We might get a decision tomorrow if the powers that be decide they want to see a title race. Probably not like.
Line up for me - Willock------------Wilson------------Almiron -----Joelinton---Bruno---Longstaff---------- Burn-------Botman------Schar-----Trippier ----------------------Pope-----------------------
You want max to start? I agree with Willock in gif Longstaff, But if you want Max to start who else do you drop?
So being third, getting draws with both Manc clubs, beating Spurs and beating Chelsea not quite enough to signal our "arrival"?! I fear a L'pool repeat. 12 vs 11 tonight and a narrow defeat.
Willock did start. I guess he means it would effectively be Maxi in for Longstaff, but moving Willock across to RM?
Ah yes he did. So it’s Joelinton to move from ARM to right side of the midfield three (where he operates best) and then put ASM where Joelinton was. Kick Longstaff oot.
No not quite because they haven't yet done enough to not be rank outsiders tonight. They didn't beat City or Liverpool. ... A win tonight and they've arrived as title challengers
I don't think we are title challengers, nor should we be this soon. I'm not sure how it's possible with the likes of Wood, Murphy and Longstaff getting regular minutes. We're not far off, but we're I'd say 4 players away from a serious title challenge; left back, right sided CB, DM/CM, winger. Isak's return will take care of the striker weakness. Win tonight would be nothing short of miraculous. But I think the squad issues will let us down again. If Wood's playing or on the bench, no goal threat. If we have to bring on Murphy to find a goal, no threat. Max is unreliable. We're like most surprise packages, eventually teams start to work it out and you either have some of the best players to ensure it doesn't really matter what the opponents try and do to stop you, or you'll struggle. Almiron cutting inside is the big one, Leeds tracked that move very well and so will most teams now. We need to freshen up the left side else we'll be too easy to stop. It will be noted that Longstaff is no threat either.
Tough one to call tonight; I think Eddie will start with Longstaff because the priority will be trying to get to half time 0-0 or better. I also think Willock will be dropped for Max, because I think he'll want the counter attack and need Joelinton's work rate in the middle. Willock then at least presents a threat from the bench. I wouldn't be surprised to see an unchanged line up, mind. The big one is up front. Wood was so utterly hopeless (as usual) - given Arsenal's defence he's going to be ineffective and we need some guile (Wilson) or a surprise element (Isak) else I can't see us causing many problems.
I don't think he'll change things, aside from perhaps replacing Wood, IF Wilson is fully fit (bar any other forced changes due to injuries etc.).
I think he will put Wilson in for Wood and then the rest will be the same as the starting line up against Leeds. There is no way he will replace Longstaff. Apart from the defenders he has been logging the most minutes of any player during our unbeaten run so its obvious Howe appreciates the job he is doing in midfield.
