Match Thread Most liked posts in thread: Bradford City vs Leicester City - EFL Trophy

Wasn't the worst game i've ever seen. Some valuable game time for fringe players and another strike for Oliver. I think Hughes knows the spine of his side, Lewis, Foulds, Platt, Halliday, Gilliead, Smallwood, Wright and Cook are definite starters. That leaves three spots up for grabs. Critchlow and Odusina vying for a starting centre half spot, then the likes of Banks, Angol, Chapman and Periara fighting for the 10 role and the right side role. Oliver is the obvious sub to change the pattern of a game along with Angol if he isn't starting. Walker would probably start in the ten role if fit which would allow Chapman to play out wide in his preferred spot. Harratt and Young don't really seem to be on Hughes radar.

 

I actually agree with a lot of what has been said. I don't think Sutton has proved good enough to be a starter, but it doesn't mean he's as bad as you constantly make out. Everyone on here knows even before kick off that you are going to be on his back. Where we do possibly agree.....I wouldn't have him as my first choice penalty taker.

 

Is it harsh though? The side we put out tonight was very strong and would be the starting 11 for league games at most league 2 clubs.
Should have been way too much for a team of kids and the less said about the penalties the better.
However, I’m coming accross like I care about this competition when I really don’t. It’s only purpose is to give the fringe players a run out.

 

I still think we miss that Cullen type player who is here, there and everywhere. If we could add this type of player or if Odasebe is that type of player, I think we’ll really kick on.

 

Ryan East?

 

Running rings around teams? Absolutely no chance. There's a reason a lot of these academy lads fall away and fail to realise the potential people see when it's strictly technical based matchplay.

If it was as simple as you suggest all clubs would simply loan out these players for a full season and they'd come back ready made players. The reason they don't is because the majority aren't developed physically enough to handle a full season and there will also be a question of technical development depending on the club chosen for the loan spell.

This Leicester lot, the team that played last night, would finish bottom. Unless you think after half a season they're going away to physical and long ball sides like Stevenage, on a boggy pitch and dominate them with tika taka football?

 

The point is of course play your football but the trouble is against pressing teams it is not always possible so mix it up. One of the best teams in premiership history Man United under fergie played great football but also hit long balls from the back and from the goalkeeper at times.

 

Fair do's can't argue with any of that. I would want my centre back to potentially move forward with the ball. Draw out the players. I would have thought Smallwood would do that. I still think loosing Watt was a big loss. He would be blossoming at the moment

 

Manchester City do it now with Ederson.

 

I’ve posted before about the number of times our centre halves (especially Platt) have had 10/15 yards clear space in front of them to move in to but seem a bit reluctant and play either the easy sideways ball or back to Lewis.
Crichlow has done it a couple of times but neither of them have done it on a regular basis.

 

I would like to think East based on last nights showing of the pair, but different players for different roles. I don’t know enough about Stockport’s midfield to form a judgment to be honest.

If I wanted to hang on to a lead then Sutton, if I was chasing the game then East as East has the passing range. Some of his balls to the front players last night were sublime. If I had my way I would have East and Songo on the bench as the latter could cover the role alongside Smallwood and cover for the central defenders perhaps, leaving East having a free role ?

 

Go on then, I'm listening.

How does Stevenage being better equipped for league 2 football than Leicester City's academy equate to Stevenage being one of the favourites for the FA Cup?

Take your time though, I'm off to grab a beer and some popcorn.

 

It’s cold, it’s raining, I don’t like pizza, it was only a fiver and the loyalty points will be added regardless.
I’m staying home lol

 

Attendance sub-1,000?

Although a few of the loyalty points obsessives will turn up who won’t have done otherwise.

 

I hope they don’t have a pacy winger, Yan may get the run around?

 

I can’t stand em Simon, as one can tell.

 

Got to be Songo’o, otherwise I’m beat?

 

I'm not there tonight Kev. Please can you keep an eye on Hendrie and Sutton for me