Nelson and the 4-3-3.

[Tuerto]

I'm not sure about Nelson. He will be No 1 scapegoat this evening, but I think it is more of a mixed picture.

He is capable of MOM performances (there was at least one last season) but also of lapses of concentration and bad mistakes that lose games. Warnock, Harris, McCarthy and Morison have played him 117 times in just over 3 seasons (probably a few of those at RB) so they see something in him that is more than a League Two clogger. He is normally OK defensively with the main complaint that he can't carry the ball out from the back.

But Nelson isn't 'the' problem. We do not have the quality (or depth) of defence that we would like. Perry NG gets beaten in the air, and also has disciplinary lapses, but can pass a ball. Mark McGuinness has regular mistakes in him and seems to be fifth choice so far this season. Kipre was brilliant last week with his ball playing, tackles and blocks - but the WBA boards also highlighted some of his weaknesses. Of course he has weaknesses or he wouldn't be with us now. Denham is very inexperienced - but maybe it's his time?

Nelson was poor and has serious limitations but some of the reaction is and will be OTT.

Agree. We will struggle defensively, but we also need to be a bit more positive in possession, quicker, get players in good positions etc. The lack of a striker is a problem, none of them can drop in and link up, Harris and Watters aint the brightest footballers to put a city shirt on. It's disjointed at the moment. Maybe this new guy from spurs can show up and do the things the other two can't. It's so important to have a half intelligent striker, especially if he's on his own up there. Playing three behind the striker means that he has to hold the ball up and wait for support, runners etc.

[Citizen's Nephew]

Agree. We will struggle defensively, but we also need to be a bit more positive in possession, quicker, get players in good positions etc. The lack of a striker is a problem, none of them can drop in and link up, Harris and Watters aint the brightest footballers to put a city shirt on. It's disjointed at the moment. Maybe this new guy from spurs can show up and do the things the other two can't. It's so important to have a half intelligent striker, especially if he's on his own up there. Playing three behind the striker means that he has to hold the ball up and wait for support, runners etc.

If anything, I'd be more critical of Harris than Watters because I regard him as more experienced in this division but is it really fair to ask either of them to play a game they're not suited to? The new lad's not going to be able to do it on his own either from what I've read about him. It's definitely disjointed. Morison can't carry on with a loan striker with the squad we've got. The new lad is 6'6" so you'd expect him to get cross after cross on his head or set-pieces, but apparently that's not his game. I can't see how we can get away without two up front.