***Official Livingston v Heart of Midlothian Match Thread***

[Butterbean1874]

Team for Saturday     
        
               Clark

stienwender  Halks  Finlay  Milne

Krjota  Mactee  Devlin. Kizi

           Kabore  Braga

[Radio-Braga]

3 hours ago, MTS1874 said:

Striker or Number 10 in my opinion.  Could be a good partner for Braga

If only Shankland wasn’t undroppable 

[upgotheheads]

15 minutes ago, Mac80 said:

If only Shankland wasn’t undroppable 

 

You have a point. If Shank's had been subbed on Saturday instead of Wilson, he couldn't have complained. 

[Martin B]

44 minutes ago, upgotheheads said:

 

That would be a decent outfield lineup, but give me one reason why you think a 19-year-old  recalled from a loan to Alloa would be better than a Goalkeeper who has had one bad game this season and played well last Saturday.

Clark has had more than one bad game this season. He’s yet to have a good game.

 

If McFarlane is felt to be good enough and ready then get him in the team. It did Craig Gordon no harm at the same age.

[DxB Hearts]

                            Clark

 

Steinwender   Halkett    Findlay     Milne

 

                     McEntee    Beni

 

Kerjota                                         Kyziridis

 

                    Kabore      Braga

 

That team will have a much better chance to create and dominate the ball over the lineup last weekend. Got to give these guys a start at some point and Livi is a good a chance as we’ll get. 

[Luckies1874]

Why do people believe Kerjota is going to start? He’s not even been on the bench the last couple of weeks as he’s nowhere near ready, as evidenced by his cameo at Tannadice and apparently in training too. 

[Luckies1874]

6 minutes ago, DxB Hearts said:

                            Clark

 

Steinwender   Halkett    Findlay     Milne

 

                     McEntee    Beni

 

Kerjota                                         Kyziridis

 

                    Kabore      Braga

 

That team will have a much better chance to create and dominate the ball over the lineup last weekend. Got to give these guys a start at some point and Livi is a good a chance as we’ll get. 

If McEntee survives his non performance on Saturday he’ll be a very luck boy. I hope Hoff or Magnusson are given the spot beside Beningame. 

[PapaShango]

1 minute ago, Luckies1874 said:

If McEntee survives his non performance on Saturday he’ll be a very luck boy. I hope Hoff or Magnusson are given the spot beside Beningame. 

Yeah he wasn't great along with Devlin, who chucked in one of his worst performances in a Hearts shirt. The midfield is an issue but whatever combination we have, Beni has to be in there, by far and away our best midfielder. 

[Locky]

2 hours ago, upgotheheads said:

 

That would be a decent outfield lineup, but give me one reason why you think a 19-year-old  recalled from a loan to Alloa would be better than a Goalkeeper who has had one bad game this season and played well last Saturday.

I never said he was better. Just said I'd like to see him get a shot.

 

We've recalled him from a loan spell where he was liked, and doing well. Had a similar loan spell last season. He's highly rated and just signed a new contract. Clark isn't isn't future, McFarlane might be.

 

Besides, another keeper among the ranks made his Hearts debut at Almondvale at a similar age and did okay.

[boag1874]

GK

Forrester - Halks - Findlay - Milne

Kerjota - Beni - Devlin - Kyzi

Shanks - Braga

 

Players in the right positions, options off the bench to change it if needed. No ****ing about.

[Lord Beni of Gorgie]

Few omissions on folks teams that just wont happen.

 

Same keeper and back 4, Beni in for McEntee, probably a start for Spittal, Shankland, Braga and Kyzi up front, though Kyzi looks like a home game player for me, Livi away is as close to a home game as you get away.

 

Kabore needs to come on off the bench through the middle when there's minimum pressure.

[bistokid]

1 hour ago, Luckies1874 said:

Why do people believe Kerjota is going to start? He’s not even been on the bench the last couple of weeks as he’s nowhere near ready, as evidenced by his cameo at Tannadice and apparently in training too. 

Quite the overstatement RE Tannadice - how long was he on for? 

 

Perhaps after the last 2 weeks people aren't backing the judgement of what McInnes sees in training. 

 

[Luckies1874]

37 minutes ago, bistokid said:

Quite the overstatement RE Tannadice - how long was he on for? 

 

Perhaps after the last 2 weeks people aren't backing the judgement of what McInnes sees in training. 

 

That would be even more daft than many of the things I’ve read since Saturday! 

[KariHMFC]

The 2 bad first half's have been when Braga has not started. It's not rocket science, play your best players! 

