Worthy Nigelton 1,047 Posted January 21, 2022 We know the manager inexplicably likes Kenny McLean but after a 100% win ratio in games where he is unavailable will he be brought straight back in? I think probably not, but I wouldn't rule it out and I reckon he will be back in as soon as it is justified to put him in again, ie. if we lose tonight. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Branston Pickle 3,658 Posted January 21, 2022 It isn’t inexplicable at all, for better or worse he’s one of our better players in that position. 6 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thirsty Lizard 3,165 Posted January 21, 2022 16 minutes ago, Worthy Nigelton said: We know the manager inexplicably likes Kenny McLean but after a 100% win ratio in games where he is unavailable will he be brought straight back in? I think probably not, but I wouldn't rule it out and I reckon he will be back in as soon as it is justified to put him in again, ie. if we lose tonight. Don't know if this is a misguided attempt at humour or if you are trying to achieve Cambridge like levels of inaccuracy. McLean played from the start in our victories over Brentford and Southampton and we have lost games in which he has been unavailable such as Liverpool at home and Man City away. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thumbbass 319 Posted January 21, 2022 Much more comfortable having him available otherwise we were an injury away from playing someone very pedestrian like Dowell or Cantwell in CM. I'd imagine he'll feature but it would be unfair to cut PLM and Sorenson, so I guess it will be as a sub. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Worthy Nigelton 1,047 Posted January 21, 2022 7 minutes ago, Thirsty Lizard said: Don't know if this is a misguided attempt at humour or if you are trying to achieve Cambridge like levels of inaccuracy. McLean played from the start in our victories over Brentford and Southampton and we have lost games in which he has been unavailable such as Liverpool at home and Man City away. He was on the bench for both those games. Hence he was available. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lake district canary 4,531 Posted January 21, 2022 I would have thought a winning team deserves another chance. Some managers like to keep tweaking but really, as with Farke, the same team ought to play as won last time out. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KiwiScot 1,443 Posted January 21, 2022 I believe Smith said the 442 was only a result of lack of players to choose from so it will likely be back to something more familar and I reckon McLean will be back in. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
canarydan23 4,060 Posted January 21, 2022 (edited) If McLean's name is in the starting lineup the flickering flame of optimism created by the Everton game will be firmly extinguished before a ball is even kicked. As will my newfound but increasing faith in Dean Smith. Edited January 21, 2022 by canarydan23 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thirsty Lizard 3,165 Posted January 21, 2022 29 minutes ago, Worthy Nigelton said: He was on the bench for both those games. Hence he was available. You are Boris Johnson and I claim my £5. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cambridgeshire canary 6,718 Posted January 21, 2022 Classic statement of 'why change a winning team' here Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hank shoots Skyler 2,094 Posted January 21, 2022 Considering Sorensen and PLM probably put in their best midfield performances last week, and McLean has been **** poor for weeks, then absolutely no he should not play. I will be surprised and disappointed if there are any unforced changes from last week to be honest. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hucks6 169 Posted January 21, 2022 Send him to Glasgow Rangers 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZLF 274 Posted January 21, 2022 Kenny is an excellent championship player but has been unimpressive this season; nowhere near a motm performance all season and rarely even the best midfielder in an underperforming area of the pitch. Normann & Rupp have been the best option in that area so far. Absolutely he gives us his all each game, but that isnt enough. I would be very disappointed if PLM or Lungi made way for him this evening, both performed better v Everton than any Kenny performance this year. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheGunnShow 5,940 Posted January 21, 2022 Don't change the middle of the park. If there is a change to be made, I'd suggest Byram for Aarons (extra height in defence). Otherwise, apart from Gunn for Krul, I'd be reluctant to change much. Kenny can come off the bench if Lees-Melou is tiring. Sörensen will have the gas for 90 as he's not one for wandering too far away from his position. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yellowrider120 762 Posted January 21, 2022 1 hour ago, KiwiScot said: I believe Smith said the 442 was only a result of lack of players to choose from so it will likely be back to something more familar and I reckon McLean will be back in. Watford are likely to dominate the midfield so I believe the Mayor will be brought back in possibly at the expense of Rashica. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Midlands Yellow 3,984 Posted January 21, 2022 Can everyone cross fingers, limbs and anything else they can think of that he doesn’t. