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

[AlimOzturk]

Going to say McInnis will have suitably kicked a few arses into gear after Saturday. He would have been equally delighted with the fighting spirit but pissed off as well at finding ourselves in the position 

 

We need to more from Shankland, Clark, Forrest and who ever finds themselves at the right back position.  Very disappointing. 
 

I am fully expecting a much quicker start from the lads and the team seeing a few positive changes. 

[Luckies1874]

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. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[cazzyy]

44 minutes ago, Gundermann said:

 

Good post.

 

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

 

So both of you missed his first half cutback from the byeline that Kabore got a shot on target from? I think it was Kabore anyway.

[Robbo-Jambo]

McFarlane

 

Steinwender 

Halkett 

Findlay 

Kingsley 

 

Kyziridis 

Beni

Hoff

Milne

 

Shanks 

Braga

 

4-4-2

 

A bit of danger from both wings with Harry and Kyzi.

 

Devlin if the Hoff not fit.

 

[Schevchenko]

Be prepared to get kicked off the park, they have put 2 payers out long term in two weeks.  No doubt they will be looking to make it 3 in 3!!

[maroonsgotop]

Looks like there's no trains from Dunblane/Stirling/Larbert/Falkirk Grahamston into Edinburgh this weekend due to engineering works. Replacement bus service in place which will add time on. Trains look like they start from Polmont but not stopping at Edinburgh Park for some reason. Worth checking for anyone travelling from those areas. 

[SIWYPod]

Livi have played a midfield 3 the last few games. Motherwell did the same against us - we need to be switched on to that tactically.  When we play a 442 it gives us 2 in the middle, that I'm yet to be convinced we have a combination of 2 that works in there in the way McInnes wants them to play.  I'd like to see a 4-3-3 shape applied, however I've a feeling it'll be a switch to the 3-5-2 

 

Clarke / Milne Findlay Kent Halkett Steinwender / McEntee Beni Spittal / Shankland Braga - in a 3-5-2 shape.  I went back and forward on the midfield combination, could see Cammy in there but Beni/Devlin/McEntee just feels too flat and defensive, I'm not a lover of Spittal, but he does have a forward pass in him and isn't afraid to hit a shot from range, which with mobile forwards could lead to spilt balls like we saw for Bragas equaliser against Well. 

 

Could switch it up and go 4-4-2 
Clarke / Milne Findlay Halkett Steinwender / Kyziridis Spittal Beni Kerjota / Shankland Braga

Would like to see Kabore played up front, but not sure he'd work next to Shankland and don't see captain being dropped for him all things considered. 

[Gorgierools]

What’s the current state of their pitch? Still plastic?

[GinRummy]

18 hours ago, Lord Beni of Gorgie said:

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

There was a guy from the east coast kicking about but don't know if it's him

[GinRummy]

15 minutes ago, Gorgierools said:

What’s the current state of their pitch? Still plastic?

new plastic for this season

[Robbo-Jambo]

7 hours ago, SIWYPod said:

Livi have played a midfield 3 the last few games. Motherwell did the same against us - we need to be switched on to that tactically.  When we play a 442 it gives us 2 in the middle, that I'm yet to be convinced we have a combination of 2 that works in there in the way McInnes wants them to play.  I'd like to see a 4-3-3 shape applied, however I've a feeling it'll be a switch to the 3-5-2 

 

Clarke / Milne Findlay Kent Halkett Steinwender / McEntee Beni Spittal / Shankland Braga - in a 3-5-2 shape.  I went back and forward on the midfield combination, could see Cammy in there but Beni/Devlin/McEntee just feels too flat and defensive, I'm not a lover of Spittal, but he does have a forward pass in him and isn't afraid to hit a shot from range, which with mobile forwards could lead to spilt balls like we saw for Bragas equaliser against Well. 

 

Could switch it up and go 4-4-2 
Clarke / Milne Findlay Halkett Steinwender / Kyziridis Spittal Beni Kerjota / Shankland Braga

Would like to see Kabore played up front, but not sure he'd work next to Shankland and don't see captain being dropped for him all things considered. 

Think Spittal will start as DM said he made a good contribution when he came on against Motherwell.

 

[We_are_the_Hearts]

This game feels like a crossroads game, win and play well with aggression and control and its been a good start and go into the break in a good position, confidence back. A poor performance and players not looking well organised again and then all of a sudden its an average start and out the League cup. 

