Burnley Build up

[Saint Garrett]

Hughes will go with....

 

McCarthy,

;

Targett Yoshida Vestergaard Hoedt Bertrand;

Romeu Hojbjerg

Armstrong

Gabbiadini

Austin

 

(Hopefully!!! No Lemina (lazy cnt), obviously Cedric if not AWOL! Ideally not Austin but he’s **** but no one else. Possibly Elyounoussi in behind Gabbi?

 

Please be better than the waste of an afternoon yesterday...I’m going to be horribly hungover

[woodsaint]

Cant see Hughes turning his back on the 352 after employing it most of pre-season. In which case

 

McCarthy

 

Yoshida Vestergaard Hoedt

 

Targett Lemina Hojbjerg Bertrand

 

Armstrong

 

Gabbiadini Austin

 

Would rather see us return to 4231 to make better use of our attackers

 

McCarthy

 

Targett Yoshida Vestergaard Bertrand

 

Lemina Hojbjerg

 

Redmond Armstrong Elyonnoussi

 

Gabbiadini

[striker]

I think Hughes sticks with the same starting lineup as Borussia, with the possible exception of Yoshi, and just goes back to the more basic 3-5-2 where the wingers stay back more on D (like the previous 2 matches). I think he just chalks up Borussia to a failed experiment.

[Roo1976]

Cant see Hughes turning his back on the 352 after employing it most of pre-season. In which case

 

McCarthy

 

Yoshida Vestergaard Hoedt

 

Targett Lemina Hojbjerg Bertrand

 

Armstrong

 

Gabbiadini Austin

 

Would rather see us return to 4231 to make better use of our attackers

 

McCarthy

 

Targett Yoshida Vestergaard Bertrand

 

Lemina Hojbjerg

 

Redmond Armstrong Elyonnoussi

 

Gabbiadini

 

I like your 4-2-3-1 ........4 attacking minded players and quick for the counter.

[Adkins' Bus]

If 3 at the back then:

 

McCarthy

 

Bednarek Vestergaard Yoshida

 

Targett Romeu Hojbjerg Bertrand

 

Armstrong Redmond

 

Gabbiadini

 

I would rather go for 4-3-3:

 

McCarthy

 

Stephens Vestergaard Yoshida Bertrand

 

Romeu Hojbjerg

 

Redmond Armstrong Elyonnoussi

 

Gabbiadini

[Shroppie]

God I'd like an attacking manager with some common sense again. Feels like it's been an eternity now.

 

We're going to play a back 3 and pack the midfield at home to Burnley. I mean fcking hell.

 

Can bang on about signings all you want, but for 2 years our club has been a mess of changing formations, line ups, out of position players and complete incoherence.

 

Now, it's first game time and Hughes doesn't know his best team, AGAIN. Everyone has been in and out the team, again. They don't seem to know their roles, again.

 

Each time we play 2 up front, without fail social media is full of saints fans rejoicing that we will now score many goals. Each time, we fail to create anything and get stuffed.

 

Our only real creative players are Mo, Redmond, JWP and Sims at the moment. We need to play 2 of them at least but it doesn't fit in a 352.

 

Back 4 means we're down to Yoshi and Vesterguard. 2 CBs who are way more reliable than the others and can form a partnership. Why can't we do that? Otherwise it's the clown show back 3 each week and a disjointed team in front.

 

Also expecting Gunn to replace McCarthy within the first 10 games.

 

Pretty well sums up the way I feel too.

 

Three at the back requires mobile, pacy defenders who can cover wide since the FBs need to push up. Yoshida can do that, maybe Stephens, so those two plus Vestergaard might just do it.

 

But I agree that Yoshida and Vestergaard in a four, allowing DM cover and a space for a creative AM looks better.

 

I'd be very happy to see something like

 

McCarthy (agree Gunn soon)

Cedric/Targett Yoshida Vestergaard Bertrand

Romeu Hojbjerg

Three from Elyounoussi, JWP, Armstrong, Redmond, Sims

Gabbiadini (Austin too static, Long too wasteful, Gallagher possible but maybe not yet)

 

Please not Hoedt, Bednarek and Vestergaard

 

Please not two strikers, isolated.