[KariHMFC]

Clark

 

Steinwender

Halkett

Findlay

Milne

 

Kyziridis

Devlin

Beni

Spittal

 

Braga

Shankland

[Luckies1874]

2 minutes ago, KariHMFC said:

Clark

 

Steinwender

Halkett

Findlay

Milne

 

Kyziridis

Devlin

Beni

Spittal

 

Braga

Shankland

Think you’ll be very close. 

[casper]

6 minutes ago, KariHMFC said:

Clark

 

Steinwender

Halkett

Findlay

Milne

 

Kyziridis

Devlin

Beni

Spittal

 

Braga

Shankland

Other than Forrester for Steinwender that would be my selection.

Edited August 25, 2025 by casper

[gregzy2k7]

8 hours ago, iantjambo said:

 I think that’s more down to DM and his constant changing of the team selection. The sooner he decides on a settled XI the better.

This is a big one,

 

It makes a world of difference having a settled 11 that plays together most weeks.

 

I think picking a formation that suits us and sticking to it would help with this as well, I feel we should be either a 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3, 

 

When you change formation too much you lose rhythm and players get confused with it,

 

We need fast wide players who look to get crosses in and at least 2 bodies supporting each other up front and I feel a settled back 4 just looks a lot more comfortable for us than a 3 imo.

[gregzy2k7]

Ps I wouldn't mind seeing Braga and Kabore play up front together.

[Macros]

Is there an issue with the ticketing? I'm logging in as usual, but every time I try to buy a ticket, it either says my time limit has expired or nothing happens after I click on the section. It's showing sections X, Y and Z but I'm not getting anywhere.

[Jamb04life]

10 minutes ago, gregzy2k7 said:

Ps I wouldn't mind seeing Braga and Kabore play up front together.

I really hope this happens. Shankland been as poor as anybody the past couple of games

[Aussie Jambo]

On 24/08/2025 at 22:55, GBJambo said:

Writing off players that have only played a few minutes. Ffs this place is a joke 

He was clearly played out of position. 
That first half was terrible and not many got a pass mark. 
I’m still not convinced about Zander though. 
We all know the team we need to play. I’m sure Deek will now be aware that JKB knows best and to take note. 
I don’t want to see Spittal or Forrest anywhere near the team. Just play the players in the position they play. It’s not rocket science but seems to be an issue our last three managers just couldn’t get either. 

[AHS51]

1 hour ago, gregzy2k7 said:

Ps I wouldn't mind seeing Braga and Kabore play up front together.

Totally agree. Watching the St Mirren forwards not give Rangers defenders a sniff is exactly what we need. Shankland just doesn't have the mobility. 

[Aussie Jambo]

38 minutes ago, AHS51 said:

Totally agree. Watching the St Mirren forwards not give Rangers defenders a sniff is exactly what we need. Shankland just doesn't have the mobility. 

I had said in the Motherwell match post that I didn’t even realise he was playing until Milnes goal. A total non entity. What I did see was his passing being less than adequate. I think he’s going back to that player from last season.  Slow and lazy. DM needs to address that or he will keep doing it. 

[Graham Thomson]

Shankland must have it in his contract he doesn't get dropped. 

Elton scored goals when we played him up front. 

Bragga absolute no brainer 

Wilson not this season. 

Keep it simple and don't chop and change players and formations for no reason.

[mitch41]

11 hours ago, Butterbean1874 said:

Team for Saturday     
        
               Clark

stienwender  Halks  Finlay  Milne

Krjota  Mactee  Devlin. Kizi

           Kabore  Braga

Kent deserves a starting place, or is he suspended or injured

[OTT]

56 minutes ago, Aussie Jambo said:

I had said in the Motherwell match post that I didn’t even realise he was playing until Milnes goal. A total non entity. What I did see was his passing being less than adequate. I think he’s going back to that player from last season.  Slow and lazy. DM needs to address that or he will keep doing it. 

 

Honestly I really disagree. Slating Shankland for work rate seems to be very low hanging fruit, and not all that accurate. Its difficult to cite multiple examples, because so much happens in 90 minutes, but the Kabore chance in the first half, Shanks was in a better position, choking on Kabore to play him in:

 

 

 

Probably should be over where the red marker is, but his run has drawn defenders away and opened up space which Forrest has failed to utilise. Alternatively, if Forrest had any ability about him, he might have tried to play Shankland or Braga in for a 1v1. Sadly he can barely control a ball and would rather run into traffic than actually do something useful. 