[Horatio Caine]

44 minutes ago, GinRummy said:

There was a guy from the east coast kicking about but don't know if it's him

Think that may be Dan McFarlane. He's Aberdeen based and was running the line on Saturday for Beaton.

[RustyRightPeg]

1 hour ago, Gorgierools said:

What’s the current state of their pitch? Still plastic?

It’s Astro but it’s brand new and pretty good. More like Airdrie’s and Falkirk’s rather than Killie’s.

[Skacelsid]

More of a St Mirren type opponent. Livi away will be a difficult fixture for all teams. We will need a very good performance to win this. They are big, physical, athletic and we need to take them on to win control and not a game for Forrest or Wilson neither of whom would present them with problems. Would also bench Shankland (unlikely). We have players with pace and threat up front let's use them. 4,3,3. With three of Elton, Braga, Kabore, Kyzi, Kerjota 

[Chimp]

                        McFarlane 

 

    Steinwender   Halkett   Findlay    Milne

 

        Kerjota    Magnusson   Beni        Kyzi

     

                   Kabore           Braga

 

 

 

 

 

 

                       

 

 

[Watt-Zeefuik]

I'm late poking in on the thread but have to join the crowd and say that was an outstanding post by @OTT about Shanks. You saw several things I'd missed.

 

I do think Braga, as much as he unquestionably changed the game for the better on Saturday, doesn't always make the best decision around the box. Against St. Mirren he shot straight at the keeper when the right pass would have given Kabangu a tap in.

 

Anyway, against Livingston, we need three midfielders. When we've played with two we've looked fragile this season and I expect they'll sit in the same low 5-4-1 they played against Celtic. We'll need to dominate possession and shell the box.

 

Could either go 4-3-3 or 3-5-2.

 

                        Clark

Forrester Halkett Finlay Milne 

Baningime Devlin Nieuwenhoff

    Kabore Shankland Braga

 

or (right shifted forward)

 

                              Clark

         Steinwender Halkett Finlay

Kyziridis Baningime Devlin Spittal Milne

                    Shankland Braga

 

[sac]

Best 11 that can play on a subbuteo pitch.

[RustyRightPeg]

On 26/08/2025 at 00:47, 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. 

 

 

 

 

Just seen this. When I’m sleeping you’re producing masterclasses like this. 

[PapaShango]

6 hours ago, Chimp said:

                        McFarlane 

 

    Steinwender   Halkett   Findlay    Milne

 

        Kerjota    Magnusson   Beni        Kyzi

     

                   Kabore           Braga

 

 

 

 

 

 

                       

 

 

I'll be amazed if he starts Kerjota, Kabore and Magnusson together here. Kerjota hasn't even made the bench the last 2 games, Kabore has looked miles out of his depth, no chance he is starting ahead of Shankland. He needs integrated into the team from the bench, a few more performances like the last couple will ruin his confidence. 

[gorgieshuffle]

I’d go 433 which suited us under Fox. I don’t think 442 suits our current wide options. We’ve also been stronger with a 3rd midfielder. 
 

Clark

Steinwender Halkett Findlay Milne

McEntee Beni Spittal

Kyziridis Shankland Braga 

 

Spittal played his way out of the team after starting in two wins but had a good performance from the bench on Saturday. He played there under Fox and gives a bit of balance. Milne will get high on that side and Braga would have licence to play high and narrow or make runs out to in. Spittal could also link that side and drift wide. 
Kyziridis on the right could hold width and height and be an out ball for Steinwender who won’t offer much going forward. 
It gets Shankland high between the sticks with hopefully some service and he got amongst the goals in this shape previously. He’d have less need to come short. 
 

 

 

[Luckies1874]

Going to be a tremendous Hearts support at this. Big match with only the game at Ibrox over the following 28 days. 
 

 

[Turkishcap]

My Livi soft spot goes out the window when we play them.

One goal win will do but ideally 3 or 4.

[Leveinthedream]

9 hours ago, Gorgierools said:

What’s the current state of their pitch? Still plastic?

 new pitch this year, looks much better too

[Chimp]

1 hour ago, PapaShango said:

I'll be amazed if he starts Kerjota, Kabore and Magnusson together here. Kerjota hasn't even made the bench the last 2 games, Kabore has looked miles out of his depth, no chance he is starting ahead of Shankland. He needs integrated into the team from the bench, a few more performances like the last couple will ruin his confidence. 