 

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[Convict Colony]

I'd suggest Armstrong is going to be creative for us

[pimpin4rizeal]

Pretty well sums up the way I feel too.

 

Three at the back requires mobile, pacy defenders who can cover wide since the FBs need to push up. Yoshida can do that, maybe Stephens, so those two plus Vestergaard might just do it.

 

But I agree that Yoshida and Vestergaard in a four, allowing DM cover and a space for a creative AM looks better.

 

I'd be very happy to see something like

 

McCarthy (agree Gunn soon)

Cedric/Targett Yoshida Vestergaard Bertrand

Romeu Hojbjerg

Three from Elyounoussi, JWP, Armstrong, Redmond, Sims

Gabbiadini (Austin too static, Long too wasteful, Gallagher possible but maybe not yet)

 

Please not Hoedt, Bednarek and Vestergaard

 

Please not two strikers, isolated.

 

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actually think the 3-5-2 can work well against burnley if we use mo and armstrong as more attacking cms behind gabbi and austin. should be a game where we have more of the posession whilst they park the bus.

 

tbh cant see how playing two strikers is as isolated as the one up front we played last year. think the two up top will benefit gabbiadini a lot more then when he was used as a lone striker and we all seemed to do was get crosses in from the wings

[Shroppie]

I'd suggest Armstrong is going to be creative for us

Hopefully, yes.

 

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[Shroppie]

actually think the 3-5-2 can work well against burnley if we use mo and armstrong as more attacking cms behind gabbi and austin. should be a game where we have more of the posession whilst they park the bus.

 

tbh cant see how playing two strikers is as isolated as the one up front we played last year. think the two up top will benefit gabbiadini a lot more then when he was used as a lone striker and we all seemed to do was get crosses in from the wings

With one striker, it doesn't mean you don't have anyone else getting into goal-scoring positions. Our problem last season was that the midfield were so drilled in the defence first philosophy that they didn't get into the box or make runs in support of the striker.

 

We saw last Wednesday that Armstrong, Elyounoussi and JWP can get into those positions when they're encouraged to. If we're well on top Elyounoussi can be a second striker. That to me is better than needing Austin to move and create for his strike partner - he just doesn't do it.

 

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[Saint Garrett]

3-5-2

McCarthy

Yoshida Vestgaard Bertrand

Cedric Romeu Hoijberg Targett

Armstrong

Elyounoussi

Gabbiadini

 

4-3-3

McCarthy

Cedric Yoshida Vestergaard Bertrand

Romeu Hojbjerg

Armstrong

Elyounoussi Redmond

Gabbiadini

[Shroppie]

3-5-2

McCarthy

Yoshida Vestgaard Bertrand

Cedric Romeu Hoijberg Targett

Armstrong

Elyounoussi

Gabbiadini

 

4-3-3

McCarthy

Cedric Yoshida Vestergaard Bertrand

Romeu Hojbjerg

Armstrong

Elyounoussi Redmond

Gabbiadini

I'd buy either of those, but prefer the 433. Would also hope JWP would get some time.

 

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[Saint Garrett]

I'd buy either of those, but prefer the 433. Would also hope JWP would get some time.

 

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Yup - I'd actually be tempted to give Prowsey a go in the middle, the other three look largely out of form, Lemina just CBA.

 

Just going from Pre-season though I can't see that happening. Will be interesting to see what happens with the RWB situation while Cedric is awol.

[suewhistle]

With one striker, it doesn't mean you don't have anyone else getting into goal-scoring positions. Our problem last season was that the midfield were so drilled in the defence first philosophy that they didn't get into the box or make runs in support of the striker.

 

I'd agree, and also last season whoever played up front couldn't hold the ball up like players we've had in the past. So the midfield played more withdrawn than closer in support as they didn't want to get caught out when the ball was lost again.

[Shroppie]

I'd agree, and also last season whoever played up front couldn't hold the ball up like players we've had in the past. So the midfield played more withdrawn than closer in support as they didn't want to get caught out when the ball was lost again.

True. And Austin isn't good at holding the ball up - it rarely sticks. Even Long is better. Haven't seen enough of Gallagher to judge how he'd fare in the lone role, but I was surprised and impressed with the way Gabbi held the ball and took pressure off us towards the end of the Swansea game last season. Not only did he score the crucial goal, he really helped protect it.

