Exiled_Rover

If he wants to continue to play as he is then unfortunately there's no room in the side for Travis - his vision and passing isn't good enough for how he wants his CMs to play. Assuming Mola can cover LB the three areas of concern for me are CF, RB (backup) and CM. I like Morton, I think Garrett has a future, I wish Buckley would start pulling his finger out and I think Wharton is a future superstar... but I'd LOVE an established player who can pass in there to ease the pressure on the two first-year Academy graduates and a misfiring Buckley. Morton has established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet and, quite frankly, he's not that good.

I knew we were going to lose going into the game and didn't get tied up in the hype of the 'top of the table / oldest derby in English football' the media were spouting all week. They normally couldn't give two hoots about the game. As I said earlier this week, this game wouldn't define our season and I think JDT is performing miracles with a very limited group of players (and some very exciting promising youngsters). We competed for 55 mins, let in a disappointing goal then fell apart when our only other recognised striker went off injured and we switched to a more attacking formation against a team with better players across the park. So no, not really.

Did you think this squad would be 3rd going into the World Cup break?

He'd be in prison if he wasn't a footballer.

We're third on merit (the table doesn't lie), but by no means do we have the third best squad in the league - or even the third best starting XI in the league. I think fans have got carried away with the league position, personally. In terms of spending, Burnley are Manchester City this year - they've spent nearly £30m on transfers (+ wages).

Here you go: https://www.lancs.live/sport/football/transfer-news/blackburn-rovers-transfer-news-january-25194834

For the record Plan A was to play with 3 CBs and inverted WBs with 3 in midfield (2 of which are more tacklers than passers) and 2 upfront. We nullified them playing this way before the first goal. Plan B was to switch to 4-2-3-1 with Mola at LB, Morton and Buckley in CM, Dack at #10 with Brereton and Hedges flanking Vale. That's when we got mullered because they simply have better players than we do.

I think technically his first choice is playing in Europe with Rangers. Hirst was a band-aid over a gaping wound and hasn't worked. Thankfully Hyam, Brittain and Szmodics have. I liked the look of Mola too and Morton is decent.

You should watch us at Ewood Park then.

We're third in the league with a team of Academy prospects, some shrewd summer signings and bog standard journeyman. I'm delighted going into the World Cup break. The only thing I'm concerned about is whether Broughton sticks to his word about not strengthening in January - I hope the plan has been adjusted after this tremendous start. People built this game up into something it wasn't - it was never going to define our season. They have better players than us, but we nullified them for 55 minutes. I'm bitterly disappointed we conceded a headed goal when playing 3 CBs and then we struggled to get a foot in the game once Gallagher was replaced by Vale. It is what it is.

That's a red card for some refs. Not this one, obviously.

Who's winning that initial long ball? Certainly not Gallagher, Brereton, Vale or heaven forbid Dack. Dolan maybe? Or how about Markanday? The blueprint to beat Burnley is out there, but we don't have players to do it.

As a season ticket holder we've been great to watch most of the season. I love professional wins with a very limited squad of players and youngsters.

When you're allowed to smash into opposition players and not get carded it's easier to be 'up' for a game. Barnes is a thug and should have received two yellow cards. Their CM should have been sent off for a second bookable too.

That's the way he's spoken about on here - he walks on water. He did nothing - every decision he made was the wrong one.

I'll let Mowbray off the hook when JDT has had a few transfer windows to sort out the mess of a squad he's left behind.

Dack was awful when he came on. He's not the talisman you all seem to hope he is.

Why isn't that a yellow card for Barnes?

Yep, was it Hedges? He threw it over their LB and Brereton was through on goal. Just given them everything, it's amazing.

They've literally crafted one chance from a free kick in 45 mins... how much better do you want the plan to work?!

They've not been particularly good in an attacking sense because JDT has set the team up to nullify them... and it's worked.

We've had absolutely nothing from this ref. Blatant foul (and a red card) for a penalty on Brereton not given... then books Travis for less than Barnes did? Give over.

Buckley is on the bench after months of being out in the cold, so you could be right.

It's where he started midweek.

You could play 4-3-3 with Mola at LB, but I don't think we've lined up like that all season. Would be strange to do so now.