I don’t think for a second he will. It’s only what I’d go with. Shanks doesn’t deserve a start and neither does Forrest. Same goes with McEntee and Devlin. 
 

Kabore has looked out his depth because he was played as a midfielder and not as a striker. I’d like to see him given a chance in his actual position.

[Ricardo Quaresma]

On 26/08/2025 at 13:19, Lord Beni of Gorgie said:

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

 

https://www.soccerbase.com/referees/referee.sd?referee_id=3318

 

McLean sneaks into 4th official spot

 

Greg Aitken VAR

[TheBigO]

On 26/08/2025 at 12:53, Muppetboy said:

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

Braga very used to playing on artificial surface. He'll start and run riot.

[TheBigO]

1 hour ago, gorgieshuffle said:

I’d go 433 which suited us under Fox. I don’t think 442 suits our current wide options. We’ve also been stronger with a 3rd midfielder. 
 

Clark

Steinwender Halkett Findlay Milne

McEntee Beni Spittal

Kyziridis Shankland Braga 

 

Spittal played his way out of the team after starting in two wins but had a good performance from the bench on Saturday. He played there under Fox and gives a bit of balance. Milne will get high on that side and Braga would have licence to play high and narrow or make runs out to in. Spittal could also link that side and drift wide. 
Kyziridis on the right could hold width and height and be an out ball for Steinwender who won’t offer much going forward. 
It gets Shankland high between the sticks with hopefully some service and he got amongst the goals in this shape previously. He’d have less need to come short. 
 

 

 

Dont mind this. Almost turns into 3214 in possession with Milne up high and Spittal pushing inside to 10.

[davieholt]

8 hours ago, Chimp said:

                        McFarlane 

 

    Steinwender   Halkett   Findlay    Milne

 

        Kerjota    Magnusson   Beni        Kyzi

     

                   Kabore           Braga

 

 

 

 

 

 

                       

 

 

that’s my team.

But Deek won’t pick that unfortunately 

[Polonia Gorgie]

If we line up 3-5-2 I'd like to see us line up like this. Kabore needs to play through the centre. Beni and Braga definitely deserve to start the game. I think Braga would make a good AM/Forward.  Want to see Magnusson play and same with Kyziridis. 

[Chimp]

29 minutes ago, davieholt said:

that’s my team.

But Deek won’t pick that unfortunately 

nah no chance 

[upgotheheads]

27 minutes ago, Polonia Gorgie said:

If we line up 3-5-2 I'd like to see us line up like this. Kabore needs to play through the centre. Beni and Braga definitely deserve to start the game. I think Braga would make a good AM/Forward.  Want to see Magnusson play and same with Kyziridis. 

 

I think that would be a good starting 11, but with Cammy instead of Magnusson. Magnusson is an unknown quantity as far as I'm concerned. 

[Polonia Gorgie]

2 minutes ago, upgotheheads said:

 

I think that would be a good starting 11, but with Cammy instead of Magnusson. Magnusson is an unknown quantity as far as I'm concerned. 

Only one way for Magnusson to become a known quantity.

[ramrod]

We will get over run in midfield again  no doubt.

Expect us to lose the 1 st goal again and huff and puff our way to a late equaliser.

Until Deek finally ditches last year's imposters stinking out the pitch its going to be more of the same imo.

 

[Cruyff]

 

2-0 Hearts

[mr fox]

Hopefully we try and play our game and stop over analysing other teams.

442 and go for it 

[mr fox]

40 minutes ago, Cruyff said:

 

2-0 Hearts

Spittal as a wing back I don’t think so 

[spacerjoe]

4 hours ago, Watt-Zeefuik said:

I'm late poking in on the thread but have to join the crowd and say that was an outstanding post by @OTT about Shanks. You saw several things I'd missed.

 

I do think Braga, as much as he unquestionably changed the game for the better on Saturday, doesn't always make the best decision around the box. Against St. Mirren he shot straight at the keeper when the right pass would have given Kabangu a tap in.

 

Anyway, against Livingston, we need three midfielders. When we've played with two we've looked fragile this season and I expect they'll sit in the same low 5-4-1 they played against Celtic. We'll need to dominate possession and shell the box.