 

 

Braga hasn't seen him here, but again, in a good spot:

 

 

His run here drags the CB over to the left opening space up for Bragas run and subsequent goal.

 

 

Takes the ball on the wing, drives in and gets the ball into Beni who then gets the ball over to Milne who takes the shot that is spilled into Bragas path

 

 

. 

 

Lawrence Shankland isn't Claudio Braga or Cammy Devlin. His game isn't buzzing about for 90 minutes with a relentless engine. He's slow and pressing isn't his natural game because of that. But he's a remarkably intelligent striker, with brilliant ball control and is a top, top finisher. We surrounded him with shite last year and shock horror, he struggled. Yes, there was other stuff going on, but people need to get over that. Against Motherwell, we've done the same thing. Forrest is part of the piss poor attack last season that stared at their laces whilst Shanks faltered, he contributes nothing. Kabore isn't a winger. So the quality of service to Shankland hasn't been very good. When we get Braga on, then Kyzi our attack starts to look more natural. 

 

Teams know he's a goal threat, and will double up on him, especially when the players we've got on the pitch are miles below the standard required (Alan Forrest). We can't expect him to carry the attack every game. He needs support from players like Braga, Kyzi, Milne and in time hopefully Kabore & Kerjota.

 

I'm not attacking any individual poster btw, its just there seems to be a theme of if we don't play well, blame Shankland - He's too lazy, he's past it etc. The guy knocks his pan in for the team, draws in defenders opening up space which isn't always taken advantage of and is constantly trying to present for the ball - he's not hiding. I'm not expecting everyone to agree with me, but I don't see the value in constantly berating Shankland. There are 11 players on the pitch, more often than not 5/6 players who can be expected to contribute to an attack, and yet Shankland gets it in the neck when Forrest decides he'd rather inspect the turf than spot a run, or Kabore decides he wants to take a speculative shot or McInnes decides to pair him up with a striker that also lacks pace meaning we can't effectively press properly from the front. 

 

 

 

 

[Polonia Gorgie]

3 minutes ago, OTT said:

 

Honestly I really disagree. Slating Shankland for work rate seems to be very low hanging fruit, and not all that accurate. Its difficult to cite multiple examples, because so much happens in 90 minutes, but the Kabore chance in the first half, Shanks was in a better position, choking on Kabore to play him in:

 

 

 

Probably should be over where the red marker is, but his run has drawn defenders away and opened up space which Forrest has failed to utilise. Alternatively, if Forrest had any ability about him, he might have tried to play Shankland or Braga in for a 1v1. Sadly he can barely control a ball and would rather run into traffic than actually do something useful. 

 

 

Braga hasn't seen him here, but again, in a good spot:

 

 

His run here drags the CB over to the left opening space up for Bragas run and subsequent goal.

 

 

Takes the ball on the wing, drives in and gets the ball into Beni who then gets the ball over to Milne who takes the shot that is spilled into Bragas path

 

 

. 

 

Lawrence Shankland isn't Claudio Braga or Cammy Devlin. His game isn't buzzing about for 90 minutes with a relentless engine. He's slow and pressing isn't his natural game because of that. But he's a remarkably intelligent striker, with brilliant ball control and is a top, top finisher. We surrounded him with shite last year and shock horror, he struggled. Yes, there was other stuff going on, but people need to get over that. Against Motherwell, we've done the same thing. Forrest is part of the piss poor attack last season that stared at their laces whilst Shanks faltered, he contributes nothing. Kabore isn't a winger. So the quality of service to Shankland hasn't been very good. When we get Braga on, then Kyzi our attack starts to look more natural. 

 

Teams know he's a goal threat, and will double up on him, especially when the players we've got on the pitch are miles below the standard required (Alan Forrest). We can't expect him to carry the attack every game. He needs support from players like Braga, Kyzi, Milne and in time hopefully Kabore & Kerjota.

 

I'm not attacking any individual poster btw, its just there seems to be a theme of if we don't play well, blame Shankland - He's too lazy, he's past it etc. The guy knocks his pan in for the team, draws in defenders opening up space which isn't always taken advantage of and is constantly trying to present for the ball - he's not hiding. I'm not expecting everyone to agree with me, but I don't see the value in constantly berating Shankland. There are 11 players on the pitch, more often than not 5/6 players who can be expected to contribute to an attack, and yet Shankland gets it in the neck when Forrest decides he'd rather inspect the turf than spot a run, or Kabore decides he wants to take a speculative shot or McInnes decides to pair him up with a striker that also lacks pace meaning we can't effectively press properly from the front. 