 

That's why I think he's head and shoulders above the others - mobile, intelligent, normally sharp when he gets a chance and able to link with the midfield. If he can get an understanding with Elyounoussi, Armstrong, JWP he'll be the key to unlocking defences.

 

 

 

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[CWD]

I really hope we go with a 4-3-3. it'll set the right tone for the season and will minimise the great pace black hole we have in the centre of defence. I'm assuming Cedric wont be anywhere near fit so it'll likely be one of McQueen or Targett filling in. Although I guess Stephens could still do a job there, and Bednarek has played there too i think.

 

------------------- Macca ------------------

 

Targett - Vestegaard - Yoshida - Bertrand

 

------ Lemina ----------- Romeu ----------

 

---------------- Armstrong ----------------

 

Gabbi ---------- Austin ---------- Redmond

 

Or something like that. I've no idea who makes up the best team at the moment. I still think Austin has to play because he's our only consistent finisher.

[VectisSaint]

3-5-2

McCarthy

Yoshida Vestgaard Bertrand

Cedric Romeu Hoijberg Targett

Armstrong

Elyounoussi

Gabbiadini

 

4-3-3

McCarthy

Cedric Yoshida Vestergaard Bertrand

Romeu Hojbjerg

Armstrong

Elyounoussi Redmond

Gabbiadini

Prett clear to me that Cedric will not play v Burnley (if he ever plays for us again). He's not back yet and if the reason for his absence is to be believed he is suffering from some seriousish stomach problem, so likely not to have done much in the way of training anyway.

Hughes will play a back 3, and I think it will be Stephens, Vestergaard, Hoedt, I would prefer it to be Yoshida instead of Hoedt but suspect Yoshi will not be ready to start this one. Targett to play RWB in the absence of Cedric (pity we don't recall Pied, he is still looking for a club as far as I can see and his fitness training looks impressive, he may not be the greatest wing back but think he suits Hughes system better than MoPe's). Midfield Romeu, Davis, Armstrong, with Gabbi and Austin "up front"

[Nordic Saint]

Prett clear to me that Cedric will not play v Burnley (if he ever plays for us again). He's not back yet and if the reason for his absence is to be believed he is suffering from some seriousish stomach problem, so likely not to have done much in the way of training anyway.

Hughes will play a back 3, and I think it will be Stephens, Vestergaard, Hoedt, I would prefer it to be Yoshida instead of Hoedt but suspect Yoshi will not be ready to start this one. Targett to play RWB in the absence of Cedric (pity we don't recall Pied, he is still looking for a club as far as I can see and his fitness training looks impressive, he may not be the greatest wing back but think he suits Hughes system better than MoPe's). Midfield Romeu, Davis, Armstrong, with Gabbi and Austin "up front"

 

Yoshida looked the fittest Saints player on the pitch when he came on so he is definitely ready.

 

Gunn

Targett

Stephens

Yoshida

Bertrand

Romeu

Hojbjerg

Armstrong

Elyounoussi

Austin

Gabbiadini

[John Boy Saint]

Those of you who haven't already used their seats pre season, take something with you to wipe your seat before sitting down. Especially if you are going somewhere else afterwards and looking a bit tidy.

Wednesday night ours were the filthiest we had ever seen them at the start of a season.......proper write your name in dirty.

[Saint86]

On the basis that we are sticking with this 3-5-2 malarkey, my team is as follows:

 

.......................Alex....................

 

..Matt T Bedna Yoshi Vesty Bert..

 

...............Hoj........... JWP...........

 

..................Armstrong................

 

..................Ely Gabbi.................

 

But I would go for a 4-3-3 and with Yoshi and Bedna at the back.

[Simon3737]

IMHO:

 

---------------------------McCarthy-----------------------

 

Stephens-----Vestergaard-----Yoshida---------Bertrand

(Targett) (Stephens)

 

-----------------Romeu---------Hojbjerg-----------------

 

--Ward-Prowse--------Armstrong--------Elyounoussi--

 

------------------------Gabbiadini-----------------------

 

I’m assuming Cedric won’t be available (although I notice he’s now got his photo in the new kit on the OS so I’m hoping the rumours are unfounded).

