The 3-5-2 didn't work against either of those teams. We were heavily beaten by Palace and beaten by Cardiff playing 3-5-2. It's only when we switched to 4-4-2 on the last day that we saw some more positive football.
Apart from one, I think the team is pretty much nailed on for Sunday McGregor Elmo Chester Davies Figueroa Meyler Huddelstone Koren/Livermore (I think it will be Koren just because Livermore hasn't had enough time yet) Brady Aluko Graham
I just think throwing one midfielder straight in after only a couple of days training with the team is okay, but putting 2 in,especially in a 3 man midfield is a risk that SB is unlikley to take. Of course, he might, but I personally think it is unlikley, and there is no question the Huddlestone will start which i why I thnk Livermore might be on the bench.
Both Livermore and Thudd will start. Bruce even said both are fully fit and ready to play. It will be in my opinion: McGregor Elmo Chester Davies Figueroa Meyler Thudd Livermore Aluko Graham/Sagbo Brady Can't choose between Graham and Sagbo to be fair.
We threw Quinniesta in after only one training session. Didn't do him too bad if I recall. He scored one, set up one and got MOTM against Bolton.
I have no issue with throwing one in, which is why I included Huddlestone, but I'm just wondering if throwing 2 straight in, in a 3 man midfield is maybe a bit too much - time will tell.
I'd agree with that. They may have trained with the squad, but they haven't played together, even in a friendly. Much more likely to use one or the other
It's a fair point PT, but I reckon we'll go for it. Livermore is too good to sit on our bench regardless of how long he's been here.
Aluko Brady Chester Davies Elmo Figueroa Graham Huddlestone Livermore McGregor Meyler There now. Much tidier.
I know what you mean, but Thudd and Livermore are our two best midfielders, and they need to be on the pitch really.
1.McGregor 5.Chester 6.Davies 3.Figueroa 27.Elmohammdy 7.Meyler 8.Huddlestone 14.Livermore 11.Brady 24.Aluko 9.Graham SUBS 2.Rosenior 10.Koren 12.Fryatt 15.McShane 17.Boyd 18.Sagbo 22.Harper
Im pretty sure thud and liv will start with quinn out Only other decider is graham or sagbo, think graham will start though
The only place that is tough to choose is the main striker. Graham or Sagbo both deserve it as much as each other.
Agreed. I'd expect SB to start both of our new signings with Meyler playing deeper in a clean up role. Sagbo or Graham will be a tough choice. I'd expect McGregor Chester Davies Figueroa Meyler Elmo Livermore Huddlestone Brady Graham Aluko Harper Rosenior McShane Dudgeon Koren Boyd Sagbo
I'm really surprised so many people are thinking we will go 3-5-2. I thought SB has said that 4-3-3 will be the more likely formation this season and with us playing it in our last few pre-season games I think it would be unlikley we would go back to 3 at the back.
You don't think we will play four at the back? I always like 4-2-3-1. Whatever formation we play that squad looks a lot better than I was expecting at the start of the transfer window.