ZipSnowflake Royal Kelly can't drive us forward with the ball because his legs are so short he just can't get away from anyone.
Swift's going to have to play better for me to prefer him though. He was out of position, but for every trick he does better than Kelly, Kelly puts in a challenge Swift wouldn't get close to.
To be honest, I don't have any solutions for midfield. None of the four midfielders who played today did anything to secure a place. I think Kelly did more than the others. It's a low bar though. Swift looked more dangerous but just didn't deliver in my opinion. I think he's a luxury.
I think Kelly would benefit from a couple of weeks playing competitive games with the Academy lads, getting his enthusiasm and creativity back against lesser opposition. And the rest of the team showing some movement.
I'd like to drop Mannone, McShane, Meyler, Kelly, Swift and Baldock, but I can only think of Walker, Ilori and Bodvarsson I'd rather play. And I don't think you can play Meite and Bodvarsson because I don't think Meite should play RW. God we're a mess. Hoping Meyler and the rest of the team just had an off day, as they were much better against Forest.
A bit harsh on Baldock. He needs time to adapt to his team- mates. We really lack options in central midfield. I would drop Kelly and give Swift a few more chances because he does have the ability. Ilori has to come in. Perhaps Bacuna for Meyler but then again Bacuna is very inconsistent.
Mannone is borderline but I do think Walker in goal might just give the defence a bit of a boost. I would play Bodvarsson alongside Baldock.
Problem with Baldock, is he's a bit of a workhorse up front, but he lacks height and strength to lead the line. Bodvarsson and Meite both have that. And I think might be more likely to score. McNulty is a bit hit and miss, but looks likely to be our best finisher, so I'd want him on the pitch if we're playing two upfront. It's close between all four for but so far Baldock has impressed me least.
I just think if we play Swift and Meyler/Bacuna, we're going to get even more overrun, but it is a little six of one, half a dozen of another. Personally, I prefer busy triers than fancy dans. Might be because I'm definitely more of the former.