Il Pirata

I would move Kenny up there, and bring Vrancic on next to Tettey. Kenny will hurry and hassle and can win the ball.

Duda will come good. We need to make some space for him, unfortunately with Buendia and Cantwell they all want to occupy the same space! Think this is where we need Hernandez to stretch things a bit.. but obviously he's no longer an option.

Let me be the first to say, time for Vrancic. On for Cantwell, and push Kenny forward.

Awful lot of pressure and expectation on Emi tonight.

I understand to some degree Farke's stance on Buendia. And he really doesn't help himself by storming down the tunnel or throwing his arms about with the petulance of a two year old being refused Peppa Pig. However, It frustrates me when I hear Farke cite the need to be solid as a key factor in Emi's absence. Trying to be solid, essentially playing Mclean, Tettey and Rupp, is proving to be fruitless - The outcome is still consistently no wins. So instead of persisting with players such as Mclean and Tettey, who literally come up against better players every week, why don't we go with the Likes of Buendia, Vrancic and Leitner more, who do have attributes that are better than some opposition players at this level. Tettey and Mclean are consistent performers, but at the same time consistently just under the required standard at this level.

With respect, Pukki's palmares was decent.

From a financial point of view maybe, but I would argue it always matters. If he plays and isn't good enough, the team suffers. Which of course can have financial implications in various different ways. Could be a crucial transfer window this summer. Players likely to leave may include, Pukki, Vrancic, Steipermann, Buendia, Leitner, Godfrey and Aarons. Most of whom we're hugely influential in last seasons championship win. Webber may need to spend a bit more and take less of a gamble on at least two or three signings.

True, well de Niro didn't really do that much, but Phoenix was fantastic and fully deserved Oscar for best actor. Better than Heath Ledger though? Difficult question! I thought the film was good actually, captivating, but very dark. I wouldn't recommend anyone on here watching it at the moment, especially on a Saturday evening!

Hopefully that's the end of Tettey and Cantwell for a while... Rupp too. I think Duda has the x-factor, but needs the right players around him. We seriously lack pace, directness and creativity... Therefore surely Farke has to play Vrancic, Bunedia, Hernandez (hopefully fit) and possibly Drmic? Essentially back to the attacking players that did it for us last season. The players that have come in to replace them have proven they won't get a result in this league. Steipermann should get another chance too. Godfrey is finished this season at CB.. Has to be Zim and Hanley - Byram is a huge loss. Farke would be better served swallowing some pride and trying Godfrey in the CDM role. As for the Buendia situation, it's worrying. Possibly another example of Farke and a very limited set of man management skills? Today, yet again, felt like Farke didn't pick his strongest side. I like Farke, but its becoming tiresome. You could see that result coming from the minute the team selection was released. Almost apathetic for the rest of the season now.

Equally, it's amazing how quickly people are to right players off. Even more amazing, when said players have proven themselves before. Talking off Steipermann, Hernandez and Vrancic in the same context as a narrative that aligned with the likes of Becchio and Lafferty isn't fair or accurate.

Just watched some highlights on youtube from last season. Championship or not, anyone doubting Vrancic or Hernandez should watch and remind themselves of how good they are. Involved in so much quality stuff, and a huge amount of Pukki's goals. in fact, just watch the highlights anyway. We we're so, so good last year - it was ridiculous really!

Krul Aarons Godfrey Hanley Lewis Vrancic Mclean Bunedia Duda Hernandez Pukki Really bad news regarding Byram. A lot has been made of Hanley's influence recently, and rightly so, with a clear defensive improvement since his return to the side. But I think Byram has been a big part of this too. Above is the side I'd like to see, but I can't see Farke changing the side, except Lewis for Byram.

Best close the message board then.

