Jury still out on him. Doesn't work anywhere near hard enough. Looks to me like he needs a pre-season which is obviously a concern.
Baldock has to start IMO. We desperately need him bedded back in to the side.
I have zero confidence in Baldock against a team like Barnsley who are going to bully him off the ball. I'd start with Akpom too. Baldock is likely to get injured again soon so we might as well get Akpom up to speed for when it happens. Akpom made more happen in the few mins he was on that Baldock managed all game.
Akpom made more happen in the few mins he was on that Baldock managed all game.
Amazes me how people can make a judgement based on his limited game time to date.
When and if he gets a run in the side perhaps we can make a sensible judgement.
I though Baldock was one of our better players, it was his run and pass that put it on a plate for knocky
I'm with you. Baldock needs to start, and Akpom needs to be eased in -- he's coming back from a long injury, and needs to be familiarised with our set-up. I'm quite optimistic of what I can and will contribute, but we'll have to see.
The other thing bearing in mind is the possibility of playing a midfield three in certain (away) games or situations, which would mean playing just one of the big two up top, which might also just suit Knockaert and March better.
I may not sound like it but I am a Baldock fan but I thought he was a waste of space on Tuesday and I thought Akpom looked more threatening even if he was off the pace. Funny how we see games differently
Bearing in mind the way our away games have started recently, I'd actually start Akpom as the lone forward in a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Sitwell sitting behind Stephens and Kayal or Norwood. We simply have to be more solid. Starting the second half two goals down isn't the way forward. Tell Akpom to run himself into the ground and tire out their central defenders then bring on Murray and Baldock on the hour.
Has Rosenior travelled with the team.