The Midfield 3 - who plays?

[Lallana's Left Peg]

This is a position of strength for us and one where Koeman has a dilemma. I don't know enough about his system to be aware of the role of each central midfielder, but it is clear thus far that we will play with three central midfielders in his formation.

 

So who gets the nod assuming we start the season with these players available:

 

Wanyama

Schneiderlin

Cork

Davis

Ward-Prowse

Reed

Taidar

 

Wanyama and Schneiderlin must start you would assume. When Cork also played with these two towards the end of last season we were impressive defensively but had nothing going forward. Davis has been a great player for us and can operate a little further forward as well but can he create enough himself? Ward-Prowse seems to be primed to have a break-out season but will he start enough? And I assume Taidar won't be joining to warm the bench.

 

All will get games as the season wears on due to injury and suspension and it is a nice problem to have but who do we think Koeman will give the nod to?

[North Wilts Saint]

What about Gaston ? If fit the advanced middle of the three that seems to be pushed forward more (on evidence I've seen in pre-season) could be ideal for him ? Davis I see more in the "front three"

[Chez]

hope it is relevant, but Morgan, Wanyama and Cork together didn't work IMO. Morgan seemed redundant and Cork a little lost. As was the case last season, a hard decision must be made by the manager between players, although with a weaker back line, maybe they will need extra cover. If we do that though the attack will suffer. Tough choices.

[buctootim]

Morgan, Wanyama and Cork together didn't work IMO. Morgan seemed redundant and Cork a little lost.

 

I never really understood the Wanyama signing as Schneiderlin, he and Cork are too similar - you dont need more than one of them in a team unless you are playing very defensively. If this season the team is playing more offensively surely either Schneiderlin or Cork must be off?

[L1Minus10]

Wanyama - Taider - Ward-Prowse

 

Morgan won't be here, Cork on the bench

[positivepete]

In the Brighton game we only operated with one holding midfield player, Wanyama, with Cork coming on to take his place. Davis and Ward-Prowse operated further forward with Tadic coming inside to play as a number 10 to make a diamond midfield. If this is going to be the shape going forward it will be interesting as to who will start where.