Green,Simpson,Yun,Dunne,Onouha,Caulker,barton,Mutch,Hoilett,Remy,Austin subs Henry,Ferdinand,isla,taarabt,Faurlin,Zamora,matty philips <<gamble with no sub goalie Three new signings yet I cant fit Hill in
I think I'd agree with that neil, with two possible changes Isla for Simpson, if he's match fit Ferdinand for Dunne, if he gets 45 minutes tomorrow.
Ok, but I'd play Isla ahead of Simpson if he is fit, although feeling totally disloyal for doing so and would have no hesitation in playing Faurlin ahead of Barton (but that is a long story). I'd also play Philips ahead of Hoilett, but my mate Col would not.
A fully fit Matty Philips and Faurlin would start for me but are they?..Blimey Harry has some tough task picking 11 v Hull. I fancy us at Spurs with our squad in 2nd game,especially if we add to it.
No, you are right, and thank you for being so considerate with me. Phillips can't be fit and Ale is probably someway behind Barton in the fitness stakes. I'd still not play Barton on a matter of principle, but only Stan and a couple of other would agree with me
IF all fit and bonded, Cesar for Green, Isla for Simpson, Traore for Yun, and Adel for Hoillet from yours Neill.
This is the team I hope to see on the 16th, assuming fitness and we really are playing 3-5-2: Green (though I wouldn't be upset if Cesar played) Onuoha Ferdinand Caulker Isla Mutch Faurlin Yun Taarabt Remy Austin
I think Barton has to start after last season. He is a natural leader and love him or hate him, he doe seem to have reformed himself on the pitch (hope I don't regret saying that)
Do you not think Barton has changed Roller? My opinion of him certainly has. I am not proud of it but I was one of those that booed him off against Liverpool. Now I'm a fan of his honest endeavour and leadership skills.
It would be counterproductive to omit Joey Barton. Yes, he's been a naughty boy in the past; but his transformation last season, aided and abetted no doubt by the coaching and mentoring of Steve Black, now makes him the first name on the team sheet. If he's that bad in attitude and skill, we'd all be clambering to sell him off, ala Julio Caesar.
That would be nice Stan but I very much doubt that Harry will see it this way! I expect Traore, Barton & Hoilet to start with Dunne & Zamora as a possibility. Compare this to the side that played Bolton three years ago!
You are doubtless correct, we may see Henry as well. But it looks good on paper/ in theory....I felt the same before the Swansea game 2 seasons ago, so my expectations are well in check. This 3-5-2 is a really interesting. I am certain we are going for it for 2 reasons - firstly to provide a role for Ferdinand, to 'read' the game and secondly to play two strikers, because we saw last season how we struggle to score in a 4-5-1. Trouble is, this only works if you do it aggressively, with the wing backs bombing forward to create width, and with fast, forward passing through the team. If they go out with a 'we shall not concede attitude' it will be 5-3-2 and we will be on the back foot and under pressure constantly. And when Ferdinand is out (50% of the time I reckon) do we revert to a flat back 4, because we don't have another sweeper style player in the squad. I hope Isla teaches how to play this the Chile way - then we would be in for a very exciting season.
In complete agreement. I feel sure that a back three was the only way to accomodate Rio. I also expect us to play the system closer to a back five more often than not, but it will give us the platform to push forward when the management feel we should.
