The second half, however, was poor. We lacked shape and ideas, and Norwich soaked it up and hit us via a third deflection – Bamford’s late goal just a consolation.
Whilst incredibly frustrated afterwards and still without a cat to kick, I’m more optimistic now. I don’t think we were blown away by an amazing side – we didn’t get the rub of the green first half, and panicked a bit second. WBA are still, IMO the only team that has turned us over.
Onto Middlesboro on Saturday – and it could be all change, or just tweaked. Corps and Jansson are nailed on, as is Pablo (if fully fit). After that, there are some choices for Bielsa – Shakelton or Ayling at full back – Jamie is pushing for a start with ailing not looking good for a while now, but against a physically strong Boro, with the ball in the iar none stop, I would expect Ayling to hold hios place – at let back, Douglas or Alioski? Alioski for me… In the middle you would expect Phillips back in the place of either Forshaw or Klich, with Forshaw favourite for the chop. Wingers and number 10 could be any 2 to partner Hernandez, but again, wouldn’t surprise me to see Harrison and Roberts kept in. Up top, Roofe or Bamford? Plenty of strength in depth now the injury situation is easing, but personally, only see Phillips coming in for Forshaw, with the rest given another chance..