley has to play to give us pace and width and Vicente just has to be the one to exploit his pace. His pass to release Bridge on Saturday was sublime. Buckley makes some great moves yet rarely gets picked out by our ponderous midfielders. Vicente will put the ball just where he likes it, just as he wants it, time and time again. For me they have to start together. Finally Hoskins has to have a chance after CMS dire display on Sat. CMS is so low on confidence it's an embarrassment. Got a feeling Ulloah and Hoskins could be a dream ticket together.

Fratsomer, Gus has made it clear that CMS and Ulloa start.

WestStander17 wrote:
It will be very interesting to see how Gus sets out the midfield if he plays both up top. The narrow diamond matched up to Hull's unusual 3-5-2 yesterday but against a more common 4-4-2 or 4-5-1, it puts a lot of pressure on our full backs to defend and provide our only width. It also makes Buckley tricky to fit into the team.

Would love to see Vicente start on Tuesday. The guy is just pure class. It's so amazing to see a player of that quality playing for Brighton. I thought Jeff Minton was good!!! I'd love to think there is some small chance he will stay beyond this season but, if not, I just want to enjoy watching him as much as possible. His reverse pass to Bridge to set up Orlandi's chance yesterday was sublime but he does things like that with seemingly no effort. Just a class above everybody. Brilliant.

I have been following the 'who to select in midfield' debate with interest.
Assuming we have CMS and Ulloa up front then the midfield 4 is likely to be David or Buckley, Bridcutt, Hammond (probably) and Orlandi although Barnes would be an alternative. The People rated Orlandi Albion's best player against Hull.
However I share various posters concern at the relative fragility of the midfield. If we had a midfield powerhouse type player to play instead of Hammond then we would not have be so aware of this. We don't so Poyet is really left with the above option with Vicente coming off the bench which he did with great effect on Saturday. Of course Vicente might be selected ahead of Orlandi.
Finally I was pleased to see Ulloa trying to stay on his feet such a contrast to all the 'divers' around.

Just re-reading the manager's statement. Is there a slight question mark or hint that Tuesday's match might be coming too quickly for Ulloa's fitness? Hope he is 100% and starts.

VegasSeagull wrote:
Fratsomer, Gus has made it clear that CMS and Ulloa start.

And so he should. I often wonder what games others are watching. CMS didn't pull up any trees yesterday, but then neither did he have the stinker some are claiming. There is nothing wrong with his first touch, as proven by the way just about NO-ONE mentioned it before the bandwagon started just a few weeks ago. As soon as one person claims something, loads of others do as well...

I had been begging Gus to take off Orlandi as I thought he had a shocker. Thank goodness Gus knows best and left him on for his last hurrah to win the goal scoring free kick. I thought CMS had a poor game, then I watched the match again on TV and realised in the first half he actually played really well, not losing posession, winning balls he had no right to win. Just needed a shot on target. No mention on this thread about Adam El-Abd barging the wall out the way to make room for Vicente to score. Obviously a training ground routine judging by the way he banged his chest to Vicente to show he was going to do it. GG is going to struggle to get past him and Upson on that form. Gus doesn't want to play two upfront even now, but at least he's giving it a go and clearly CMS will get another chance on Tuesday.

I think Gus being so open and so determined days before our next match is a good thing.
We should not forget that CMS is our top scorer this season so why all the talk of replacing him with an unproven Hoskins is beyond me. That lad is for next year not this.

A target man to play with CMS has always been the plan, why change it now.

There are eleven places up for grabs tuesday night, and we know eight of them. All the talk now can only be about the vacant three places, unless someone gets injured in training before tuesday evening.

Back five + Bridcutt + Ulloa and CMS, all nailed on.

VegasSeagull wrote:
I think Gus being so open and so determined days before our next match is a good thing.
We should not forget that CMS is our top scorer this season so why all the talk of replacing him with an unproven Hoskins is beyond me. That lad is for next year not this.