 

 

 

 

That's a bloody good post!! Well thought out with excellent points 🤌🏻

[gregzy2k7]

12 hours ago, Butterbean1874 said:

Team for Saturday     
        
               Clark

stienwender  Halks  Finlay  Milne

Krjota  Mactee  Devlin. Kizi

           Kabore  Braga

I like that,

 

Mobility pretty much all over the team, would probably go Forrester at RB though, given that he is an actual right back.

 

I hope we something like this going forward 🙏 

[BigStein]

20 minutes ago, OTT said:

 

Honestly I really disagree. Slating Shankland for work rate seems to be very low hanging fruit, and not all that accurate. Its difficult to cite multiple examples, because so much happens in 90 minutes, but the Kabore chance in the first half, Shanks was in a better position, choking on Kabore to play him in:

 

 

 

Probably should be over where the red marker is, but his run has drawn defenders away and opened up space which Forrest has failed to utilise. Alternatively, if Forrest had any ability about him, he might have tried to play Shankland or Braga in for a 1v1. Sadly he can barely control a ball and would rather run into traffic than actually do something useful. 

 

 

Braga hasn't seen him here, but again, in a good spot:

 

 

His run here drags the CB over to the left opening space up for Bragas run and subsequent goal.

 

 

Takes the ball on the wing, drives in and gets the ball into Beni who then gets the ball over to Milne who takes the shot that is spilled into Bragas path

 

 

. 

 

Lawrence Shankland isn't Claudio Braga or Cammy Devlin. His game isn't buzzing about for 90 minutes with a relentless engine. He's slow and pressing isn't his natural game because of that. But he's a remarkably intelligent striker, with brilliant ball control and is a top, top finisher. We surrounded him with shite last year and shock horror, he struggled. Yes, there was other stuff going on, but people need to get over that. Against Motherwell, we've done the same thing. Forrest is part of the piss poor attack last season that stared at their laces whilst Shanks faltered, he contributes nothing. Kabore isn't a winger. So the quality of service to Shankland hasn't been very good. When we get Braga on, then Kyzi our attack starts to look more natural. 

 

Teams know he's a goal threat, and will double up on him, especially when the players we've got on the pitch are miles below the standard required (Alan Forrest). We can't expect him to carry the attack every game. He needs support from players like Braga, Kyzi, Milne and in time hopefully Kabore & Kerjota.

 

I'm not attacking any individual poster btw, its just there seems to be a theme of if we don't play well, blame Shankland - He's too lazy, he's past it etc. The guy knocks his pan in for the team, draws in defenders opening up space which isn't always taken advantage of and is constantly trying to present for the ball - he's not hiding. I'm not expecting everyone to agree with me, but I don't see the value in constantly berating Shankland. There are 11 players on the pitch, more often than not 5/6 players who can be expected to contribute to an attack, and yet Shankland gets it in the neck when Forrest decides he'd rather inspect the turf than spot a run, or Kabore decides he wants to take a speculative shot or McInnes decides to pair him up with a striker that also lacks pace meaning we can't effectively press properly from the front. 

 

 

 

 

You’ve made some good points that I hadn’t considered, good post

[Portable Badger]

5 hours ago, gregzy2k7 said:

Ps I wouldn't mind seeing Braga and Kabore play up front together.

I wouldn’t mind Kabangu upfront with Braga either. We know he’s well suited to playing the Livi thugs & still score.

[Aussie Jambo]

5 hours ago, OTT said:

 

Honestly I really disagree. Slating Shankland for work rate seems to be very low hanging fruit, and not all that accurate. Its difficult to cite multiple examples, because so much happens in 90 minutes, but the Kabore chance in the first half, Shanks was in a better position, choking on Kabore to play him in:

 

 

 

Probably should be over where the red marker is, but his run has drawn defenders away and opened up space which Forrest has failed to utilise. Alternatively, if Forrest had any ability about him, he might have tried to play Shankland or Braga in for a 1v1. Sadly he can barely control a ball and would rather run into traffic than actually do something useful. 

 

 

Braga hasn't seen him here, but again, in a good spot:

 

 

His run here drags the CB over to the left opening space up for Bragas run and subsequent goal.

 

 

Takes the ball on the wing, drives in and gets the ball into Beni who then gets the ball over to Milne who takes the shot that is spilled into Bragas path

 

 

. 

