The LUFC Weekend Brunch Debate. Post-Match Debate - Team Selection, Performance, Pitch, Rodrigo/Pablo, White

[1964white]

1) Your team to start v the Seagulls today?

2) How much will we miss Phillips today?

3) If you were at the game today, would you applaud Ben White?

4) Who do you consider Brighton's most influential/dangerous player?

5) If there is one player you could pluck out of the current Brighton team, who would it be?

6) Do you rate Graham Potter?

7) Out of all the relegation candidates, would Brighton be your preferred choice to go down?

8) Your result prediction?

9) Any special memories of our games v Brighton at ER?

10) Who are your favourite Brighton players from the past?

[1964white]

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

Leeds United have lost their two most recent Premier League matches without midfielder Kalvin Phillips

Leeds United have lost seven of their past nine league matches against Brighton. However, they did win the most recent league fixture, in the Championship in March 2017.

Leeds could win three consecutive Premier League home games for the first time since 2001 under David O'Leary.

An eighth win of the season would equal Leeds' total number of victories from their last top-flight season in 2003-04.

Brighton are winless in nine Premier League games, the longest current run in the division (D5, L4). The club's top-flight record is 10 matches without a victory.

The Seagulls have 14 points after 18 games. They had at least 20 points after 19 fixtures in their three previous Premier League campaigns.

[HarryofOz]

1) Your team to start v the Seagulls today?

Hopefully they do

2) How much will we miss Phillips today?

Very good player, will be missed

3) If you were at the game today, would you applaud Ben White?

Yes

4) Who do you consider Brighton's most influential/dangerous player?

Haven't watched them play yet

5) If there is one player you could pluck out of the current Brighton team, who would it be?

Haven't watched them play yet

6) Do you rate Graham Potter?

Haven't watched them play yet

7) Out of all the relegation candidates, would Brighton be your preferred choice to go down?

I have no relegation preference other than not Leeds

8) Your result prediction?

I plead the 5th

9) Any special memories of our games v Brighton at ER?

No

10) Who are your favourite Brighton players from the past?

None in particular, can't remember any in particular

[Chilli D]

1. Based on our current availability:
Meslier
Ayling
Struijk
Cooper
Alioski
Raphinha
Klich
Dallas
Harrison
Rodrigo
Bamford

2. Hopefully not much

3. Yes

4. Of those available today, probably Maupay and their big CB's from set pieces

5. Ben White

6. Not particularly

7. As long as there are at least 3 teams below us i don't care who it is. I predict the bottom three will be Sheff Utd, WBA and Newcastle

8. 2-1

9. None

10. None

[1964white]

1) Your team to start v the Seagulls today?

2) How much will we miss Phillips today?

3) If you were at the game today, would you applaud Ben White?

4) Who do you consider Brighton's most influential/dangerous player?

5) If there is one player you could pluck out of the current Brighton team, who would it be?

6) Do you rate Graham Potter?

7) Out of all the relegation candidates, would Brighton be your preferred choice to go down?

8) Your result prediction?

9) Any special memories of our games v Brighton at ER?

10) Who are your favourite Brighton players from the past?

[gessa]

1) Your team to start v the Seagulls today?
Messi
Ayling
Cooper
Llorente
Alio.
Dallas m/f
Klich
Raph
Rodders
Harrison
Bamford
2) How much will we miss Phillips today?

A lot. Problem being we don't have adequate cover available.

3) If you were at the game today, would you applaud Ben White?

Definitely yes.

4) Who do you consider Brighton's most influential/dangerous player?

Maupay

5) If there is one player you could pluck out of the current Brighton team, who would it be?

That big commanding centre half of theirs, forget his name.
6) Do you rate Graham Potter?

No opinion of his abilities either way but he does come over a bit of a nob in interviews

7) Out of all the relegation candidates, would Brighton be your preferred choice to go down?

I think there is a strange hatred for them over the Ben White saga, but they did what they should have done and hold on to him, if the shoe was on the other foot and we let say Phillip's go, imagine the outcry.

8) Your result prediction?

