please log in to view this image This is it for me. I assume Evans and O'Nien will be controversial picks. I think Patterson, Ballard, Neil, Clarke and Roberts make the vast majority of peoples teams. Hume has Pembele has serious competition but he hasn't played a game so I would assume those picking him are swayed by reputation rather than performance. Cirkin, Huggins and Aji are all quality so it depends what attributes you're looking for, Aji less technical but offers more in the air, for fans who prefer a more direct style, they'll probably choose Aji.
Full backs wise, when all are fit, we’re really spoiled and I think it just depends on who you’re playing, like you said they all give different options. Ekwah v Evans is a tough one. I didn’t actually like Evans that much, until he went out injured, but the lad has been a big miss since he’s been out, the only pro is that I think it’s gave Neil a proper fast track in the middle. Can’t argue with that team though. Love Onein me, might get challenged by Seelt in the future though
Can't drag players around on my mobile. Will set mine up later when I'm on the computer. Could be an interesting thread this
Maybe something like this but to be fair looked to get Aouchiche and Ekwah in but struggled, mind this is based on current form and is obviously subject to change
In terms of ability rather than form and fitness I'd go: please log in to view this image Harsh on Huggins who has been outstanding, but a fully fit Cirkin is comfortably our best option at LB Exclusion of O9 will of course get some people talking, but I've seen enough of Seelt to decide that he's a capable option The huge assumption here is that Evans will get back AND be as good as he was. Subs bench will be loaded with good players
Couldn't edit but possibly Pritchard to support and Neil to sit Roberts and Clarke further forward. Didn't know how to make full size ha.
We’re not far off the best 11 now but it completely depends on the setup. I’m strongly in the “play a ****ing striker” group so that would be Rusyn up top with a supporting player behind of either Adil, Pritch or Jobe. With Roberts and Clarke either side (neither moved centrally at all as both are frankly woeful there). Neil and Ekwah are still our best CM pairing. Defence is interesting as we have so much cover in the full back positions. Hume and Huggins in current form. Centre halves Ballard and O’Nein, yeah he has his critics but nobody can bring the ball out of defence like 09 and that’s our style (or was…may have all changed now). Alese may be able to do the same job though with added strength.
Three battering ram CBs in a 3? I know some hate LON but he is literally made to be the ball player in a 3, not including him in that formation is negligence bordering on malpractice.
Does something like this work? Really torn on Jobe or Pritchard, Jobe edges it JUST on his height and a bit more physicality against the opposition centre half's. To be honest i could sit and do this all day and come up with different formstions and line ups and still be happy with it
The only reason i don't like this is the wingbacks are pushed further up in a 3cb this can force the wingers inside or even worse, stay wide and drop behind the wb seeking the ball. Thst said, It worked against Leeds when our best work came on the break, I think it can only work against superior opposition.
I clicked reply to say why you playing him at LB then and you edited just in time for it to say LB . Pembele came very highly rated but would be harsh on Hume and then Huggins hasn't put a foot wrong while Cirkin has been unavailable so again be harsh on him. I think Seelt is going to displace O'Nien eventually maybe a new head coach is the chance to do it?
As I said mate, I could do a fair few of these with different formations and starting 11 and be equally as happy, as I'm sure we all could. I did like how we set up against Leeds and from watching Rusyn I don't think he will be the central striker a 4231 needs, he looks much better coming in from the left. Which then puts me in 433 territory with a really fluid constantly changing front 3, but probably not including Roberts On paper we have so many options
What stands out for me is that whichever first 11 we chose we have a fantastic bench. Cirkin or Huggins. Pembele or Hume. Pritchard or Jobe. Rusyn or Mayenda. Evans or Ekwah. Onion or Alese or Seelt. Then we have to fit in the likes of Rigg, Ba or Bennette. I’m sure I've missed out a few as well. Might make a good thread for the future this Bench of ours. My contribution, Pritchard always seems to have the most influence when coming on at about 60 minutes so he would be my pick for a bencher.
It's surprising how big our squad is currently so I wouldn't be shocked to see some leave in Jan, especially if someone sticks a large enough bid in for one of the full backs. Hume, Cirkin and Huggins have been outstanding so far when involved. And we've not even seen Pembele yet! I bet Beale can't believe his luck.
When you read the posts on this thread it brings home what a good squad of talented players we have....and only one loanee. I haven't seen Pembele,so can't judge,but Hume is a starter for me,as is Huggins. In my view,he's been beyond excellent and will have to suffer a severe dip in form for Cirkin to get back in at left back. Pritch has seemed to be better coming off the bench until the Leeds match,where he was excellent from the start. I think Seelt and Aji will push Luke in the New Year....I would play Roberts ahead of Abdou,who I think is a work in progress,as is Ekwah. I'd like to see Evans back in the holding role to allow Neil to go further up the pitch where I think he can be very effective. Finally,as far as strikers go,I'm completely lost as to who if any to play there..........I'd probably stick with Jobe for the time being.
