I think the current rules are fine, not at all sure about five at once mind, eleven might be a better option sometimes. .
Cirkin and Alese should be extremely easy to keep happy by playing them on alternate games. They are both very good and neither deserves to lose their place. With all the games coming up in October it will keep them both fresh rather than say Cirkin playing all the games. We can also do this in lots of other positions because we have a very good group of players. Ba, Michut, Amad and Bennet all look very capable. Gooch, Hume and Huggins (when he comes back) can all be played at RB with confidence. This is a very good squad we currently have.
Near enough completed https://www.not606.com/threads/sunderland-stadium-of-light-1-10-2022.402752/#post-16173065
Made me chuckle this. I like to think footballers still have this mentality, but I think they might be few and far between. I suspect ONien might be one mind. I once had to wait about 5 years for one lad to come back. It felt worth the wait though.
If we play a back 4, I'd be more than happy to go: Gooch-Bathh-Alese-Cirkin At least until Ballard is fit and then we can have a nice selection problem
I heard on the radio today about the number of young players now playing lots of games and having lots more injuries. Its likely that these young players careers may not be as long as some older players have had. Ie need to rotate and use all 5 subs and give sufficient time off when injured
Are players really playing more games at a younger age these days? I would have thought it's the same as always if anything I assume less teams are bringing through kids as there is more reliance on the foreign market? Is it not more to do with the lifestyle some players choose off the pitch. Look at Rooney and Milner, broke through about the same time!
I may try and Google to get more information, but the gist of it was... particularly in the Premier League there more younger players playing lots more games compared to other European Leagues, hence more injuries. Some international head of the professional players union... was interviewed basically saying with all the league games, two cups and European games on top of world cup. This season is ridiculous and time between games is very short, plus no winter break to speak of.
I was assuming they were comparing it to years done by, not compared to the rest of Europe. One thing foreign manager tend to complain about coming here is the lack of winter break and how fast games come around (especially those clubs playing champions league football). One thing I will say is they all have huge squads and should be able to rotate to rest certain younger players!
It was both, years gone by and Europe. The trend is definately for younger players in England none more typified than by us.
Great thread RTB - as always. Am in 2 minds about this one. One mind says we we will win handsomely The other says we will win marginally Either way don't care Hawaaaaaay
Cracking thread as always RTB. Thanks. Difficult game to call. They seem to be well organised and don’t concede many but don’t seem to score many either. I’m hoping for an early goal or two which will then force them to come forward creating space for us to exploit. They will be happy with a point but I don’t think they will get it. Home win for me. Keep the faith lads and lasses.
It’s such a tough one to call with Preston only scoring 3 and conceding 4 in 10 league games They can clearly defend, can’t argue with their defensive record at all. Have they been really negative and cautious going into games? I hope we go at them straight from the kick off Saturday. They’ll be under pressure for a win and a few goals scored soon!
Look forward to the match day thread especially when I’m away as I am now another two games missed but can see a home win I’ll stick me neck out and go 2-1 enjoy the match all and keep up the good work RTB