Tight victory, didn't see the game against Citeh but apparently they played very well, 3 games in 6 days may take its toll though. First goal is vital.

9) Any special memories of our games v Brighton at ER?

None whatsoever

10) Who are your favourite Brighton players from the past?

None whatsoever

[Leeds1000]

1) Your team to start v the Seagulls today?

Same has Chilli. DM is the key position but who will play there? Ok Ok we know it will be Struijk.

2) How much will we miss Phillips today?

It all depends on the result. Like the song says...Nobody does it better.

3) If you were at the game today, would you applaud Ben White?

Yeah... he wanted to come back, altho i'm glad he didn't at the silly prices quoted. He's not quite getting the headlines he was last season yet. It will be great to have another look at him.

4) Who do you consider Brighton's most influential/dangerous player?

Pass.

5) If there is one player you could pluck out of the current Brighton team, who would it be?

BW £5m

6) Do you rate Graham Potter?

I will always prefer Harry.

7) Out of all the relegation candidates, would Brighton be your preferred choice to go down?

YES. Some of their fans were giving it large during the BW saga and not in a banter way. Real vitriol in a bad blood kind of way. Get down deeper and down.

8) Your result prediction?

3-2 in the predictions. They are the draw specialist so it could well be a draw. It could be a mentality thing for them draws. Good at clawing their way back? Or surrendering a lead? We will see.

9) Any special memories of our games v Brighton at ER?

None!

10) Who are your favourite Brighton players from the past?

Brian Clough.

[Smudge3920]

1) Your team to start v the Seagulls today?
Whatever MB decides on I am sure they will come out with a determination to bury the Crawley result.
2) How much will we miss Phillips today?
We have to show we can win without him...If we lose, of course it will be because we were without him.
3) If you were at the game today, would you applaud Ben White?
Absolutely
4) Who do you consider Brighton's most influential/dangerous player?
TBH I have not taken much notice of them.
5) If there is one player you could pluck out of the current Brighton team, who would it be?
Only Ben White interests me.
6) Do you rate Graham Potter?
Not really, made some bold statements pre season, and finding it hard to live up to them.
7) Out of all the relegation candidates, would Brighton be your preferred choice to go down?
As I always state...I dont care as long as it is not us.
8) Your result prediction?
5-1...See Q1.9)
Any special memories of our games v Brighton at ER?
None whatsoever.
10) Who are your favourite Brighton players from the past?
None spring to mind.

[Sara]

1) Your team to start v the Seagulls today?

I don't fancy Struijk in Phillips' role. Would rather have some combo of Klich/ Dallas/ Shackleton.

2) How much will we miss Phillips today?

A lot, if we're trying to replace him man for man.

3) If you were at the game today, would you applaud Ben White?

Yes. He's Leeds, and he knows he is.

5) If there is one player you could pluck out of the current Brighton team, who would it be?

BW

6) Do you rate Graham Potter?

Thought he was supposed to be the next big thing at Swansea.... didn't happen, done nothing of note since.

7) Out of all the relegation candidates, would Brighton be your preferred choice to go down?

I most want the Blunts to go down, followed by Brighton and Burnley, in that order.

8) Your result prediction?

2-1

[1964white]

1) Your team to start v the Seagulls today?

Messi

Struijk Cooper Lorente

Ayling Dallas

Raphinha Klich Rodrigo Harrison

Bamford

2) How much will we miss Phillips today?

Immensely

3) If you were at the game today, would you applaud Ben White?

I'd bow down to Ben

4) Who do you consider Brighton's most influential/dangerous player?

Trossard

5) If there is one player you could pluck out of the current Brighton team, who would it be?

Ben White

6) Do you rate Graham Potter?

He's ordinary

7) Out of all the relegation candidates, would Brighton be your preferred choice to go down?

Would be funny if they go down. Blunts & the Baggies still the teams I want relegated

8) Your result prediction?

Win

9) Any special memories of our games v Brighton at ER?

White picks up the ball from a Brighton corner, plays to DElph who bombs down the wing & crosses a beautiful cross for Jermaine to head in. Leeds won 3-0 or 3-1 I think

10) Who are your favourite Brighton players from the past?