 

Lawrence Shankland isn't Claudio Braga or Cammy Devlin. His game isn't buzzing about for 90 minutes with a relentless engine. He's slow and pressing isn't his natural game because of that. But he's a remarkably intelligent striker, with brilliant ball control and is a top, top finisher. We surrounded him with shite last year and shock horror, he struggled. Yes, there was other stuff going on, but people need to get over that. Against Motherwell, we've done the same thing. Forrest is part of the piss poor attack last season that stared at their laces whilst Shanks faltered, he contributes nothing. Kabore isn't a winger. So the quality of service to Shankland hasn't been very good. When we get Braga on, then Kyzi our attack starts to look more natural. 

 

Teams know he's a goal threat, and will double up on him, especially when the players we've got on the pitch are miles below the standard required (Alan Forrest). We can't expect him to carry the attack every game. He needs support from players like Braga, Kyzi, Milne and in time hopefully Kabore & Kerjota.

 

I'm not attacking any individual poster btw, its just there seems to be a theme of if we don't play well, blame Shankland - He's too lazy, he's past it etc. The guy knocks his pan in for the team, draws in defenders opening up space which isn't always taken advantage of and is constantly trying to present for the ball - he's not hiding. I'm not expecting everyone to agree with me, but I don't see the value in constantly berating Shankland. There are 11 players on the pitch, more often than not 5/6 players who can be expected to contribute to an attack, and yet Shankland gets it in the neck when Forrest decides he'd rather inspect the turf than spot a run, or Kabore decides he wants to take a speculative shot or McInnes decides to pair him up with a striker that also lacks pace meaning we can't effectively press properly from the front. 

 

 

 

 

Ok. 👍 

[1971fozzy]

17 hours ago, Luckies1874 said:

Why do people believe Kerjota is going to start? He’s not even been on the bench the last couple of weeks as he’s nowhere near ready, as evidenced by his cameo at Tannadice and apparently in training too. 

same folk who don’t have a clue about Shankland . 

[Jim Panzee]

7 hours ago, OTT said:

 

Honestly I really disagree. Slating Shankland for work rate seems to be very low hanging fruit, and not all that accurate. Its difficult to cite multiple examples, because so much happens in 90 minutes, but the Kabore chance in the first half, Shanks was in a better position, choking on Kabore to play him in:

 

 

 

Probably should be over where the red marker is, but his run has drawn defenders away and opened up space which Forrest has failed to utilise. Alternatively, if Forrest had any ability about him, he might have tried to play Shankland or Braga in for a 1v1. Sadly he can barely control a ball and would rather run into traffic than actually do something useful. 

 

 

Braga hasn't seen him here, but again, in a good spot:

 

 

His run here drags the CB over to the left opening space up for Bragas run and subsequent goal.

 

 

Takes the ball on the wing, drives in and gets the ball into Beni who then gets the ball over to Milne who takes the shot that is spilled into Bragas path

 

 

. 

 

Lawrence Shankland isn't Claudio Braga or Cammy Devlin. His game isn't buzzing about for 90 minutes with a relentless engine. He's slow and pressing isn't his natural game because of that. But he's a remarkably intelligent striker, with brilliant ball control and is a top, top finisher. We surrounded him with shite last year and shock horror, he struggled. Yes, there was other stuff going on, but people need to get over that. Against Motherwell, we've done the same thing. Forrest is part of the piss poor attack last season that stared at their laces whilst Shanks faltered, he contributes nothing. Kabore isn't a winger. So the quality of service to Shankland hasn't been very good. When we get Braga on, then Kyzi our attack starts to look more natural. 

 

Teams know he's a goal threat, and will double up on him, especially when the players we've got on the pitch are miles below the standard required (Alan Forrest). We can't expect him to carry the attack every game. He needs support from players like Braga, Kyzi, Milne and in time hopefully Kabore & Kerjota.

 

I'm not attacking any individual poster btw, its just there seems to be a theme of if we don't play well, blame Shankland - He's too lazy, he's past it etc. The guy knocks his pan in for the team, draws in defenders opening up space which isn't always taken advantage of and is constantly trying to present for the ball - he's not hiding. I'm not expecting everyone to agree with me, but I don't see the value in constantly berating Shankland. There are 11 players on the pitch, more often than not 5/6 players who can be expected to contribute to an attack, and yet Shankland gets it in the neck when Forrest decides he'd rather inspect the turf than spot a run, or Kabore decides he wants to take a speculative shot or McInnes decides to pair him up with a striker that also lacks pace meaning we can't effectively press properly from the front. 

