Definately this season, there's a few managers in uproar about it. Oh hell! In fairness i did put "this is what i'd like to see, replace McLean with Messi and we're good to go
Although Cairney has been better than Evans in pre-season, and is probably more likely to create chances and score goals, I'm not sure whether he fits as well in most of our formations. Evans is a little more defensive, and you can use a defensive midfielder when we are playing the likes of Brady and Koren. I'm not too sure on the defensive capabilities of McKenna, but he strikes me as somebody better when we have possession, rather than defending. As for the striker debate, I have no real preference. You probably have to start Fryatt based on his efforts last year, but depending on how it goes, I can see any two starting throughout the season. Maybe a strong partnership will appear, or we will just base the two strikers on the weaknesses of the opposition. I think all of the strikers have a different role to play, and all have different strengths, so we should always have a good option on the bench, whoever starts. A second idea for a formation, though I still prefer my first on the previous page: -------------Gulasci----------- Rosenior Chester Hobbs Dudgeon --------------Evans------------ -Koren------McKenna----Brady- -------Fryatt-----Simpson-----
Basso Rosenior Chester Hobbs Dudgeon Koren McKenna Cairney Brady Fryatt Simpson Subs: Ghoulashi, Dawson, Evans, Mclean, Adebola I'd start Simpson over Mclean as I think a full pre-season with the lads will have done him a world of good, and I just think he will score more goals. Would pick Cairney as he's been looking like a midfield general lately.
Just speaking from what i've seen in pre-season, he seems to enjoy making himself open for passes etc... almost a "Bullard-esque" role. From the Bradford game you see that he definitely has a mouth on him, vocal on the pitch etc... I like what I have seen so far, but haven't seen how well he can cope defensively. I'm not suggesting that he is poor in defence, or anything like that. Just whether we can afford to have McKenna as our only defensive midfielder.
You could say the same about McLean though. He's a goalscorer too, i know he didn't get many for us but he scored 14 in 26 (albeit in L1) for Peterborough in the first half of last season, he was always over shadowed by Mackail-Smith and rightfully so i guess but i think he deserves a crack. It's a tough one though, i honestly wouldn't mind either one starting, i'd even by ok with Dele as he's looked a decent foil for any of our strikers so far.
I'd go with: Gulasci Rosenior Chester Hobbs Dudgeon Koren Cairney Evans Brady Fryatt Simpson On the bench: Dawson, McKenna, Barmby, Devitt, Adebola
Yeah its close between them, I'm not a Mclean basher by any means as I think he has a lot to offer, just fancy Simpson slightly more at this level as he's done it before, although slow start for us.
You did say like i'll let you off , but i'm not sure Messi is much better then mclean Don't know why I got it in my head it was next but can understand why a few managers aren't happy about this I prefer 7 subs, gives a bit more flexibility
Basso Rosenior Chester Hobbs Dudgeon Koren Evans Cairney Brady Fryatt McLean Subs: Gulacsi, Dawson, McKenna, Simpson, Adebola I really have no preference on the 'keepers, but I'm fairly certain Basso has been given the No.1 shirt. Make of that what you will. I reckon we need Evans in the midfield to get a foot in and stop them playing, we might be a bit too slow without him in there, Cairney in there to be our new Bullard. Up front again I have no real preference but I can imagine this pairing would upset them a bit and if they are big and clumsy they might have an easy time dealing with Adebola so for this game I'd have him on the bench. If Ayala signs, swap him for Dawson on the bench. Thing is at this time of the season it's all guesswork, we're all just making stuff up!
That could indicate he's the number 1 keeper. Though it could just as easily be because of the 2 keepers, he's actually our player. Like you say we're just making it all up at the moment, pure speculation! That's why football's so bloody good though!
Interesting that man championship managers have been moaning about the reduction from 7 to 5 for the subs bench. SEVEN POYET HOWE HUGHTON were all on SSN yesterday saying it was a backward step. I agree. Crazy. Maybe the lower leagues 1+2 should go back to 5 but the championship stay @ 7. Afterall it is that way in the cups. My team for Blackpool (based on the squad all being fit) (maybe doubts over Hobbs Simpson and Mclean atm) --------Gulacsi--------- Rosenoir--Hobbs--Chester--Dudgeon Koren---Mckenna--Evans--Brady Fryatt--Adebola McKenna to get the nod as City need some experience in the middle of the park. subs: Basso - Dawson - Barmby - Cairney - Simpson OR Mclean subject to fitness.
We can all see what NP is building, it's clear from our selections that we're just about there - however he's clearly seeking a defensive cover before Friday as Dawson can't play CB or RB so I'd put Sonny BRADLEY on the bench.. Gulacsi Rosenior Chester Hobbs Dudgeon Koren McKenna (C) Evans Brady Fryatt Adebola subs: Basso, Bradley, Cairney, Barmby, Simpson
Gulcasi Rosenior Chester Hobbs Dudegon Koren Cairney Evans Brady Fryatt Adebola with brady and cariney on they will wanna get balls up to the big man up front, with Mclean getting a knock i dont think he will start