No standout player for me

[mothbanquet]

1) Your team to start v the Seagulls today?

Meslier, Ayling, Llorente, Cooper, Dallas, Raphinha, Klich, Rodrigo, Harrison, Bamford

2) How much will we miss Phillips today?

We'll be fine today, I think.

3) If you were at the game today, would you applaud Ben White?

Aye.

4) Who do you consider Brighton's most influential/dangerous player?

Actually available? Maupay.

5) If there is one player you could pluck out of the current Brighton team, who would it be?

Ben White.

6) Do you rate Graham Potter?

Last season maybe, but he's brought in some quality signings and doesn't seem to know what to do with them. Starting to have the whiff of a manager out of ideas in his team selection.

7) Out of all the relegation candidates, would Brighton be your preferred choice to go down?

Oh yes.

8) Your result prediction?

2-1 Leeds

9) Any special memories of our games v Brighton at ER?

No memories of Brighton whatsoever.

10) Who are your favourite Brighton players from the past?

Can't say, Google's down.

[1964white]

I always wonder why defenders leave their man totally unmarked, lets face it Maupay was Brighton's most dangerous forward & it wasn't as if we didn't have time to set ourselves when White instigated the move on the halfway line.....championship defending

Do you think the team selection & formation were correct?

Was that performance the worst this season?

Are you concerned about the performances & effort of our marquee signings Raphinha & Rodrigo?

Should Pablo start ahead of Rodrigo

Bearing in mind we only know one way to play are you concerned about the state of the ER pitch?

We haven't scored in our last three games & conceded seven, is that another concern?

How good was Ben White?

[Irish Ian]

Morning Folks.

[Leeds1000]

Do you think the team selection & formation was correct?

I doubt we will see Struijk anywhere near DM again. The lad looked lost, its a lonely position in this team at the best of times. Phillips often gets exposed when teams break through the middle like Brighton did, and when teams press high Phillips struggles to dictate play. It does seem that teams are starting to suss it.

Was that performance the worst this season?

In the league by a country mile for me. Even getting beat by MU we at least showed some fight and control. Yesterday it was dire.

Are you concerned about the performances & effort of our marquee signings Raphinha & Rodrigo?

Not Raph, give him a nice pitch and stick him back on the right and he will come good more often than not for me. I don't know where Rodrigo was bought in to play? He looks a decent player when he has got plenty of space to play in. This is the PL space is of a premium.

Should Pablo start ahead of Rodrigo

At the moment yes. Pablo is more creative than Rodrigo and has shown he links up well with Klich. And Pablo is a better defender than Rodrigo aswell. Pablo shows up for the ball and tries to make things happen, it often results in a poor pass, but at least he tries.

Bearing in mind we only know one way to play are you concerned about the state of the ER pitch?

Honestly its a disgrace. You have to say poor management by the club. As a team we like to play football on the grass, shame there isn't any. I honestly can't remember playing on a worst pitch when i played Sunday League. I have seen better rugby pitches. It could be a mental thing for our players. Its a pitch that would suit a sam Allardyce team of Sluggers, but the players have got to roll up their sleeves and get on with it. God only knows how it will look in a few months time.

We haven't scored in our last three games & conceded seven, is that another concern?

If we play like yesterday we are in a relegation fight. We made Brighton look good. Fulham were unlucky at Chelsea, WB picking up a win. We need another springboard performance and lets hope Newcastle is it. Llorente will make a big difference to the balance of the side....He should be ready for that game surly!

How good was Ben White?

We know he's a good player but it could have been Michael Duberry running into that gapping hole yesterday looking a million dollars. Its not rocket science against Leeds, beat you man with the ball, or transition quickly from defence to attack and our midfield open up like the red sea.

Have a good day folks i'm off to work with my tail between mi legs.

[CHAPELALLMAN]

Do you think the team selection & formation was correct?

I doubt we will see Struijk anywhere near DM again. The lad looked lost, its a lonely position in this team at the best of times. Phillips often gets exposed when teams break through the middle like Brighton did, and when teams press high Phillips struggles to dictate play. It does seem that teams are starting to suss it.

