Team For Motherwell

[harry94]

How is everybody feeling we should set-up for this game? Was talking to someone on here last night and we were thinking that we've got to move away from this front 3 set-up and go back to basics a wee bit.

I'm thinking:

Bain

McGinn McPake Julen Holt

McGowan Low

Stewart Harkins Calder

Hemmings

Ross had a good game in Perth but struggled a bit yesterday so might be a good idea to give him a rest for a wee while. Low put in a massive amount of effort and although he struggled for a while, I think he did come on a bit better later in the game and showed a lot more when he went further inside (I do find it difficult to understand why we stick him out wide but it must be down to thinking he'll provide protection for a full back).

Calder in for Loy is a tough call but I'd give it a shot. Loy is great for us and very consistent. The problem is though, I think we need someone to fall out. Hemmings can chase things down and give us a threat when we are playing poorly and I'm not sure Stewart or Loy can do that. Stewart is our best threat and can rip a team like Motherwell apart so it seems logical to keep him on the pitch.

Any other suggestions?

Could this be a chance for Gadzhalov to make a heroic return to his defensive midfield role that he played for a half against Thistle last season and use his 79 power rating to strike fear into the opposition midfield? He is a handsome strong man and could surely neutralise Keith Lasley with just a stare.

[barkblue]

I've been advocating a "back to basics" ethos for the upcoming games. 

And can't argue with your eleven Harry.

Loving the Gadzhalov card, but I hope that's as near as he gets to the midfield. He was STINKING there against Partick. 

[Boba Fett]

[Cobra]

I'd go for this team. Although I'd rather see Loy and Harkins than Low and Ross on the park, we need a bit of balance.

Stewart and Hemmings have a good understanding from their time at Cowdenbeath and they linked up brilliantly at Hearts for the opener so I'd play them both up top. Not convinced this free role for Stewart is a good idea.

[CW 90+3 02/05/16]

Holt had a good game at Perth but we've been conceding a goal from his side all season long. Is he going to start 40 games as we concede 30 to 40 goals from right wing crosses or do we change it? Irvine was great on the ball last season but we were still conceding a lot of goals from that area last season and the season in the premier before that (2012/13). That leaves Meggat who looked poor at centre back but hasn't been given a chance at left back. I'd be inclined to bring back Irvine.

Personally wouldn't have Low or Ross near the team but you'd think one of them has to start next to McGowan whilst Thomson is out. Toss a coin for me. Low has a bit more bite about him, Ross a tidier passer. Both chase shadows off the ball all game long.

Calder and Harkins clearly aren't going to be starting games so I guess our thoughts on this thread are pretty pointless as the manager is going to go similar to the last several games.

[Mr Gandosaur]

The amount of people wanting Low to start is baffling. The guy is awful.

[offshoredee]

I'd go for this team. Although I'd rather see Loy and Harkins than Low and Ross on the park, we need a bit of balance.

Stewart and Hemmings have a good understanding from their time at Cowdenbeath and they linked up brilliantly at Hearts for the opener so I'd play them both up top. Not convinced this free role for Stewart is a good idea.

With all due respect that midfield scares the life out of me......Irvine as well

[an-dee]

The amount of people wanting Low to start is baffling. The guy is awful.

Agree with you there. Really struggling to see what he brings to the team. He's one of those guys that's decent enough at everything but doesn't really have much else about him. Seems to be one of Hartley's favourites though so I've no doubt he'll start on the left/right of a midfield 4 though even though it's clear it doesn't work.

[offshoredee]

Low was very poor on Saturday, and also through in Perth the week before. For all Harkins faults he will want the ball and his first thought is usually to go forward....

[teddydfc62]

Whatever team we put out we need to have some dig in midfield.we are just getting steamrolled in the middle of the park most games.Maybe konrad there?

Basic error from Hartley having only 1 defensive midfielder in the swuad,especially with Thomsons injury record

[J_Kitamirike]

Bain

Mcginn Mcpake Julen Irvine

Konrad

Mcgowan Harkins Calder

Hemmings Stewart

Edited 7 December 2015 by J_Kitamirike

[J_Kitamirike]

Bain

Mcginn Mcpake Julen Irvine

Konrad

Mcgowan Harkins Calder

Hemmings Stewart

Konrad obviously behind Harkins breaking up play and keeping it simple.