To survive this season Roy will have to revert to 5-5-1 the central defence is not good enough for 4-4-2.players also looked too slow compared to West Ham,s movement off the ball.

5-5-1.

No keeper then, brave.

What an embarrassing way to start a thread.

My equalibrium unbalanced me. Paul Draper Brighton 19/2/2018

I should leave it to the pros.

Against Arsenal we looked organised and seemed to have a clear strategy and should have won. Last night was just a complete contrast. I think losing Tomkins was a hammer blow (excuse the pun) as the defence was headless again. As soon as Jairo came on we suddenly looked more cohesive so I think Roy just has to drop Luka now. We have been really unlucky with defensive injuries and it feels like the lack of continuity at the back is breeding a lack of confidence in the team. Nevertheless, whatever excuses there are last night was not acceptable and we looked clueless. Danny Gabbidon hit the nail on the head in his commentary the other night when he said it doesn't matter what formation you play if the team don't seem to know what they're supposed to be doing.

We always struggle against Wolves and they have a proper striker again now. Just when we seem to look like we can't get any worse we seem to pull a performance or result out of the bag, but the lack of consistency or a clear plan is very worrying. If Wilf gets injured again we could be in serious trouble. The one hope is that Mateta is a star in the making and can help lift the team's spirits.

I think, to get a few points on the board, we should perhaps go to 4-5-1. This might be the same as 4-3-3 or 4-3-2-1. Basically, we go 5 across midfield when we haven't got the ball - which is usually often!

At the moment I would be tempted with McCarthy, McArthur and Jairo centrally with Wilf one side and Eze the other. Not ideal I accept for Eze but until we can get fresh legs in midfield we can't afford the luxury of him as a 10. Try Mateta up front as soon as sensible. If not, then Tekkers/Batman/Ayew - take your pick. Because I like a happy ending, I would probably persevere with Tekkers for another game or two.

I think maybe time to "rest" Guaita for a game or two and give Butland a run. I love Guaita but he looked a bit shell shocked against West Ham.

Back 4? For me, Ward, Tomkins (if fit), Kouyate and Mitchell. But there is a certainly a case for the others.

I think it's now getting to be about making sure we get to 36 points asap. The next few games are critical and we need a system that will help kick start that process.