So what team do we start with v Sunderland? I’m sure you’ve all got your own recommendations about players and formations. This is my suggestion based on a 4 5 1 Alnwick Ng Goutas McGuinness Collins Siopsis Ramsey Turnbull O’Dowda Willock Robinson
I'd be OK with that. I suppose it depends on how quickly the new 4 get match fit. Looking at your 11, there would be a strong bench, and more to come as the season progresses. I think quite a few youngsters will end up on loan now.
Hard to disagree with that. Robbo has to be given a shot up top after his pre-season showings. With the likes of Colwill, Chambers, Rino, Bagan Davies and Kanga (not to mention El Ghazi when fit) plus Etete and the young uns that have been showing well in pre-season and the end of last season, the squad really is looking stronger and better quality already. Bit early for optimism but if Erol can get them to gel then we should be in with a good shout of improving on last year's performances and finishing position. I do think it'll take a good few weeks though for things to click fully, so patience is very much going to need to be the order of the day!!
Not Horvath in goal? Is he injured? El Ghazi to come in when fit? Kanga benched to start plus Chambers. Good to have options. Plus the youngsters.
Yes lots of options plus maybe a few more coming in and we should know soon which squad members are going out on loan or even sold. Mind you our incoming signings last August inc Ramsey looked good on paper
Yes, squad numbers will be a strong hint. I've mixed feeling about loans. Id like to see a few given game time and others kept with the squad for experience and a few farmed out for game time. Luey Giles and Ronan Kpakio look real prospects and both only 17. ***an-Walcott has looked decent, but at 22 needs regular games. Still no news on Collins and Davies and their injuries.
If Davies I'd injured then I'd play Tanner and move Robinson to CF. El Ghazi is probably weeks away from a start.
It's going to be interesting to see the team that starts against Sunderland and compare it to that which starts a month later.
It's a good point. A couple will need time to get fit and a few will have flattered to deceive in pre-season and a few will grow into the more progressive style of play. There will be injuries and suspensions as well. It's why you need a squad. I'm quite enthused by the rejuvenation of Robinson, the new signings and the showing of the youngsters. My glass is half full. Fingers crossed Ng doesn't get injured. If Kpakio gets a run in the team Ng will never get back in. (And before you compare me to a certain member on here, I'm not pushing for a waste of space to play, but a talented youngster - seriously though. I would like him to remain at the club and not go out on loan, to be Ng's understudy, it would be good for his development.)
We should get a better idea of our opening day starting line up today, this being the final pre season friendly.
In an earlier interview, Bulut suggested this would be another mix and match side. I always thought that as you got closer to the start of the season you'd get closer to your first choice side, but not sure that is Erol's way. should find out soon. You'd expect the first 11 to be playing 70-80 mins if not a full game as well.
