Team for Braintree

Don't know where Braintree's "impressive" home form is: they're 4-3-2 at home (same as Town away) with just 11 goals scored
& 6 conceded.
I think their recent 6 match league form is 0-2-4, so not trying for 3 points would be absurd.

I'd play 442: LJL and Pittman up top, Arnold Clay Pell Nielson in midfield (same defence) and try to paste them.
Wasn't impressed with how few clear chances we made against a very poor Dartford on Saturday playing 433...
though that's what I expect PH to do tomorrow.

I would possibly drop Mackreth to the bench (could be useful later in the game against a tired fullback) and play Neilson on the left, Arnold on the right. That would be my only change.

Mckeown

Magnay
Nsiala
Pearson (c)
Thomas

Mackreth
Clay
Pell
Arnold

Neilson

John-Lewis

Doig
Disley
Paddy
Pittman
Hannah

I have gone 4-4-1-1 this team pretty much fully fit a part from Brown, this formation works great away from home against a team that seems a tough team drew 0-0 against Woking who have Rendell and Sole scoring for them. This formation in my opinion works great because of our pace out wide with Thomas, Arnold and Mackreth with the skill of Neilson central it allows the wingers to attack plus get back and help out and with the arrival of Harry Pell someone who's good on the ground and good in the air and if he's tiring later we have Disley or Paddy to come on depending on Braintree play with have got Clay in midfield aswell.

Are these teams that people would pick themselves or teams that they think PH will play?

Away from home PH will go for 3 CMs, guaranteed. Sorry to disappoint those hoping for 4-2-3-1s or 4-4-2 variations.

I have not seen Pittman or Arnold yet,

So I hope they both play a part in tonights game.

Got to go for the win tonight - Hurst will choose who he thinks will deliver at a bogie ground for us !

Faster buildup play and shooting on sight will be the way forward.You have to trust the back five to hold their forwards ,and look to Pell to impress his family in the stands alongside the other 2 in midfield.

Great chance to go 2nd - let's take it !!

Quoted from pizzzza

Are these teams that people would pick themselves or teams that they think PH will play?

Teams people would pick themselves.

Quoted from oldun

No because recently neither had been doing the business.

Perhaps so (slightly debatable regards Hannah IMO) but it's hardly the only occasion he's changed a team to win a game of football by any means.

So are you trying to say Hurst shouldn't change it tonight if he thinks it best for the club ?
Or simply saying you personally wouldn't change the team yourself ?

If the latter I can only pose the same questions I posed to JMT.
Because obviously the same side could keep winning too (and ultimately the win is the be all and end all) but where does that leave Neilson and Pittman ?
I suppose the FA Cup is one option but aren't the same grumbles gonna apply there too ?
In any case I'm trusting PH's judgement based on the opposition and his eyes and ears on the training ground.

Quoted from Garth

If it aint broke don`t fix it, no fiddling for fiddling sake

Shame you see it that way IMO.

Here's a teaser then, which game does this comment refer to ?

"Two changes were made to the Town side after the xxxxxx with xxxxxx last week, with Neilson replacing Disley and Jon-Paul Pittman coming in for Alan Connell."

I'd give you a hint, it starts with G.

I don't necessarily agree with the 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' saying, because each game is different.

But that example above is wrong, because the game before was a draw at home to Dover, which suggests something was 'broke'!

Well I should hope so after you wanted Hannah dropped !  

The point I'm really making is, was it entirely co-incidence our improved performance at Gateshead came with the introduction of these 2 players ?

tbh I've no desire to try to defend this spurious "never change a winning team" argument any longer.
If Hurst plays a weakened team in the Trophy and wins, is everyone suddenly gonna be saying "never change a winning team" ?
Let's get real here - you play your best players (for the occasion) and that's where "opinions" come into play.

Quoted from 120797

Well I should hope so after you wanted Hannah dropped !  

Luckily PH was listening