Was that performance the worst this season?

In the league by a country mile for me. Even getting beat by MU we at least showed some fight and control. Yesterday it was dire.

Are you concerned about the performances & effort of our marquee signings Raphinha & Rodrigo?

Not Raph, give him a nice pitch and stick him back on the right and he will come good more often than not for me. I don't know where Rodrigo was bought in to play? He looks a decent player when he has got plenty of space to play in. This is the PL space is of a premium.

Should Pablo start ahead of Rodrigo

At the moment yes. Pablo is more creative than Rodrigo and has shown he links up well with Klich. And Pablo is a better defender than Rodrigo aswell. Pablo shows up for the ball and tries to make things happen, it often results in a poor pass, but at least he tries.

Bearing in mind we only know one way to play are you concerned about the state of the ER pitch?

Honestly its a disgrace. You have to say poor management by the club. As a team we like to play football on the grass, shame there isn't any. I honestly can't remember playing on a worst pitch when i played Sunday League. I have seen better rugby pitches. It could be a mental thing for our players. Its a pitch that would suit a sam Allardyce team of Sluggers, but the players have got to roll up their sleeves and get on with it. God only knows how it will look in a few months time.

We haven't scored in our last three games & conceded seven, is that another concern?

If we play like yesterday we are in a relegation fight. We made Brighton look good. Fulham were unlucky at Chelsea, WB picking up a win. We need another springboard performance and lets hope Newcastle is it. Llorente will make a big difference to the balance of the side....He should be ready for that game surly!

How good was Ben White?

We know he's a good player but it could have been Michael Duberry running into that gapping hole yesterday looking a million dollars. Its not rocket science against Leeds, beat you man with the ball, or transition quickly from defence to attack and our midfield open up like the red sea.

Have a good day folks i'm off to work with my tail between mi legs.

It does make you wonder whose idea it was to buy Rodrigo, and was the intention always to try and mould him into a no 10 ? Costing 27m and taking into account his age it's looking now like a bad idea. Plus his wages must be high.

I've been raising concerns about the recruitment of players for a while now, and I tend to get some barbed comments on here for doing so. If it was purely Orta's decision then for me it just builds the case against him - especially when you consider the sum spent on Costa. We haven't heard the JKA outcome yet - the club may be liable for 18m there. Unless the club uses its limited financial resources cannily it risks ending up back in the championship.

[Overman]

It does make you wonder whose idea it was to buy Rodrigo, and was the intention always to try and mould him into a no 10 ? Costing 27m and taking into account his age it's looking now like a bad idea. Plus his wages must be high.

I've been raising concerns about the recruitment of players for a while now, and I tend to get some barbed comments on here for doing so. If it was purely Orta's decision then for me it just builds the case against him - especially when you consider the sum spent on Costa. We haven't heard the JKA outcome yet - the club may be liable for 18m there. Unless the club uses its limited financial resources cannily it risks ending up back in the championship.

Your concerns regarding recruitment are well founded. In the main it has been MB's ability in developing average players capable of playing at their maximum capacity and potential. Some of Orta's recruitment leaves a lot to be desired, though I'm sure it's a collective decision.

[Muppet the Cat]

Do you think the team selection & formation were correct?

I don’t think many would have argued with the starting XI (with KP and Meslier unavailable) it’s where MB put them that was the issue

Was that performance the worst this season?

No, worse last week against Crawley

Are you concerned about the performances & effort of our marquee signings Raphinha & Rodrigo?

Rod has been disappointing given what he cost. However, I guess he’s ‘learning’ a new role. Ralph’s form has generally been encouraging, but he suffered yesterday - like most.

Should Pablo start ahead of Rodrigo

Don’t think he’ll last 90mins, so do you put him on for the first hour and then put Rod on. It’s worth a go in the next couple of games, as not working at the moment.

Bearing in mind we only know one way to play are you concerned about the state of the ER pitch?

It’s not good, but seems to being used as a bit of an excuse IMO. Crikey, Hunslet used to play rugby league at ER.

We haven't scored in our last three games & conceded seven, is that another concern?

