rock bus

Rupp played on Wednesday and looked better than McLean

Yes, unfortunately Smith will! God knows why though!

I don’t think that’s controversial, exactly the team I’d pick.

I've been calling for Byram to start instead of Aarons for weeks. Having seen the way Byram dealt robustly with the Liverpool players and continually got across to the wingers to block crosses (ironically only one he missed did lead to 1st goal but that was as much due to inept marking in the box) I'm even more convinced he should be starting.

Whilst it feels so wrong ..I tend to agree. Pukki has been off form and doesnt necessarily suit Smiths game or the players he is playing. Sadly, I'm not sure Sargent is anywhere near an adequate replacement. But whilst agreeing, I'm not sure Brentford is the game to take that disruptive risk (last night definitely was!)

Unfortunately, last night he was just totally ineffective (as he has been in every game I've seen him in). Doesnt use his pace at all to threaten defenders and as someone else said he is always on the back foot and reacting rather than positively influencing the game - both in attacking and defensive areas. I've tried to give him benefit of the doubt and put it down to a confidence issue or lack of game time. But Smith has now given him plenty of time and unfortunately I just dont think he has the quality or ability for the Premiership and I seriously doubt even for the Championship. His selection at the moment is effectively wasting a spot in the team, ideally I'd like to see Tzolis given a run of games but we certainly need to try something different as it isnt working for Placheta

I'm going so definitely yes. But it would be even if I wasnt, I always care about our results and want my team to do well

Sorrenson and Gibson is what I meant and about best we have

Kabak is also out, I've feeling Smith will play Sorrenson to give him some game time.

I'm sure there is an element of giving them both a rest and actually think this may see Byram come in for Aarons longer term if he performs well. Not great for prospects of a clean sheet tomorrow as will be very much a make shift defence with Hanley also serving a one match ban.

Do we want our top scorer for the last 4 years who has proved he can at least score at premier league level….I think that’s a definite yes! BUT I’d want us to buy a player to compete and by the end of the season I’d hope Pukki will be an impact player coming off the bench against a tired defence. (although I also live in dream world where we actually buy a decent CDM!)

Somewhat sadly given how far we are in the season our team still needs to settle and players learn to play as a team. So I’d start with our best 11 and then if (when) we are behind take off Pukki, Norman and Hanley to give them a rest. id like us to go for it as a win here and continuing in the cup could be our only joy from the season

I honestly cant understand how one of McLean and Gilmour keep gettng played let alone both togethe. Both are totally ineffective and in fact a liability. I'd start Rupp, Sorrenson, PLM, Byram, Kabak, Gianaloulis, Dowell and even a cant be assed Cantwell over both of them. McLean in particular is the best exmple of why we are perfomring so poorly .... a player totally out of his class who offers nothing but poiting and moaning.

To an extent I agree. Firstly, lets sendf Gilmour back to Chelsea, there's not even any point in players getting use to training with him, might as well introduce a new youth team player for the experience. I'd also play Byram ahead of Aarons on basis we will sell him (and Byram is actually better). Lets foget McLean and give Sorrenson some games to settle and prove himself. I think we should keep Williams in the squad as he at least has a bit of guts about him. Smith also needs to decide on his preferred shape and play whoever he expects to be here next year in it. All a bit depressing!

I think this is a really good approach and one that I hope Smith and the team will be adopting. I know there's an argument that just a point could end up keeping us up but with the predicament we are in we really need to be going for 3 points in every game (esp with Man City and Liverpool out of the way - the only 2 I would fear giving us a humiliating beating)

Fine with me if we win (although I'd be home by 3 as I live in Midlands!)

Me too, looking forward to trip to Anfield under the lights and hopefully a victory (even if against a weakened Liverpool!)

The concern here is that the majority of the comments here are based on can we manage to cobble together a team good enough to compete in the championship. The answer to that is probably yes. BUT the real question that the club needs to answer is can we build a squad good enough to survive in the premier league if we are promoted. That means we need to keep Rashica and, as someone else mentioned, spending money on acquiring Normann and other players of his quality. Surely none of us want to keep going through same cycle with us relying on the hope players like Tzolis may eventually come good.

Pukki and Rashica?

As a Non season ticket holder who lives in Midlands I was hoping to go. Sadly probably not likely if only 2k tickets

I did say earlier in week I’d start Byram over Aarons at moment. Now I’d either put Byram on and either put Max in front of him or take max off.

Going on tonight’s first half performance the answer is Rashica!

This is key to the point that I was making with original comment. Don't get me wrong I think that Aarons is a great player and has been brilliant for us (I also have a lot of respect for the way he has conducted himself amongst all the transfer rumours and our relegation) BUT for what we need now as a team struggling to stay in the premiership is a 'traditional' full back who is good at tackling, heading, positioning and battling rather than a skillful, forward thinking, fast, attacking playing fullback. (I'd suggest this is exactly why Smith is starting with Williams on the other side rather than Dimi) Let's be honest, it's great to be having a debate about two quality players in the same position!

Not sure I agree with this. I think Byram is actually the most reliable and solid full back we have in the squad. In the premier league I'd select him ahead of Aarons.

Wonder if any tickets will be available on general sale?