They're quite different players but Mitchell needs to get his mojo back somehow. I personally think he will come good but could do with a rest and to regain his place on merit. Ward doesn't actually offer as much going forward as Mitchell does, but currently I think we're more solid with full backs mainly defending. If we had another holding player/ deep lying midfield player then our full backs could probably get forward more. I may be wrong but have always thought Vieira wants our full backs to attack but it just doesn't suit us currently.

Red and Blue Army!

I agree that I'd like to see Hughes be given more playing time, and Schlupp less than he has received lately. I suspect that PV's reasoning is that Schlupp is more of a lightning-in-a-bottle scorer, where every so often he produces a wonder strike that can save a game or win one. We have seen him do this occasionally, but I'd bet that in training he does it "regularly."

By contrast, Hughes offers better defensive effort, passing, and predictability in midfield, but PV may regard this as not enough upside to help us win matches. It might make all of us more comfortable, but the analytics – and those strikes in training – may tip the scales towards Schlupp.

My one major concern this season is we haven't won a game where the opposition has been at it. Our wins against Wolves, West Ham, Leeds, Southampton and Bournemouth were games where the only reason we didn't win comfortably was our lack of end product. When teams show up and put pressure on us we seem to crumble. The inconsistency of the league has favoured us slightly, but we really need a midfield general in the games where we need more fight. Spuds are inconsistent, but Newcastle could really turn us over with the aggressive way they play. The one huge success has been Doucoure. If we had two of his ilk I genuinely think we could challenge the top 8 given how out of sorts some of the bigger teams are.

With regard to the Mitchell debate I have maintained that his lack of ability with his right foot is a major issue given how most teams play with inverted wingers these days. Whenever a player cuts inside he is usually done for. In contrast this favours Ward. However, Mitchell is very strong on his left foot and is fairly quick and I think he is good enough for us and when his confidence is up can look quite dangerous going forward, delivering some good whipped crosses.

I would be delighted if we could get CG back on loan. Chelsea seem to be throwing money at more overpriced midfielders so he may be surplus to their requirements.
However I would prefer a hard as nails enforcer in there that has the legs to get around the pitch. Luka of a few years ago or a Jedi in his pomp would do nicely.