A 4:3:3 and some dramatic changes v Hearts

The line has been drawn in the sand, time to move on, and it’s back to league duty on Sunday; we still have a European place to tie down.

If I could get a bet on none of the top six winning their last five games it would be on everyone taking points off everyone. Hibs at 9/2 I will be having a bit of that!!!

Going with a 4-3-3

Defence; Tavernier Alves Cardoso John

Alves came on the last two games and played really well so he’s in from the start. I’ve also replaced Martin with Cardoso, alas don’t have any other option which says it all, and Tav & John we all know what their qualities are.

Midfield; Docherty McCrorie Goss

Think we’re all of the same opinion young Ross is not a CH but is a midfielder with plenty scope for improvement in the midfield holding role. He also looks more relaxed there and plays within himself. Docherty needs to get back on track, his performances have been up & down, not helped by Dorrans. Goss has had a rest and hopefully he can recapture the form he had before going off the boil, also plays well with Docherty.

Forwards; Cummings Morelos Murphy

First of all I feel bad about leaving Candeias out as he’s a real workhorse but requires benched for his attitude on Sunday. Equally Halliday calling anybody a bawbag after being replaced is not acceptable even though Murty should have waited 3 minutes until half time so he can sit in the stand and have a good word with himself.

Now these three MUST put a real shift in and track back to help the three in the middle, Need to find out if Cummings can cut it at this level, he MUST track back when we don’t have possession and also stay close to Morelos and live off his scraps. Murphy just be you and go out there and express yourself. Morelos will get in their faces and bully the whole back four and wind them up as much as possible. He needs to stop snatching at things and find a bit of composure in front of goal.

Rather we had a good go in these last five games, win on Sunday beat Hibs & Aberdeen and that should surely solidify our European place. I know people will say my selections have left us light in the midfield but the front players must tuck in when we’re going the other way. Back in the day when GVB went on a run the Hammer would just drop and cover without having to be told. Interchanging should be second nature to any professional football player.

Murty; Everybody is sick to the back teeth of 4-2-3-1, tt no longer works other teams have got it well and truly sussed. 

Subs; Windass, Candeias, Middleton, Holt, Martin.