Smallbone starting ahead of any of Downes, Lallana or Fernandes should straight up be a sackable offence in its own right. Armstrong is hopefully safely stored in Staplewood behind safety glass labelled 'Break in case of relegation'. I still think Aribo could be useful at this level though.
Here is my '**** it' line up for Arsenal which will never happen ---------------------------Ramsdale------------------------------ --Sugawara-----Bednarek-------THB----------Taylor--------- -----------------Downes-----------Lallana---------------------- ---Dibling---------------Fernandes---------------KWP-------- ------------------------------Archer------------------------------- Probably loses 6-1, but my assumption is we will lose by about 6-0 anyway so at least it might create something. The kind of thing I think RM might do based on comments after Bournemouth; -------------------------Ramsdale-------------------------- -----------Bednarek-----THB------Wood---------------- --Sugawara------------------------------------Taylor----- --------Lallana---------Downes-------Aribo-------------- -----------------Armstrong----Stewart--------------------
I know people moaned about it (me included) but I think a return to 3 CBs is the right move here. The problem with that formation is that, whilst solid at the back, we had nothing going forward. But away against Arsenal, the best we can expect is to defend well and nick a 0-0 or potentially a 1-1 if we get a little luck. If nothing else it makes it less likely we will lose by 5 or 6.
I'm sure Defoe has said in the past that Crouch was his favourite strike partner. I do think Archer would be better suited with a partner of his own, whether that be Paul or someone else. Annoyingly, whilst I've never rated Che as a PL striker, I think he could have suited Archer.
If they're such a threat from set-pieces, then it might be an idea to play Stewart from the start. He made at least 3 or 4 clearances from corners when he came on against Bompey.
