Pre-season 2018

No, he said Celtic were rubbish playing in a rubbish league.................something like that anyway

 

Maybe he was saving his best performances for a proper team....

 

It was so nice to see so much one touch football which moved the ball so quickly through midfield meaning we were on the offensive so quickly which seemed to suit Gabby who was so dangerous

 

some bloke called Gastón Ramírez just scored the only goal against Fulham

 

Oh jesus, this alone would put a smile back on my face! No more ponderous 17 touch buildup in our own half.

So who actually played at RWB for us in the game?

Couldn't watch the game or even the twitter highlights because its blocked in my region! No idea why that should be the case for a home friendly.

 

I think it's brilliant

 

A friendly achieves its aims if all the players get some game time without getting injured, if the manager learns something about his formation and his players, and if the fans are entertained...the latter sadly not being the most important. Object achieved tonight.

 

First half it was McQueen, who got found out quite quickly that he didn’t have a right foot. Second half was Targett who was much more assured. Last 10 we switched to 4 at the back with Targett moving to LB and Reed playing RB.

 

He actually played there a fair bit for Norwich in the second half of the season.
Slotted in as injury cover and did so well he kept the first choice RB out of the side.

 

Well that was a lot better than this time last season. At least you can see Hughes had a plan unlike the imposter from the start of last season.
Thought Armstrong was very good again, big upgrade in Davis. Always looking to go forward, not sideways backwards. Gabby seemed to be more in the game having a player like Armstrong always looking for his runs.
Back 3 worries me a bit as all 3 have the turning speed of oil tankers. Would be tempted to put Bertie in back 3 and Targett as left WB as he was also good when came on.
Romeu, Long, McQueen, Davis no longer starters imho.
Pierre was very good, and don’t think it will be long before Gunn claims the number 1 jersey. RWB a massive worry if Cedric gets injured or loses form.

 

Biggest risk I can see is playing Hoedt at CB, for someone so physically big he loses a lot of headers and is ponderous on the ball.

Vestergaard and Bednarek look much calmer and Stephens came on and looked solid too.

Nice to see Saints playing positively.... Gabbi looked very hungry, lots of nice touches, dropped a little too deep sometimes, but thinking positively about the season.

 

Was that as a wingback too rather than part of a four?

Interesting if so, though I thought Valery was supposed to be highly rated, has he had any gametime?

 

Didn't know that, it might explain why Valery has not been in around the first team as maybe MH thinks Reed is a useful back up to Cedric.

 

It will be interesting to see if he goes for Beddy or Hoedt, assuming Maya and Vestegaard will both start. Reckon I'd start with Beddy personally.

 

Back four, though I think he showed enough versatility to suggest he could work as a wing back. Could be worth a shout.
In fairness to Reed, I think he needs the game time and if we can't give it to him, he may have to move on. Personally I think he's a cracking player with lots of potential. He looked good for Norwich and from what I've heard they would love to have him back.

I think Valery played one of the China friendlies and looked quite good bust hasn't featured since. Happy to be corrected on that.

 

Yeah I was very much expecting him to move on this Summer tbh, Norwich would be a good club for him too.

 

I agree and I also thought Stephens looked assured on the ball too. I imagine Hoedt is liked due to him being able to play on the left side, however he is still too rash for me.

 

My starting 11 for Burnley:-
McCarthy
Bednarek / Vest / Bertrand
Cedric. Targett
Pierre. Lemina
Armstrong
Gabby. Austin

 

It certainly seemed to click for him there last season. Mates of mine here were delighted when we stayed up because they thought it meant they would definitely get him back.

 

Probably about team for a 'team for' thread isn't it?