 

If Yoshida isn’t ready to start yet, I’d pick Stephens as we need one centre half with some pace (big guy/quick guy combo). Otherwise, I’d like to Stephens tried at right back. I think he could be decent there.

 

I think we need a midfield to create chances and I’m hoping this is it. JWP is a hard worker defensively too.

 

Saints 3 - 0 Burnley. Easy!

[Saint Garrett]

IMHO:

 

---------------------------McCarthy-----------------------

 

Stephens-----Vestergaard-----Yoshida---------Bertrand

(Targett) (Stephens)

 

-----------------Romeu---------Hojbjerg-----------------

 

--Ward-Prowse--------Armstrong--------Elyounoussi--

 

------------------------Gabbiadini-----------------------

 

I’m assuming Cedric won’t be available (although I notice he’s now got his photo in the new kit on the OS so I’m hoping the rumours are unfounded).

 

If Yoshida isn’t ready to start yet, I’d pick Stephens as we need one centre half with some pace (big guy/quick guy combo). Otherwise, I’d like to Stephens tried at right back. I think he could be decent there.

 

I think we need a midfield to create chances and I’m hoping this is it. JWP is a hard worker defensively too.

 

Saints 3 - 0 Burnley. Easy!

 

What rumours? Only thing I have seen is people wondering where he is as wasn't involved at the weekend and hasn't been in training. Haven't actually been any rumours of him leaving.

[BARCELONASAINT]

My head is telling me to keep calm and pre-season means nothing and to ignore the abject performances and our invisible defence.

 

However my heart is telling me Hughes doesn't have a clue when it comes to coaching defenders and nothing has improved from last season.

 

I really really hope i'm wrong but I think we will lose Sunday because having watched the pre-season games I can see no improvement and some players actually look to have got worse which to me is a damming indictment about Hughes as a manager and motivator.

 

Please don't get me wrong, i'm not bashing the club or Hughes that's not my style.....this is my honest opinion of how I see things and it frightens me.

[captainchris]

IMHO:

 

---------------------------McCarthy-----------------------

 

Stephens-----Vestergaard-----Yoshida---------Bertrand

(Targett) (Stephens)

 

-----------------Romeu---------Hojbjerg-----------------

 

--Ward-Prowse--------Armstrong--------Elyounoussi--

 

------------------------Gabbiadini-----------------------

 

I’m assuming Cedric won’t be available (although I notice he’s now got his photo in the new kit on the OS so I’m hoping the rumours are unfounded).

 

If Yoshida isn’t ready to start yet, I’d pick Stephens as we need one centre half with some pace (big guy/quick guy combo). Otherwise, I’d like to Stephens tried at right back. I think he could be decent there.

 

I think we need a midfield to create chances and I’m hoping this is it. JWP is a hard worker defensively too.

 

Saints 3 - 0 Burnley. Easy!

 

Agree with a lot of this... Not sure Romeu is good enough to be honest but JPW should be starting....

[Rebel]

Lets abandon the comedy of errors that is 3 at the back and 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 formation and go back to 4-3-3 or a variant of it with a a back 4 and Romeu as a the holding midfielder shielding the defence. I think Yoshida and Verstergaard will actually make a good partnership.

 

Cedric will either be gone or at least not ready to play so its Jack Stephens at right back for me - and its probably his best position anyway.

 

Armstrong can provide the creativity in midfield - and hopefully some goals - and Hojberg the energy and running.

 

Long to provide the pace and movement up front we need - creating the space for Gabbi to make the intelligent runs and find the holes to pop up in and score. Moi to provide pace and creativity as well as some width.

 

 

 

------------------- Macca ------------------

 

Stephens - Vestegaard - Yoshida - Bertrand

 

------ ---------- Romeu -----------------

 

------Armstrong ------Hojberg----------

 

Gabbi --------------------- Elyanoussi

 

------------- ---- Long ----------------

[Shroppie]

IMHO:

 

---------------------------McCarthy-----------------------

 

Stephens-----Vestergaard-----Yoshida---------Bertrand

(Targett) (Stephens)

 

-----------------Romeu---------Hojbjerg-----------------

 

--Ward-Prowse--------Armstrong--------Elyounoussi--

 

------------------------Gabbiadini-----------------------

 

I’m assuming Cedric won’t be available (although I notice he’s now got his photo in the new kit on the OS so I’m hoping the rumours are unfounded).