 

Could either go 4-3-3 or 3-5-2.

 

                        Clark

Forrester Halkett Finlay Milne 

Baningime Devlin Nieuwenhoff

    Kabore Shankland Braga

 

or (right shifted forward)

 

                              Clark

         Steinwender Halkett Finlay

Kyziridis Baningime Devlin Spittal Milne

                    Shankland Braga

 

I like that 4-3-3. Braga and Kabore likely to drift in, so the full backs can push up high. Devlin and Beni well suited to covering the spaces left behind.

 

I think until Ches is in or Kerjota is up to speed, 433 feels like it'll make use of what we have better than 442.

 

[Watt-Zeefuik]

30 minutes ago, spacerjoe said:

I like that 4-3-3. Braga and Kabore likely to drift in, so the full backs can push up high. Devlin and Beni well suited to covering the spaces left behind.

 

I think until Ches is in or Kerjota is up to speed, 433 feels like it'll make use of what we have better than 442.

 

 

Yup. "Players in their natural positions" in a 4-4-2 generally ends up with Forrest starting at this point and while I think the guy has his merits and is a fine squad player to have available, I'm not a fan of starting with him. 4-3-3 lets us play Braga at his best position, which seems to be just off the middle, neither as a true CF or as a winger.

 

I just watched a bit of Saturday back and I'm rethinking Kabore. He moved well down the side but his passes left a lot to be desired. I think he needs a little more time to settle in.

[Rocky jamboa]

I know a lot of people dont like it but id go a 352, with kabangu and braga up front. Bring Kabore on about 60/70 mins for either one or them. Kyziridis wide left. Devlin, mcentee and the hoff, if fit, in the middle. Not sure who's the best option on right wing. Maybe give Kerjota a chance? 

[Penrices left boot]

McEntee out for Beni

Kabore and forrest out for Braga and Kyziridis.

Wilson out for Kabangu.

 

2-0 Hearts in a more controlled game.

[spacerjoe]

15 hours ago, Watt-Zeefuik said:

 

Yup. "Players in their natural positions" in a 4-4-2 generally ends up with Forrest starting at this point and while I think the guy has his merits and is a fine squad player to have available, I'm not a fan of starting with him. 4-3-3 lets us play Braga at his best position, which seems to be just off the middle, neither as a true CF or as a winger.

 

I just watched a bit of Saturday back and I'm rethinking Kabore. He moved well down the side but his passes left a lot to be desired. I think he needs a little more time to settle in.

I'm torn.

 

On the one hand, he needs minutes and it's clear we bought him to start matches. Having Kyz on the bench means we have the option to really change things up by bringing him on.

 

On the other hand it feels like Kyz has earned that starting spot and our best team on paper (based only on what we've seen) has him in it.

 

I'd love to see Hoff back playing again but really doubt he will be.

[Debut 4]

Clark

 

Steinwender.  Halkett Findlay.  Milne

 

Beni. Devlin   
 

Nieuwenhoff

 

Kyz  Braga.  Kabangu.  

 

 

[Chimp]

25 minutes ago, Debut 4 said:

Clark

 

Steinwender.  Halkett Findlay.  Milne

 

Beni. Devlin   
 

Nieuwenhoff

 

Kyz  Braga.  Kabangu.  

 

 

Kabangu wasted out on the left of a front 3 and never been effective when he's played anywhere other than centrally. It's not a position suited to his strengths.

[Robbo-Jambo]

If we go for 4-4-2 think DM will go with :

 

Clark

 

Steinwender 

Halkett 

Findlay 

Milne 

 

Kyziridis 

Beni

Devlin/McEntee

Spittal ( he bigged him up last week )

 

Braga

Shanks

 

[AndyMcI]

22 hours ago, Watt-Zeefuik said:

I'm late poking in on the thread but have to join the crowd and say that was an outstanding post by @OTT about Shanks. You saw several things I'd missed.

 

I do think Braga, as much as he unquestionably changed the game for the better on Saturday, doesn't always make the best decision around the box. Against St. Mirren he shot straight at the keeper when the right pass would have given Kabangu a tap in.

 

Anyway, against Livingston, we need three midfielders. When we've played with two we've looked fragile this season and I expect they'll sit in the same low 5-4-1 they played against Celtic. We'll need to dominate possession and shell the box.