How about the effect he has on the players of the opposition? Defenders hate defending against speed and directness, it plays on their mind and can affect their behaviour. Often being overly cautious and demanding support from other teammates, resulting in doubling up, thus creating space. This sort of positive impact is not easily picked up by stats or even by the naked eye, its a kind of hidden dynamic. But its definitely there. We struggle to keep teams on the back foot, and find it difficult to get out when under the cosh. Hernandez can help to alleviate both problems. Of course I agree he can sometimes have a poor end product, and can run down blind alleys, but to solely focus on these negatives as a barometer of his ability, is a touch simplistic. With your superior football experience, this does come as a surprise, I must admit.

Again, I'm struggling to understand the seemingly accepted narrative that Hernandez is not good enough to start Premier League games.

But he missed the start of the season through injury - and hasn't really been given a chance. He started against Sheffield United and was excellent, especially first half. But the next game he was dropped. So how can you accurately judge him as an EPL standard player? Steipermann fair enough, but Hernandez - I don't see how you can.

Why is it bizarre to want Hernandez starting? I think he should - He always causes the opposition problems and is a fantastic outlet. People say he's hit and miss, but he takes opposition players out of the game which can go unnoticed and therefore uncredited. To some degree, I think the OP is correct. I do think we need changes, and a fresh approach. We've been a nearly team for weeks now, I can't see the results changing with the current eleven. Burnley away was a very good performance. It's a risk though, since we are currently competitive and if it went the other way Farke would be slated. I think Farke is a little stuck if I'm honest, and sticking to safe bets. Can't blame him - his reputation is very much still in tact despite the lack of wins.

If people Not pretentious at all. You're right, but I think it's a mixture of both. The point essentially is lack of mobility, and that he can't press and get to a players often enough and win the ball. Most of his ball winning happens when the opposition play too tight and at close quarters to Tettey. My motive isn't to bash Tettey. But if he is one of our better midfielders then that should be of concern to fans. As I've said before, we should be miles past Tettey now.

Absolutely not what I'm saying at all. A CDM who can press effectively is not the same as running around like a headless chicken. Is N'golo Kante a headless chicken? Or Wilfrid Ndidi? If Tettey can only operate in a small area in front of the back four that leaves large amounts of space in front. Space that quality EPL opposition take advantage of, and can leave us continually on the back foot struggling to get out.

I'm sorry but can't agree regarding Tettey. We're comfortably bottom of the league - and he is playing a large amount of games in a crucial position. Last season Trybull and Vrancic did the job ahead of Tettey, and rightly so, they we're brilliant. Who have we actually signed as 'like for like' but potentially better Tettey? Amadou is the only player I can think of. Tettey is too limited for this level. He sits deep and that's it. He only wins the battles that are played in a small quarter in front of his own penalty area. He can't do the same 10 yards further up which invites pressure. He hasn't got the speed or legs for it. We wouldn't accept this of any other player without criticism. Tettey benefits from loyalty sentiment.

I'll have a fiver with you Alex. If Cantwell makes more than 10 starts for an EPL club other than Norwich next season I'll gladly pay up, or if he ends up at Liverpool I'll double it!

Who, Shearer, Wright.. Merson... most of the so called experts make judgement on a snippet of highlights. He isn't "certainly better" than Pritchard. Pritchard was unplayable for Brentford, and for us for a period before his injury. Yes in the Championship, but at no point was Cantwell that effective or unplayable last season. Sure you'll point at Cantwell's goals this season, but I remain unconvinced by is all round game play. Cantwell has the potential, for sure, but at this early stage in his career he is being overly hyped based on a few PL goals.

When I say physically, I include speed and power in that. In close quarters Tettey is more than physically able, but getting into this position against superior EPL opposition is the problem. At this level, we need the CDM to be able to chase and harry - Tettey is only effective when the ball is sucked into a small area just in front of the back four. His lack of mobility gives the opposition too much time on the ball.

Yep, that's the narrative Jim. But in reality it isn't working, because we're bottom of the league. There are better players than Tettey for this role. Players in the championship too. What Tettey does give is experience and leadership qualities. In and around the squad I see an argument for his inclusion. But to command such a pivotal role as often as he does, nah, it's not good enough for where Norwich City are right now, or at least it shouldn't be.