Good post and good observations.

 

Could summarise by saying:

 

Shanks scores = not fat or lazy, but plays no differently

 

Shanks doesn't score but plays no differently.....hello!:

 

[TexasAndy]

45 minutes ago, 1971fozzy said:

same folk who don’t have a clue about Shankland . 

Correct.  Some of the suggested starting line ups are a joke.

[Ronald Villiers]

19 hours ago, Martin B said:

Clark has had more than one bad game this season. He’s yet to have a good game.

 

If McFarlane is felt to be good enough and ready then get him in the team. It did Craig Gordon no harm at the same age.

Agree mate, give him his chance.  Gordon made his debut away to Livi aswell.  It's meant to be.

[GBJambo]

9 hours ago, OTT said:

 

Honestly I really disagree. Slating Shankland for work rate seems to be very low hanging fruit, and not all that accurate. Its difficult to cite multiple examples, because so much happens in 90 minutes, but the Kabore chance in the first half, Shanks was in a better position, choking on Kabore to play him in:

 

 

 

Probably should be over where the red marker is, but his run has drawn defenders away and opened up space which Forrest has failed to utilise. Alternatively, if Forrest had any ability about him, he might have tried to play Shankland or Braga in for a 1v1. Sadly he can barely control a ball and would rather run into traffic than actually do something useful. 

 

 

Braga hasn't seen him here, but again, in a good spot:

 

 

His run here drags the CB over to the left opening space up for Bragas run and subsequent goal.

 

 

Takes the ball on the wing, drives in and gets the ball into Beni who then gets the ball over to Milne who takes the shot that is spilled into Bragas path

 

 

. 

 

Lawrence Shankland isn't Claudio Braga or Cammy Devlin. His game isn't buzzing about for 90 minutes with a relentless engine. He's slow and pressing isn't his natural game because of that. But he's a remarkably intelligent striker, with brilliant ball control and is a top, top finisher. We surrounded him with shite last year and shock horror, he struggled. Yes, there was other stuff going on, but people need to get over that. Against Motherwell, we've done the same thing. Forrest is part of the piss poor attack last season that stared at their laces whilst Shanks faltered, he contributes nothing. Kabore isn't a winger. So the quality of service to Shankland hasn't been very good. When we get Braga on, then Kyzi our attack starts to look more natural. 

 

Teams know he's a goal threat, and will double up on him, especially when the players we've got on the pitch are miles below the standard required (Alan Forrest). We can't expect him to carry the attack every game. He needs support from players like Braga, Kyzi, Milne and in time hopefully Kabore & Kerjota.

 

I'm not attacking any individual poster btw, its just there seems to be a theme of if we don't play well, blame Shankland - He's too lazy, he's past it etc. The guy knocks his pan in for the team, draws in defenders opening up space which isn't always taken advantage of and is constantly trying to present for the ball - he's not hiding. I'm not expecting everyone to agree with me, but I don't see the value in constantly berating Shankland. There are 11 players on the pitch, more often than not 5/6 players who can be expected to contribute to an attack, and yet Shankland gets it in the neck when Forrest decides he'd rather inspect the turf than spot a run, or Kabore decides he wants to take a speculative shot or McInnes decides to pair him up with a striker that also lacks pace meaning we can't effectively press properly from the front. 

 

 

 

 

Good analysis . Shankland is a very clever player and his teammates understand and appreciate the work he does 

[ramrod]

13 hours ago, gregzy2k7 said:

Ps I wouldn't mind seeing Braga and Kabore play up front together.

Would be starting with Shankland and Braga and bringing on Kabore for Shanks later in the game.

[Biffa Bacon]

12 minutes ago, ramrod said:

Would be starting with Shankland and Braga and bringing on Kabore for Shanks later in the game.

This works for me too.

[Sub4TiddlerMurray]

10 hours ago, OTT said:

 

Honestly I really disagree. Slating Shankland for work rate seems to be very low hanging fruit, and not all that accurate. Its difficult to cite multiple examples, because so much happens in 90 minutes, but the Kabore chance in the first half, Shanks was in a better position, choking on Kabore to play him in:

 

 

 

Probably should be over where the red marker is, but his run has drawn defenders away and opened up space which Forrest has failed to utilise. Alternatively, if Forrest had any ability about him, he might have tried to play Shankland or Braga in for a 1v1. Sadly he can barely control a ball and would rather run into traffic than actually do something useful. 

 

 

Braga hasn't seen him here, but again, in a good spot:

 

 

His run here drags the CB over to the left opening space up for Bragas run and subsequent goal.