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andyc24_uk 59 Posted January 21, 2022 Guaranteed to start in every game he's available regardless of performance it seems so I'll be very surprised if he's not in the starting XI. He's a solid Championship midfielder whose energy and work rate at least can't be questioned, but he very clearly doesn't have anywhere near the level of talent required in the top flight, hence why he's looked abysmal pretty much all season. Effort and team spirit will win you games at lower levels but mean comparatively little on the money-drenched pitches of the Premier League, something the club seems unable to get their head around despite multiple seasons of evidence. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Capt. Pants 4,234 Posted January 21, 2022 1 hour ago, cambridgeshire canary said: Classic statement of 'why change a winning team' here Tend to agree. The standard of the opposition certainly doesn't necessitate a change and you wouldn't bring Kenny in for his physicality. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hogesar 9,673 Posted January 21, 2022 Depends if we're 'brave' (or potentially stupid) enough to just play the two in midfield against Watford, away from home. If it's a two, then PLM & Sorensen deserve to remain the two. If we switch to three in midfield then yes of course, Kenny comes back in. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mannings bandy legs 388 Posted January 21, 2022 If you watch City and pick out one player and watch him for say,15 or 20 minutes,you get an idea of the input they have in a game. Have done this with McClean a few times this season and have seen how the game just seems to pass him by with him having no real effect on the performance. Nothing against the fella,but I fail to see just what he brings to the table. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Bristol Nest 513 Posted January 21, 2022 (edited) I disagree with you Mannings but at least you put some effort into forming your opinion. Edited January 21, 2022 by The Bristol Nest Can't spell Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Midlands Yellow 3,984 Posted January 21, 2022 54 minutes ago, mannings bandy legs said: If you watch City and pick out one player and watch him for say,15 or 20 minutes,you get an idea of the input they have in a game. Have done this with McClean a few times this season and have seen how the game just seems to pass him by with him having no real effect on the performance. Nothing against the fella,but I fail to see just what he brings to the table. Normally brings another defeat to the table. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mengo 822 Posted January 21, 2022 Last minute substitution to wind the clock down . 4 minutes extra time. 1-2 NCFC. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yellow Wal 314 Posted January 21, 2022 Isn't it amazing how so many non professional football forum contributors can have an opinion which is so very different from professional football managers? I'm no great Kenny lover but I can accept that he must be doing something right if both our last two managers have picked him so often. I am prepared to support him when he plays and accept the judgement of two respected managers. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
canarydan23 4,060 Posted January 21, 2022 6 minutes ago, Yellow Wal said: Isn't it amazing how so many non professional football forum contributors can have an opinion which is so very different from professional football managers? Not really, it's been happening since people starting kicking a football for a living. And whisper it, but quite often the professional football managers have got it wrong. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheGunnShow 5,940 Posted January 21, 2022 To be fair, I think Farke would keep the same team, he tended to do that, especially if younger players were getting their lead. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fredherring 136 Posted January 21, 2022 23 minutes ago, canarydan23 said: Not really, it's been happening since people starting kicking a football for a living. And whisper it, but quite often the professional football managers have got it wrong. No need to whisper it But if you're claiming farke, Smith, and Clarke, are all wrong on McLean, then I'm afraid your an absolute moron. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
canarydan23 4,060 Posted January 21, 2022 8 minutes ago, fredherring said: your an absolute moron Brilliant. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C.I.D 302 Posted January 21, 2022 37 minutes ago, fredherring said: No need to whisper it But if you're claiming farke, Smith, and Clarke, are all wrong on McLean, then I'm afraid your an absolute moron. It's you're 🥱 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cambridgeshire canary 6,718 Posted January 21, 2022 (edited) 1 hour ago, Yellow Wal said: Isn't it amazing how so many non professional football forum contributors can have an opinion which is so very different from professional football managers? I'm no great Kenny lover but I can accept that he must be doing something right if both our last two managers have picked him so often. I am prepared to support him when he plays and accept the judgement of two respected managers. Benefits to Mclean- He knows the team, he knows the system, he knows the players, is one of our 'veteran' players, he gets on well with players, staff and managers, is always running and never out of energy Cons to Mclean- He's just not cut out for the top flight and can often turn invisibile Edited January 21, 2022 by cambridgeshire canary Share this post Link to post Share on other sites