Sounds like they’ll be academy players involved at Villa park on Saturday. I think tomorrows u23 game will give us a good indication of who we’re likely to see in the squad. Although I think Yiadom could do a job in midfield in my opinion we need to change a little as possible at the back. I’d look to keep the defence the same. I also don’t trust McCarthy at the minute to come in and play left back. The other option would be Ben Williams. In terms of replacing Gardner that gives us a few options all of which appear risky on paper. A few mention sticking Pearson in their but from what I’ve seen of him he’s no where near a good enough footballer to play centre midfield at this level. I’d have also thought Pearson would have played centre mid on Monday for the u23s if this was being considered. I can’t see Hecky trusting Potts, Mallan or Moncur to sit in and do the job. Potts is the worst of the 3 at marking up he reacts slow and loses concentration regularly. Matty Wolfe could be an option. I’ve seen very little of him but Romal Palmer I know is an attack minded player so I can’t see him being involved. If we do go with the same formation I’d look to bring Moore in for Bradshaw. Villa had Bradshaw in the back pocket at Oakwell he was completely ineffective. The other option is to go 4-4-2. Bringing Moore in for Gardner and going with Potts and Mallan in the centre. Again a huge risk. Whatever happens it’s going to be interesting and will be a good chance for someone to stamp their mark on the team.
It's a poor position to have put ourselves in after 2 and a bit weeks of the transfer window.... We have known since the millwall game we're going to be struggling for midfielders and haven't managed to bring anybody in.
I thought Romal played really well the other day. Madness by Heckingbottom to let 3 go out so early this window. Jarred Bird was the next one in. He knew Villa was up soon. Just pure stupidity by him and not getting anyone in. If they want Wolffe to play the 6 role then I hope they've had him on it all week. It could really set him back if he goes to Villa Park on debut and plays poorly.
Davies Cavaré Pinnock Lindsay Yiadom Isgrove(if fit) Mallan Potts Hammill Moore Bradshaw Subs Townsend McCarthy Pearson Mottley-Henry Wolfe Thiam Brown
Not sure it would be my choice, but some of the old boys that watch Training have said we’ve been working on it. Which would mean Pearson or McCarthy CB if Jackson’s playing U23s tomorrow. Would prefer 4-4-2 - Mallan and either Potts or Moncur and hope to Christ every one of them puts the shift of their life in and everything runs for us. Not expecting anything, would snatch your hand off for a draw, but always hopeful. Moore and Bradshaw up top.
I’m not convinced that we’ve put ourselves in this position, as such. You can’t legislate for a straight red and nobody can really argue that Bird or Kay were knocking PH’s door down for a place in the XI. I’m sure we’re doing all that we can to bring the right players in. The season doesn’t end on Jan 31st, there’s ages left so it’s essential that the bodies that are brought in are able to contribute for the remainder of the season and not just fill a gap in the interim until Williams and Gardner return. It’s all about quality over quantity, imho.
sadly the transfer window seems to always keep us hanging on, it will not be any different in this one Methinks.
not sure who though, not seen anything of Wolfe so no idea what type of player he is.... anyone got any insights?
Well at least this one is a free hit, so its tempting to say we should go for it. Trouble is if it were to go pear-shaped and we got a pasting it would hurt the lads' confidence going forward and our goal difference which at present is worth an extra point. This is why Hecky deserves a pay rise!