Davis Clyne - Fonte - Yoshida - Fox Schneiderlin S. Davis - JWP Ramirez ----------------- Lallana Lambert
I have heard from a Bologna fan that Ramirez is actually most consistent in a deeper midfield role. Apparently he often sat a bit deeper for them and helped control games. When playing on the wing he would either do something great or disappear. Obviously, I reserve the right to make my own mind up about him but let's not write off his ability to tackle or his physical presence.
This lineup, Gastón must play in the middle with Lallana back on the left, prefer Mayuka to Punch. Maybe change Lambert for JRod thats all
I think Agbonlahor and Benteke (a man currently in form) will be upfront in some sort of form along with Bent for them.
-----------------Davis Clyne-----Fonte-----Yoshida-----Fox ---------Morgan-----JWP ---------------Ramirez Mayuka-----------------------Lallana ---------------Lambert Gazzaniga, Richardson, Shaw, Cork, Davis, Puncheon, Rodriguez I'm not against playing Gazzaniga. From the little I saw of him in pre-season, he looked competant if a little rusty. For a big lad and goalkeeper, his feet are excllent and his distribution is sharp. He certainly trumps Kelvin in that respect. Give him the cup match and a couple of U21 matches to gain some momentum and I think he'll be ready to step up. As for Saturday, the game need to be played through the team. The ball needs to stick and we need to play the game high up the pitch. Morgan and JWP will both work hard and Ramirez won't shirk away from his responsibilities. Puncheon has a good cross, but if the ball is played through, we really need some pace in behind, otherwise we'll just hit a brick wall when we get into the final third. We're not Barcelona, so to really penetrate we need to be a bit more simple and direct.
Rickie v Rod is a tough call. First half on Saturday there was no one in the same half of the pitch as him so he had no chance. Second half was a lot better though with Ramirez and Lallana finding him instead of Fox and Fonte. I'd start with Rickie if he's fit enough.
I would love to see us play with a 4-3-3 formation if we don't revert to 4-4-2. So for me Davis Clyne, Fonte, Yoshida, Fox Cork, Ramirez, Schneiderlin Puncheon/Mayuka, Lambert, Lallana. Stressing the importance of playing as a compact unit and not having the defence separated from the rest by hanging back. They say the best form of defence is attack but not if the front players don't work to get the ball back or at least put the opponents under pressure. Subs, Gazza, Richardson, J W-P, Seaborne/Jos, J Rod, Davis, Mayuka/Puncheon