 

Could either go 4-3-3 or 3-5-2.

 

                        Clark

Forrester Halkett Finlay Milne 

Baningime Devlin Nieuwenhoff

    Kabore Shankland Braga

 

or (right shifted forward)

 

                              Clark

         Steinwender Halkett Finlay

Kyziridis Baningime Devlin Spittal Milne

                    Shankland Braga

 

 

21 hours ago, gorgieshuffle said:

I’d go 433 which suited us under Fox. I don’t think 442 suits our current wide options. We’ve also been stronger with a 3rd midfielder. 
 

Clark

Steinwender Halkett Findlay Milne

McEntee Beni Spittal

Kyziridis Shankland Braga 

 

Spittal played his way out of the team after starting in two wins but had a good performance from the bench on Saturday. He played there under Fox and gives a bit of balance. Milne will get high on that side and Braga would have licence to play high and narrow or make runs out to in. Spittal could also link that side and drift wide. 
Kyziridis on the right could hold width and height and be an out ball for Steinwender who won’t offer much going forward. 
It gets Shankland high between the sticks with hopefully some service and he got amongst the goals in this shape previously. He’d have less need to come short. 
 

 

 

 

 

Two different shapes but only 1 player difference (McEntee / Devlin) who plays the smae position.

 

I like this selection, it gets Braga and Kyzirdis in the team and the same players can easily rotate from 352 to 442 with Milne dropping into a left back role and Steinwender covering righ back when Kyzirdis pushes up the pitch.

 

(albeit i'd rather see Kabangu or Kabore start up front than Shankland)

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 28, 2025 by AndyMcI

[Watt-Zeefuik]

14 minutes ago, AndyMcI said:

 

 

 

Two different shapes but only 1 player difference (McEntee / Devlin) who plays the smae position.

 

I like this selection, it gets Braga and Kyzirdis in the team and the same players can easily rotate from 352 to 442 with Milne dropping into a left back role and Steinwender covering righ back when Kyzirdis pushes up the pitch.

 

 

Yeah, in my head those aren't too different. If you've got Kyzi nominally at RWB but Steinwender beside him and Milne on the other side, I think it's going to be a little lopsided. (It's too early in the morning here and I'm forgetting the word that British football commentators use for this. In the US we'd say an "unbalanced" formation but I know that's not right.)  Milne is considerably further forward than Steinwender but not nearly as far forward as Kyzi. I imagine it something like this.

 

                                                   Clark

 

                                             Halkett            

                                                                     Finlay

                Steinwender

                                             

                                                   Devlin

                             Bainingime                                                Milne

 

 

Kyziridis                                                             Spittal

                                           

                            Shankland                     Braga

 

 

You could call that a 3-5-2 or a 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2 depending on how you squint and look at it.  But I don't think you want Steinwender out on the right side playing on the touchline and trying to carry the ball forward like a modern FB. Better if he's tucked in behind someone who can do that and some help from a midfielder. At the same time, you don't want to be relying on Kyzi to be a back line defender -- you want Devlin first and then Beni sagging back into a defensive block if the back three get outnumbered rather than relying on Kyzi as a defensive stopper.

 

Against a side like Livi it's not going to matter much. They're going to throw a couple of attackers forward but keep everyone else back most of the match. The important thing is to have a shape that try to get past the bus they'll park.

Edited August 28, 2025 by Watt-Zeefuik

[Morgan]

On 26/08/2025 at 00:47, 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. 

 

 

 

 

So far, this has to be the post of the year.

 

[Watt-Zeefuik]

2 hours ago, spacerjoe said:

I'm torn.

 

On the one hand, he needs minutes and it's clear we bought him to start matches. Having Kyz on the bench means we have the option to really change things up by bringing him on.

 

On the other hand it feels like Kyz has earned that starting spot and our best team on paper (based only on what we've seen) has him in it.

 

I'd love to see Hoff back playing again but really doubt he will be.

I think Spittal can play there effectively too. Yes, he's slow, but he's crafty in a way that few in our side are.

[OTT]

I wonder if its time Adam Forrester got a shot at RB again?

 

Unlikely we're going to get one in, and McInnes wants to play 442. Forrester isn't inexperienced now, and the whole idea of recalling him becomes pointless if he's kicking his heels in the stands.