Major one

How good was Ben White?

Very good, but we knew that

[Byebyegeegee]

Do you think the team selection & formation were correct?
Team selection was fine considering our injuries and suspension, formation not so imo. Struijk looked totally lost in Kalvin’s position and should have played centre back with Cooper allowing Ayling to play at right back.

Was that performance the worst this season?
Not as bad as last week against Crawley but with the personnel on the pitch it should have been a lot better.

Are you concerned about the performances & effort of our marquee signings Raphinha & Rodrigo?
Yes I am very concerned with Rodrigo and have given my reasons on another thread.

Should Pablo start ahead of Rodrigo
Yes definitely.

Bearing in mind we only know one way to play are you concerned about the state of the ER pitch?
Yes, but nothing we can do about that till the summer so we’ll just have to live with it.

We haven't scored in our last three games & conceded seven, is that another concern?
Very much so. Teams like Brighton, West Ham, Crystal Palace etc. have found the blueprint of how to play against i.e. keep 10 men behind the ball when we have possession then when we lose possession (which we do too easily these days with poor passing and misunderstandings) hit us on the break when our defence is out of position.

How good was Ben White?
So good.
[/quote]

[The Subhuman]

Do you think the team selection & formation were correct?

I never think the team selection is correct but I'm not the manager.

Was that performance the worst this season?

Yes but there were still lessons learnt

Are you concerned about the performances & effort of our marquee signings Raphinha & Rodrigo?

Sort of but early days and Raph needs to play right

Should Pablo start ahead of Rodrigo

No, we need to get Rodrigo going, Rodrigo ahead of Bamford I wouldn't argue with

Bearing in mind we only know one way to play are you concerned about the state of the ER pitch?

Yes, we need a good playing surface to play Bielsa ball. This will continue to be an issue

We haven't scored in our last three games & conceded seven, is that another concern?

A concern but not a surprise for me for the obvious reasons

How good was Ben White? -

Top class as usual, nothing we haven't seen before

[Cjay]

Do you think the team selection & formation was correct?

Its obvious now that Struijk isnt a dm, Rodders and Klich as a midfield doesnt work and Ayling and Cooper at cb is weak. So no it wasnt right but the lack of depth we have means we have little choice.

Was that performance the worst this season?

Given the opposition yes (Brighton are a poor poor side) but they deserved to beat us and we looked devoid of ideas.


Are you concerned about the performances & effort of our marquee signings Raphinha & Rodrigo?

 Not Raph no, despite not having a great game he did do something atleast, only he created a chance out of our JH, PH, Poveda, Roberts etc. Rodrigo concerns me because its becoming blatantly obvious that same as Costa we have spent a huge amount of money on someone who doesn't suit the system. 

Should Pablo start ahead of Rodrigo

No PH isnt the answer, he was no better vs Brighton. The answer is to sign a proper number 8/10 like we have needed to for years. Rodrigo was the wrong player, clearly has ability but Orta has again dropped a clanger. He will have occasions of quality because he is talented but the system cant function properly with him in it. I dont blame Rodders, Orta should never have presented him to Bielsa as an option given he is a false 9 and we dont use one.


Bearing in mind we only know one way to play are you concerned about the state of the ER pitch?

The pitch is a disgrace, we should have sorted that the first season Bielsa arrived (surely that would have made sense given we know that a good pitch is vital and that removes the covid excuse ) if we had done that at least it would have only been 2 years since it was done rather than 7. Fact is the pitch doesnt suit our style and hinders it. Our players generally need everything in there favour to make our style work. A pitch that they cant judge doesnt help. Man City would cope, we wont, our players arent technical enough to thrive on that sort of pitch. The club should have redone the pitch when MB arrived, Covid is no excuse and we will drop points because of it (not entirely because of it but it wont help).


We haven't scored in our last three games & conceded seven, is that another concern?

Yes one of many atm


How good was Ben White?

Ok nothing more, Adam Webster also took a stroll through our midfield even further than Ben White managed, are we going to praise him? Ben White did ok but has still struggled at Prem level, 1 game against our non existing midfield foesnt change that.