Bidwell or Robinson?

[acricketer]

If there is a poll for this, both have question marks. Roll on January.

[rodman]

Bidwell.

First and foremost he defends better and at the moment that's what we need.

If it wasn't for Smithies we'd be leaking 5 or 6 a game.

[nasser95]

Just want to add a bit of context here, Robinson still managed to make 4 tackles in that match.

The key thing here is that Robinson is generally a lot more involved in the defensive work. In his 4 starts, he's managed to make 14 successful tackles, the same amount as Bidwell has in his 11 starts. The issue is that he's been beaten 7 times when attempting a tackle in those 4 matches while Bidwell has only been beaten 4 times in 11 games. Per game they both make pretty much the same amount of interceptions, Robbo fouls a bit more but also blocks a bit more.

Offensively, Robinson has attempted 6 dribbles and succeeded 3 times in 4 games; Bidwell has the same numbers but in 11 games. Also, Robinson has lost possession near enough 3 times as much as Bidwell this season per game and isn't nearly as good as bidwell in the air. His delivery from crossing positions is statistically a bit better than Bidwell's; but he also doesn't get nearly as involved on the ball in the game as Bidwell does.

Given all of this, it's pretty even and the choice is difficult. It's clear Robinson isn't as polished by any means as Bidwell is. But Robinson - as many have pointed out - has that all important throw in that makes him such an asset. As someone posted, I'd have Robinson when we're going with wing backs and Bidwell when we're trying to be more compact.

[hal9thou]

I think that Robinson is a must because of his throws

That's not why you pick a defender. You pick him for his ability to shut down first and foremost. Anything else is a bonus.

What this does raise is the interesting question of full backs vs wing backs. I think true wing backs are incredibly specialised and unless you have exceptional options in that area you're way better off playing two decent full backs.

[Shania]

In my opinion we should play Bidwell now when Our worrying table position is a factor we have to take into consideration. Make no mistake, I certainly like the look of Robinson, but Bidwell and Caulker will short term offer our defence some much needed stabilty, imo. With regards to the other options we have: Hamalainen and Robinson. They will definetly get their fair share of chances when the time is right.

[WeAreQPR12]

I feel like your asking me Jo brand or Anne widdecombe, neither

[West Acton]

In my opinion we should play Bidwell now when Our worrying table position is a factor we have to take into consideration. Make no mistake, I certainly like the look of Robinson, but Bidwell and Caulker will short term offer our defence some much needed stabilty, imo. With regards to the other options we have: Hamalainen and Robinson. They will definetly get their fair share of chances when the time is right.

I reckon Caulker is off hence why he's suddenly picked up injury

[Shania]

Ah, that could be the reason, West Acton! ^^

[Kevin Mcleod]

Robinson is made of porcelain. Bidwell is not very good. Tough choice

[Shepherds Mush]

Bidwell all day long. I dont care about defenders attacking.

IMO Robinson is far too weak defensively and we cannot afford to give the opposition a head start.

[Kevin Mcleod]

Them throw ins are the only way we can get near enough to the oppos penalty area to score though.

[MattyRangers]

Bidwell, just.

Robinson far better going forward, but Bidwell is a much better defender IMO. Personally, rather have a left back get the defensive side of things right before we adopt a Roberto Carlos style full back role.

[Bigdave]

Not a big fan of either, would like to see the young lad Niko given a go

[Alanwycombe]

That's not why you pick a defender. You pick him for his ability to shut down first and foremost. Anything else is a bonus.

What this does raise is the interesting question of full backs vs wing backs. I think true wing backs are incredibly specialised and unless you have exceptional options in that area you're way better off playing two decent full backs.

This. Complete sense.

[Ginger Ninja]

Really depends on the formation. If it's 4 at the back then Bidwell; 3 at the back then Robbo. Hämäläinen could potentially play both roles though.

This. And I'd prefer 3 at the back, especially against teams like Rotherham, so Robinson for me. If he's fit.