Southsider

Exactly. That's why I want Sterling wide right, not at LB. Neither Wright nor McCausland will press anything like as effectively. I also think it's a reason to start Lawrence on the left instead of Silva, although the downside of that is that Cantwell isn't back to full fitness yet and Lawrence is the obvious replacement when he tires

Another possible reason is that they are incompetent idiots The penalty was saved and there were Hibs players encroaching, so the rule is pretty clear that the penalty should be retaken. The fact that an encroaching player then scored shouldn't matter

Or Barisic. I would still prefer to play him at LB and Sterling wide right if he is. Obviously Ridvan if he is fit. My point was that if Sterling does have to go to LB, I suspect Clement will stick with a player used to playing on the right. I know we've seen both Sima and Matondo there in the past, but neither looking convincing IMO

If Silva is starting, then it will be on the left, so the only other position is wide right. None of Lawrence, Matondo or Sima have shown an ability to play there so it's going to be (hopefully) Sterling, but if not I suspect it'll be Wright. I do think there is an argument to start Lawrence on the left, rather than Silva.

Hard to differentiate that formation from a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 (which is what we actually play), though, isn't it? To be honest, unless you are advocating Sterling playing in a more central position, it doesn't matter whether you want to call it a wide midfield position or a wide forward position - it's the same thing, depending on where the ball is at the time

If Sterling does have to fill in at LB, I suspect he'd go with Wright and use Matondo off the bench. Genuinely unsure whether Silva or Lawrence would be best bet on the left. If Sterling could start at RW, then a front three of him, Dessers and Lawrence gives a really good press

It's clearly a risk, but I do believe that a high press is the best way to beat them. Most of their defenders aren't comfortable on the ball and sitting back and letting their midfield dictate hasn't worked at all in recent games. It's one of the reasons I would much rather see Sterling wide right than having fill in at LB

Hate these weeks Any win will do. I'd particularly enjoy a 1-0 from a slightly iffy penalty which gets saved and then retaken after VAR spots their keeper slightly off his line ..or a Cyriel hatrick

Don't know why anyone thinks Sterling will be starting at LB. Clement took Barisic off as soon as he got booked, so it seems pretty likely that he'll be the starting LB

Exactly - they seemed to take the view that if it isn't a deliberate elbow, it shouldn't be a penalty - that is not how it works.

There's no doubt that the decision should have been a retake. Incidentally, both McCann and McFadden thought it wasn't a penalty - anywhere else on the pitch, that's a free kick, so what are they talking about?

One of the most hopeless displays I've seen in long time today. Mistake after mistake

I think he has great potential, but still a bit of a rough diamond (sorry) I like his first touch - always looking to give himself space with it. Sign of a good player (think about how good de Boer was at that) He's also quick and not afraid of a tackle. But his passing is still too erratic. Hopefully will develop

We will not be able to replace him, regardless of money. We can look for a quick, solid RB who has a decent cross on him, but that's about it. His goal scoring ability won't be replaced. However, I think we would all agree Kyle Walker is a top class RB. He's scored 3 league goals in 7 seasons.

Wright wasn't poor, did ok. Sure, we need better, but one of his better games. Silva had a really poor game today. I agree about McCausland - I'm not seeing it either

Not at right back. Tav is a freak. We won't replace those goals

As you often see with children of pro footballers, he has good technique, is very two footed and reads the game well. But the lack of pace is the issue and that's hard to coach

I don't see him as Clement's type of player at all. The three he's brought in so far are rangy athletic players with pace (I'm including Silva who won't be staying, obv)

I think you may be right

Utterly pathetic. Is there something wrong with the air over in Edinburgh?

Not this time. We needed this

If it's "pay as you play" and Clement's in favour, then ok. If not, then it's ludicrous IMO

Some good jokes on this thread... Anyway, IMO the only way for him to stay would be a "pay as you play" type contract. Even then, it creates uncertainty as to what the squad resources are, so would Clement even consider it? He's 31, so I would imagine he'll want a more regular contract anyway, so he won't be staying, IMO

I would have thought making us play a game postponed through no fault of ours a few days before a crucial game against opponents who have a full week to prepare lacks sporting integrity. The club should be making clear to the authorities that they will be very vocal about it, if they go ahead with the third

I would only offer him a contract if he scored 4 goals every game