I think he's physically recovered but not mentally yet.
He was down for ages with that shoulder wasn't he? Might do him good to realise he can get through it.
Generally play is average at best currently. If only Kodjia had his desire.
I'd bring him in for Hourihane, not Whelan.
The best parts of his game don't suit that deep role. He often carries the ball out of trouble and that can be risky from defensive areas. He also is someone whose energy is vital in closing down; again that doesn't necessarily suit that deep role, you need to have eyes everywhere and marshall space in front of defence instead of close the ball from your position.
Whelan best man to start in that position until later in the game. McGinn and Grealish too good to leave out. Hourihane drops to the bench for me.
If we get to those last two games in with a shout...that means we'll be been in great form. We've all seen us firing under Smith and it's outrageously good. I think we'd take at least 4 points from those last two if we reach them and are in touch.
I would yes. However, looking at options available, McGinn at LB with same middle three as Derby is stronger than Taylor LB and McGinn in for Hourihane.
McGinn has all the tools to be an incredible left back. He's so good it's a waste for us long-term. A handy left back is easier to find than a handy centre mid.
He would be brilliant at left back.
For this match, bearing in mind performances at the weekend, that's the correct selection for me.
He's probably too good in centre mid at the moment for us to be there long term, but I'd love to see it v Blues.
I think that's unlikely tbh. Smith has stuck with Taylor through some frankly horrid performances week after week. That was with McGinn centre mid tho...
He wanders round people so slowly they look like real mugs. It scares them into retreating and giving him space which he then thrives in.
He also spreads confidence everywhere by making it look so bleeding easy. The squad need to believe in themselves to do it when he isn't leading the way.
It's a mix. Some have short memories.
Some really enjoyed the wins, which is great. But the football wasn't good to watch for me, and every single game we didn't win was really crap. The wins made the games passable but not enjoyable.
Some have decided they don't like Smith and have become Sheff Wed fans hoping Bruce picks up points there. That's the weirdest one.
Blimey, you been to VP much?!
Very nice cross I agree. But free man, no pressure on him and loads of space to hit into.
Weird player Elmo. His position doesn't exist much in the game any more in the top few divisions. He's a right midfielder in a 4-4-2, and can have a bash at most other roles down the right side, with mixed results.