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Starting XI 2014/15


sydneysaint17
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Firstly, apologies as I realise this thread is a combination of a few that already exist. Basically, Im bored of reading about how all our players will be tearing up the Champions League next season, earning 150K a week and not even sparing a thought for little old Saints who will be scrapping it in a relegation battle. With very few rumours about how who we'll be bringing in, we have a bit of room to dream after recent comments from the chairman/players about our apparent level of ambition.

 

So here's the football manager style question; you are allowed a net spend of £35m with the goal being to finish 5th/6th in league in 2015, and then pushing CL football the season after. What would your squad be for the first game next season?

 

Assume Saints players are worth the following amounts;

 

Lovren - 15m

Shaw - 30m

Morgan - 20m

Lallana - 25m

Gaston - 8m

Osvaldo - 8m

Chambers - 10m

Clyne - 6m

Rodriguez - n/a

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....................Schmeichel.............

Chambers.....Lovren.......Astori.........Shaw

.............Wanyama..........Morgan..............

Scott Sinclair.............Lallana..............Rodriguez.....

.......................Lukaku...................

 

Bench; Boruc, Clyne, Fonte, JWP, Cork, Davis, Lambert

 

In

Schmeichel - 8m

Astori - 10m

Lukaku - 25m

Sinclair - 5m

 

Spent: £48m

 

Out

Ramirez - 8m

Osvaldo - 8m

Forte, Guly, Isgrove, etc. - free

Received: £16m

 

Net spend; £32m.

 

Would consider £15m + Welbeck from United for Shaw. Reinvest £10m on a young foreign LB or buy Cresswell from Ipswich.

 

Optimistic but not unrealistic IMO.

Edited by sydneysaint17
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Sell Osvaldo for £8m

 

Buy

Marteen Steklenberg £4.5m

Stephen Caulker -£9m

Aaron Hunt - Free

Wilfred Bony -£20m

 

Squad for the first game

 

-----Steklenberg

 

Clyne Lovren Caulker Shaw

 

Wanyama Schniderlin

 

Lallana Davis Hunt

 

--------Bony

 

Subs

Boruc

Fonte

Chambers

Cork

Lambert

Ramirez

Ward Prowse

 

When Rodriguez is fit he'll come back into the side ahead of Davis.

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Out:

Osvaldo - £8m

Ramirez - £10m

Shaw - £30m

do Prado - Free

 

In:

Bony - £22m

Caulker - £8m

Schmeichel - Bosman

RW - £10m

LB - £5m

 

---------Schmeichel

Clyne - Lovren - Caulker - NEW

---Wanyama - Schneiderlin

 

----NEW - Lallana - Davis

------------Bony

 

Subs: Boruc, Fonte, Chambers, Cork, JWP, Lambert, Gallagher

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Out:

 

Lallana - 20m

Shaw - 30m

Schneiderlin- 17m

Hooiveld - free

Osvaldo - loaned out to Italy

Ramirez - loaned out to Italy

Guly - released

Isgrove - released

 

In:

 

Gary Roberts, free

Shwan Jalal, free

Kevin McNaughton (nominal)

Marlon King, free

 

------------------------------------Boruc-------------------------------------------

 

Chambers---------------Fonte-------------------Lovren-------------------Clyne

 

 

-------------------------Cork--------------------Wanyama--------------------------

 

 

----------Davis-----------------------Ward-Prowse------------------------Roberts

 

 

-------------------------------------Lambert---------------------------------------

 

Subs (from): Jalal, Targett, McNaughton, Yoshida, Reed, King, Gallagher

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After watching Lukaku Saturday would not pay £25m for him.

 

 

Did he actually turn up ? Thought it might have been a cardboard cut-out. Probably far more concerned about his WC with Belgium than whether Everton finish 4th or 5th. Too many late WC hope ending injuries have occured these last few weeks for it not to concern players . If he went down on Saturday and was out for any time that would leave Belgium without a real front man.

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Not quite sure why so many people want to see us release Isgrove! He was supposed to have been excellent for us in close-season last year. While he may not have had the experience we would have hoped for while out on loan, I could see him coming back and being nurtured back to confidence and then bursting onto the scene next season. Of course though, at the same time, he is getting to an age where he does need to start to make that step up to the first team.

 

As for a budget of £35M, I think that is possibly a little optimistic in the light of the extra costs for our training ground. I would think we would be more likely to have a budget up to £25m including costs of wages. I would expect us to release Guly and to sell Osvaldo. As for Ramirez, that remains to be seen, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him leave, though hope he will stay and be phenomenal for us next season!

 

I would like to see us buying a decent centre back, a striker to replace Osvaldo and either a keeper or reserve keeper. I would also like to see us bringing in some players with development potential where there are gaps in our academy ranks. So, for example, if Turnbull and Stephens fail to step up to the next level, then we may need some other young centre backs with potential (though we also have Mugabe and McCarthy, so maybe we are ok for the moment in terms of potential future centre-backs).

