As centre backs don't do a lot I'd keep the same 3. Lemina, Cedric, Bertrand, Hoedt, Long and JWP all started against City last time out, so no. (I'm ignoring the fact that Højbjerg played the 90 minutes because he's our best player) and let's not break Danny Valery, Bednarek, Vestergaard, Yosh, Targett Højbjerg, Romeu Elyounoussi, Austin, Armstrong (in no particular left/right order)
Can't say how glad I am to see Fernandinho out. Disagree it's a good time to play you as think you will be out with a point to prove. Can't be worse than the return though, right?
There is the thing where Man City play Liverpool four days after this. That one is even mustier win than this. A good tactic would be to watch what Crystal Palace and Leicester did, and then do that. Including the bit where you score a long range goal out of nowhere.
Mac Valery-Bednarek-Yoshie-Vestergaard-Targett PEH-Romeu JWP-Ings-Redz Subs Gunn-Cedric-Stephens-Lamina-Davis-Long-Austin
Valery and Targett looked so tired against WHam, if Cedric's fit I'd play him. I can see him going with all 3 CMs and trying to hit on the break McCarthy Cedric Bednarek Vestegaard Yoshida Targett Romeu Lemina Hojbjerg Redmond Long Subs: Gunn, Stephens, Valery, JWP, Austin, Ings, Armstrong
If Cedric or Bertrand are fit, they go in no brainer. Pierre likewise. I'd probably go for Long both to rest Ings and let Shane run around a lot and see if something bounces of him favourably. If Armstrong and Rom are a bit leggy, JWP and Davis in. Redmond kept in unless very tired and then rotated against Chelsea I think. Then in terms of more spicy changes, maybe Obafemi and Long as two of the three and try and kill them with running. Screw it throw Tyreke Johnson in for funzies. And I'd give JWP strong consideration at RWB if Cedric isn't a go. Maybe even if he was. Think in general we're going to have to live with the fact that we're going to get played around a bit, just have to try and give a foot to save a yard and hold the fort (I have no visions of Aguero finding open space in our box to simply convert a cross. None whatsoever...). So focus has to be on physical and mental endurance. If we have to put out players who haven't had a look in to get that, so be it. Next two are bonus games, so give a few chances to impress and put out the 11 that are gonna be able to give you 90 minutes of high effort and drive. *EDIT* Oh and maybe Stephens in for the big Danish scapegoat. Just for match-up reasons and to give Stephens a chance to impress. But that rather depends on how deep we plan to stay, if we're going to set up shop just outside our box and counter, leave the CBs as is and hope Vestergaard doesn't get isolated by whichever of the 11 tricky fast players City put out. And come to think of it, if Cedric is fit but Bertie not, maybe JWP on the right and Cedric on the left. Then just play for free kicks and hope the combined voodoo of 'Cedric the lethal left back' and 'due one' Ward-Prowse gets us a goal. Or two. I'm not greedy.
Very much in favour of this. Best time to test the youngsters against City and Chelsea. Nothing to lose, baptism of fire and keeping important players fresh. Give us a good picture going into January. And we know we'll get running and determination from them all game. Throw a couple of borderline outcasts in too if they're showing the right attitude in training. There have been several times in the last couple years where I felt like if we just threw out 11 academy graduates we'd be in better shape than we were at the time. Maybe not quite such desperate times now, in some senses, but let's get the academy working for us again. Technical and physical ability aside, the shining quality of our products is always in their mental application (when your problem child is Luke Shaw because he's a bit dim and has a few of the average young male bad habits, you know you're in good shape) and we're never going to outclass City and Chelsea but we can outrun them and 'want it more', and then see if we get a favourable bounce or two. Plus it's just better to watch our own lads... Even if it means endless 'one of our own' chants...
“It’s not about being happy, it’s about being successful,” he insisted. “At the moment the only goal is to be successful.“ Still loving Ralph in defeat Perhaps after four defeats in a row, these words will lose their shine It could be a simple case of Cedric being off in January, but if he isn’t I think snubbing him for a bit is the right course of action. He’s pretty much been unopposed in the squad for two years and his performance levels have slowly dipped. If opportunities are being given to youngsters then I would be pleased to see Slattery, Ferry or O’Connor in the mix
Well Ralph’s certainly building an environment of competition and opportunity which is good. Changes will obviously be made for anyone that’s tired, not fit or not giving 100%. If Mario still unwell will be replaced by PEH. Stephens may come in if Maya is tired. Desperate to see Sam back soon. I hope Ralph can get Targett playing with less fear as his crossing is awesome but rest of his game with the ball less so