A target man to play with CMS has always been the plan, why change it now.

There are eleven places up for grabs tuesday night, and we know eight of them. All the talk now can only be about the vacant three places, unless someone gets injured in training before tuesday evening.

Back five + Bridcutt + Ulloa and CMS, all nailed on.

Not so sure, Gus always try's to show a surprise choice .. Buckley instead of David maybe? After Tuesday ... Big decisions to be made, Gus has stuck with Barnes! Will he play in the 4-5-1 role with Leo? Which unless cms hits the net soon looks likely in my opinion, then the really big one in my mind, elabd , GG or upson for two spaces?
Many decisions probably going to make one or two themselves over next ten days.. Win Tuesday and the momentum is with us.

My guess is dicker for Hammond, and Vicente for orlandi, and that the formation I think Gus will go with ..

My guess is dicker for Hammond, and Vicente for orlandi, and that the formation I think Gus will go with ..

You know our problem? We don't have enough injuries/suspensions
. I can't remember a time when so many quality players were competing for a first team place. Ever presents, like Barnes and Greer, could struggle to get back in the team! Unbelievable.

I'm still not fussed if we don't go up this year. We will get there eventually. I am not even too worried if Gus gets an offer he can't refuse. I have a feeling the club is being set up, a bit like Swansea, to carry on whoever is the manager. Don't get me wrong, I think Gus is perfect for us right now. Ambitious, clever, media friendly. It counts for a lot. I don't want anyone else but I am sure Swansea felt the same when Brendan Rogers left. That didn't turn out too bad. No one is irreplaceable apart from the owner.

We are on the map now, no longer a little backwater of football. This is a club that is going places. Everyone knows where we are headed and the managers job will be much sought after. It's Gus's job as long as he wants it but we won't fall apart if he leaves. I hope he stays on board to finish the job and becomes the second manager to take us from the third level to the top. You know you want to Gus!

Well said Ken in Spain.

I dont think there was much wrong with our first half performance against Hull, when he had 60%+ possesion and all the chances, and were playing with Hammond, Orlandi and CMS etc

We did look vulnerable when Hammond went off and Vicente came on and probably even more so when Buckley came on. Ok we created a couple of good chances but we also nearly conceded. As has been the case most of the season, all we need to do is play like the first half and put the ball in the net. Then you dont need to take risks.

I still think its better to start without the likes of Vicente and Lualua as they seem to be more effective when they come on late and the game is more open -hopefully when we are already 2-0 up !!

Who are our best players? I'd say Bridge, Buckley, Vicente, and Bridcutt. I'd make every effort to get these guys on the teamsheet first and fit others around them (certainly for home games). So if that means sacrificing Hammond for Vicente I think that's a "risk" worth taking. From the Sat team I'd drop CMS and Hammond and start with Vicente and Buckley.

But you can't just play your best 11 players. You have to play the 11 that in your opinion have the best chance of getting the desired result and that doesn't necessarily come in the shape of a 5-4 goalfest. Playing Vicente and Buckley instead of CMS and Hammond may be an attractive idea but leaves us very exposed - Hull very nearly exploited that when the changes were made yesterday.

VegasSeagull wrote:
WestStander, on this thread, just a few postings back I too wonder how to line up so as to allow Vicente to start but with two strikers I am not sure how we can do it and not leave ourselves too exposed. Maybe Vicente and Lua Lua are impact subs and we just have to accept that. If we can get a two goal lead and then bring on Vicente to push for the third and fourth goals all would be great, but we rarely get two goal leads. I would like to see him start, get him on the park and hope he can weave his magic so that at half time we are winning and then think about taking him off at 60 mins rather than bring him on at that time. How do we do this WestStander?

Vegas, I think you are right in your other posts that probably 8 of the 11 starters for Tuesday are decided. Barring any fitness issues, the back 6 and the front 2 (if Gus is being honest) are sorted.