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Forgot to say... if you want some names of players I'd love to see us sign, I'd have to say Astori and Banega, though I don't think central midfield is a priority. Nevertheless, Banega seems like an awesome player, so would love to see us sign him if we could afford him plus a centre back and striker, allowing for the sale or loaning out of Osvaldo and others.

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Not quite sure why so many people want to see us release Isgrove! He was supposed to have been excellent for us in close-season last year. While he may not have had the experience we would have hoped for while out on loan, I could see him coming back and being nurtured back to confidence and then bursting onto the scene next season. Of course though, at the same time, he is getting to an age where he does need to start to make that step up to the first team.

 

As for a budget of £35M, I think that is possibly a little optimistic in the light of the extra costs for our training ground. I would think we would be more likely to have a budget up to £25m including costs of wages. I would expect us to release Guly and to sell Osvaldo. As for Ramirez, that remains to be seen, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him leave, though hope he will stay and be phenomenal for us next season!

 

I would like to see us buying a decent centre back, a striker to replace Osvaldo and either a keeper or reserve keeper. I would also like to see us bringing in some players with development potential where there are gaps in our academy ranks. So, for example, if Turnbull and Stephens fail to step up to the next level, then we may need some other young centre backs with potential (though we also have Mugabe and McCarthy, so maybe we are ok for the moment in terms of potential future centre-backs).

 

Isgrove hasn't played a lot whilst out on loan in a League 1 club. If we want to push 4th/5th/6th, he'd have to make a dramatic improvement to even be considered. He is 21, so at the make or break age. Suspect if he didnt get much of a chance at Peterborough, he certainly wont at Saints!

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not the first time that I've seen the " Welbeck rumour " but I'm really not 100% convinced about him. Are his goal-scoring achievement s really that good ?

 

Of course he got in (England side) because of his partnership with Rooney, when he couldn't get off the bench at Man.Utd. Whilst it would be good to have another young striker in the squad - I'd go for Ings.

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Isgrove hasn't played a lot whilst out on loan in a League 1 club. If we want to push 4th/5th/6th, he'd have to make a dramatic improvement to even be considered. He is 21, so at the make or break age. Suspect if he didnt get much of a chance at Peterborough, he certainly wont at Saints!

 

Think the Posh manager was a bit cagey about playing him too much when they were going for a play-off spot, but he did finally score on Saturday. More of a future there than at SMS.

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not the first time that I've seen the " Welbeck rumour " but I'm really not 100% convinced about him. Are his goal-scoring achievement s really that good ?

 

Of course he got in (England side) because of his partnership with Rooney, when he couldn't get off the bench at Man.Utd. Whilst it would be good to have another young striker in the squad - I'd go for Ings.

 

He's done alright this season, nearly a goal every other game. Plus he seems to perform in the big games and has always looked decent for England. With regular playing time I reckon he'd be a very good buy (assuming it was a reasonable price).

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Out -

Hooiveld - 0

Sharp - 0

Barnard - 0

Guly - 0

Mayuka - 3mill

Yoshida - 3mill

Gazzaniga - 1mill

Osvaldo - 10mill

Ramirez - 10mill

 

In:

Pato - 12mill

Papadopoulus 8mill

Ter Stegen 7mill

Chamberlain 10mill

Rhodes 6mill

 

-------------------Stegen

 

Chambers-----Lovren----Papadopoulus-----Shaw

 

---------------Cork-----Schneiderlin

 

Chamberlain--------Lallana-------------Rodriguez

 

-------------------Pato

 

 

Edit: Oh yeah, Rodriguez is knackered. Maybe Lallana back on the wing until he's fit or something then, Lambert in the middle

Edited by Pastor Patrón
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Replacing JRod is very difficult, but if somehow we could sign Welbeck, we'd have a very close match for him. Has some pace, alright in the air, can grab goals and has good experience. I'd be amazed if we got him, are we expecting better?? I think we'd be a good move for him, but have a feeling a club like Spurs or Everton might take him, perhaps even Arsenal

 

Given what's out there and how prices have gone, I'd happily see us pay 12m for him.

 

Why would united let a constant England regular go for just £12m??

 

No chance IMO

 

Unless it was involving a deal for shaw

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Out:

Osvaldo - £10m

Ramirez - £10m

do Prado - Free

Isgrove-Free

Gallagher-Loan

Gazzaniga-lona

 

Received: £20m

 

In:

 

Caulker - £8m

Mannone- £4m

Welbeck £15m

Bertrand £5m

Redmond £5m

 

Spent: £37m

 

------------Boruc--------

Clyne - Lovren - Caulker - Shaw

---Wanyama - Schneiderlin

----------Davis------------

Lallana ----Lambert---Welbeck

 

Subs: Mannone, Fonte, Chambers, Bertrand, Cork, JWP, Redmond

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I don't know, just said I thought he'd be worth that. Any more and I think us or whoever buys him might start to think it's a bit much. Players surplus to requirements tend to go for less money even if they are good. How much do you think he'd cost? Look at Fellaini, clearly a good prem midfielder, but probably half the value of last summer despite being the same player.