 

 

Takes the ball on the wing, drives in and gets the ball into Beni who then gets the ball over to Milne who takes the shot that is spilled into Bragas path

 

 

. 

 

Lawrence Shankland isn't Claudio Braga or Cammy Devlin. His game isn't buzzing about for 90 minutes with a relentless engine. He's slow and pressing isn't his natural game because of that. But he's a remarkably intelligent striker, with brilliant ball control and is a top, top finisher. We surrounded him with shite last year and shock horror, he struggled. Yes, there was other stuff going on, but people need to get over that. Against Motherwell, we've done the same thing. Forrest is part of the piss poor attack last season that stared at their laces whilst Shanks faltered, he contributes nothing. Kabore isn't a winger. So the quality of service to Shankland hasn't been very good. When we get Braga on, then Kyzi our attack starts to look more natural. 

 

Teams know he's a goal threat, and will double up on him, especially when the players we've got on the pitch are miles below the standard required (Alan Forrest). We can't expect him to carry the attack every game. He needs support from players like Braga, Kyzi, Milne and in time hopefully Kabore & Kerjota.

 

I'm not attacking any individual poster btw, its just there seems to be a theme of if we don't play well, blame Shankland - He's too lazy, he's past it etc. The guy knocks his pan in for the team, draws in defenders opening up space which isn't always taken advantage of and is constantly trying to present for the ball - he's not hiding. I'm not expecting everyone to agree with me, but I don't see the value in constantly berating Shankland. There are 11 players on the pitch, more often than not 5/6 players who can be expected to contribute to an attack, and yet Shankland gets it in the neck when Forrest decides he'd rather inspect the turf than spot a run, or Kabore decides he wants to take a speculative shot or McInnes decides to pair him up with a striker that also lacks pace meaning we can't effectively press properly from the front. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[OTT]

30 minutes ago, GBJambo said:

Good analysis . Shankland is a very clever player and his teammates understand and appreciate the work he does 

 

Its a shame more fans don't appreciate him. 

 

TBH I think its more just misdirected frustration. Shankland has set such high standards and expectations in his first couple of years with us, that anything less than scoring every week = somethings wrong. Last season wasn't acceptable, he wasn't fit enough but equally, nobody else stepped up. 

 

Last season, we don't have Claudio Braga or Kyzi, we instead have Alan Forrest and Kenneth Vargas... 

 

He's a player that I think would appreciate a bit more support, and it might help give him that swagger back. I wish folk would settle down a bit with him, and if they are going to slate him, make sure its credible criticism. 

 

Also, I think Wilson over Braga or Elton was a huge tactical error by McInnes. Neither Wilson nor Shankland have enough pace to press properly from the front meaning Motherwell could easily build up from the back. I would quite like to see all 3 start against Livi (Shankland, Braga & Elton). I think that could be a very dangerous attack and it gives scope to being able to utilise all of our attacking talent, as Kabore and Wilson could both come on too. 

 

Alan Forrest is worse than being a man down, so a 352/ 343 type formation where we're basically operating a forward 3 of those players means we can have Milne on the left and Kyzi on the right. It feels a more natural shape for the players we have. 

 

I.e 

 

Clark

Steinwender Halkett Findlay

Beni McEntee

Kyzi                                Milne

Shankland

Braga          Elton

 

Edited August 26, 2025 by OTT

[Jim Panzee]

9 minutes ago, OTT said:

 

Its a shame more fans don't appreciate him. 

 

TBH I think its more just misdirected frustration. Shankland has set such high standards and expectations in his first couple of years with us, that anything less than scoring every week = somethings wrong. Last season wasn't acceptable, he wasn't fit enough but equally, nobody else stepped up. 

 

Last season, we don't have Claudio Braga or Kyzi, we instead have Alan Forrest and Kenneth Vargas... 

 

He's a player that I think would appreciate a bit more support, and it might help give him that swagger back. I wish folk would settle down a bit with him, and if they are going to slate him, make sure its credible criticism. 

 

Also, I think Wilson over Braga or Elton was a huge tactical error by McInnes. Neither Wilson nor Shankland have enough pace to press properly from the front meaning Motherwell could easily build up from the back. I would quite like to see all 3 start against Livi (Shankland, Braga & Elton). I think that could be a very dangerous attack and it gives scope to being able to utilise all of our attacking talent, as Kabore and Wilson could both come on too. 