If Vicente is fit enough to play at least an hour, I think he should always start. With him and 2 strikers, I think we'd have to be a bit cautious with the other 2 midfielders. So, I'd guess Spanish Dave and Hammond. Spanish Dave has good technique but also gets around the pitch when defending. Hammond isn't the same player that left us. I remember him being very good at arriving late in the box and being a goal threat. Either Gus has asked him to play differently or he just seems to have lost that somewhere along the way. Maybe timing those runs is harder in this style of play. However, I think he gets a slightly rough deal from some because he does offer us a more physical presence in midfield and does some of the donkey work that the Spanish lads possibly aren't so keen to do.

That would leave Buckley and Orlandi out. Buckley is difficult to fit in with the 2 strikers unless you start very boldly. Personally I think, at the present time, Buckley provides more of a threat than CMS so I would ditch the 2 striker experiment and play Buckley on the right but Gus is sticking with it by the look of it. I thought Orlandi did ok. He obviously missed the chance that came from Vicente's brilliant pass to Bridge. He is better suited to playing at the top of the midfield diamond but in a call between him and a fit Vicente, there is no discussion to be had. Funnily enough, I thought he did get stuck in a bit more when he moved back when Vicente came on but we wouldn't want to rely on him tackling people!

With no wide men at all it looked much harder for us the play out from the back. But, it made it possible to play 2 strikers. I think we can rule out Gus playing 2 strikers, 2 wingers and Vicente in midfield. From the start at least.

Anyway, I'd like to see Vicente start on Tuesday in place of Orlandi. If not, I think it will be the same team that started against Hull.

VegasSeagull wrote:

Simon Mew wrote:
Listen to Vegas he knows everything, such wise words again, it must be great being you

And you offer what as an opinion on the match, the team, the future or the manager?

A similar post was put up by you yesterday but again that's all it was, nothing by way of a comment about BHA just a child like little dig at me, what a sad and empty life you must lead.

I wonder how many names you use on here, ever stayed at the Bellagio?

Sorry Vegas WAS NOT ME

Old Scrote of the Amex wrote:
But you can't just play your best 11 players. You have to play the 11 that in your opinion have the best chance of getting the desired result and that doesn't necessarily come in the shape of a 5-4 goalfest. Playing Vicente and Buckley instead of CMS and Hammond may be an attractive idea but leaves us very exposed - Hull very nearly exploited that when the changes were made yesterday.

Thank god someone else has some common sense, the managers job is not about the best 11 players, but the mix of defence and attacking capabilities, this thread would read a lot different had TK not made two superb saves, or they had missed a sitter. The side needs about 7 defensive players including the keeper, on top of that if you start 2 up front, then depending on how the other side plays, players also who attack need to work to defend when we don't have the ball. The idea of starting with Vicente and dropping Hammond is a non starter, unless we play with one striker! Gus going with two up front has caused selection problems!

tug509 wrote:
Hoskins MUST play a part in my view,he is far,far too good not to get a shout. UTA

100% agree.

What happened to my idea that the Argus limit posts to a max of, say, 350 characters? Not difficult to implement and may limit the ramblings of certain contributors... Fingers crossed!

Jonathan Mouette wrote:

tug509 wrote:
Hoskins MUST play a part in my view,he is far,far too good not to get a shout. UTA

100% agree.

What happened to my idea that the Argus limit posts to a max of, say, 350 characters? Not difficult to implement and may limit the ramblings of certain contributors... Fingers crossed!

Nothing is forcing you to read everything!

Take your good points, you obviously can't play 11 Messis but we definately should play the 2 closest we've got, Buckley and Vicente make stuff happen up front so I'd just like to see them doing it for 90 minutes for once. If you need to keep Bridcutt plus Hammond/Dicker/Croft
, and will only play Buckers and Vicente in exchange for one of the attackers then drop CMS, or Orlandi or David.