Lowton or Egan-Riley to start the next game please

[Rileybobs]

I’d say it’s highly unlikely that Lowton will displace Roberts as VK told him he was free to leave. That doesn’t suggest he sees Lowton as part of his plans.

Roberts has got forward sporadically this season, but not in any way regularly. Against the stronger sides particularly I’d be much more comfortable with a dominant defender playing this role. We desperately need some height at the back as proven again last night when we barely dealt with a single cross into our box. Maybe Beyer will fit the bill.

[Goody1975]

He’s almost playing as a centre back who at times goes to right back - a bit like the lad we just signed from Monchengladbach. I reckon he will be taking that shirt off Connor, and he’s 6’2 which will help us on set pieces.

This

When Maatsen is a left full back we are almost having to play with three centre halfs (Roberts as one of them) to cover for him, this isn't quite as apparent with Vitinho in there.

If Maatsen is the long term selection at left back (maybe due to loan requirements) I would prefer a player who is comfortable as a centre back and also comfortable in a back three, Beyer ticks all these boxes.

I want Charlie to being able to slot in as an emergency left back when we lose possession and the opposition attack our left side, this will allow the other two to shuffle across.

Beyer is certainly further up the pecking order imo than Lowton or Egan-Riley.

[forzagranata]

Lowton played pretty well in a more central role when we went to three CBs under Jackson last season. Did really well at Spurs for example.

Not that I am jumping on the 'drop Roberts' bandwagon though.

[AGENT_CLARET]

Vitinho......Harwood-Bellis......Beyer......Taylor

Has got to be the defence in our next few game's

[NRC]

This notion of he was less bad than Maatsen is a nonsense. Maatsen, defensively, was owned by Jed Wallace, so we didn’t get to see the far better forward movement from him. Meanwhile, WBA pressured both our full backs, just not as competently on our right, but when attacked did come down our right the space behind Roberts was really concerning…. He was often caught running back to recover, but he was already central so was running back to space within the 18 yard box rather outside of it, which was being owned by WBA, and Vitinho was constantly trying to make up for it

I agree that Lowton is better on the ball, and I’d love to know who is faster between him and Roberts. There must be something about player data in training that is making it Roberts’ spot….. it’s that or it’s that Lowton isn’t the future so equally he’s not the current, unless forced

[Greekclaret]

Maatsen Taylor THB Beyer. We form a back 3 when in possession so it only makes sense we use someone in Beyer who has played RB and CB. Roberts excels in a 5 at the back In RWB position. However he’s been asked to form a back 3 when in possession and he looks off it.

[RVclaret]

Maatsen Taylor THB Beyer. We form a back 3 when in possession so it only makes sense we use someone in Beyer who has played RB and CB. Roberts excels in a 5 at the back In RWB position. However he’s been asked to form a back 3 when in possession and he looks off it.

Last few games Roberts hasn’t actually been in the back 3 shape in the build up phase, he’s often in a right sided central midfield place as Cullen has been moving into the left back / LCB position in the build up.

[NRC]

Last few games Roberts hasn’t actually been in the back 3 shape in the build up phase, he’s often in a right sided central midfield place as Cullen has been moving into the left back / LCB position in the build up.

Which why, when we lose possession and we’re attacked down the left, there’s a huuuuge gap, per my comment above…. He’s running back to the RH side of the box from his right central position

[RVclaret]

Which why, when we lose possession and we’re attacked down the left, there’s a huuuuge gap, per my comment above…. He’s running back to the RH side of the box from his right central position

Yes the problem arises when the ball is given away in poor areas, but it’s VK’s instructions rather than CR being out of position. I think the role CR is being asked is quite complex and new so it’s no surprise to see him needing to adapt. But we have lost 1 in 8 and he’s generally been fine so one poor game against good quality opposition doesn’t mean dropping him - though I also see and agree with some posts that Beyer could step in there against tougher opponents (that’s without seeing him play mind, and just going off research / reviews).

[Tricky Trevor]

Lowton is not only a better defender he is a better footballer, in the role Roberts is playing.
I don’t know what’s going on in his private life but he just seems unhappy.
BTW. Vitinho took a throw in last night, after moving to LB, and threw it down the line further than Roberts has ever thrown one.

[AlargeClaret]

Taylor had to cover the lb a few times last night , and when Vitinho was switched he was truly awful skinned with ease .
Lowton is a more skilful footballer than Roberts and a better defender imo , he can also bomb down the wing against weaker prem teams so would be decent against some of this champ rubbish . Roberts is ok though and ML seems out of favour . Amazed him ,Barnes and JBG weren’t loaned or sold in the window tbh .

[Stayingup]

Time to get Lowton in ar RB. A proven Premier league player.

[RVclaret]

Time to get Lowton in ar RB. A proven Premier league player.

Who was dropped, for Roberts, by the past two Premier League managers.

[IanMcL]

Lowton every time, especially given the 3 man defence positioning.

[boatshed bill]

Lowton is a decent enough full back but...
He's not the future,
I always think he's a bit slow on recovery (could just be my opinion, though)

[HunterST_BFC]

Sad thing is Lowton won't get a look in now.
Yet most know he can play the role asked.
He's far better than Roberts defensivly (imho).
Plus more consitant swinging crosses and early balls forward.

Sadly he seems back of the list but if asked I'd 100% trust and back him.

Egan-Riley I know very little about.
Roberts has plusses but ... really beyond more pace I can't see he is better / or more reliable?

So I guess you see my choice....