 

If they're spending big and shipping out a few people I imagine they'll be selling at lower prices.

 

Think £20m

English, international, does score goals, young, the cost of replacing him

When you look at the money prem clubs will be getting, all prices are going to be mental IMO

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Think £20m

English, international, does score goals, young, the cost of replacing him

When you look at the money prem clubs will be getting, all prices are going to be mental IMO

 

 

Which is why one needs to stop thinking so insularly. The best bargains aren't to be had in the UK. No one else from Italy though thanks.

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Seen a few games where he has great chances to play someone in on goal and completely ****s it up. Ba did the same yesterday, as did Guly on Saturday. Not sure Lukaku would fit our style at all. He was sub at WBA a lot despite his goals. Plus considering Everton's position and being the main striker, his tally isn't that great.

Jeez if I score here they will all be on the pitch like they sing and we'll get a points deduction the boss won't get his bonus and then I won't get a cake when I leave......... Still I know I'm off to Brazil in the summer!

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Sell Osvaldo for £8m

 

Buy

Marteen Steklenberg £4.5m

Stephen Caulker -£9m

Aaron Hunt - Free

Wilfred Bony -£20m

 

Squad for the first game

 

-----Steklenberg

 

Clyne Lovren Caulker Shaw

 

Wanyama Schniderlin

 

Lallana Davis Hunt

 

--------Bony

 

Subs

Boruc

Fonte

Chambers

Cork

Lambert

Ramirez

Ward Prowse

 

When Rodriguez is fit he'll come back into the side ahead of Davis.

 

Like that, although would rather have as ins:

 

Marteen Steklenberg £4.5m

Stephen Caulker -£9m

Borini - £3m

Berardi - £5m

Yimaz - $10m

 

-----Steklenberg

 

Clyne Lovren Caulker Shaw

 

Wanyama Schniderlin

 

Lallana Lambert Borini

 

--------Yilmaz

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Wilfred Bony -£20m

 

Can't wait to see him do his first 'I'm staying here goal celebration' at SMS. I have to say though that he's looked a decent player, so powerful. Head of scouting at Swansea might be a good signing.

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Out -

Hooiveld - 0

Sharp - 0

Barnard - 0

Guly - 0

Mayuka - 3mill

Yoshida - 3mill

Gazzaniga - 1mill

Osvaldo - 10mill

Ramirez - 10mill

 

In:

Pato - 12mill

Papadopoulus 8mill

Ter Stegen 7mill

Chamberlain 10mill

Rhodes 6mill

 

-------------------Stegen

 

Chambers-----Lovren----Papadopoulus-----Shaw

 

---------------Cork-----Schneiderlin

 

Chamberlain--------Lallana-------------Rodriguez

 

-------------------Pato

 

 

Edit: Oh yeah, Rodriguez is knackered. Maybe Lallana back on the wing until he's fit or something then, Lambert in the middle

 

:lol:

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In - 48 - 38m

 

GK Schmeichel/Marshall (free/5mil)

CB Caulker/Mancienne/Shawcross (6millish)

MF Hughes/Redmond/daelhi/holtby (12mill/5mill)

ST Welbeck/Bony/Benteke/Lukaku (20-25m)

 

Out - 16-20m

 

Ramirez 8-10m

Osvaldo 8-10m

Sharp - Minimal

Hoovield - minimal

 

Net spend - 28-22m

 

The team will pick itself TBH

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My friend watched him all through Chelsea's pre season training - every session. He really isn't that good. Vastly over-rated.

 

He is a good player but Mourinho isnt stupid, he certainly wouldnt ship out a good player just out of spite. He isnt the finished article yet. A lot of him being sent out though I believe is because of Lukakus want for 1st team action and Mourinho not being able to provide the levels he wanted, well, that and he wanted Lukaku to work harder etc.

 

Personally I think Benteke is the better option and IMO isnt going to be overly enthralled about another season at an awefull club like Villa, Id break the bank for him.

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He is a good player but Mourinho isnt stupid, he certainly wouldnt ship out a good player just out of spite. He isnt the finished article yet. A lot of him being sent out though I believe is because of Lukakus want for 1st team action and Mourinho not being able to provide the levels he wanted, well, that and he wanted Lukaku to work harder etc.

 

Personally I think Benteke is the better option and IMO isnt going to be overly enthralled about another season at an awefull club like Villa, Id break the bank for him.

 

Agree with you. Lukaku had to stay behind after the others had finished for shooting practice - not because he wanted to but because he was told to.

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