Leandro Bacuna - Sold

[DrGonzo]

If we'd started Lowton with Bacuna in place of Tonev it might have been far more comfortable.

[eamonn]

Bacuna impresses me far more as a right back than a midfielder. I'm not sure his passing is disciplined enough for a central role but his pace and aggression trumps Lowton as a full-back so I'd keep him there for the time being and make Lowton fight for his place.

[Clampy]

Did well, looked strong defensively and his set pieces were good.

I wasn't convinced at all during the first 20 odd minutes on Saturday but he got better as the game went on.

[eastie]

Did well, looked strong defensively and his set pieces were good.

I wasn't convinced at all during the first 20 odd minutes on Saturday but he got better as the game went on.

Worthy of retaining his place would you say clampy ? I was away at the weekend and saw only brief highlights.

[hartman_1982]

Did well, looked strong defensively and his set pieces were good.

I wasn't convinced at all during the first 20 odd minutes on Saturday but he got better as the game went on.

Worthy of retaining his place would you say clampy ? I was away at the weekend and saw only brief highlights.

Definitely. As Clampy said, he had a tough start and gave a way a few fouls but after that he had the beating of Redmond and Pilkington. On a completely unrelated note, after watching Redmond on Saturday I was so pleased we hadn't signed him. A very arrogant little shit. Very Small Heath.

[ADVILLAFAN]

Even though all of his family are Villa fans.

Thought Lowton had a very poor performance against Newcastle. Was probably due one to be fair, Bacuna may be moved into midfield though if Delph really is out and Tonev continues to be crap.

[Slaphead]

Bacuna impresses me far more as a right back than a midfielder. I'm not sure his passing is disciplined enough for a central role but his pace and aggression trumps Lowton as a full-back so I'd keep him there for the time being and make Lowton fight for his place.

I thought his passing against Liverpool was dreadful. It is this giving the ball away that continuously puts pressure on us, it's not just him but that game I really thought he was shocking but it is great to see defensively he was sound. We are not in it for the short term, most of these guys will take a while to settle unfortunately.

[Clampy]

Did well, looked strong defensively and his set pieces were good.

I wasn't convinced at all during the first 20 odd minutes on Saturday but he got better as the game went on.

Worthy of retaining his place would you say clampy ? I was away at the weekend and saw only brief highlights.

Definitely. As Clampy said, he had a tough start and gave a way a few fouls but after that he had the beating of Redmond and Pilkington. On a completely unrelated note, after watching Redmond on Saturday I was so pleased we hadn't signed him. A very arrogant little shit. Very Small Heath.

I like Redmond but I didn't realise he was on the pitch on Saturday which says a lot for Bacuna's performance I suppose. I prefer Lowton out of the two but it's good that Lambert's not afraid to drop players who are not doing it.

[not3bad]

Bacuna impresses me far more as a right back than a midfielder.

In the first half against Liverpool he seemed a bit light weight for a midfielder and gives the ball away too often.  On the other hand he got better in the second half so it might just be a case of giving him more opportunities and playing time.

[Nastylee]

I'm assuming Lowton was injured rather than dropped. Surely he would have been on the bench given our lack of reinforcements in defence if he was fit.

[Top Cat]

I'm assuming Lowton was injured rather than dropped. Surely he would have been on the bench given our lack of reinforcements in defence if he was fit.

According to chap on the radio tonight he was dropped rather than injured.

[Nastylee]

Reckon he was carrying a knock personally but I guess we'll never know.

[john2710]

Bacuna was OK, after the first 30 mins, on Saturday against what is a very ordinary Norwich team. Looked completely out of his depth against Liverpool, but I see him as a utility player.

I would be very wary about him as a right back against anyone decent. I would certainly not use an OK performance, in a single game, as evidence that he is a match for Lowton; who has performed consistently well over a whole season.

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

Wasn't inpressed by any of his pre-season games in midfield, except for his wonder goal.
Was impressed with his games at full-back where he seems to play better with a narrow area to cover in front of him and largely one way to play the ball. Thought he played really well on Sat once he'd settled in to the pace of the game.
I expect him to play tomorrow.
In fact, if any more get injured I expect I'll be playing myself!!! ;-)

[olaftab]

I think bacuna and Luna will provide perfect foil for citi's wide men providing we don't play too deep.