Strong starting line up (except for Djenepo at LWB). Do you think this is close to his preferred shape and first 11?
Perraud and Tino are injured so hasn't got much choice at full back. And yes, I think we will be playing this shape at Spurs.
No idea why there are only 6 subs. Expect Walcott and Redmond are still injured. It is not clear what has happened to Stephens, Tella and Valery. Smallbone is gone as well I would expect this will be pretty much the team for the first game barring injuries except probably with Adams up front. Unless we get the right back cover in before then and move KWP over
I saw something about this shape being due to the full back issue (mainly the Perraud injury). Whether that is specifically because of him or expressing pessimism at getting the loan cover in before the first game - I am not sure
With Lavia looking like he can cover adequately for our DMs, I wonder if we shouldn't experiment with JWP at RWB (KWP switch to left), to utilise his crossing ability, or up as a 10, behind the striker. Should get a lot more shooting chances like that. Stuie, JWP and Aribo behind the striker sounds quite tasty.
There's only 6 subs because Ralph wants to treat this as a PL match so doesn't want to change the entire side. By only naming 6 subs he will only make 5 outfield changes, which is what you're allowed in the PL.
Looks like 3 CB's is Ralph's formation of choice at the moment. Not a fan personally as we are already light going forwards. I'd also think if we plan on starting 3 CBs we need to bring another in this window even if we keep Bednarek.
Weird but if this is the case it demonstrates where some people are in the pecking order. Most notably Stephens seemingly being behind Lyanco, And Redmond being down the list as well (although he has had fitness issues). We were all aware of where Walcott and Valery stood already
Ralph throwing shapes. I’m still expecting us to default to 4-2-2-2 in evenly matched games when we’re all up to speed but it’s interesting to see the changes.
Nearly 1-0. Lovely lifted through ball from Stu, great to see Aribo running in behind. Watford's GK did well to smother that lob.
Couple of first-half photos. Credit: Matthew Temple please log in to view this image please log in to view this image