 

Alan Forrest is worse than being a man down, so a 352/ 343 type formation where we're basically operating a forward 3 of those players means we can have Milne on the left and Kyzi on the right. It feels a more natural shape for the players we have. 

 

I.e 

 

Clark

Steinwender Halkett Findlay

Beni McEntee

Kyzi                                Milne

Shankland

Braga          Elton

 

lineup is a +1 from me

 

[upgotheheads]

The thing is, we are second in the league without having clicked yet. Let's hope it happens this Saturday, but to be honest, I'm not that confident.

[Chimp]

22 hours ago, Martin B said:

Clark has had more than one bad game this season. He’s yet to have a good game.

 

If McFarlane is felt to be good enough and ready then get him in the team. It did Craig Gordon no harm at the same age.

 

Totally agree. 

[Thranduill]

My Grandfather wants to go to this game but refuses to use a computer or create an account or anything like that. It's 1 ticket per account and whilst I am willing to give him mine. I'm wanting to go as well. Can he go to the ticket office and buy one? Or would I have to create a separate ticket account for him myself? 

Sorry if this seems a stupid question.

[Arry]

Didn’t see enough from kabore on Saturday and Livi would be a tough place to get some confidence. I agree he should be better in natural position but would give him game time from the bench until he’s up to speed with the Scottish game.  Although he’s not in the best form I suspect Del will keep faith with Forrest. Hopefully a dominant performance. 3-1 to the famous.

[Muppetboy]

Happier the pitch looks a markable upgrade on the one they had. Tough game, 1-1

[Gundermann]

12 hours ago, OTT said:

 

Honestly I really disagree. Slating Shankland for work rate seems to be very low hanging fruit, and not all that accurate. Its difficult to cite multiple examples, because so much happens in 90 minutes, but the Kabore chance in the first half, Shanks was in a better position, choking on Kabore to play him in:

 

 

 

Probably should be over where the red marker is, but his run has drawn defenders away and opened up space which Forrest has failed to utilise. Alternatively, if Forrest had any ability about him, he might have tried to play Shankland or Braga in for a 1v1. Sadly he can barely control a ball and would rather run into traffic than actually do something useful. 

 

 

Braga hasn't seen him here, but again, in a good spot:

 

 

His run here drags the CB over to the left opening space up for Bragas run and subsequent goal.

 

 

Takes the ball on the wing, drives in and gets the ball into Beni who then gets the ball over to Milne who takes the shot that is spilled into Bragas path

 

 

. 

 

Lawrence Shankland isn't Claudio Braga or Cammy Devlin. His game isn't buzzing about for 90 minutes with a relentless engine. He's slow and pressing isn't his natural game because of that. But he's a remarkably intelligent striker, with brilliant ball control and is a top, top finisher. We surrounded him with shite last year and shock horror, he struggled. Yes, there was other stuff going on, but people need to get over that. Against Motherwell, we've done the same thing. Forrest is part of the piss poor attack last season that stared at their laces whilst Shanks faltered, he contributes nothing. Kabore isn't a winger. So the quality of service to Shankland hasn't been very good. When we get Braga on, then Kyzi our attack starts to look more natural. 

 

Teams know he's a goal threat, and will double up on him, especially when the players we've got on the pitch are miles below the standard required (Alan Forrest). We can't expect him to carry the attack every game. He needs support from players like Braga, Kyzi, Milne and in time hopefully Kabore & Kerjota.

 

I'm not attacking any individual poster btw, its just there seems to be a theme of if we don't play well, blame Shankland - He's too lazy, he's past it etc. The guy knocks his pan in for the team, draws in defenders opening up space which isn't always taken advantage of and is constantly trying to present for the ball - he's not hiding. I'm not expecting everyone to agree with me, but I don't see the value in constantly berating Shankland. There are 11 players on the pitch, more often than not 5/6 players who can be expected to contribute to an attack, and yet Shankland gets it in the neck when Forrest decides he'd rather inspect the turf than spot a run, or Kabore decides he wants to take a speculative shot or McInnes decides to pair him up with a striker that also lacks pace meaning we can't effectively press properly from the front. 

 

 

 

 

 

Good post.

 

Shanks did little or nothing for the first 60 like almost all but certainly wasn't the worst offender.

Edited August 26, 2025 by Gundermann

[Cade]

Just hoping for a sensible first 11, with everybody playing in a position they are comfortable in.

If we get that right then our quality will show through and we'll rack up three points easily.

[Lord Beni of Gorgie]

Rookie ref Duncan Nicolson, don't know him at all