 

If Yoshida isn’t ready to start yet, I’d pick Stephens as we need one centre half with some pace (big guy/quick guy combo). Otherwise, I’d like to Stephens tried at right back. I think he could be decent there.

 

I think we need a midfield to create chances and I’m hoping this is it. JWP is a hard worker defensively too.

 

Saints 3 - 0 Burnley. Easy!

That's pretty much the team I'd go with too.

 

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[Saint Albert]

True. And Austin isn't good at holding the ball up - it rarely sticks. Even Long is better. Haven't seen enough of Gallagher to judge how he'd fare in the lone role, but I was surprised and impressed with the way Gabbi held the ball and took pressure off us towards the end of the Swansea game last season. Not only did he score the crucial goal, he really helped protect it.

 

That's why I think he's head and shoulders above the others - mobile, intelligent, normally sharp when he gets a chance and able to link with the midfield. If he can get an understanding with Elyounoussi, Armstrong, JWP he'll be the key to unlocking defences.

 

 

 

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Couldn’t agree more re Gabbiadini. I hope Hughes starts him on Sunday, and gives him a run of games to cement his understanding with Moi and Armstrong. I’m making a bit of an assumption that Moi will be starting, though.

[suewhistle]

I've just watched the highlights from the weekend on the OS. Ouch..

 

Much as our defence looked out of sorts and slow I'd echo what somebody else said on here, quoting some neutral visiting coach, I believe. The midfield really didn't stop them having a free run at the defence and having time to pick out their passes (and shoot long range). I think it was the shot, but there were four defenders at the back, Targett correctly stepping up to make the line, but nobody closing down the shot. That should have been a midfielder's task.

 

Ho hum, I'm still looking forward to Sunday (but cautiously LOL).

[fez]

Betfair odds: Saints to win 1.86, Burnley 5.4. Presumably punters are factoring in Burnley's only getting back on Friday from a (hopefully) gruelling trip to Turkey

[DT]

Cedric's stomach problem. Is it a selling Cedric problem?

[MilwaukeeSaint]

Regardless of what happened Saturday, I could not be more excited for this! I'm going to say 2-0 (Austin, Armstrong)!

[Heisenberg]

Betfair odds: Saints to win 1.86, Burnley 5.4. Presumably punters are factoring in Burnley's only getting back on Friday from a (hopefully) gruelling trip to Turkey

 

That will definitely help. Been proven time n time again the impact of Europe on small squads especially

 

They don't have strength in depth to rotate

[the saint in winchester]

I've just watched the highlights from the weekend on the OS. Ouch..

 

Much as our defence looked out of sorts and slow I'd echo what somebody else said on here, quoting some neutral visiting coach, I believe. The midfield really didn't stop them having a free run at the defence and having time to pick out their passes (and shoot long range). I think it was the shot, but there were four defenders at the back, Targett correctly stepping up to make the line, but nobody closing down the shot. That should have been a midfielder's task.

 

Ho hum, I'm still looking forward to Sunday (but cautiously LOL).

 

That was me. My work colleague Matt coaches kids soccer and his comment was the midfielders didn't do their job. They seemed to see themselves as either attackers or defenders and left 50 yards of the pitch available. No challenge made until 20 yards out, and by then they raided mobhanded. He did give honourable mentions to "the tall lad you brought on at the end" (Gallagher) and the little redheaded fella who was on the right (Harrison Reed? could be Matt Targett?)

Yes, it's only pre-season but we should be getting the basics in place by now.

[woodsaint]

That was me. My work colleague Matt coaches kids soccer and his comment was the midfielders didn't do their job. They seemed to see themselves as either attackers or defenders and left 50 yards of the pitch available. No challenge made until 20 yards out, and by then they raided mobhanded. He did give honourable mentions to "the tall lad you brought on at the end" (Gallagher) and the little redheaded fella who was on the right (Harrison Reed? could be Matt Targett?)

