Team for Reading

[Bixer]

We've played basically the same team for the past 3 games now (minus the obligatory rest for Colin in between), and as well as it worked against Villa and Brighton, we seemed to lose a bit of steam against Preston.

Do we stick or twist?

Personally, I think stick with basically the same team, but I think it's maybe time to drop Bjelland for Egan. He is clearly a capable centre back and always looks composed, but I just think a CB pairing of Dean and Bjelland is much too slow. Dean's undroppable at the moment in my opinion, so unfortunately I think it's Bjelland who should take the hit.

That said, are Reading particularly blessed with pace? I haven't watched them much this season, so I honestly don't know.

I'd also argue I think we should at least have McCormack on the bench. I know he has his doubters still, but fact of the matter is he's the only 'hard man' midfielder we have in the entire squad, so for that reason I think he deserves a place.

 

[IDontBeeLieveIt]

Egan for Bjelland and Macca in for Nico imo.

Would probably stick with the same rest of the team though (wouldn't mind too much if it was Canos in for Zoon, on the condition that he was instructed to work hard on the defensive side, as well as attacking, otherwise I'd stick with Zoon).

 

[shouldbee]

We've played basically the same team for the past 3 games now (minus the obligatory rest for Colin in between), and as well as it worked against Villa and Brighton, we seemed to lose a bit of steam against Preston.

Do we stick or twist?

Personally, I think stick with basically the same team, but I think it's maybe time to drop Bjelland for Egan. He is clearly a capable centre back and always looks composed, but I just think a CB pairing of Dean and Bjelland is much too slow. Dean's undroppable at the moment in my opinion, so unfortunately I think it's Bjelland who should take the hit.

That said, are Reading particularly blessed with pace? I haven't watched them much this season, so I honestly don't know.

I'd also argue I think we should at least have McCormack on the bench. I know he has his doubters still, but fact of the matter is he's the only 'hard man' midfielder we have in the entire squad, so for that reason I think he deserves a place.

Bjelland gives us the right balance being left sided, Egan and Harlee are both right sided ?

 

[Bixer]

Bjelland gives us the right balance being left sided, Egan and Harlee are both right sided ?

Didn't seem to be a problem earlier in the season

 

[IDontBeeLieveIt]

Bjelland gives us the right balance being left sided, Egan and Harlee are both right sided ?

I think this is a myth and it's not really helped at all personally.

 

[malagakid]

For high pressing, high intensity, fearless game plan -

Bentley
Colin, Dean, Egan, Field
Woods, Josh, Kersch
Jota, Vibe, Flo

Nico needs a rest IMO
Really like Bjelland but also think he needs a rest.

 

[North London Bee]

Suspect Canos for Flo and Egan for Bjelland

 

[Beefletch]

Suspect Canos for Flo and Egan for Bjelland

Agree with this

 

[Norfolk Bee]

I think he might make a couple of changes as outlined above plus Nico rested and a start for KK. Will Macca make the bench for a bit of insurance?

 

[beebopalula]

I think he might make a couple of changes as outlined above plus Nico rested and a start for KK. Will Macca make the bench for a bit of insurance?

I'd put him on the pitch

 

[magicbees]

I picked the same side as DS on Saturday and I was wrong. 2/3 changes for me. Canos and Egan replacing Flo & AB, Mac for Josh Mc would be my third choice. Nico get the nod over Josh M because of his goals from midfield.

 

[Frothybaby]

I think the only change will be Egan on for Bjelland, though I don't think he was the issue at Preston. I definitely think Macca should be on the bench, especially for away games.

 

[Parkgatebee]

Clean sheets for Harle and Egan v Ipswich, Forest and Brighton, give them a go again.

 

[Isleworth_Bee]

Same team for me.

 

[Lionel Bart-At]

Suspect Canos for Flo and Egan for Bjelland

Canos likes the Madejski!

 

[magicbees]

Suspect Canos for Flo and Egan for Bjelland

Totally agree, but I may have put Macca in, but wouldn't know who to drop.

 

[sacbfc]

Bentley
Colin, Egan, Dean, Field,
Woods, McEachran, Yennaris,
Canos, Vibe, Jota.

Subs: Bonham, Bjelland, Jozefzoon, KK, McCormack, Clarke, Hofmann

 

[IDontBeeLieveIt]

Totally agree, but I may have put Macca in, but wouldn't know who to drop.

I think Yennaris has been the underperformer lately. Still cropped up with the odd good moment though.....but he's a shadow of how well he was playing earlier in the season (perhaps due to this injury we hear about in scant detail).

 

[magicbees]

I think Yennaris has been the underperformer lately. Still cropped up with the odd good moment though.....but he's a shadow of how well he was playing earlier in the season (perhaps due to this injury we hear about in scant detail).

I can see that, but you would then have a midfield 3 that haven't scored this season.

 

[alikat]

I can see that, but you would then have a midfield 3 that haven't scored this season.

Not if KK were to start.

 

[IDontBeeLieveIt]

I can see that, but you would then have a midfield 3 that haven't scored this season.

If we sacrifice a minor goal threat for some more defensive solidity then I'm fine with that.

 

[brentfordfc4ever]

Bentley
Colin, Egan, Dean, Field,
Woods, McEachran, Yennaris,
Canos, Vibe, Jota.

Subs: Bonham, Bjelland, Jozefzoon, KK, McCormack, Clarke, Hofmann

Improve on Vibe,yennaris and field and that is one hell of a side next season for the budget we have!!!

 

[Downbeat Bee]

Suspect Canos for Flo and Egan for Bjelland

Agreed. Possibly Yenaris to be replaced as well.