17 Aug 2026 09:52:35
Doesn't look like we'll get a midfielder with a bit of dug before cl game, we have no physicality whatsoever baur mcgregor and nygren have no real size and nygren ain't that type l, hope it doesn't bite us.
17 Aug 2026 10:06:55
It was a mistake to sell AE before we got someone in.
Our midfield is a real concern at this time.
We have CM, Baur; who is just here, Nygren, Magowan and Reo, who just doesn't want to be here.
We have made such an effort to sort ourselves out up front, we are lacking in midfield and defence.
CM no longer has the legs to protect the back 4 and push us forward and Baur is potentially the only one of the others who could do that job but he hasn't started a game yet.
17 Aug 2026 11:32:53
Agree it's an area where we should have had a CDM in the door, ideally before the CL qualifier.
Personally, I think that Reo is an empty jersey with an eye on the exit door and McCowan isn't good enough to make any real impact.
We can only hope that MON/ SM come up with a tactical plan to ensure the opposition don't waltz through our midfield and I'd suspect that Baur will do the spadework in the engine room.
HH.
17 Aug 2026 11:42:23
Guys,
I haven’t had a look at LASK yet.
Do they have a physical midfield?
17 Aug 2026 11:57:40
We should have giving reo game time and would have played out is skin to get a good move and would have helped for the qualifiers I would feel better him in the team than starting mccowen.
17 Aug 2026 13:26:07
North, they look a decent team all over. They have physicality in midfield and up front.
It will be a difficult tie and we will do well to progress.
17 Aug 2026 13:41:38
Just had a wee look and their captain, Sacha Horvath, plays in centre midfield and seems to be the one who makes them tick, alongside him are Ljubicic and Danek.
Their main goal threat is striker, Adeniran, with the supply coming from right wing back Jorgenson.
HH.
17 Aug 2026 13:44:08
If Hatate downed tools in the huff at not getting a big money move in a world year, I doubt he would buckle down now?
It's a sad scenario as he is a top player when fit and in the mood but his antics are of little benefit to us or himself. Maybe it's something in the Japanese psyche, who knows but frustrating doesn't begin to cover it!
17 Aug 2026 13:57:13
I know it’s a bit left field but what about trusty in the deep midfield roll either scales and ccv in defence. Gives us a bit of height and pace in there and he’s decent on the ball and can run all day. Only to get s by until an Engels replacement comes in.
17 Aug 2026 11:11:06
Yes we're lacking a strong CDM but have been for years and it seems like MON is happy with CM playing that role.
While our skipper isn't the biggest or strongest or even the best tackler, it's wrong to say he hasn't got the legs as he still retains most of his pace and is probably our quickest midfielder by some way!
That said, I still believe he is far more effective further forward and I would like to see a proper CDM brought in pronto.
17 Aug 2026 15:14:06
It's not a bad shout Big P, whatever we do on Wednesday the midfield will be key.
I know you could say that about any game but if we stop their captain as well as their RWB, I think they'll struggle to create anything.
On the night, especially at home, we need to take the game by the scruff of the neck and take them apart.
Their creative players should be defending if we get it right.
HH.
17 Aug 2026 15:36:34
Ralston in midfield the boy can't think what to do with the ball but he will annihilate anybody that trys to get by him?.
17 Aug 2026 16:37:32
If there are concerns in the midfield I would go with five in there.
17 Aug 2026 19:14:12
Reo has apparently turned down the clubs that have come in for him so far.
If he is waiting for one of the top 5 coming in, he will be waiting a long time.
If he really wants a move, he should do what Maeda did latterly last season, get his head down, show his ability and put himself in the shop window.
Sulking will get him nowhere near the first team.
A head in the game Reo would be a brilliant asset on Wednesday but he is nowhere near that player at this time.
17 Aug 2026 22:30:58
We put trusty or ralston in midfield on wed were out.
17 Aug 2026 23:24:10
Trusty is horrendous on the ball. Would rather play with 10 men than have him in midfield.
18 Aug 2026 00:00:15
Why not try Murray in midfield he’s quick can pass and tackle he’s definitely not a commanding cb so why not see if he has the legs in the middle of the park.
18 Aug 2026 18:26:35
Why not just buy the sodding players we need!