[Tibby Baggie]

Don't see why Pulis shouldn't come under criticism. All managers do come under scrutiny and he should not be any different given the amount of perplexing decisions and stubbornness to adapt. I'm glad Pulis made a point of the lack of ball retention. But then why play 4-4-2? Fletcher and Yacob constantly overrun in midfield and are not mobile or technically good enough to do it together. Why are Gardner and McLean keeping better players out of the team? We've got Gnabry sitting on the bench and I'm not sure Pulis has any idea how to use him.

It appears Pulis at least knows what the problem is, but just can't tear himself away from his rigid principles of two banks of four sitting in front of our goal filled with 'runners'. It's no wonder we struggle to keep the ball or create chances with such a lack of creative intent.

I'm not necessarily calling for Pulis to go. But he does have to become a lot more flexible tactically.

That's pretty much my views on it too, and I definitely wouldn't consider myself a Pulis apologist either by not instantly jumping to conclusions of "relegation form" five games into the season which some posters have done. And that's not saying they're not entitled to an opinion, but we have to accept that people won't agree or have the same mindset, which on the whole has been pretty negative from most posters on here and the fanbase in general since the start of the season. I'm more of an optimist and hopefully can add some of that to the forum.

The players I'm hoping to replace Gardner and McClean this weekend are Morrison and Berahino respectively. Both infinitely are more creative players than Gardner or McClean. And has been said by most on here too 4-4-2 isn't working due to our midfielders getting overrun by teams with that extra man in midfield. 4-2-3-1 would be my choice personally with Rondon upfront, Berahino a wide striker tucking in to cover when needed and Morrison and McManaman completing the 3. Yacob and Fletcher behind those. 

Personally I wouldn't change the back 4 from Saturday as despite it being a rubbish game, I don't think anyone did anything worthy of getting dropped in those positions.