Yes, it's only pre-season but we should be getting the basics in place by now.

 

100% agree. Defence were left exposed on a number of occasions with attacking midfielders free to run at our back three. Romeu looks like his legs have gone and wont recover the form he had two years ago. Lemina and Hojbjerg are workman like midfielders but not defensive minded and tend to leave big spaces in behind. We never replaced Wanyama, the type who is just happy to break play up and sit/protect the defence. A player like this also makes it easier to play a back four and utilise more attack minded players

[benjii]

It's fine to say the midfield didn't do it's job - and quite possibly true - but we got cut open by a goalkick on one occasion with the back line all over the place.

 

The fact is, Yoshida has gone from third or fourth choice centre back to being on of our best players (not just at CB but in the whole team!). We have a serious lack of quality coupled with a lack of fighters and leaders.

[saint77]

That was me. My work colleague Matt coaches kids soccer and his comment was the midfielders didn't do their job. They seemed to see themselves as either attackers or defenders and left 50 yards of the pitch available. No challenge made until 20 yards out, and by then they raided mobhanded. He did give honourable mentions to "the tall lad you brought on at the end" (Gallagher) and the little redheaded fella who was on the right (Harrison Reed? could be Matt Targett?)

Yes, it's only pre-season but we should be getting the basics in place by now.

 

didn't think Gallagher or Reed played on Saturday ??

[the saint in winchester]

didn't think Gallagher or Reed played on Saturday ??

 

They didn't. The comment was related to the Celta Vigo game he went to.

[Micky]

It's fine to say the midfield didn't do it's job - and quite possibly true - but we got cut open by a goalkick on one occasion with the back line all over the place.

 

The fact is, Yoshida has gone from third or fourth choice centre back to being on of our best players (not just at CB but in the whole team!). We have a serious lack of quality coupled with a lack of fighters and leaders.

 

Yeah that was quite embarrassing to be honest. Not least because, 5 minutes before that, their goalkeeper kicked it out of his hands, straight over the top completely bypassing our defence. As you say, he then kicked if off the floor, straight over the top to their attacker, who but for a good save by Alec, would've scored.

 

At this level, that should just never happen,l I wonder what Jan was thinking at that point.

[John B]

Yeah that was quite embarrassing to be honest. Not least because, 5 minutes before that, their goalkeeper kicked it out of his hands, straight over the top completely bypassing our defence. As you say, he then kicked if off the floor, straight over the top to their attacker, who but for a good save by Alec, would've scored.

 

At this level, that should just never happen,l I wonder what Jan was thinking at that point.

 

Don't you think it is a good job footballers make mistakes otherwise games would finish 0 0

[Micky]

Don't you think it is a good job footballers make mistakes otherwise games would finish 0 0

Yeah it's really good, but not that great when it's the same 3 players, making the same mistake, for the second time in 10 - 15 minutes.

 

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[John B]

Yeah it's really good, but not that great when it's the same 3 players, making the same mistake, for the second time in 10 - 15 minutes.

 

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Really

 

What do you think should be done the players must be pretty good to play in the PL and earning Millions of £s every year

[Micky]

Really

 

What do you think should be done the players must be pretty good to play in the PL and earning Millions of £s every year

I think they should train harder and get paid less.

 

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[hackedoff]

Burnley will have less quality than us (by that I mean players that cost less and get paid less)

 

They will however have a better team spirit, organisation, determination and winning mentality.

 

Can see a 3-1 Burnley win

 

Could not agree more. Unfortunately it seems the only way to really fix this is to rebuild from a lower base,like we did from league 1.

[saint1977]

Really

 

What do you think should be done the players must be pretty good to play in the PL and earning Millions of £s every year

 

For me, it’s not that every player they are signing is awful but there are differences between decent players on paper, an environment that gets the best out of them and also a balanced squad of qualities. We’ve addressed the issue in the air at the back but not mobility. We’ve not added the express pace needed that would get more out of Gabbiadini’s movement or help serve Austin. In terms of the team, they have needed to be a lot fitter and I’m still not sure they are. If you can’t have consistent PL quality across the squad, you have to be fitter and hungerier than similar sized clubs that do. The reason we shipped so many late goals last season was lack of fitness, stamina and conditioning. Judging by certain players opting out of this preseason, I don’t see this aspect changing.

