Just wondering what anyone thinks the team will be to play the first game against either Bremen or Bilbao this weekend. I expect it to be mostly the team he will probably start the Leeds game with but as we will have another game I expect some players to be saved for the second game. Personally I think first game it will be; Davis Butterfeild, Martin, Fonte (c), Dickson Holmes, Cork, Schneiderlin, Lallana Lambert, Do Prado I think this because Martin needs the experience. Dickson for Harding because Harding still might not be 100% from his Tonsillitis (although I'm not a Doctor). Holmes on the Right because I'm pretty sure he played him there in a Friendly in Switzerland and did well in Both friendlies and will be looking to see more from him as well as gaining some match sharpness. Also, I think Guly will get the nod because I feel that when he came from Italy he had a reputation in Serie B and if I remember right Roma had been interested and I think Adkins will want him to prove to himself and the fans that he has the ability to mix it up with the big teams. Who do you think Adkins will try first?
Probs be a mix between experience and youth, so players like Reeves, Doble, Stephens might get a run out Would like to see some of the future stars get a few mins this weekend
Agree with your team except i would switch Guly for Barnard( He runs his arse off for the team). The more game time Martin can get with Fonte will be priceless so good call on that one. As for holmes, we have been very patient with him so it's time he fulfills his potential.
Same I want to see some youth involved at stage I'm 95% sure Doble and Reeves will get a run out at some time on the back of the Switzerland tour so they are clearly considered 1st team payers now.
I think with 2 45minute games, I think it's likely a couple might get 10mins, and with Doble & Reeves, maybe even a whole half
Davis Richardson-fonte-new CB-dickson --------cork--------schneiderlin----- AOC--------guly---------lallana------- -----------lambert---------------------
Unless he's changed his mind, Nigel said he would do what he did in Switzerland and have 2 different teams playing 45 min each. Obviously views this as an ordinary preseason match where winning isn't the main object.