[Cabrone]

Lets abandon the comedy of errors that is 3 at the back and 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 formation and go back to 4-3-3 or a variant of it with a a back 4 and Romeu as a the holding midfielder shielding the defence. I think Yoshida and Verstergaard will actually make a good partnership.

 

Cedric will either be gone or at least not ready to play so its Jack Stephens at right back for me - and its probably his best position anyway.

 

Armstrong can provide the creativity in midfield - and hopefully some goals - and Hojberg the energy and running.

 

Long to provide the pace and movement up front we need - creating the space for Gabbi to make the intelligent runs and find the holes to pop up in and score. Moi to provide pace and creativity as well as some width.

 

 

 

------------------- Macca ------------------

 

Stephens - Vestegaard - Yoshida - Bertrand

 

------ ---------- Romeu -----------------

 

------Armstrong ------Hojberg----------

 

Gabbi --------------------- Elyanoussi

 

------------- ---- Long ----------------

 

Agreed except .....

 

Lemina for Hoj (assuming Mario is fit), he's a class act and needs to be on the pitch. If he's not producing then Sparky needs to kick his butt but at the moment he's the best mid we have.

 

Also Charlie must be the spearhead. Goals win games and right now Charlie is the only one we have that is a proven scorer. Feed him and he'll produce.

[Shroppie]

 

They will however have a better team spirit, organisation, determination and winning mentality.

 

Like Hughes managed to instill with us at the end of last season?

 

Why do you think we won't still have that? Or are you basing your comment on fairly meaningless friendlies with key players missing? Or permanently embedded opinion?

 

Just possibly, having played for their status and wages at the end of last season, complacency could set in, but I can't see MH allowing that.

 

He commented that we need some real games now.

 

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[Shroppie]

Agreed except .....

 

Lemina for Hoj (assuming Mario is fit), he's a class act and needs to be on the pitch. If he's not producing then Sparky needs to kick his butt but at the moment he's the best mid we have.

 

Also Charlie must be the spearhead. Goals win games and right now Charlie is the only one we have that is a proven scorer. Feed him and he'll produce.

 

Lemina hasn't shown he's worth a stating place yet. We need midfielders who will work hard.

 

And a don't agree about Charlie. Yes, put it on a plate for him and most of the time he'll score, but otherwise he's too much of a passenger.

 

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[DT]

Lemina hasn't shown he's worth a stating place yet. We need midfielders who will work hard.

 

And a don't agree about Charlie. Yes, put it on a plate for him and most of the time he'll score, but otherwise he's too much of a passenger.

 

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I watched Charlie quite closely on the weekend. He really tried, and was zipping about the pitch, but mainly just putting a bit of pressure on, arriving a little too late. He tried numerous flicks and layoffs and I can't remember one working. He was often way too deep, and barely looked like getting into the box, where he can be effective. He looked pretty poor to me, but perhaps if the system works better for him and he is just a poacher, he could still score goals. It's just he never looked like getting close on Saturday.

[JRM]

Agreed except .....

 

Lemina for Hoj (assuming Mario is fit), he's a class act and needs to be on the pitch. If he's not producing then Sparky needs to kick his butt but at the moment he's the best mid we have.

 

Also Charlie must be the spearhead. Goals win games and right now Charlie is the only one we have that is a proven scorer. Feed him and he'll produce.

 

I think I've seen Lemina have more poor games for us than good ones. On his day clearly has potential but when he's been bad he's mistakes are costly. Semi final v Chelsea was one of the worst performances I've seen.

Hope he comes good but not sure he's earned a starting place.

[benjii]

I think I've seen Lemina have more poor games for us than good ones. On his day clearly has potential but when he's been bad he's mistakes are costly. Semi final v Chelsea was one of the worst performances I've seen.

Hope he comes good but not sure he's earned a starting place.

 

Yeah but our other midfielders make costly mistakes too. Lemina is most likely to allow us to play with forward impetus. No point picking him if he's not fit yet or still ill though.